Patundas Trek — 7 Days
Overview
Arguably the finest viewpoint in Pakistan reachable inside a week. The route crosses the crevassed white ice of Passu Glacier (roped where needed, with guides who grew up beside it), climbs steeply to Luzhdur pastures, and tops out on the Patundas plateau: a grassy roof with 25 km of 7,000 m peaks on one side and the Passu Cones on the other.
Trip Highlights
- Genuine Passu Glacier crossing
- Patundas plateau (4,100 m) 360° panorama
- Batura Wall, Shispare and Passu Cones in one sweep
- Wild camping at Luzhdur pastures
- Ropes, microspikes and oximeter carried
- Borith Lake and Hussaini Bridge en route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Islamabad → Chilas
KKH north.
⛰ 1,265 m
Chilas → Gulmit / Passu
Drive through Hunza; Borith Lake evening walk.
⛰ 2,600 m
Passu → across the glacier → Luzhdur
Cross the white maze of Passu Glacier; camp at the shepherd pastures.
⛰ 3,350 m
Luzhdur → Patundas
Steep summit day to the plateau; sunset on top.
⛰ 4,100 m
Descend → Passu → Karimabad
Recross the glacier in morning light; hotel night in Hunza.
⛰ 2,438 m
Karimabad → Chilas
Buffer/weather day used here if needed; drive south.
⛰ 1,265 m
Return to Islamabad
Final drive.
What’s Included
✔ Included
- Licensed local mountain guide
- Porters and camping equipment where required
- All meals on trek days
- Islamabad pickup and drop (private transport)
- Hotel nights before/after trek
- First-aid kit and oximeter
- Ropes / microspikes as required
✖ Not included
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Personal trekking gear and boots
- Lunches/dinners on non-trek days
- Tips and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glacier experience required?
No, but solid fitness is — the crossing is guided step-by-step with equipment provided.
Why the built-in buffer?
Plateau weather changes fast; the spare half-day protects the summit and often gifts the best photos of the trip.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes — your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically — you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan — this itinerary focuses elsewhere — but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May–Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect a mix of hotels and full camping support on trek nights (tents, mats, mess tent and cook crew). See our Hotels page for the full 66-property partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility — vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely — add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.