Hunza: The Lost Kingdom of the Himalayas

by John T. Clark

The author, John Clark (1909-1967), was an American engineer/geologist. In this book, he relates his fascinating experiences of life among the remote mountain people of Hunza, a small hill-state on the extreme north of Pakistan-held Kashmir. Illustrated with photographs, maps, etc.

270 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1956

About the author

John holds his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Texas at San Antonio, has a master’s degree in Theology (Th.M.) from Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute, and a doctorate degree (DMin) with an emphasis on expository preaching from Dallas Theological Seminary. He values systematic, verse-by-verse Bible teaching and enjoys drawing out truths from the original languages.

John has served as the Senior Pastor of Grace Community Fellowship in Newnan, Georgia since September 2016. Additionally, John is a founding board member of DM2 (Disciple Makers Multiplied), a mission organization focused on pastoral training and discipleship of other disciple-makers. John leads DM2’s field to Liberia, Africa and travels there twice a year to train pastors. John’s first and foremost ministry lies in being a husband to his wife, Carrie, and a loving father to their five children.

Reviews

[Mehwish Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunza: Lost Kingdom of the Himalayas by John Clark gives deep insights into the lifestyle of the people of Hunza during the mid-20th Century. The author has lived in Hunza for almost two years and worked on several projects including geological surveys, a craft school, a medical dispensary, and a wildflower garden. The book highlights the daily life of the people of Hunza and the poverty prevalent under the rule of Mir. It gives insights into the working of Mir and the general societal structure of the society. The book is an account of hardships that the author faced while carrying out his plans which tells us about the social life of people and their culture and customs. One of the interesting things that I found is that his analysis still holds true for the people of Hunza in several aspects. For example, "meimo baaana" benefiting their own kind and subjugating the others. The individualistic approach of the people of Hunza is evident now more than it ever had been. Interestingly, he breaks the myth of Hunzai being the healthy folk who live the longest lives, as it was built on the mere judgment of foreign visitors who visited Hunza during summer and created a perception devoid of the realities of harsh and cruel winters.

[Nina Ive · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this a 3.5. It was written in the 1950s when John (an American) had been in Asia during WW2 and wanted to go back and set up a foundation to help the economic progress of a community of people. He chose an area called Hunza which I was never really clear on where it was. I thought initially it was Nepal but seems to have been part of Pakistan.

I enjoyed the descriptions of nature and it really gave me the travel bug to go off the grid and do some exploring. However I'm sure it was a lot harder than he made out.

What left me feeling somewhat inadequate was his ability to turn his hand at anything. He was doctor, geologist, carpenter, diplomat, financier, entrepreneur and gardener....he really appeared to help the people in the time he was there and would have made a long term impact. I think my skills wouldn't get much past making a cup of tea.

I enjoyed this for a bit of history and culture.

[Imran Muhammad]

More information for readers of Hunza

[Imran Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion, this is a must-read book for all those who wants to know about the Hunza Valley but unable to travel there. I was really fascinated by the experience written in the form of words by Mr. John Clark. Excellent work and thanks for his efforts for the upliftment of the isolated community of Karakorum.
God Bless Hunza and John Clark...!