When and Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Hunza
Springtime in Gilgit Baltistan is synonymous with apricot and cherry blossoms, and Hunza Valley is central to this spring splendor, where dusty white and candy-floss pink blooms stand out beautifully against towering snow-capped mountains.
You can revel in the transient beauty of cherry blossoms in Hunza from mid-March to the end of April.
If you want to witness a riot of color, keep reading to learn when and where to see cherry blossoms in Hunza!
When is Cherry Blossom Season in Hunza?
Hunza’s cherry trees start to blossom around mid-March and reach full bloom around the end of March.
The end of March and the first week of April is a good time to see peak pink in Hunza’s main tourist spots. These delicate pink and white blossoms only last for about one week after the peak bloom.
The falling petals of cherry blossoms form a floral carpet on the ground, making it more fascinating for observers.
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Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Hunza?
The quaint villages of Hunza blanketed in pale pink froth and set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, are one of the most striking sights of the region during springtime.
When it comes to where to see cherry blossoms in Hunza Valley, there are many places in Hunza where you can gaze upon the delicate and beautiful blooms, but some places have better displays than others.
Below are some of the best places to see cherry blossom in Hunza:
Karimabad
Karimabad is a must-visit destination in Hunza Valley any time of the year, but it is especially magical during spring months and a lovely spot to see the blooms.
It is home to different varieties of cherry blossom, and the blooms tend to appear at the end of March.
You can wander among the flourishing cherry blossoms to your heart’s content, head to nearby Baltit Fort for the stunning views of Spantik and Ultar Peaks, all while you become more and more immersed in pink shades of cherry blossoms.
It is centrally located, so your hotel options are abundant.
Gulmit
Gulmit aka Gul-e-Gulmit is another ideal spot for catching the blooms during spring months, over 45 kilometers away from Karimabad.
The green fields are dotted with cherry trees and set against a dramatic backdrop of majestic Passu Cones.
As the road ascends higher, you will be met with crisp mountain air and get an unreal spectacle of candy-colored hues of cherry blooms. It’s quite literally picture perfect.
You can budget an extra day for hiking to Ondra Poygah (Pakistan’s highest and longest stairs) or head to Khunjerab Pass (the Pakistan-China border) from Gulmit if you don’t want to miss the famous tourist spots in Hunza on your cherry blossom tour.
Royal Garden, Altit Hunza
Royal Garden, or Kha Basti, is one of the prettiest places for cherry blossom viewing in Hunza, where cherry trees are in full bloom around the end of March or early April.
The 11th-century Altit Fort, the oldest monument in the region, stands behind the Royal Garden.
The blossom-fringed branches of cherry trees create stunning canopies and offer a spectacular sight against the snow-covered towering mountains.
Wander beneath the blossoms, visit the ancient Altit Fort, and admire the breathtaking views of the Hunza River from the Altit Fort.
Eagle Nest Viewpoint
Eagle Nest Viewpoint is undoubtedly the most picturesque spot for cherry blossom viewing in Hunza Valley.
Located in Duikar Village of Hunza, it is a famous viewpoint where you can get panoramic views of 6,000 to 7,000-meter-high peaks in one sight.
With a stunning display of cherry blossoms until the end of April, it is a good place to head for a quaint experience and witness a spectacle like no other.
The sky-soaring peaks draped in snow and trees laden with cherry blossoms resemble a live painting and are definitely a sight worth seeing.
Ganish Village
About half an hour’s drive from Karimabad is the Ganish village, another spot to catch the blossoms in Hunza Valley.
Known as the ancient silk route’s first and oldest settlement, Ganish Village offers beautiful pink views of blossoming cherry trees during spring.
Sip on some Hunza tea made with natural ingredients while savoring the beauty of the pink blooms of cherry trees.
Also, don’t forget to learn about the history of this ancient town, sample local food, and take photos of the cherry blossoms with the backdrop of the towering mountains while you’re there.
When to Go Hunza to See Cherry Blossoms?
The cherry blossom season in Pakistan, particularly in Hunza Valley, is from mid-March to the end of April.
The cherry blossoms tend to appear around mid-March in Central Hunza, while trees burst into bloom later in colder places like Gojal.
So, visiting Hunza between the end of March and early April is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Hunza.
How Long Does The Cherry Blossom Season Last in Hunza?
Running from late March to the end of April, the cherry blossom season in Hunza Valley is brief, with pink and white blossoms lasting for around two weeks.
This natural wonder has a short window, so be sure to book your spring holiday to experience the Hunza Valley cherry blossom in Pakistan during peak bloom time and catch the best of the cherry blossom season.
What Else Should I Do In Hunza In Spring?
Visit the ancient Altit and Baltit Fort to learn about the Hunza Valley’s rich history and architecture.
Karimabad Bazaar is another great place to wander around, shop, try local flavors, and immerse yourself in local culture.
Take in the breathtaking views of the famous Attabad Lake and enjoy boating on its turquoise waters.
Spring is a beautiful time to explore the Karakoram Highway on a motorbike when the valley is in a wave of explosive colors.
The majestic Rakaposhi Peak is located in the neighboring Nagar Valley. Admire its stunning beauty while trekking from Aliabad to Karimabad town.
Visit Passu and Hussaini Village to gaze at Passu Cones — a 6,106-meter-high peak located north of Passu Village.
Also, witness apricot blossoms in full bloom at Altit Village and spend some time along the Hunza River.
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