Hussaini Suspension Bridge

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AttractionType

View Point, Other

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District

Hunza

City

Gojal

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   Photo Credit:
    Muhammad Ibrahim

Attraction Type

View Point
Other

Description

Hussaini Suspension Bridge, spanning the Hunza River in Upper Hunza, is one of the world’s most dangerous bridges, stretching 660 feet (194 meters) with 472 wooden planks spaced widely apart, hanging 50-100 feet above the raging river. Built by locals in 1968 after a flood destroyed an earlier bridge, it connects Hussaini village to Zarabad hamlet, serving as a vital lifeline for agricultural transport while attracting thrill-seekers for its precarious design and stunning Karakoram backdrop. Known for its swaying cables, missing planks, and lack of safety measures, it’s a test of courage, though recent maintenance has improved stability. Environmental concerns like littering and over-tourism threaten its pristine setting, but the bridge’s raw engineering and views of Passu Cones make it a must-visit for adventurers.

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What To Do

  • Crossing the bridge for an adrenaline-pumping experience with views of Passu Cones
  • Riding the zip line (PKR 2,000) for a thrilling return from Zarabad to Hussaini
  • Photography of the bridge, Hunza River, and Karakoram Range
  • Hiking to Zarabad hamlet via a rocky pathway for cultural exploration
  • Visiting nearby Attabad Lake for boating or Borith Lake for bird-watching
  • Trekking to Passu Suspension Bridge (3 km) for a longer, more challenging crossing
  • Shopping for handicrafts and dried fruits in Hussaini or Gulmit markets
  • Picnicking near the river with views of the surrounding peaks
  • Observing local Wakhi and Burushaski communities’ daily life
  • Writing memories on notes at a local shop, a unique community tradition

What To Buy

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What is Around

  • 660-foot-long suspension bridge with 472 wooden planks over the Hunza River
  • Raging turquoise waters of the Hunza River and Borith Lake upstream
  • Passu Cones, iconic jagged peaks visible from the bridge
  • Zip line parallel to the bridge for a thrilling return crossing
  • Small stalls near the parking area selling snacks, tea, and souvenirs
  • Rocky pathway to Zarabad hamlet with traditional Wakhi homes
  • Karakoram Highway, offering scenic access to the bridge
  • Remains of an older, broken bridge, adding to the dramatic setting
  • Lush meadows and distant views of Rakaposhi Peak
  • Local shop collecting handwritten visitor memories on notes

Nearby Tourist

  • Attabad Lake (15 km): A turquoise lake ideal for boating and photography.
  • Passu Cones (9.3 km): Jagged peaks for trekking and stunning vistas.
  • Borith Lake (3.5 km): A serene alpine lake with hiking trails and bird-watching.
  • Passu Suspension Bridge (6.3 km): A longer, more challenging pedestrian bridge.
  • Baltit Fort (49 km): A 700-year-old fort in Karimabad with valley views.
  • Rakaposhi View Point (65.3 km): Offers vistas of the 7,788m Rakaposhi Peak.
  • Khunjerab Pass (133 km): The highest paved Pak-China border at 4,693m.
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Best Season to visit

August
December
January
July
November
October
September

Spring (April - June)

  • Spring offers mild temperatures (5-15°C), blooming orchards, and clear skies, ideal for crossing the bridge and photography. Snowmelt may make the path slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and check weather conditions.

Summer (July - August)

  • Summer brings warm weather (15-25°C) and stable conditions, perfect for adventure seekers. It’s peak season with more tourists, but strong winds can make the bridge sway; avoid crossing during gusts.

Autumn (September - October)

  • Autumn provides cool temperatures (5-15°C), vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds, making it the best time for a scenic and safe crossing. The stable weather enhances views of Passu Cones.

Winter (November - March)

  • Winter is cold (-10 to 5°C) with snowfall, making the bridge slippery and sometimes inaccessible. Only recommended for experienced adventurers with proper gear, as icy planks increase risks.
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How to Reach


  • By Air: Fly into Gilgit Airport (GIL), 135 km from Hussaini Suspension Bridge, from Islamabad (1-hour flight, weather-dependent). From Gilgit, hire a 4x4 taxi or van to Hussaini via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) through Aliabad (3-4 hours). Use “Hussaini Suspension Bridge” as the destination. Flights are often canceled; confirm with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
  • By Road from Major Cities:
    • From Islamabad: Drive via the KKH through Naran and Babusar Pass (631 km, 14-15 hours, open May-October) or via Chilas (730 km, 20-22 hours) in winter. A 4x4 is advised for rough sections.
    • From Lahore: Take the M-2 to Islamabad, then KKH (970 km, 17-18 hours).
    • From Karachi: Use the M-9 and N-25 to Islamabad, then KKH (2001 km, 32-33 hours).
  • By Train: No direct rail access. Travel to Rawalpindi Railway Station (from Lahore or Karachi) via trains like the Khyber Mail, then take a bus or taxi to Islamabad (30 minutes). From Islamabad, follow the road route to Hussaini (14-15 hours). Check Pakistan Railways’ schedules for availability.
  • By Public Transport: From Islamabad, take a NATCO or Faisal Movers bus to Gulmit or Passu (14-16 hours, May-October via Babusar Pass) from Pir Wadhai or Faizabad terminals. From Gulmit, walk 10 minutes or take a local taxi to the bridge. Carry cash, book in advance, and avoid travel during heavy snow or Ramadan.
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Where to Eat / Stay

Where to Eat:

  • Small stalls near the bridge in Hussaini and Gulmit offer traditional Hunza cuisine like chapattis, yak meat, and apricot-based dishes, with tea and snacks like walnuts. Bring your own food for picnics, as facilities are limited. Nearby Karimabad and Gilgit have more eateries serving Pakistani staples like biryani.

Where to Stay:

  • No accommodations are directly at the bridge, but Gulmit and Passu offer budget guesthouses, homestays, and mid-range hotels. Karimabad and Gilgit provide additional luxury and budget options. For bookings, explore luxury, budget hotels, and guest houses through the booking section of the National Tourism Portal.
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Emergency Contact Numbers


  • Hospitals:
    • District Headquarters Hospital Gilgit: (137 km away)
    • Aga Khan Health Service (Aliabad): (42 km away)
  • Ambulances:
    • Rescue 1122: 1122 (Gilgit-Baltistan)
    • Edhi Ambulance Service: 115 o
  • Police Station:
    • Gulmit Police Station:  (7.3 km away)
    • Emergency Police Helpline: 15

Note: Verify contact numbers before visiting, as connectivity is limited in remote areas.

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Location on Google Map

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