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

The Proto-Karakoram Highway



The Guide Nyet Shah


83 year old Athlete

Huzukut Girls in traditional attire



Traditional Skill work

The War Dances



The Bridge of Death


From the looks of it, this might be the famous Hussaini Hanging Bridge of Hunza.
The King and the Royal Court


The Mir of Hunza flanked by the elders of the valley hears upon his subjects and their problems.
Northern Delicacies



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

Land and People







King of the Valley

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