Baltit Fort, a major landmark of Hunza, is situated in Karimabad Gilgit-Baltistan. The history of this fort dates back to over seven hundred years ago. This fort is built on a high hilly area and to reach there you have to cross Karimabad bazar through a steep hike. The royal family of Hunza abandoned this fort in 1945 and moved to another new palace down hill. In 1990 after seeing this fort's deteriorating condition Agha Khan Trust started conservation work and in 1996 this fort was opened for public.
The entry ticket is very nominal 250 Pakistani rupees. Tourists visit this place in the company of a tour guide. They try to maintain some discipline and allow people to visit in small groups. The guide tells very interesting stories of different era and also history of fort.
When you enter into the fort you cross steel grills having some chamber beneath. Our guide told that this was prisoner's lockup area. They have also displayed some armors used in that era. Interior of the fort is mostly done with wood work.
Our guide also showed the main indoor court of royal family where they used to meet public. This indoor court has some holes in ceiling for light. If weather is clear they open that holes and during snowfall or bad weather they close it.
There is also an outdoor royal court at the rooftop. A wooden stair leads towards the roof. A royal sitting place where you can witness a breath taking view of area. The king also met public here when weather was good. There were Markhor skulls hanging on different walls. They might be used for some sort of good luck sign.
This fort is situated in one of most beautiful places of Hunza Valley. This fort is surrounded by mighty mountains, lush green valleys and winding rivers from all sides.
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