Hunza Water – What Makes It So Special?
Claim to fame of Hunza water is its linkage with the local alcoholic drink made in some villages of Hunza. But it’s not true. In reality, Hunza Water refers to the natural glacier water used by the people of the Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Tourists, researchers, and wellness communities have shown interest because Hunza locals are often believed to live healthier and longer lives compared to many other regions.
This water comes directly from glacial melt and contains unique minerals, giving it a milky or greyish color because of the fine rock particles in it. The water is usually cold, fresh, and unprocessed.
Where Does Hunza Water Come From?
The source is glacier streams flowing down from high peaks like Rakaposhi, Ultar, and Passu. These glaciers grind rocks into very fine particles known as “glacial silt” or “rock flour.” When the snow and ice melt, the water carries these minerals with it.
Locals usually channel this water into their villages and fields using centuries-old irrigation systems called karez and kul. In many places, people drink it directly without boiling or filtering.
Mineral Content and Purity
Based on observations and research references over the years, Hunza Water is said to contain:
- Calcium and Magnesium – Good for bone strength
- Potassium – Helps with heart and muscle function
- Silica – Believed to support skin and joints
- Low Sodium – Beneficial for blood pressure
- Trace minerals from the glacial silt
It is slightly alkaline in nature, which some people believe helps digestion and reduces inflammation. However, the mineral amount can vary from village to village depending on the glacier source.
Why People Link It With Long Life
Hunza Valley has average life expectancy past 80 years. Some common reasons connected to this:
- Fresh, mineral-rich water from glaciers (Hunza Water)
- Natural diet with fruits, grains, nuts, and very little processed food
- Active lifestyle (walking, farming, mountains)
- Clean air and low pollution
- Strong genes and stress-free environment
Is Hunza Water Actually Drinkable for Tourists?
For locals, yes. They’ve grown up drinking it and their bodies are adapted. For travelers, direct consumption can sometimes cause stomach issues because of unfamiliar minerals or natural bacteria. Many hotels now filter or boil glacier water before serving it.
Some visitors fill bottles from streams for the experience, but it is safer to drink clean, filtered versions when staying for a short time.
🍷 Its linkage to local Moonshine (or wine)
One of the widely talked-about aspects linked to “Hunza Water” is the local alcoholic drink made in some villages of Hunza. Outsiders, especially early foreign travelers, often mistook or described it as “Hunza water” or connected it with the long-life stories of the region.
🔹 What Is This Local Drink?
It’s a traditional homemade moonshine, usually made by fermenting and distilling apricots. In some rare cases, mulberries or apples are also used. Locally, it doesn’t have an official name, but people refer to it casually as Hunza Water or Hunza Wine.
🔹 Why Do People Call It “Wine”?
There are a few reasons:
- Foreign travelers popularized the term
Europeans and Americans who visited in the 1960s–80s came across this homemade drink and started calling it “Hunza wine” because of its fruit base and exotic setting. - Romantic stories about longevity
Many foreign articles and books linked this so-called wine to the region’s reputation for long life and good health. It added to the mystery around Hunza. - No legal distillery system
Since it’s homemade and not classified like whiskey, vodka, or rum, travelers loosely referred to it as “wine” for simplicity. - Apricot-based fermentation
Since most Western wines are fruit-based, the term seemed like a natural fit for outsiders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Hunza Water?
It’s the natural glacier water used by locals for drinking purposes in Hunza Valley, rich in minerals and slightly alkaline.
How to make Hunza Water?
You can’t truly make it at home. It comes directly from glacier melt mixed with natural rock minerals.
What is Hunza Water alcohol percentage?
Hunza Water itself has 0% alcohol. The confusion comes from local apricot-based moonshine, not the drinking water.
Can I buy Hunza Water?
Original glacier water isn’t sold commercially. Bottled brands using the name are mostly inspired versions, not the real source.
Is it safe to drink?
Locals drink it directly. For tourists, filtered or boiled glacier water is safer to avoid stomach issues.
Is Hunza Water a Wine?
No, its not a wine. Hunza water is a natural glaciel water used by people of Hunza Valley.