Hunza Valley · Gilgit-Baltistan
Discover Altit Fort – 1100 Years of Living History in Hunza
Step inside one of the oldest forts in Gilgit-Baltistan and experience the heritage, stories, and breathtaking views
Open Daily
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
UNESCO Award
Asia-Pacific, 2011
Hunza Valley
Gilgit-Baltistan
history
Our story
A Millennium of History
Altit Fort stands as the oldest monument in the Hunza Valley, a testament to the architectural prowess and strategic vision of ancient mountain kingdoms.
Altit, a village located at the foot of the 1100-year-old Altit Fort, had been partially deserted by its residents. Nearly a third of the homes had been abandoned, and new construction was using up valuable arable land. To address this and pre-empt the socio-economic consequences expected from a tourism boom, we undertook the village rehabilitation before the Fort. Introducing water and sanitation facilities has proven vital to the revitalisation of the traditional settlement.
We have kept the Fort as an empty shell. This shows off the resilient traditional engineering techniques that have allowed such structures to cope with tremors in a fairly active seismic zone. Most conservation works relate to mending structural defects, stabilising and repairing existing walls, replacing some roofs, treating wood decay and providing appropriate lighting.
Altit Fort is open to visitors, while its splendid undulating garden is a welcoming haven of tranquillity and nature. The KhaBasi Café situated in the garden re-uses the Mir (Ruler)’s colonial era winter residence and serves local traditional dishes. Entrance fees are charged for both the Fort and the rehabilitated historic village. A portion goes to the Altit Town Management Society, which also collects fees for sanitation and water services from the community for operation and maintenance of these services.
Following its completion in 2010, Altit Fort was recognised with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction in 2011.
Explore
What Awaits You
The Fort
Kept as an empty shell to show off the resilient traditional engineering that lets it cope with tremors in a fairly active seismic zone.
The Garden
A splendid undulating garden — a welcoming haven of tranquillity and nature.
The Village
The rehabilitated historic village at the Fort’s foot, revitalised with water and sanitation facilities.
Check out these incredible numbers
Restoration
A Monument Reborn
After decades of abandonment following the last Mir’s departure in 1945, Altit Fort faced the threat of collapse. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture undertook a meticulous restoration project from 2004 to 2007, bringing this architectural marvel back to life.
The restoration not only preserved the fort’s historical integrity but also transformed it into a world-class cultural center, ensuring that future generations can experience the rich heritage of the Hunza Valley.
Through the ages
History Timeline
11th Century
(around 1100 AD)
Construction of Altit Fort
Built by local craftsmen with support from Balti artisans, making it one of the oldest forts in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Initially served as a stronghold and residence for the rulers of Hunza (the Mirs).
13th–15th Century
Seat of Power for Hunza Rulers
Altit Fort was the main royal residence before Baltit Fort was constructed.
It became a center for administration and defense against external threats.
19th Century
(around 1830s)
Shift of Capital to Baltit Fort
The ruling family moved their seat to nearby Baltit Fort, leaving Altit as a secondary residence and watchtower.
Late 20th Century
(1970s–80s)
Fort Falls into Ruin
After decades of neglect, the fort deteriorated, with parts of its structure collapsing.
2001–2007
Restoration
Restoration by Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
A major conservation project restored Altit Fort to its original form. It reopened in 2007 as a heritage museum, showcasing Hunza’s 1,100-year-old history.
Admission
ALTIT FORT TICKET RATES FOR 2025
International
Rs. 1650
Per Person
- Guide Included
National
Rs. 650
Per Person
- Guide Included
Gilgit-Baltistan & Chitral
Rs. 250
Per Person
- Guide Included (For Groups)
Reviews
Loved by Travellers
Visiting hours
Opening & Closing Timing
| Monday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |