Batura Glacier Trek

Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

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Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

The Batura Glacier Trek is a captivating hiking experience in northern Pakistan, specifically in the Batura Valley, Passu, Gojal region of Gilgit-Baltistan. This trek offers a medium-level hiking adventure and is an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the natural beauty and culture of the region. The Batura Glacier trek treats you to stunning vistas, with an average altitude of around 3,800 meters. Along the way, you’ll encounter alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, birch trees, and common vegetation like roses and juniper trees.

The journey begins from the Karakoram Highway, passing through the picturesque Passu valley. As you ascend along the lateral moraine of the Batura Glacier, you’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain peaks and a landscape adorned with wildflowers. The Batura Glacier itself stretches for approximately 57 kilometers in the northern region and is blessed with lofty mountains and extensive glaciers, creating a haven for alpine enthusiasts.

One of the unique aspects of this trek is the opportunity to witness the summer lifestyle of the Wakhi people. They venture to the high pastures with their cattle and yaks during the summer months, and you can observe their traditional way of life as you trek through the region. The combination of adventure and cultural immersion in remote valleys makes this program an exclusive and fascinating experience for anyone interested in exploring this breathtaking region of Pakistan.

The journey commences in Islamabad, Pakistan’s modern capital, and takes you along the Karakoram Highway. This highway is a marvel of human engineering and offers breathtaking views of some of the world’s most prominent peaks, including Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, Shishpar Peak (7,611 meters), Ultar Peak (7,388 meters), Passu Peak (7,478 meters), Karon Koh (7,200 meters), and the massive Batura range (7,500-7,785 meters). The culture and warm hospitality of the Hunza people you encounter along the way make the experience even more charming.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the capital city of Islamabad and the scenic beauty of Hunza Valley.
Enjoy a picturesque road journey to along the Karakorum Highway.
Encounter avid international travelers along the trek.
Marvel at the views of towering Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi and Passu Cones, along the Karakorum Highway.
Enjoy the magnificent views of Attabad Lake.
Experience the enigmatic beauty of the Karakorum Highway bearing several unmatched landmarks.
Meet the local people of Passu preserving the distinct culture of the region.

Itinerary

Arrive in Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad. After immigration and baggage clearance, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a short city tour covering Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, or a drive through the Margalla Hills.
Overnight at hotel in Islamabad.

Embark on a scenic drive to Chilas either via the Babusar Pass (subject to weather) or the Karakoram Highway. This journey offers your first glimpses of the grandeur of northern Pakistan.
Overnight at hotel in Chilas.

Continue your journey along the Karakoram Highway to Passu, crossing dramatic landscapes. En route, witness the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit rivers, and enjoy views of Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi, and Attabad Lake. Arrive in Passu beneath the famous Passu Cones.
Overnight at guesthouse/hotel in Passu.

Begin your trek from Passu village, ascending gently along the lateral moraine of the Batura Glacier. Pass through juniper shrubs, wild roses, and birch groves. The trail leads to Yunzbin, a summer pasture where you may meet Wakhi herders.
Overnight in tents at Yunzbin (approx. 2,800m).

Trek further along the Batura Glacier’s moraine, navigating through alpine meadows rich with wildflowers. Reach Yashpirt, another picturesque pasture used by local herders. Enjoy views of Passu Peak and Shishpar.
Overnight in tents at Yashpirt (approx. 3,100m).

The route offers sweeping views of the Batura massif. You’ll cross scenic ridgelines, pass grazing yaks, and reach Kukhil, an idyllic open meadow framed by glacier-fed streams.
Overnight in tents at Kukhil (approx. 3,400m).

Trek through a mix of rocky terrain and lush pastures to Guchism, another seasonal settlement. Watch locals preparing dairy products and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the Wakhi highlands.
Overnight in tents at Guchism (approx. 3,800m).

Enjoy a relaxed day hike to Lupdor, an expansive grazing area with jaw-dropping views of Batura’s towering peaks. This is a great opportunity to observe traditional Wakhi shepherd culture and explore untouched wilderness.
Overnight at Guchism.

Begin your descent from the upper pastures to Putmahal, retracing part of your path. Take in new perspectives of the mountains and valleys you've passed.
Overnight in tents at Putmahal.

Continue your descent along the glacier’s edge to the familiar Yashpirt campsite. It’s a relaxed day with time for rest and reflection.
Overnight in tents at Yashpirt.

Conclude your trek by returning to the Karakoram Highway. From there, drive to the heart of Hunza – Karimabad. The charming town offers stunning views of Ultar, Ladyfinger, and Rakaposhi.
Overnight at hotel in Karimabad.

Enjoy a full day of cultural exploration: visit the 700-year-old Baltit Fort, the more ancient Altit Fort, and stroll through the royal garden at Altit. Learn about the region’s unique history and people.
Overnight at hotel in Karimabad.

Retrace your route southward along the Karakoram Highway. Enjoy photo stops along the way, including the Rakaposhi View Point.
Overnight at hotel in Chilas.

Drive back to Islamabad with scenic stopovers. On arrival, check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner or optional visit to local markets.
Overnight at hotel in Islamabad.

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home. End of services.

