Ganish lies, 6 kilometres from Aliabad on a sweeping bend in the Karakoram highway, built on the Hunza Rivers fertile flats, Ganish means “gold” in Burushaski(1) and is said to be 1000 years old.
(1)Burushaski. Cultural Language of central Hunza .
The oldest village in central Hunza, Ganish is entered by passing its Pharee(2) and two storied guest house that has played host for 1000 years to many weary Silk Road travellers. Beyond the Pharee are the fort towers and impressive protective wall, entering through the fort wall you are taken back into time of yesteryear. Walking Garnish’s boulder cobbled walkways and past traditional flat roofed houses you come across the Jastaq(3) with it’s beautiful and ornately carved mosques dating back 400 years. The impressive towers are entered via a small door and are dark, cold spaces with only small windows or slits large enough to lay your weapon of defence. The towers were primarily for defence and after climbing three flights of almost vertical ladders you come to the roof top that commands a view of the valley, river and homes of Ganish.
(2) Pharee or Faree. Burushaski word for swimming pool or manmade pond.
(3) Jastaq or Chataq. Burushaski word for town square
UNESCO(4) enlisted and winner of two cultural awards in 2002 and 2009 Ganish is a living working village but still maintains and protects its cultural heritage.
(4) UNESCO. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, based in Paris France.
