Altit Fort, 11th century fort in Hunza Valley, Pakistan
Altit Fort is a fortification in Hunza Valley, Pakistan, built on a cliff edge with small rooms featuring wooden carvings throughout the complex. Narrow corridors connect different levels of the structure and lead through winding sections of the compound.
The compound served as the residence of Hunza rulers for centuries before they moved their seat to Baltit Fort. This relocation marked a shift in regional power structures over a span of three hundred years.
Residents of the surrounding village speak Burushaski, a language that linguists cannot link to any other known tongue. This linguistic isolation reflects in other aspects of local life that travelers may notice during their stay in the settlement.
The compound is open to visitors at regular times following major restoration efforts by the Aga Khan Trust in collaboration with the Norwegian government. The climb to the fortification involves uneven paths, so sturdy footwear is advisable for the approach.
The Shikari tower within the compound is considered the oldest surviving structure in the entire Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. This tower has stood for several centuries and outlasted all subsequent building developments in the area.
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