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.