ALTIT FORT MUSUEM
ALTIT FORT MUSUEM
Hunza’s famous Altit Fort where the Mirs of Hunza once dwelled, is now a museum enriched with many tales of battles, princes and princesses. Mounted on two boulders built over 1000 feet above the Hunza river, the Altit fort is the most ancient monument of the valley, built in the 11th Century as an abode for the Royals of Hunza. Altit meaning “this side down”, was renovated by the Agha Khan Trust for Culture via their Historical Cites Program. Due to the remarkable restoration, the fort received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conversion in 2011.
The Altit fort is now open to visitors and has been converted into a museum. Featuring a three-story building, the fort reveals interesting tales from Hunza’s imperial family. The main entrance, situated on the North side features a carved wooden door, opening up into a storage room. As you climb up, a narrow passage leads to the communal kitchen, eventually leading you to the Mir’s personal bedroom on the first floor. Another amazing piece of architecture is the Shikari or watch tower used for battles, a mosque and the guest rooms on the second floor. The guides at Altit fort will be more than happy to walk you through the entire history of the fort, beginning from the ground to the top most floor. Filled with rich culture, stunning views of Hunza’s landscapes and the gushing river along with astounding heritage ornaments that tell many tales, this is one experience you won’t forget.
Hunza’s famous Altit Fort where the Mirs of Hunza once dwelled, is now a museum enriched with many tales of battles, princes and princesses. Mounted on two boulders built over 1000 feet above the Hunza river, the Altit fort is the most ancient monument of the valley, built in the 11th Century as an abode for the Royals of Hunza. Altit meaning “this side down”, was renovated by the Agha Khan Trust for Culture via their Historical Cites Program. Due to the remarkable restoration, the fort received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conversion in 2011.
The Altit fort is now open to visitors and has been converted into a museum. Featuring a three-story building, the fort reveals interesting tales from Hunza’s imperial family. The main entrance, situated on the North side features a carved wooden door, opening up into a storage room. As you climb up, a narrow passage leads to the communal kitchen, eventually leading you to the Mir’s personal bedroom on the first floor. Another amazing piece of architecture is the Shikari or watch tower used for battles, a mosque and the guest rooms on the second floor. The guides at Altit fort will be more than happy to walk you through the entire history of the fort, beginning from the ground to the top most floor. Filled with rich culture, stunning views of Hunza’s landscapes and the gushing river along with astounding heritage ornaments that tell many tales, this is one experience you won’t forget.