Best Hotels in Hunza: Where to Stay in the North
The Hunza region of Northern Pakistan has long been the crown jewel of tourism in the country. Incredible views, warm hospitality, world-class trekking opportunities, and vibrant local culture have all helped shape Hunza into the adventure paradise that it is today.
That said, with its recent popularity construction of hotels and other accommodation have skyrocketed to the point where there are far too many hotels to count. Hunza is the place in Pakistan where I have spent the most amount of time. Between leading adventure tours there and my solo travels – I have spent MANY nights in hotels in the Hunza Valley and I have discovered some true gems and others to be avoided at all costs!
From chic mountain lodges serving up tasty espresso shots to humble guesthouses and homestays perfect for budget backpackers – Hunza is one of the few places in Pakistan where there is literally every type of accommodation.
Settle in; this is the ultimate guide to the best hotels in Hunza!
At a Glance: The Best Places to Stay in Hunza
Mountain Story
One-of-a-kind cottages with stunning views of the Hunza valley, Rakaposhi Peak, and one of the few places in the area with a true mountain lodge vibe.
Hikal Guest House
A step up from the typical budget hostel, Hikal offers a clean and comfortable stay, perfect for those on a budget or who are simply looking for a quick overnight stopover.
Luxus Hunza
Luxus does not hold back on any of the luxury details you would expect from a 5-star hotel. This is without a doubt the top hotel in Hunza and is fit for royalty.
Riverdale Resort
Gilgit Airport is a fair distance from Hunza, so staying close to the airport might be necessary. However, this isn’t a chore when you get to stay at a resort full of character and charm like Riverdale Resort.
Hard Rock Hunza Resort & Villas
Honeymooners will love the romantic views and private setting of one of the best hotels in Hunza.
Breakdown: The Best Hotels in Hunza
The Hunza valley is one of Pakistan’s most epic regions of the north for a reason and finding the best hotel for your needs is imperative to make the most of your stay. Here is a breakdown of the best hotels in Hunza, whether you are looking to relax or seek adventure to the max.
Mountain Story Resort
$$$ | 4-star | Mountain Views | Restaurant On-site | Sun Terrace
I had been coming to Hunza for years before I discovered Mountain Story. Now it is rare that I venture to Hunza without staying here for a stint. On multiple occasions – staying for 1-2 weeks here to get work done in between adventures has been great.
My friends and the masterminds behind Mountain Story – Atif and Asma – have created something truly special here. There is just a vibe to Mountain Story that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Each cottage is thoughtfully designed with homey details, a wood-fire heating stove, and comfy beds. The grounds of Mountain Story have a different look each season too – with fruit trees and poplars showing different colors depending on the time of year.
The cafe area is a great place to relax, plow through emails (if the wifi is working well that day), or just chill out and sip Americanos. There is even a wood top bar where occasionally beverages stronger than chai have been known to pass across (suspenseful music plays as you ponder that thought).
Between the great staff, delicious food, and stunning views – there is not enough space in this section to describe how cool Mountain Story is. If you have a bit of extra funds in your budget – stay here for a few nights – you won’t regret it.
Roomy Daastaan
$$ | 4-star | Close to Baltit Fort | Mountain Views | Restaurant
Roomy is one of Pakistan’s best hotel groups that excel in providing the best all-encompassing visitor experiences. Rooms are tastefully decorated with luxurious traditional textiles.
The hotel is modern and clean with all the necessary amenities for a memorable stay. Enjoy a free breakfast from the terrace with panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and take part in some of the communal activities like cooking classes or yoga.
The hotel sits on the side of the mountain and the tranquility of the area is unbeatable. Cyclists also enjoy staying here as the surrounding roads provide suitable cycle terrain. If you prefer four-wheels, they also hook you up with cars for hire to venture into the valley.
Luxus Hunza
$$$ | 5-star | Close to Attabad Lake | Restaurant On-site | Sun Terrace
Attabad Lake is one of the most picturesque places in Hunza Valley (or at least it used to be before all the development) and nowhere will you enjoy more spectacular views of its crystal blue vistas than at Luxus Hunza.
After dominating the luxury hotel game in other parts of the country, Luxus was introduced to Hunza in a playful yet lavish way. Colorful cottages are set up on the bank of Attabad Lake, each decorated with plush linens and tasteful décor.
Guests can start their day with a continental or buffet breakfast from their room or enjoy it from the garden terrace. When it’s not too cold out, reclining on the sun loungers overlooking the lake is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
There are also a few off-beat hikes in the area if you are into that. In peak season – expect jetskis and boats to be zooming around the lake all day long.
The hotel prides itself in its exemplary service that will leave you with a lasting impact.
Hikal Guest House
$ | No star rating | Close to Rakaposhi Viewpoint | Garden | Restaurant
Hikal Guest House is located about 25km out of Aliabad (towards Gilgit). Its spacious rooms are perfect for weary travelers looking to unwind in a less-traveled part of the area after a long day of exploring or driving in the surrounding valleys.
The garden seating area is the perfect spot to meet some fellow travelers and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. You can also choose from the a-la-carte menu for breakfast before you set off on your next adventure.
The staff at Hikal are exceptionally friendly and helpful and will help you arrange tours to all the local attractions and beyond. Guests highly rate the comfort levels at Hikal and you will enjoy excellent value for your money and will end up paying less here than you will in Karimabad.
