Hunza in 1953 - Indus Tales

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In the early 50s an American couple were wandering around Chinese Turkestan when due to one reason or the other they found themselves in a mountainous kingdom of Hunza. Out of willpower and with the seasons not on their side as the expected snow was to soon block all passes, the couple departed but promised to return. A few years later the couple returned to Pakistan and flew northwards to the mountain of the Karakoram into Hunza, a land so untouched and pure that in their minds they had arrived in Shangri-La.

Here are the photos they took.

Terraced Fields in Spring

Terraced fields with apricot trees in bloom

The Proto-Karakoram Highway

This rough track cut through the mountain connected Hunza with China and Pakistan. Years later and with much difficulty, a paved road on it would become one of the highest roads in the world

This rough track cut through the mountain connected Hunza with China and Pakistan. Years later and with much difficulty, a paved road on it would become one of the highest roads in the world

The Guide Nyet Shah

a guide named Nyet Shah who escorted the couple in their journey

a guide named Nyet Shah who escorted the couple in their journey

83 year old Athlete

An 89 year old man who walked 4 miles to and back to the Mir’s council each day.

Huzukut Girls in traditional attire

The beautifully embroidered pillbox hat called an Iraghi covered with a veil and haircut with bangs was the common style of women. It is still adorned by elder women in the valley.

The beautifully embroidered pillbox hat called an Iraghi covered with a veil and haircut with bangs was the common style of women. It is still adorned by elder women in the valley.

Traditional Skill work

A Hunzukut woman knitting homespun yarn in the traditional method with a legendary backdrop to complement her skill.

The War Dances

Traditional war dances being performed under the shade of an apricot tree in bloom in the capital. The Mountains have bred some of the finest warriors of the region’s history.

Traditional war dances being performed under the shade of an apricot tree in bloom in the capital. The Mountains have bred some of the finest warriors of the region’s history.

The Bridge of Death

A dangerous suspension bridge with planks a feet apart bunched together by a set of frayed old ropes.
From the looks of it, this might be the famous Hussaini Hanging Bridge of Hunza.

A dangerous suspension bridge with planks a feet apart bunched together by a set of frayed old ropes.
From the looks of it, this might be the famous Hussaini Hanging Bridge of Hunza.

The King and the Royal Court

The royal court being held atop the Baltit Fort.
The Mir of Hunza flanked by the elders of the valley hears upon his subjects and their problems.

The royal court being held atop the Baltit Fort.
The Mir of Hunza flanked by the elders of the valley hears upon his subjects and their problems.

Northern Delicacies

Fruits being dried in the store rooms of the Mir’s fort.
Dried fruits are a delicacy enjoyed over all of northern Pakistan, of which dried apricots have been a favourite by all people from all regions.

Fruits being dried in the store rooms of the Mir’s fort.
Dried fruits are a delicacy enjoyed over all of northern Pakistan, of which dried apricots have been a favourite by all people from all regions.

Wisdom of the years past

An elder woman adorning the pillbox cap. Wisdom beyond words stored inside the wrinkles on her face.

Land and People

King of the Valley

A farmer looks on upon his terraced fields, apricot trees in bloom, and the eternal king of Hunza: the Rakaposhi mountain.

Reference

At World’s End in Hunza – National Geographic Magazine, October 1953.

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