|

 

Asumbar & punji Pass Trek

Introduction

In the far‑flung kingdom of Ishkoman Valley, where emerald rivers weave through stone‑clad villages and snowy peaks rise like ancient guardians, lies a trail whispered about among seasoned adventurers – the Asumbar & Punji Pass Trek.
This is not just a journey; it is a rite of passage into one of Gilgit Baltistan’s most remote and soul‑stirring realms.


🏞 Where is Asumbar & Punji Pass?

The trek begins in the mystical Ishkoman Valley, hidden between Ghizer District and the highlands leading toward the Hindu Kush.

Asumbar Valley opens like a green spellbook of meadows, apricot orchards, and crystalline streams.

Beyond it, Punji Pass rises at over 4,500 meters, a saddle between the lands of humans and the thrones of glaciers.


Why This Trek is Special

Imagine standing on the edge of a high pass, the winds carrying ancient songs from the snowfields, while far below the valley glows in twilight.
The trek is renowned for:

🌿 Untouched Alpine Meadows carpeted with wildflowers.

❄️ Ancient Glaciers shimmering under the sun like silver dragons.

🏔 Panoramic Views of the towering Hindukush and distant Karakoram peaks.

🛤 Hidden Villages where time seems enchanted and traditions are alive.


🧭 Best Time to Trek

The mountain spirits favor travelers between June and September, when:

Snow retreats from the passes,

Meadows burst into bloom,

And the weather sings mild, clear melodies.


⚔️ Difficulty Level

This is a moderate to strenuous trek. It demands:

Good fitness,

Acclimatization to high altitude,

And a spirit ready to wander where few mortals tread.


🛡 Tips for Trekkers

Local Guide: Always travel with an experienced Ishkoman guide; they know the hidden water sources and safe campsites.

Permits & NOC: Some areas near the borders may require documentation; check before travel.

Camping Gear: The region is remote, so self-sufficient gear (tents, stoves, warm clothing) is essential.


A Realm Untouched

Unlike the famous treks of Hunza or Skardu, Asumbar & Punji Pass remains wrapped in mystery. Only those who truly seek adventure step upon these paths.
When you stand on Punji Pass at sunrise, the peaks blaze gold and the valley hums with wind‑borne legends.
It feels as if the mountains themselves are alive – whispering ancient blessings to every traveler brave enough to reach them.


In the chronicles of trekking, Asumbar & Punji Pass is not just a destination – it is a spell, a dream, and a doorway into the untamed heart of Gilgit Baltistan.

📜 Trek Itinerary (Suggested)

DayRouteHighlights
Day 1Ishkoman to AsumbarCross wooden bridges, meet local Wakhi and Tajik communities, camp near alpine streams.
Day 2Asumbar to High MeadowsPine forests, wild herbs, and sudden clearings with dazzling views.
Day 3High Camp to Punji PassA challenging ascent through rocky spurs and snow patches, rewarded by a vast panorama.
Day 4Descent towards Darkot side or return routeChoose your path: either continue towards Darkot/Yasin or retrace to Ishkoman.

    Inclusive

    S#

    DETAILS

    01

    Airport pick and drop

    02

    Accommodation bed & B.fast, twin bedroom in Islamabad and other cities standard air-condition rooms.

    03

    Flight Ticket or transportation from Islamabad/ Skardu/ Gilgit/chitral or from these cities to Islamabad

    04

    Skardu/Gilgit/Hunza Hotel (bed & breakfast)

    05

    Two nights in Chilas/ Besham hotel (bed & breakfast) incase of flight cancellation.

    06

    Jeeps Skardu/Askoli/ Hushe/ Skardu/shimshal/Chitral/Kalash or vice virsa.

    07

    Wages, insurance, food equipment of cook

    08

    Wages, insurance, food equipment of Assistant cook,

    09

    Wages, insurance, food of Porter Sirdar

    10

    Porter Payment, Low altitude porters.

    11

    Baggage,75 kg (going time) and 50 kgs  (on return) for expedition 45 days or more and 25 kg for trekking group & trekking peak    

    12

    Full board camp food during trek & at base camp.

    13

    Mess tent, Kitchen tent, store tent, table , chairs and kitchen equipment

    14

    Reconfirmation of international flight tickets.

    15

    Camping fees, road taxes & bridge crossing of expedition members & Porters.

    16

    Porters Equipments.

    17

    Assistance in obtaining climbing permit and other documentations

    18

    Briefing and debriefing in the Ministry of tourism

    19

    CKNP fee: US $ 150/per member

    20

    1000 US$ guarantee pollution fee.

    21

    200 US$ environmental protection fund.

    22

    Fuel, Tarpaulin, and Stove for porters.

    23

    Kerosene Oil for porter and Members

    24

    Toilet tent and shower tent

    25

    Members will have individual D-4  in Base camp tents, and mattress for expeditions more than one month

    26

    LO insurance or guide transport and hotel/ equipment and TA/DA.

    27

    Royalty fee and additional member fee

    Exclusive

    S.#

    DETAILS

    01

    Sleeping bags, rucksacks and personal clothing.