Hard Rock Hunza Resort & Villas
$$$ | 5-star | Close to Eagle Nest View Point | Mountain Views | Restaurant
Nothing beats a romantic sunrise over stately snow-capped mountains, right? Hard Rock Hunza Resort (not affiliated with the music-themed hotel chain) is perfect for honeymooners looking for cozy rooms and grand views. Some rooms even have private balconies from where you can enjoy your delicious complimentary breakfast.
Staff provide solid service and cater to your every need, including room service and airport pickups. You can also cozy up next to the outdoor fireplace and enjoy the majestically starry skies at night or enjoy a drink at the bar on-site. It is also a short drive from a few other restaurants and cafes in the area.
There are plenty of activities you can enjoy while on your honeymoon. Table tennis on-site, cycling in the surrounding areas, hiking tours, or even a cozy cooking class can all be enjoyed here.
Note that the Eagle’s Nest area is PACKED with hotels – with this one being just as about as close as it is possible to get to the viewpoint. Roll out of bed, walk 5-minutes and you are at Eagle’s Nest.
Roomy Yurts, Minapin Nagar Hunza
$$ | No star rating | Close to City Center | In-room Breakfast | Mountain View
This is one of the most unique stays in Hunza and couples will love the chic yurts at another of Roomy’s destinations.
Each yurt has its own bathroom with a toilet and shower and the interior touches give Mountain Story cottages a run for their money.
The rooms also look out at the pleasant garden that changes colors with the passing season, making the surroundings even more spectacular.
Couples love the location for its privacy and central location, as well as the tasteful and comfortable interiors of the tents. There is room service available but other than that you are left to your own devices.
Enjoy hikes in the area or rent a car to explore the valley, and don’t miss the nearby Rakaposhi View Point. The yurts are cozy and stylish and provide everything a couple of needs for a relaxing getaway.
Eagles Nest Hotel
$ | 2-star | Close to Viewpoint | On-site Restaurant | Mountain View
In the Hunza valley, many people want to add an additional bed to a room but there usually is not enough space to do that properly.
Eagle’s Nest Hotel offers the perfect solution for families who want to enjoy the mountainous landscape of Northern Pakistan with all the comforts a family needs.
The restaurant also serves food throughout the day which is a must when traveling with little monsters kids. They have several room configurations so families of all sizes will find something that suits their needs. Parents will also love the large terrace and seating area from where they can keep an eye on their kids (and the gorgeous view too!).
The hotel also arranges cultural music events where guests can experience the marvelous local music and dances. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy local crafts and gemstones.
Riverdale Resort
$$$ | 3-star | Close to Gilgit City | Swimming Pool | Free Breakfast
The closest airport to the Hunza Valley is Gilgit airport, an average of 40km from most hotels in the valley. Some people prefer to stay as close to the airport as possible when they have a flight the next day.
Riverdale certainly doesn’t fall into the usual “convenient airport hotel” and has all the luxury amenities needed to make it a superb destination on its own.
You will particularly love floating in the pool (Gilgit is HOT in the summer) while being surrounded by the stunning mountains the area is known for. If you are lucky enough to visit here in the spring you will also be treated to bursts of pink coming from the blossoms around the garden. The rooms are spacious and my favorite is the suit that features a balcony next to the babbling river.
There are also charming antique details all around, like canopy beds, old-fashioned radios, and traditional carpets. Along with the rough stone floors and walls, it all comes together to create a truly atmospheric location.
Mountain Inn Hunza
$ | 3-star | Wifi | Sun Terrace | Mountain Views
This hotel is perfectly nestled between stunning mountain peaks and gives you some of the most spectacular views in the valley. You will enjoy putting your feet up next to the massive windows and soaking in the views, pretty much nature’s TV…
The rooms are modest yet modern and perfectly clean and snug. Outside you can enjoy the views from the terrace too, believe me, you will never grow tired of it! The hotel will make sure you get to this prime location safely with their paid airport shuttle service (though I have never used this service myself) and you are only a short walk away from nearby restaurants and shops.
Don’t hesitate to ask the helpful staff about all the hidden treasures in the area as they are very knowledgeable and happy to share all the inside info.
Best of the Rest
Horizon Resort Hunza
Attabad Lake is one of the main attractions in Hunza and luxury travelers would be remiss to not check into this lakeside gem. A row of chic private cottages sits at the water’s edge, each with a private seating area.
The resort offers a host of water sports and other activities, like an outdoor cinema, cycling, and hiking. The Rusty Café and Restaurant dishes up fantastic local cuisine and Chinese specialties throughout the day.
They offer airport pickup and you can rent a jeep to explore this mountain paradise on your own.
Tourist Cottages Hunza
If you are on a budget, this is another one of the best budget-friendly accommodations in Hunza.
It is a 3-star hotel that also has a convenient restaurant on-site. Each room also has a desk and free Wi-Fi which is perfect if you are looking to get some work done while here (but also, take a break!).
You can enjoy a continental breakfast at your private seating area outside your room looking out into the lush gardens. The hotel is also not too far from town but you can still enjoy a remote, relaxed setting.
Wrapping Up: Best Hotels in Hunza
The Hunza Valley is one of the most breathtaking spaces in Northern Pakistan and you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels, excellent views, and unique takes on the “mountain lodge vibe”.
This area probably has the best tourism infrastructure in Pakistan and options are abundant. It is worth noting however that hotel construction in Hunza is largely unregulated and there are many hotels to be avoided due to environmental concerns.
So go to Hunza and have an awesome time – but make responsible accommodation choices as you do so!
If you are unsure about where to stay in Hunza – head straight for Mountain Story and tell Asma Chris sent you!
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Very nice information for tourists , upper Hunza is missing .
thanks for the feedback!
Upper Hunza is beautiful!