22/10/2026
Ondra Poygah, Gulmit. Where History Meets the Mountains 🏔️
Some places are remembered for their beauty, while others hold stories that have survived for centuries. Ondra Fort, standing above the historic village of Gulmit in Gojal, Upper Hunza, is one such place.
Perched on Ondra Hill, the ancient fort is believed to date back to the 16th century, when Qutlugh Baig is associated with the early history of Wakhi rule in Gulmit. Although much of the original structure now lies in ruins, its weathered stone walls still offer a glimpse into a time when life in these mountains was shaped by community, survival, and the need for protection. The precise history of the fort remains partly uncertain, making the site an important part of local heritage and oral tradition.
But the story of Ondra does not end with its ruins.
In the winter of 2020–21, the people of Gulmit came together to create Ondra Poygah — a remarkable stone staircase leading from the historic polo ground towards the ancient fort. Built through local effort and a spirit of self-help, its 1,655 steps represent something far greater than a hiking trail: they reflect the determination of a community to reconnect with its past and share its heritage with the world.
And when you finally reach the top, the mountains seem to tell their own story. The blue waters of Attabad Lake stretch across the landscape, the magnificent Passu Cones rise in the distance, and the snow-covered peaks of the Karakoram stand proudly against the sky.
Standing here, you realise that Ondra is not simply a place to visit. It is a meeting point of past and present — where ancient ruins preserve memories, local hands build a path forward, and nature reminds us how small we are in the grand story of time.
A staircase built by a community. A fort that carries the echoes of history. A view that stays with you long after the journey ends.
📍 Ondra Poygah & Ondra Fort, Gulmit, Gojal, Upper Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan 🇵🇰
