HUNZA

also called Baltit, town in Pakistani-administered northwestern Jammu and Kashmir state, in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. Formerly a small principality under the Mir of Hunza, it joined with Pakistan in 1947. The town, situated on the west bank of the Hunza River, was a stopping place for travelers descending from the Hindu Kush mountains into the Vale of Kashmir. Surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks such as the Rakaposhi, vast glaciers such as the Ulter, and deep gorges, Hunza is accessible by mountain road from Gilgit. Roses, pansies, lilies, zinnias, and cosmos grow wild in the area, as do willow, fir, and poplar trees. Snow leopard, markhor (a goat), ibex, yak, red-striped fox, duck, and Marco Polo sheep are found. The local inhabitants use irrigation to grow crops of rice, corn (maize), fruits, and vegetables.