Included/Exclude

All domestic flights and ground transportation, including airport transfers
Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the tour
Dome tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during trekking
Single supplement available on request (including for solo female travelers)
Camping gear (member, mess, kitchen, and toilet tents)
Kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hot drinks: coffee, green tea, and hot water
Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
Satellite phone for emergencies
Professional tour guide
Support staff: cook, assistants, helpers, and porters
Insurance for all support staff
Basic First Aid Kit
Trekking permits and paperwork
Waste management fee
Toll and bridge crossing charges
Visa assistance

Visa fee
Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
International flight tickets
Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for staff
Personal or miscellaneous expenses
Anything not listed under “Services Included”

Tour's Location

Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

FAQs

Pakistan has only been negatively advertised by the mainstream international media. A country of more than 220 million people, Pakistan is among the low crime rate states. An odd incident may happen as it happens everywhere in the world. Feedback, guest reviews, and Vlogs by international travelers visiting different regions of Pakistan at different times are testimony safety and warm hospitality of its people. Besides holiday makers, there are hundreds of foreigners working in multinational companies, NGOs, and diplomats serving foreign missions who travel the length and breadth of Pakistan comfortably. Tourists are only advised to use the services of registered and reputed travel agencies to ensure the most comfortable and reliable holiday possible.

As health regulations change from time to time, it is best to check for the latest advice while applying for a Pakistani visa at the Pakistani embassy in your country. After the outburst of Covid 19, there are strict regulations by airlines and destinations on traveling. Vaccination certificates against Covid 19 must be carried out while Covid 19 negative (PCR) tests are mandatory before traveling to and out of Pakistan. For further assistance please visit https://covid.gov.pk/

The Batura Glacier Trek is a moderate hike through the pastures of Passu Valley. While the trail is easy, the campsites are spaced out, requiring good stamina. However, the stunning beauty of the Batura Range and glacier keeps you energized throughout the journey.

Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.

This trek is not as physically demanding as other strenuous treks. a little prior walking practice should work.

The Batura Glacier trek treats you to stunning vistas, with an average altitude of around 3,800 meters.

There is a detailed list of must-carry and optional equipment’s which covers the required equipment and baggage to carry. If you have previous trekking experience, you may select your personal requirement.

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Hiking backpack and sticks
● Head-torch/flashlight with extra batteries
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Glows and warm pairs of socks
● Warm cap, hat, and scarf (to avoid scorching sun)
● Full sleeves shirt
● Waterproof trousers and raincoat
● Trekking shoes and flip-flops
● Trekking poles (optional)
● Warm layers of clothing
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)
● Binoculars (optional)

We are a Member Company of Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and helicopter rescue plan is part of the program we offer.

For any rescue mission we are required to deposit advance payment in favor of PATO out of which a small percentage is non-refundable (will be discussed at the time of confirmation) while rest is refundable (in case service was not availed). This entire amount is required to be paid by the client in advance. If there is any insurance policy on part of the client that can cover the impending bill, that needs to be submitted.

We do. We can organize customized tours/treks for solo trekkers and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 12. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.

The maximum size of our groups is 20 persons. The average size of our groups is 10 members.

During this trek, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. The ingredients for the food will be procured in Pakistan. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches will be consumed during lunch breaks on the trek with options include canned/tinned meals (meat, fish), pickles, crackers, chapatti, pate, cheese etc. Weather has a very important role in deciding our lunch menu for the day; the participants will begin the lunch with consuming or end it with tea or coffee, juice, soup etc.

The dinner will always be served in the mess tent and the participants will gather to eat the food freshly prepared by the cooks travelling with our group. The first few days of the trekking, fresh vegetables will be served in food if they are fresh and healthy. All the participants who are vegetarian, they must communicate with our office and inform us on advance basis if they need a vegetarian food plan during the trek.

During the trek, Iodized water will be available for the participants throughout the mornings, while taking breaks and camping. Everyone will be consuming spring water every time its available otherwise if we run out of options for the participants may drink glacier water that possibly have silt. The kitchen containers which are very large in size are used to keep the water storage and it is also helpful in settling down the silt particles at the bottom. If any participants have any issue with odor of iodine, they may bring their own supplies of bi-carbonated soda. Traditional methods are effective and work very well for everyone there is no harm in the experimentation of new methods.

While few nights will be spent in the capital city of Islamabad and along the Karakorum Highway, the rest of the nights will consist of camping in tents between the magnificent mountains. The accommodation arrangement is Islamabad is of standard hotels while our hotels selected in Chilas and Passu and Hunza are the best available. Rooms at our provided hotels will be on twin sharing basis with en-suite amenities.
At the time of camping, the participants will be sharing a tent fit for two persons. If any participant is coming alone on this trek, he/she will be accommodated with one of the other members for tent and room sharing. For strangers and solo trekkers, first preference will be given to same gender stays. Nevertheless, a participant can opt for separate tent of hotel rooms as he/she likes, however additional cost will be incurred for making separate arrangement. Any participants seeking separate accommodation must inform our office in advance.

During the trekking days, our guide will wake up the participants for coffee or a warm cup of tea which we be followed by a decent breakfast inside the mess tent. There will be plenty time before the breakfast to pack the bags. After the breakfast the camps will be closed, and the porters will get back to their work handling supplies and luggage ahead of the participants to reach at the lunch site and make preparation for meals. Porters will repeat the process as they will follow ‘trek earlier’ approach in order to prepare dinner for the participants. Standard trek duration before the lunch will be between 3-4 hours.
Generally, one hour is required for the lunch which makes it a very good time to gain your strength back, relax, write and read etc.
Trekking after the lunch will be shorter as compared to trek before the lunch. Once you arrive at the next camp site, the camps will already be setup or in progress. Upon arrival to the camp the participants will be served a hot beverage and dinner will be served when it’s prepared. Participants can rest, read, write, socialize, film and photograph upon reaching a camp. Temperature decreases at night normally; participants can get comfortable in their sleeping bags and get a good sleep before next day.

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the trekking holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require keeping your devices function as long as possible.

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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Pearl Tours & Travel

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