16 Days Battura Glacier Trek Passu Gojal Hunza Pakistan Asia

We start our journey from Islamabad along Karakoram Highway, through the lush green alpine landscape of Hazara we emerge on the bank of Indus river at Thakot.

From here we enter the narrow rocky gorge of Indus. The Highway was a joint venture between Pakistan and Chinese engineers and it took 20 years & 850 lives to complete this 8th wonder of the world. (500 km, 10/11 hours)

Drive to Passu Drive on Karakoram Highway to the charming village of Passu in the heart of Karakoram mountains.

We have fascinating views of soaring peaks all around us, including Nanga Parbat (8,125 M), Rakaposhi (7,788 M). Overnight Passu 2,500 meters at Lodge. (150, 4/5 hours)

We start our trek from the Passu village, after short walk along the road we fork west towards Batura glacier. Near the snout of the glacier, about an hour’s walk, we would be greeted by our companions for the trek YAKS. These champions of the glacier would be carrying our loads during the trek. (2/3 hours).

During the next hour we would be gradually gaining height, walking through barren rocky landscape. Arrive Yunzibin, our campsite at 2,800 m (3/4 hours). From the camp we have fascinating views of Passu Peak, Batura 1, Batura 2 Peaks.

It is possible to cross Batura glacier from our campsite, we continue straight keeping glacier on our right side and walk along the lateral moraine to Kirgas Washik campsite. This route is followed mostly By the villagers on way to upper pastures, so it is well marked and easier to walk on.

As we walk on the crest of lateral moraine of glacier, we have excellent views of Batura massif straight ahead and the peaks of Shimshal valley to our east. We pass a small lake and a couple of shepherds huts before we arrive at Eagle’s nest (meaning of Kirgas Washik) campsite for

As the glacier changes re-adjusts its crevasses each season, so the safe place to cross to the other side also changes. We take the option of crossing just beyond Kirgas Washik, involving about an hour. The crossing is made safe by the fact that the same route is used by the shepherds and goats throughout the year, so the route is clearly marked.

Yashpirt at 3,300 meters, is an ideal summer settlement set between rocky & grassy ridge on one side and low moraine of Batura glacier on the other side. From here we have the commanding view of massive Batura icefall just ahead of us.

Every household in Passu village keeps one house in this settlement, and just 30 years ago they use to farm Barley and wheat here during the summer months. Now it is the best-housed summer settlement. Camp. (6/7 hours)

We start our trek for Shilmin in soft morning light, walking all the way on the north side of Batura glacier. For the first part of the trek the view is dominated by the shimmering white ice of Batura Ice Fall just across the glacier. We would now mostly walk in the ablation valley of the glacier, and twice would have to cross the streams of cold water.

Lunch at Kukhil summer pasture, approached after crossing a wooden log bridge over the rushing stream. Later we would walk past juniper, willow and ash and alpine flowers by the stream. Shilmin at 3,460m lies at the opening of Wartum valley with a small crystal clear lake just next to our Camp. (6/7 hours)

We leave the Batura valley & enter Wartum valley heading north, and soon traverse loose scree area to emerge at small platform with many birch trees. From here we have commanding view down to Batura in South & Shireen Maidan (Sweet pasture) in East. We head North along Wartum Nallah (stream), gradually gaining height.

Just short of base camp we cross the Wartum stream and steeply climb to emerge at the wide open plateau: our base camp called Furzin at 4360 M. (6/7 hours)

We unfold our camp at Furzin and return to main Batura valley walking along the steep gorge of Wartum, Camp.

In the afternoon we may take a short walk up to Lupdor, the last pasture along Batura glacier, for commanding view of upper Batura, and its peaks rising to 7,000 meters. (5/6 hours)

We walk on the crest of lateral moraine all the way keeping the glacier to our south. Small lakes squeezed between the glacier and mountain offer exciting photo stops.

Cross the glacier near the Yunzbin, the crossing is fairly easy for the first 30 minutes but demands careful walking in the last half an hour as we encounter boulders. Arrive Yunz for Camp overnight. (5/6 hours)

Explore Karimabad Short drive to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza. Here we have time to visit the Altit & Baltit forts and walk through its bazaar. stay Hunza OR Drive to Gilgit, while stopping on the route for views of high summits.

At Gilgit we may take excursion to the statue of Buddha just outside the town. Overnight hotel. (100 km, 3 hours)