Patundas Meadows & Passu Glacier Trek
A supported 10-day Karakoram journey from Ghulkin across the shifting Passu Glacier to Lazhdur and the panoramic Patundas plateau.
Choose a scheduled window or request private dates.
| Departure | Return | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 12 June 2027 | 21 June 2027 | Planned |
| 10 July 2027 | 19 July 2027 | Planned |
| 14 August 2027 | 23 August 2027 | Planned |
| 11 September 2027 | 20 September 2027 | Planned |
Private dates can be proposed. Final pricing depends on group size, hotel level, porter allocation and current operating costs.
A high meadow between two great glaciers.
Patundas is a broad summer grazing plateau above Ghulkin in Upper Hunza, positioned between the Passu and Batura glacier systems. At roughly 4,300 metres it opens a remarkable skyline of Shispare, Passu Peak, Batura and the distinctive Passu Cones.
The approach begins near Shahabad and Passu Ghar, crosses the debris-covered Passu Glacier with a local guide, reaches the lower camp at Lazhdur, and then climbs steeply to Patundas. Glacier conditions change continuously, so the daily line and crossing point are confirmed locally rather than treated as fixed.
Patundas Meadows trekking landscape
A short trek with true Karakoram scale.
The trek in detail
Day 1 · Arrival in Islamabad
Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to the hotel. A trek briefing covers the route, current glacier information, personal equipment, porter loads and the flight contingency for the following morning.
Day 2 · Fly to Gilgit and continue to Ghulkin
Take the weather-dependent flight to Gilgit, then follow the Karakoram Highway through Hunza to Ghulkin in Gojal. The road follows part of the historic corridor that connected communities of the upper Indus with Central Asian routes. If the flight is cancelled, the journey changes to an overland transfer and the program is adjusted.
Day 3 · Ghulkin, Borith Lake and Passu acclimatization
Use the day for gentle acclimatization around Ghulkin, Borith Lake and the Passu landscape. Borith is a saline lake above Hussaini and an important seasonal resting area for migratory birds. The guide checks the latest glacier crossing and confirms the trekking plan.
Day 4 · Shahabad to Passu Ghar
Drive a short distance to the trailhead near Shahabad and begin the climb above cultivated land toward Passu Ghar. The first camp provides the transition from village paths to the glacial environment and allows another night of acclimatization before the crossing.
Day 5 · Cross Passu Glacier to Lazhdur
Approach the lateral moraine and cross the Passu Glacier on the safest line available that day. Loose moraine, uneven ice and moving debris require concentration and close guidance. After the crossing, climb to Lazhdur, also written Latur or Luzhdur, for a supported camp beneath the Patundas ridge.
Day 6 · Lazhdur to Patundas Meadows
A steep zigzag trail gains the ridge before easing onto the Patundas grazing plateau. The meadow is often called a “table of mountains” for its open 360-degree outlook. Camp is established at a suitable sheltered point, subject to water availability, wind and seasonal grazing activity.
Day 7 · Patundas sunrise and return to Lazhdur
Begin early for sunrise and a measured exploration of the plateau, with views across the Batura and Passu glacier systems. Descend carefully to Lazhdur for a lower and more comfortable overnight camp.
Day 8 · Lazhdur to Ghulkin
Re-cross Passu Glacier using the route selected by the guide that morning; the return line can differ because glacier conditions evolve. Continue through Passu Ghar and Shahabad, then transfer to Ghulkin for a shower and hotel or guesthouse night.
Day 9 · Ghulkin to Gilgit and Islamabad
Drive to Gilgit for the weather-dependent flight to Islamabad. When schedules permit, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a relaxed final evening. The overland contingency may require itinerary adjustment, so an additional buffer night after the journey is recommended for international connections.
Day 10 · Islamabad departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport according to your onward schedule. Extra nights, Taxila or an Islamabad heritage program can be arranged separately.
Follow EP-008 day by day.
- Day 1 · Islamabad — Arrival, briefing and equipment review
- Day 2 · Islamabad → Gilgit → Ghulkin — Conditional flight and Karakoram Highway transfer
- Day 3 · Ghulkin, Borith & Passu — Acclimatization walks in Upper Hunza
- Day 4 · Shahabad → Passu Ghar — Trek to the first supported camp
- Day 5 · Passu Glacier → Lazhdur — Guided glacier crossing to lower camp
- Day 6 · Lazhdur → