Batura Glacier Trek
The Batura Glacier Trek is an 11-day trek from Passu in Upper Hunza along the Batura Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Karakoram, through the summer settlements of the Wakhi herders below the Batura wall.
- Duration11 Days
- DifficultyModerate
- Max Altitudeapprox. 3,800 m
- Best SeasonJune – September
- Trekking Days6 Days
Along One of the Longest Glaciers in the Karakoram
The Batura Glacier Trek starts at Passu on the Karakoram Highway. We cross the snout of the Batura Glacier, which is about 57 km long, and follow its northern edge through ablation valleys full of juniper, wildflowers and grazing yaks. Each summer the Wakhi families of Passu move up here with their animals, and their stone huts at Yashpirt, Guchesham and Kukhil make for unforgettable campsites.
Above the glacier rise the peaks of the Batura Muztagh, a wall of 7,000 m summits. The walking is not technical, the gradients are gentle for a Karakoram trek, and the trek offers a real taste of life in the high pastures of Upper Hunza.
Trip Highlights
- Follow the Batura Glacier, about 57 km long
- Camp at the Wakhi summer settlements of Yashpirt, Guchesham and Kukhil
- Views of the Batura Muztagh and its 7,000 m peaks
- Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones and the Hussaini bridge
- A gentle, non-technical route for active beginners
- Guide, cook, porters and all logistics handled by TGA
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Evening welcome briefing.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Fly to Gilgit, drive to Hunza (approx. 2,400 m)
Mountain flight to Gilgit and a 2-hour drive to Karimabad. If the flight is cancelled we drive the Karakoram Highway instead.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Hunza to Passu (approx. 2,500 m)
Visit Baltit Fort in the morning, then drive past Attabad Lake to Passu and the Hussaini suspension bridge.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Passu to Yashpirt (approx. 3,300 m)
Cross the lower Batura Glacier on a marked route and climb to the summer settlement of Yashpirt. About 6 hours.
Overnight: CampDay 5Yashpirt to Guchesham (approx. 3,600 m)
Walk along the ablation valley beside the glacier to the huts of Guchesham. About 4–5 hours.
Overnight: CampDay 6Guchesham to Kukhil (approx. 3,800 m)
Continue up the valley to Kukhil, with close views of the Batura peaks. About 4–5 hours.
Overnight: CampDay 7Explore the upper Batura, back to Guchesham
Morning walk to viewpoints over the upper glacier, then return to Guchesham.
Overnight: CampDay 8Guchesham to Yashpirt
An easy walk back to Yashpirt, with time to visit the herders.
Overnight: CampDay 9Yashpirt to Passu, drive to Hunza
Cross the glacier back to Passu and drive to Karimabad. About 5 hours walking.
Overnight: HotelDay 10Drive to Gilgit and fly to Islamabad
Drive to Gilgit for the flight to Islamabad, or continue by road if flights are cancelled.
Overnight: HotelDay 11Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Mountain itineraries can change with weather, flights and group pace. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels in Islamabad, Hunza and Passu
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Gilgit–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Private vehicle Gilgit–Hunza–Passu and back
- Entry to Baltit Fort
- All meals during the trek, cooked by our trekking cook
- Tents, mattresses, dining and kitchen tents on the trek
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Porters to carry your main luggage and camping gear
- Local fees and registration at checkpoints
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance with high-altitude rescue cover
- Personal trekking gear, clothing and sleeping bag
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks and porters
- Extra nights or costs caused by flight cancellations, landslides or road closures
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Batura Glacier Trek?
The Batura Glacier Trek is the best way to see a great Karakoram glacier without technical walking or very high altitude. The gradients are gentle, the campsites are green, and you share the valley with Wakhi families, yaks and goats rather than other trekkers.
It is a great first multi-day trek in Pakistan and a lovely choice for families with older children. For a shorter trip from Passu, see the Patundas Meadows Trek.
Add extra days in the Hunza Valley to see Altit Fort and the orchards of Karimabad. Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Fitness
The Batura Glacier Trek is moderate. Most days are 4–6 hours on good paths and moraine. Anyone in good health who walks regularly can enjoy it.
Altitude
The highest camp is at about 3,800 m. The trek climbs slowly, which makes it a gentle introduction to trekking at altitude.
Permits & Checkpoints
The Batura Glacier Trek lies in an open zone, so no special trekking permit is needed. Foreigners register at checkpoints, which our team arranges.
When to Go
June to September is the season for the Batura Glacier Trek, when the Wakhi herders are in their summer settlements. See our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Trek
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Upper Hunza trek.
