In the midst of apricot, walnut and cherry orchards in Aliabad, Hunza, Mountain Story is a resort that blends into the natural landscape, allowing the majestic Rakaposhi to remain the true centrepiece. It is the essence of Mountain Story’s philosophy, imagined and nurtured by its founder, Asma Haider.
For Asma, Mountain Story was never meant to be another luxury hotel competing for attention in Hunza’s rapidly expanding hospitality industry. It was envisioned as an experience, that encourages visitors to slow down, reconnect with nature, appreciate village life and leave behind the comforts and distractions of the city. Every stone, every pathway, every cottage and every tree reflects that vision.
A Dream Born from a Mountain View
“I didn’t want another building standing in front of Rakaposhi,” she recalls. “The mountain is the attraction, not us.” Instead of constructing a conventional hotel, Asma chose to create individual cottages using mud, stone and minimal wood.
Mountain Story allowed architecture to adapt to the landscape. Even today, the resort almost disappears into its surroundings. “Guests often notice the mountain before they notice the resort itself”, says Asma. For her this is a sign of a success rather than a limitation.
Building Around Nature, Not Over It
Yet Mountain Story embraced environmentally conscious practices and sustainability a decade ago. The resort was among the first eco-friendly lodges in Hunza to adopt solar power, reducing its dependence on conventional electricity. Rather than installing polished marble floors or elaborate wooden interiors, Asma delib-erately chose simple materials that reflected the local environment.
Existing orchards were preserved instead of cleared. Natural heating methods were preferred over excessive energy consumption. Traditional bukharis warmed the cottages, while locally available wood shavings were used as fuel rather.
For Asma, sustainability is simply common sense.”We are part of nature,” she explains. “We shouldn’t build something that destroys what people have come here to see.”
Experience Over Luxury
Asma believes travellers need a break from the constant distractions of everyday life. “They’re not coming here to watch television. They’re coming to experience Hunza.”
Mountain Story challenges the traditional idea of luxury by focusing on authentic experiences rather than modern comforts. Guests are encouraged to explore the orchards, gather in the café, read, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking surroundings of Rakaposhi.
Balancing Tourism and Nature
While optimistic about Hunza’s future, Asma believes tourism has reached a critical crossroads. She worries that the rapid rise of large hotels and growing demand for city-style luxuries, such as swimming pools, spas and gyms, could erode the valley’s unique character. Her vision has always been for visitors to connect with Hunza’s culture, landscapes and slower way of life, rather than recreate urban living in the mountains.
Climate change has reinforced that concern. Summers are becoming warmer, snowfall less predictable, glaciers are retreating, and landslides and floods are occurring more frequently. Having witnessed these changes firsthand, Asma believes the future of tourism lies in responsible development that protects fragile mountain ecosystems. As she puts it, preserving the mountains is no longer just about protecting beautiful scenery, instead it’s about securing the livelihoods, environment and future of the communities that call Hunza home.
Leading as Woman Entrepreneur in Hopitality
When Asma entered the hospitality industry, women entrepreneurs were still a rarity in northern Pakistan, and many guests preferred speaking to a man instead of her. Rather than allowing such attitudes to discourage her, she quietly proved her capabilities through dedication and perseverance.
Today, she is encouraged by the growing number of women successfully leading cafés, restaurants, guesthouses, craft businesses and tourism ventures across Gilgit-Baltistan. Her journey stands as a testament to how determination and vision can challenge stereotypes and inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs.
A Journey Worth Remembering
It is, ultimately, far more than a resort. It is Asma Haider’s invitation to experience Hunza’s living heritage through its food and culture. Guests can step out of their cottages to pick fresh apricots from the orchard, which are transformed into refreshing summer drinks, savour authentic local cuisine prepared by Hunzai chefs, enjoy breakfast on the terrace with uninterrupted views of Rakaposhi, and spend evenings humming along to traditional mountain music.
The experience is further enriched through thoughtfully curated excursions to nearby landmarks and scenic trails, allowing visitors to discover the landscape, history and people that make Hunza so unique. Asma knows her resort may never compete with five-star amenities but she had curated an experience of authentic journey in the mountains of Pakistan.
