Regarded as the most perilous bridge globally, the Hussaini Hanging Bridge is just one of several treacherous rope bridges in Northern Pakistan. However, the residents of the Gilgit-Baltistan area were cut off from the rest of Pakistan until 1978 due to the challenging mountainous landscape and the absence of roadways.
Traveling by small airplane was an option, but it was only accessible to the wealthiest individuals. For everyone else, the only means of travel was to trek across mountain passes to reach Rawalpindi. The Karakoram Highway was completed in 1978, linking the region; yet, traveling between regions remains as arduous as a century ago.
Typical travel in this area includes the unstable cable and plank bridges that span the mountain streams and rivers of Northern Pakistan. Among these is the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, which crosses Borit Lake in Upper Hunza.
This rope bridge is both lengthy and poorly maintained, with numerous planks missing; strong winds make the bridge sway as you traverse it. Currently, there is a single suspension bridge that connects Hussaini Village to Zarabad, situated on the opposite side of the Hunza River.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the Hussaini is quite a safe bridge and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, with hikers daringly making their way across.
After being washed away during a monsoon in 2011, the bridge was entirely rebuilt and now relies on steel cables and sturdy wooden boards. Facilities adjacent to the bridge offer ziplining and sky-cycling activities.