    02

    Medication, ground evacuation and helicopter rescue (US$15,000) of any kind.

    03

    Room services, laundry charges, beverages and items of personal nature. Phone /communication

    04

    Climbing food beyond base camp, equipment, high altitude Porters wages bills.

    05

    Insurance or liability of any members.

    06

    Tip to staff

    07

    Custom clearing and forwarding agent’s charge.

    08

    Food & drinks during stay in hotel (City)

    09

    Transport to other cities or places out of itinerary

    10

    Custom clearing and forwarding agent’s charge.

    11

    Extra baggage charges during international or domestic flight

    12

    Insurance or liability of any members.

    TERMS & CONDITION:

    Chogholingsa Trek &Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for any kind of trip, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, wild safaris and other services being operated so far by the company. The terms and conditions set forth will bring forward its limitations before any interested visitor advances for the programs alluded.

    What should our clients do for reservation of any kind of services provided by the company?

    40% of payment in advance should be made up 1 month earlier or as soon as the trip is confirmed, since it is a proof that you are sure to attempt the trip. It should be done as alluded so that the company can manage all the necessary documents, permissions and required field staffs.

    The full settlement of the payment should be cleared before the client proceeds for the trip or any kind of service at the arrival in Pakistan.

    The advance payment is not refundable in case of overturning the trip in any condition on behalf of the client.

    The advance payment is only refundable if the holding company shows any technical impediments regarding the trip.

    No refund is made for 40% deposit amount in case of delay arrival, no show or cancellation of trip for any other else reason.

    For any consideration regarding the terms alluded, a bilateral negotiation can be attempted between the hosting company and the client
    The advance payment can be directly deposited to our bank account through any bank in the world.
     

    1: REFUND:

    No refund will be made for 50% deposit amount in case of cancellation of trip for any other else reason. Having paid full amount of any trip, you’re entitled to incur refund in case if you want to cancel your trip. Still, cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you’re imposed cancellation charge as advised below: –

    2: SUPPLEMENT CHARGE:

    On our holidays tour / trek packages, rooms or tents are provided in twin sharing basis. Thus, single room supplement charge will be imposed to client who does not have another tour participant to share room / tent with.

    3: INCOMPLETE TOUR:

    No refund will be made to clients who drop out from the journey regardless of whatever portions remain unused in the itinerary.

    4: CLIENTS’ RESPONSIBLE:

    A tour / trek guide who represents Chogholingsa trek & Tours deserves all authority during your tours. If you commit any unlawful act, you are compelled to leave the tour. No refund will be made in such case.

    5: IMPACT ON YOUR JOURNEY:

    We put our every effort to ensure comfortable traveling of yours,but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the western affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impact on your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before head is must to venture into journey.

    6:  TRAVEL INSURANCE:

    You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance package against medical, natural calamity, helicopter evacuation, personal accident, trip cancellation etc. This is  suggested to all our esteemed clients.

    7: TOUR AMENDMENT:
    To make alterations of any trek / tour itinerary, prior notice is requested. You’re advised to stay in touch with us thus. But occasionally, you may be obliged to do so en route under certain circumstance for instance bad weather etc.

    8: PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS:

    All necessary documents should be presented in sequence for example to issue visa, necessary permits etc. We’re not accountable in case of any trip formality not completed in time before the trip departs on the absent of essential papers and documents.

    9:  RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY:

    Your safety and enjoyment is our prime concern. We therefore carry out our responsibility honestly & sincerely to ensure your holiday trouble–free as well as you have desired. Nevertheless, unless stated otherwise, trip may be change under uncertain and inherent circumstances such as land-slides, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents etc. Any extra cost incurring there is your personal responsibility and should be borne on the spot.

    10: FLIGHT DELAY / CANCELLATION:

    There is virtually possibility of flight delay or postponement for notorious weather in Karakoram & Himalayan Mountain regions of Pakistan which could be happened,  especially during off season, you’re highly advised to reserve extra days to prepare with some delays and avoid frustrating consequence. In case of flight cancellation pre-tour/post-tour, you need to meet your accommodation and food costs yourself.

    Chogholingsa trek & Tours puts every effort to ensure your comfortable traveling, but it is must to understand that what you might be accustomed to in the other affluent countries, the Asian countries can’t afford such facilities. Weather is another factor that directly impacts your journey. Hence, patience in mind, enthusiasm and proper preparation before beginning is must to venture into journey.

    01  RESERVATIONS / PAYMENTS:

    A non-refundable deposit of $300 or 15% of the tour is required in order to make a reservation with the company. Total balance is due 3 weeks prior to departure. When price once fixed then any extra expenses will not be charged to the client
    →02  MODE OF PAYMENT:   Bank Transfer:

    Account Details

    Bank Name:

    Habib Bank Pvt.LTD.

    Account Title:

    Chogholingsa

    IBAN NO:

    PK73 HABB 0004767901352403

    swift code

    HABBPKKA Or HABBPKKA476

    Branch Code

    0476

    Branch name:

    Main Bazar Branch Skardu