Introduction

Tucked away in the majestic mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza is more than just a destination—it is a way of life. Known worldwide as the “Valley of Longevity,” Hunza is celebrated not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for the remarkable health, happiness, and long lives of its people. Visitors often wonder: what is the secret behind the joyful, long-living Hunza community?

The answer lies in two timeless traditions: a hardworking lifestyle and the use of natural herbs and local products. At Black Glacier Tours Pvt. Ltd., we invite travelers to explore these hidden treasures of Gilgit Baltistan and Hunza, where every herb, fruit, and tradition tells a story of harmony with nature.

Hunza’s Herbal Wealth

Hunza’s mountains and fertile lands are home to countless herbs that play an important role in local life. These plants are valued not only for their medicinal qualities but also for their place in daily meals and traditional teas.

 🌿 Sea Buckthron

In Hunza, the herb often called “Sea Buckthorn” (Hippophae rhamnoides), a resilient shrub that thrives in the region’s high-altitude landscapes. Its bright orange berries and leaves are prized for their nutritional richness and medicinal value, making it one of Hunza’s most celebrated natural treasures.

Benefits of Sea Buckthorn:

• Boosts Immunity: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that strengthen the body’s defenses.
• Supports Digestion & Liver Health: Traditionally used to cleanse and protect internal systems.
• Promotes Heart Health: Known to improve blood circulation and balance cholesterol.
• Skin & Healing Properties: Sea buckthorn oil is applied for wound healing, skin nourishment, and anti-aging benefits.
• Rich Nutrition: Contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that provide natural energy and vitality.

We are especially proud to introduce you to Mr. Wazir Aman, from the picturesque village of Ghulkin, who has dedicated his life to preserving this traditional treasure. Working directly in the fields, he carefully harvests and processes genuine sea buckthorn to create high-quality products such as pure sea buckthorn oil, jam, and other natural remedies. His work not only sustains a timeless Hunza tradition but also brings the benefits of this remarkable plant to a wider community, ensuring authenticity and purity at every step. Meeting people like him offers travelers a rare opportunity to connect with Hunza’s living heritage and understand how deeply nature and culture are intertwined here.

 🌿 Zafran (Saffron)

Among Hunza’s most prized and delicate herbs is Zafran (Saffron), renowned for its golden hue, rich aroma, and powerful healing qualities. Often referred to as “red gold,” saffron is carefully harvested from the tiny stigmas of its flowers, making it one of the most valuable spices in the world. In Hunza, saffron is treasured not only for its culinary excellence but also for its medicinal benefits.

Benefits of Saffron:

• Mood Enhancer: Traditionally believed to uplift the spirit and reduce stress or mild depression.
• Heart Health: Supports healthy blood circulation and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
• Energy Booster: Used to revitalize the body and improve stamina.
• Antioxidant Rich: Protects the body against free radicals and supports overall immunity.
• Digestive Aid: Helps in improving appetite and easing stomach discomfort.

Culinarily, saffron is especially loved for its ability to add natural color and fragrance to food. In Hunza and other regions, it is commonly used in teas and traditional dishes. A famous example is Biryani, where saffron threads are soaked in warm milk or water and then added to rice, giving it a golden glow and rich aroma—an authentic and healthy alternative to artificial food coloring. By choosing saffron, Hunza households preserve both the purity of flavor and the health benefits of their meals.

🌿 Dandelion (Taalkhting)

One of the most respected herbs in Hunza, dandelion grows naturally in fields and mountain slopes. Locals use it both as food and medicine.

Benefits of Dandelion:

• As Food: Young leaves are collected in spring and sautéed with onions or added to vegetable dishes. Its slightly bitter taste is believed to cleanse the blood.
• As Tea: Dried leaves and roots are brewed into a soothing tea, often consumed after meals to aid digestion.
• Medicinal Benefits: Traditionally valued for liver health, detoxification, and digestion. Modern research confirms it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals that strengthen the immune system.

🌿 Thymus Serpyllum (Wild Thyme / Chumuru)

Among the most famous herbs of Hunza is Thymus serpyllum, locally called Chumuru in Wakhi. Found on high pastures and mountain slopes, its tiny purple flowers and strong aroma make it easy to recognize.

Benefits of Thymus Serpyllum:

• As Tea: Wild thyme tea is a signature drink in Hunza. Refreshing and soothing, it is often served to guests as a gesture of hospitality.
• Medicinal Value: Known for its antiseptic and digestive properties, thyme tea helps with colds, sore throats, and stomach discomfort. It also calms the nerves and boosts immunity.
• Cultural Aspect: More than a remedy, thyme tea is part of Hunza’s social traditions. Guests are warmly welcomed with a steaming cup, symbolizing the valley’s legendary hospitality.

For travelers, sipping thyme tea in a traditional Hunza home is often an unforgettable highlight.

🌿 Other Treasured Herbs

• Wild Mushrooms: The moist valleys and mountains of Hunza are rich in wild mushrooms, which appear in abundance during certain seasons, it is an authentic mountain experience that connects them directly with nature.
• Wild Mint and Thyme: Gathered from fields and gardens, used in teas and to flavor local dishes.

A Lifestyle of Hard Work and Balance

Life in Hunza revolves around agriculture and nature. Men and women alike work tirelessly in fields, orchards, and gardens, growing wheat, barley, vegetables, and tending apricot and apple trees. This lifestyle is not just about survival—it is about living in rhythm with nature.

Daily physical activity, combined with fresh organic foods and herbal remedies, keeps the community healthy and active well into old age. Together, they form the perfect recipe for a long and happy life.

The Shift Toward Modern Foods

In recent years, processed and imported foods have begun replacing Hunza’s traditional diet of apricot oil, dried fruits, and herbal remedies. Unfortunately, this shift has led to an increase in diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, and cancer—once rare in Hunza.

By reconnecting with natural products, communities can preserve not only health but also their cultural identity.

The Black Glacier Tours Experience

At Black Glacier Tours Pvt. Ltd., we encourage travelers to rediscover Hunza’s natural wealth. Our tours go beyond sightseeing, offering authentic cultural immersion:

• Walk through local fields and gardens.
• Learn how herbs are gathered and used.
• Taste herbal teas prepared in traditional style.
• Enjoy meals cooked with fresh local produce.

This is more than a trip—it’s a cultural journey into the heart of Hunza, where happiness is not bought but cultivated through simplicity, balance, and a deep respect for nature.

Conclusion

The secret to Gilgit Baltistan specially Hunza’s happiness and longevity is no mystery—it lies in a life of hard work, natural foods, and herbal remedies passed down through generations.

By visiting Hunza with Black Glacier Tours, you not only witness its beauty but also learn timeless lessons of health and harmony that can inspire your own life

For example, apricot oil—once a staple in  households for cooking and skincare—is now rarely used. Locally produced fruits, dried nuts, and herbal remedies are being replaced by packaged alternatives. As a result, diseases that were once rare in Northern Areas, such as diabetes, heart conditions, and even cancer, are becoming more common.