The Hunza valley stretches along the Hunza River, which forms near Passu by the confluence of several streams fed by melting glaciers in the upper watershed of Karakoram range, including Shimshal, Khunjerab, Chupursan, and Misgar. Further downstream, Hopar River from Hopar Valley and Hispar River from Hispar Valley combine near Nagarkhas, and fall into Hunza River. The valley widens around Karimabad, and is home to many settlements such as Aliabad, Chalt, Nasirabad and Rahimabad. Further south a section of Hunza River Valley lies in the political district of Gilgit. Here Nalter River, coming from Naltar Valley, joins Hunza River. At Danyor, Hunza Valley opens into the Gilgit Valley, where Hunza River merges with the Gilgit River. Ishkoman Valley lies to the northwest, Shigar Valley to the southeast, Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor to the north, and China's Xinjiang region to the northeast, of Hunza Valley. The valley floor sits at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). Geographically, the Hunza Valley is divided into three parts: Upper Hunza (Gojal), Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza (Shinaki). The topography of the valley is characterized by steep valleys, rugged peaks, glaciers and active tectonic fault zones. The Karakoram mountain range envelopes the entire region. Geologically, the area is traversed by the Main Karakoram Thrust, a significant structural boundary associated with deep-seated geothermal activity. This fault system contributes to the emergence of natural hot springs across the region. Of the total area of valley, 90% is 3,000 meters above sea level and 30% is 5,000 meters above sea level. Politically, the valley is divided among the districts of Hunza, Nagar and Gilgit. The valley is situated along the Karakoram Highway, northwards from the city of Gilgit
The Hunza Valley is home to several high peaks that rise above 7,000 m in its the surroundings. It has a diverse religious history with it being home to several historic religious sites like the ancient watchtowers in Ganish village, Baltit Fort on top of Karimabad which was built by the Mirs about 800 years ago and is a historic landmark for Hunza, and Altit Fort (at the bottom of the valley). Hiking treks include Ondra Poygah Gulmit and Leopard Trek Shiskhat. The valley is popularly believed to be one of the inspiration for the mythical valley of Shangri-La in James Hilton's 1933 novel, Hunza also houses several lakes in its vicinity including: • Attabad Lake • Borith Lake • Shimshal Lakes • Hassanabad Lake • Naltar Lakes • Rush Lake • Snow Lake • Kacheli Lake
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