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Khurdopin Pass Trek

🏔️ Khurdopin Pass Trek – A Glacier Odyssey in the Heart of the Karakoram

The Khurdopin Pass Trek is a high-altitude, glacier-dominated expedition that links Shimshal Valley with Hispar Valley through one of the most raw, remote, and surreal mountain corridors in the Karakoram Range. This trek is not for beginners — it is considered one of the most technical trekking routes in Pakistan and demands a strong will, physical fitness, and alpine experience.

This icy traverse takes you across creaking glaciers, hidden passes, and towering ice walls, offering spellbinding views of Pamir Knot, Khurdopin Glacier, Yazghil Glacier, and the dramatic peaks guarding these hidden valleys. Few have walked this route — making it a true test of adventure in the untamed wild.


🧭 Location:

→ Begins in Shimshal Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan

→ Ends in Hispar Valley near Nagar and Hunza

→ Situated in the central Karakoram Range


📆 Duration:

18–20 Days (including buffer days and travel)


🧊 Trek Overview:

🏁 Starting Point: Shimshal Village (3,100m)

The trek kicks off from Shimshal, known as the “Valley of Mountaineers” for producing some of Pakistan’s top climbers. The trail follows the Shimshal River through Past Furzin, Wuch Furzin, and onto the Khurdopin Glacier — a chaotic, constantly shifting river of ice and stone.

Trekkers must navigate icefalls, cross fixed ropes, and use crampons to traverse the glacier safely. The climb to Khurdopin Pass is a steep ascent, offering views of untouched mountain terrain and massive peaks never seen by most eyes.

From the pass, the route descends toward the Yazghil Glacier, leading you eventually into the green meadows and glacial outwash plains of Hispar Valley, where the trek concludes.


🗺️ Trek Route (Simplified):

Shimshal → Furzin → Parbandan → Mandikshlaq → Khurdopin Glacier → Khurdopin Pass → Yazghil Glacier → Hispar La Camp → Hispar Valley → Nagar/Hunza


🧗 Difficulty Level:

Very Strenuous / Technical

→ Glacier travel, ice climbing, rope work

→ Requires alpine gear and an experienced guide

→ Suitable only for experienced trekkers or climbers


Camping Experience:

All nights are spent in wild, remote camps. Expect glacier base camps, rocky moraines, and snowfield bivouacs. Nights are cold, often below freezing, and weather can shift rapidly. The skies, however, are crystal clear — revealing stars, the Milky Way, and occasional meteor trails.


📅 Best Season to Trek:

Mid-July to Early September

→ Khurdopin Glacier is more stable during this period

→ Avoid spring, as glacier surges and icefalls can be extremely dangerous


🌿 Cultural & Natural Wonders:

→ Rich cultural immersion in Shimshal’s Wakhi villages

→ Glacial hydrology: Khurdopin Glacier is known to surge and cause damming — making it a hot research spot for glaciologists

→ Ancient herder paths and trading routes

→ Wildflowers, ibex sightings, and glacier-fed alpine lakes in lower valleys


🧳 Required Equipment:

→ Technical crampons, harness, rope, and helmet

→ High-altitude tent & 4-season sleeping bag

→ Gaiters, ice axe, snow goggles

→ Satellite communication device

→ Waterproof dry bags for electronics


🧠 Important Safety Notes:

→ Only attempt this trek with certified high-altitude guides

→ Weather and glacier movements can change routes rapidly

→ Expect delays, detours, and challenging terrain

→ Rescue options are limited – full evacuation planning is essential


🎯 Why Choose the Khurdopin Pass Trek?

FeatureDescription
WildernessTrue isolation with no phone signals and zero tourism
AdventureCombines technical glacier trekking and high-altitude mountaineering
SceneryJagged peaks, ice towers, hidden valleys, and dramatic sky views
ChallengeUltimate test for trekkers seeking an unmatched expedition
Cultural DepthExperience both Shimshali and Hispar communities’ unique lifestyles

🔚 Conclusion:

The Khurdopin Pass Trek is not just a trail — it’s a legendary passage through the frozen veins of the Karakoram. It demands endurance, courage, and respect for the raw power of nature. For those who are physically fit, mentally strong, and craving an untamed alpine experience, this trek will be one of the most unforgettable journeys of your life.

🗻 Trek Highlights:

→ Khurdopin Glacier – one of the fastest-moving and most dangerous glaciers in the Karakoram

→ Khurdopin Pass (5,750m) – high-altitude pass with extreme ice formations

→ Views of Trivor Peak, Pumarikish Peak, Yazghil Domes, and Hispar Muztagh Range

→ Cross over crevasses, ice towers, and dynamic icefields

→ Adventure from the isolated Shimshal culture to the lush Hispar pastures

→ Wild camping in spectacular high-mountain landscapes

Brief Itinerary – Khurdopin La Pass Trek – (Shimshal to Hispar)

Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport (590m)
Day 02: Fly to Gilgit & Drive to Karimabad, Hunza
Day 03 Spend Free day in Karimabad – official documentation
Day 04: Drive to Shimshal village – Hotel
Day 05: Free Day in Shimshal Village (final logistics) – Hotel
Day 06: Trek begin to Chaghchagh – Camp
Day 07: Trek to Pasth Halga – Camp
Day 08: Trek to Cherireen – Camp
Day 09: Trek to Sekarwar Shambi Camp – Camp
Day 10: Trek to Dildar Baig camp – Camp
Day 11: Trek Qudrat camp – Camp
Day 12: Trek Khurdopin Pass Base camp – Camp
Day 13: Trek to Khurdopin Pass high camp (5,600m) – Camp
Day 14: Trek over Khurdopin La Pass (5,800m) to Khurdopin south BC
Day 15: Trek over Snow Lake to Hispar La Base Camp – Camp
Day 16: Trek to Hispar La Pass – Camp
Day 17: Trek to Kani Basa (4,511m)
Day 18: Trek to Jutmal (4,168m)
Day 19: Trek to Bitanmal (3,765m)
Day 20: Trek to Falaling Chhish (3,605m)
Day 21: Trek to Hispar Village (2,297m)
Day 22: Drive to Karimabad (2,440m)
Day 23: Contingency day/sightseeing
Day 24: Fly Islamabad or drive to Chilas – Hotel
Day 25: Contingency day for flight cancellation
Day 26: Fly to home country

Included

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

Not Included

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

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