🏔️ Booni Zom Expedition – Conquer the Crown of Hindu Raj

📌 Introduction

Booni Zom (also spelled Buni Zom) is the highest peak in the Hindu Raj range, a sub-range lying between the Hindu Kush and the Karakoram, located in the Upper Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Towering at 6,542 meters (21,463 feet), this snow-capped giant is lesser-known but highly majestic, offering an isolated, raw, and technical alpine climbing experience far from the commercial mountain traffic.

First summited in 1957 by a New Zealand expedition led by W.K.A. Berry and C.H. Tyndale-Biscoe, Booni Zom has since remained rarely climbed, its beauty hidden behind the fame of nearby Hindu Kush and Karakoram peaks. For elite alpinists and exploration-loving trekkers, Booni Zom offers a pristine climb through rugged valleys, untouched ridges, and gleaming glaciers.

📍 Geographical Overview

    .    Name: Booni Zom (Buni Zom)

     .    Altitude: 6,542 m / 21,463 ft

    .    Region: Booni Valley, Upper Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

    .    Mountain Range: Hindu Raj

    .    Coordinates: Near the confluence of Mastuj and Booni Rivers

    .    Access Route: Islamabad → Chitral → Booni → Khot Valley → Base Camp

🌄 Why Climb Booni Zom?

    .    The tallest peak in the Hindu Raj range

    .    Remote, isolated climbing — minimal ascents and zero commercialization

    .    Glacial basins, snowfields, and technical ridgelines for serious mountaineers

    .    Cultural richness of Khowar-speaking communities and ancient Chitrali traditions

    .    Ideal for film crews, high-altitude research, or climbers seeking a first ascent on sub-peaks

🗓️ Best Season to Climb

    .    Mid-June to Early September
This period offers the most stable conditions with clear weather, lower avalanche risk, and milder temperatures.

🧭 Suggested Itinerary (25–30 Days)

Itineraries can be adjusted for summit attempts, scientific studies, or multiple peaks.

🏕️ Camps & Route Features

    .    Base Camp – Glacier-fed valley with stunning views of Booni Zom’s southwest face

    .    Camp I (~4,800 m) – Beginning of snow and ice field

    .    Camp II (~5,600 m) – Pre-summit staging

    .    Summit Push – Requires 8–12 hours, mostly alpine snow and technical rock

🧗‍♂️ Climbing Profile

    .    Alpine Grade: AD+ to D (Depending on route)

    .    Terrain: Mixed snow, rock, glacier travel, crevasses

    .    Skills Required:

    .    Ice axe and crampon proficiency

    .    Glacier rope travel and crevasse rescue

    .    High-altitude endurance

    .    Technical route finding and climbing (depending on chosen ridge/face)

🏞️ Natural & Cultural Highlights

    .    Jaw-dropping vistas of Tirich Mir, Thui Zom, and Hindu Kush peaks

    .    Crystal-clear alpine streams and pasturelands

    .    Remote Chitrali villages, with traditional music, dance, and crafts

    .    Khow culture and language – one of Pakistan’s most unique heritages

    .    Warm hospitality in a tranquil, scenic setting

🛡️ Expedition Support with Chogholingsa Trek & Tours

    .    High-altitude guides from local Hindu Raj and Karakoram communities

    .    Complete base camp and climbing support: porters, cooks, gear management

    .    Emergency protocols with satellite communication and evacuation access

    .    Permits, government liaison, and sustainable expedition planning

🧳 Package Includes

    .    Climbing permits and local government liaison

    .    All meals, tents, and logistics from arrival to departure

    .    Base Camp setup with mess, cook, and communication systems

    .    Local porters and transportation (Chitral, Booni, Khot Valley)

    .    Option for documentary support, filming permits, and research coordination

🌐 Why Chogholingsa Trek & Tours Pakistan?

    .    Deep experience with remote and high-risk expeditions

    .    Partnerships with Chitrali and Gilgiti climbing communities

    .    Proven safety standards and sustainable eco-policies

    .    Ideal for explorers, climbers, documentarians, and off-grid adventurers