12-day Hunza and Passu Batura Trek from Islamabad

Trek across three mountain ranges and sleep where shepherds summer their yaks

A 12-day trek departing from Islamabad that combines vehicle travel through Hunza and Passu with six days of high-altitude trekking, including a glacier crossing and nights in mountain camps. You'll visit Attabad Lake, Passu Glacier and Guchesham, the highest summer settlement in the region, with an English-speaking guide, camping equipment and porter support included throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Islamabad, Pakistan

• Fly to Islamabad-PAKISTAN

Day 2: Arrival and travel to Skardu

• Arrive at Islamabad airport
• Fly to Skardu if morning arrival
• Sightseeing in Skardu town
• Overnight at hotel in Skardu

Day 3: Drive to Karimabad-Hunza

• Drive to Karimabad-Hunza (7-8 hours)
• Overnight at hotel in Karimabad

Day 4: Free day for walking and visits

• Walk around Karimabad
• Visit local sites

Day 5: Drive to Passu with sightseeing

• Drive to Passu (2 hours)
• Visit secret rocks and rock carvings
• Visit Ruby mine and Attabad Lake
• Visit Gulmit museum and Hussani suspension bridge
• Visit Borith Lake
• Walk from viewpoint to Passu
• Overnight at hotel in Passu

Day 6: Trek from Passu to Kirgus Washk

• Trek from Passu to Kirgus Washk (6-7 hours)
• Overnight in tent

Day 7: Cross Passu Glacier to Fatimahill

• Cross Passu Glacier (3-4 hours)
• Trek to Yashprit (3100m)
• Trek to Fatimahill (3400m, 2-3 hours)
• Overnight in tent

Day 8: Trek to Guchesham settlement

• Trek to Guchesham (3400m, 5-6 hours)

Day 9: Trek back to Yashprit camp

• Trek back to Yashprit camp

Day 10: Trek to Passu and travel to Gilgit

• Trek to Passu
• Continue to Gilgit
• Overnight at hotel in Gilgit

Day 11: Return to Islamabad

• Fly or drive to Islamabad
• Drive via Babu Sar Pass (11-12 hours)
• Overnight at hotel in Islamabad

Day 12: Departure from Islamabad

• Drop to Islamabad airport

The experience

The itinerary splits into two halves: the first four days move by vehicle from Islamabad through Skardu to Karimabad in Hunza, with a free day to walk around and stops at Attabad Lake, the Hussani suspension bridge, Borith Lake and the Passu Glacier viewpoint. Accommodations are in 2-3 star hotels. The route then shifts to trekking, starting with a 6-7 hour trek from Passu to Kirgus Washk at 3,000 meters, where you sleep in a tent.

The trekking days follow the Batura Glacier route. You'll cross the glacier itself over 3-4 hours to reach Yashprit at 3,100 meters, then trek another 2-3 hours to Fatimahill at 3,400 meters. From there, a 5-6 hour trek climbs to Guchesham, where Himalayan shepherds pasture yaks in summer: the highest inhabited settlement on the route. The return trek retraces to Yashprit and down to Passu, then continues by vehicle to Gilgit. The final days return to Islamabad by domestic flight or an 11-12 hour drive over Babu Sar Pass, depending on weather and your preference.

The trek includes all camping equipment (two-person sleeping tents, mattresses, mess and kitchen tents), a cook and assistant, porter wages and insurance, fuel, and solar power at base camp. Transport from Islamabad airport, domestic flights within the itinerary and all toll, parking and camping fees are covered. You'll need moderate physical fitness. The operator notes the trek is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Camping equipment including two-person sleeping tents, mattresses, mess tent and kitchen tent with stove and fuel.
• cook and kitchen assistant.
• porter wages, insurance and food.
• transport from Islamabad airport and domestic flights within the itinerary.
• toll, parking and camping fees.
• English-speaking guide throughout the 12 days.
• solar power at base camp.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (19 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 79 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by North Pakistan Adventure

Is this one for you?This trek suits travelers with moderate fitness who want to move through high altitude over a full two weeks, combining vehicle access to remote valleys with multi-day camping and glacier crossing. The six trekking days are the core. The vehicle days before and after allow acclimatization and access to sites a shorter trek cannot reach.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (2 to 12 years).

What is Guchesham and why does the trek go there?

Guchesham sits at 3,400 meters and is the highest summer settlement of shepherds in the region, known for its pastures where yaks graze. The trek reaches it as the highest point of the journey, a 5-6 hour climb from Yashprit.

Do I need to bring my own tent and sleeping bag?

No. Two-person sleeping tents, sleeping mattresses, a mess tent and kitchen tent are all provided as part of the trek. You'll need to bring personal gear like a sleeping bag and warm clothing, but the camping infrastructure is set up for you.

What happens if weather delays the return flight to Islamabad?

The itinerary offers two return options: a domestic flight or an 11-12 hour drive via Babu Sar Pass. The flight is subject to weather conditions, so the drive is available as an alternative if flying becomes unsafe.