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.
Plan the journey with our private Hunza tours, hotels in Hunza, Hunza car rental, guided Hunza treks and international Hunza tours.
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
7-day planIslamabad to Chilas
Islamabad to Chilas. This is a long mountain-road transfer, so meal and washroom stops are planned around daylight, traffic and the route that is actually open. For Islamabad to Chilas on day 1, the guide sets the pace from trail, weather and group condition; carry water, sun protection and a warm layer, use stable footwear, and report headache, unusual fatigue or discomfort early.
Max altitude 1,265 mChilas to Gulmit / Passu
Drive through Hunza; Borith Lake evening walk. Upper Hunza stops are spaced between Gulmit, Hussaini and Passu so the day does not become a rushed sequence of roadside photographs. For Chilas to Gulmit / Passu on day 2, this is a guided mountain stage rather than a fixed-speed hike; the team checks the route, maintains a steady pace and can shorten the walk if weather, altitude or group condition requires it.
Max altitude 2,600 mPassu to across the glacier to Luzhdur
Cross the Passu Glacier only with the appointed trekking team and when route, weather and ice conditions are considered safe. For Passu to across the glacier to Luzhdur on day 3, upper Hunza stops are spaced between Gulmit, Hussaini and Passu so the day does not become a rushed sequence of roadside photographs.
Max altitude 3,350 mLuzhdur to Patundas
Steep summit day to the plateau; sunset on top. The walking plan uses a conservative pace, scheduled hydration stops and a turnaround time suited to altitude, weather and the group's condition. For Luzhdur to Patundas on day 4, the schedule favours useful light and safe viewpoints, with flexibility for cloud, traffic and local access; the guide allows setup time without blocking roads, homes or working farmland.
Max altitude 4,100 mDescend to Passu to Karimabad
Descend and recross the glacier with the trekking team, then transfer to a hotel in Karimabad. Central Hunza visits are sequenced around fort opening hours, village access and walking time between Karimabad, Altit and Ganish.
Max altitude 2,438 mKarimabad to Chilas
Buffer/weather day used here if needed; drive south. The Indus corridor, Nanga Parbat viewpoint and Rakaposhi viewpoint are considered en route, with stops selected according to visibility and safe parking. For Karimabad to Chilas on day 6, no demanding activity is required; the guide confirms the following start time and any equipment needs while guests recover, explore gently or use the hotel facilities.
Max altitude 1,265 mReturn to Islamabad
Return to Islamabad. The final transfer keeps a sensible buffer for the agreed train or flight time, while any optional stop depends on the remaining daylight and traffic. For Return to Islamabad on day 7, the guide sets the pace from trail, weather and group condition; carry water, sun protection and a warm layer, use stable footwear, and report headache, unusual fatigue or discomfort early.
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 to 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 65-hotel 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.