Hoper Valley, situated in Nagar Valley district of Hunza Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, is characterised by a collection of villages encircling a natural bowl-like terrain. This landform is positioned at a curve along the Altar Glacier, known as the Hoper Glacier. On the opposing side of the Hopar Valley, the pristine Altar Glacier converges with the Barpu Glacier.
The entirety of the valley is enveloped by the expansive expanse of the Hoper Glacier on all three of its sides. Graana.com has prepared a detailed tourist guide to Hoper Valley, including its history, glaciers in Hoper Valley, Rush Lake and more.
Overview
Situated 10 km away from Nagar Khas, the central town of Nagar Valley, the Hoper Valley is a remarkable testament to lush greenery and picturesque landscapes within the Nagar district. Known for its breathtaking beauty, Hopar Valley boasts the prominent presence of the Spantik Peak and the Hoper (Hopper) Glaciers.
The valley accommodates five distinct villages – Baroshall, Hakalshall, Gshashoshall, Ratal, and Holshall. Historical records pertaining to Gilgit suggest that the human settlement in Gilgit can be traced back to Baroshall. Notably, there exists a trekking route from Hoper to Skardu, facilitating an adventurous journey. Among the valley’s many attractions, Rush Lake holds a special place as a highly alluring tourist destination.
The Valley is a pivotal base camp for trekkers, with subsequent treks leading to the towering glacier peaks referred to as the Hispar Muztagh. The span of Hoper village commences at the Sapulter Har glacier stream and extends up to the glacier viewpoint in Holshall.
Beyond this juncture, trekking endeavours can be initiated, with the added convenience of a few restaurants and motels available. The inhabitants of the valley predominantly speak Burushaski, a linguistic enigma that has long intrigued linguists.
History
Beyond its enchanting natural beauty, Hoper Valley holds a significant historical significance. Among its verdant landscapes, one can come across remnants of ancient forts, settlements, and traces of bygone civilizations.
Furthermore, historical records about Gilgit assert that the origins of the human population in Gilgit can be traced back to the village of Baroshall in Hoper, as documented in historical texts.
Road Condition
Although the new road connecting Nagar Khas to Hoper Valley is currently under construction, it remains accessible even for small vehicles. Despite being a 4-hour journey from Gilgit city, the valley is an essential destination to include in any Gilgit tour.
If you happen to be staying in Karimabad Hunza or Nagar Valley hotels, the travel time can be condensed to a couple of hours.
Glaciers in Hoper Valley
Hoper Valley encompasses three distinct glaciers:
Hoper Glacier
With an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 metres), Hoper Glacier has a close link to the Hoper village in Nagar District.
Barpu Glacier
Situated at 3,344 metres, Barpu Glacier is positioned to the northwest of Phahi Phari and to the west of Rush Lake. Hoper village serves as the base camp for expeditions to Barpu Glacier.
Mier Glacier
At an elevation of 3,400 metres (11,154.86 feet), Mier Glacier follows the Barpu Glacier and features the prominent Miar Peak in the Nagar Valley. Notably, Rush Lake lies about 15 km north of Miar Peak and its accompanying glacier.
Rush Lake
Rush Lake, one of the famous lakes in Pakistan, is present in Hoper Valley. It is a high-altitude lake near Rush Pari Peak at 4,694 metres (15400 feet), Rush Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world.
The rush lake is located about 15 km north of Miar Peak and Spantik, in the Nogar Valley. It gets completely frozen during winter, and the best time to visit Rush Lake is from July to August. Summer is the perfect time to visit Hoper Valley.
Hoper Valley Weather
Throughout the year, Hoper Valley remains adorned with snow-capped peaks. Nevertheless, from June to October, the valley experiences relatively moderate weather.
Subsequently, the conditions transition to blustery and chilly from November onwards. The climatic shift is attributed to the presence of glaciers and their influence on the valley’s ecosystem.
Activities in Hoper Valley
The must-do activities in Hoper Valley include:
- Hike to Rush Lake: Nestled amidst Hoper Valley, Rush Lake is a serene alpine lake that beckons hikers, campers, and fishing enthusiasts.
- Trek to Spantik Peak: A formidable adventure, scaling Spantik Peak is among the most challenging expeditions within the Karakoram Range. The summit, towering at 7,027 metres, rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramas of the neighbouring peaks.
- Explore Hoper Glaciers: Among the largest glaciers in Nagar Valley, the Hoper Glaciers offer a splendid terrain for hikers and photographers to revel in its grandeur.
- Immerse in Hoper Valley’s Villages: Delve into the rich local culture and warm hospitality of Hoper Valley’s villages. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour local delicacies like yak meat and rhubarb chutney.
Paragliding in Hoper Valley
Hoper Valley is one of the top paragliding destinations in Pakistan. Rozefs Tourism offers paragliding services within Hoper Valley, presenting the following essential considerations for those interested in paragliding:
- Paragliding in the valley is not advisable for pregnant women.
- Due to the weight limit factor, the permissible weight may vary across different seasons in Hoper. The optimal period for visiting and engaging in paragliding activities is during the summer, spanning from June to October.
- Individuals grappling with anxiety or acrophobia should refrain from paragliding.
- Prior to engaging in paragliding, it is advisable to refrain from consuming heavy meals.
- When participating in paragliding, exercise caution by avoiding the carriage of personal belongings. To mitigate safety risks, it is suggested to secure mobile phones within zippered pockets or entrust them to the pilots, minimising the potential for items to slip during the airborne experience.
Hotels in Hoper Valley
Here are some hotels in Hoper Valley, Pakistan:
- Manasau Resort is a beautiful resort hotel located in Hoper Valley. It offers stunning views of the mountains and glaciers and has a variety of amenities. This includes a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant.
- Manokur E Bassa is a more affordable hotel option, but it is still very comfortable and has a great location in the village of Nagar Khas. It is close to many shops and restaurants, and it is also a short walk from the Hoper Valley Bridge.
- Hoper Inn is a small inn located in the village of Nagar Khas. It is a great option for budget travellers, and it is close to many of the local attractions, including the Hoper Valley Bridge and the Rush Lake.
- Tourist Cottage Hunza is a large hotel located in the town of Karimabad. It is a great option for travellers who want to be close to the amenities of a city, but who also want to be able to easily explore Hoper Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the notable feature of Hoper Valley?
A: Hoper Valley is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, encompassing verdant mountains, glaciers, and a cluster of five villages. It is also home to the impressive Spantik Peak and the Hoper glaciers, offering opportunities for trekking from Hoper to Skardu. Notably, Rush Lake stands out as the most sought-after tourist attraction within the valley.
Q: When is the optimal time for a visit to Hoper Valley?
A: The prime period to explore Hoper Valley is during the summer, spanning from June to September. These months offer warm and sunny weather with extended daylight hours. However, one can also savour the valley’s charm during spring and autumn, having pleasant and mild weather.
Q: How can I access Hoper Valley?
A: To reach Hoper Valley conveniently, begin by flying to Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. Upon arrival in Gilgit, you can proceed via taxi or bus to Nagar Khas, which serves as the entry point to Hoper Valley. The drive from Gilgit to Nagar Khas typically takes around 2 hours.
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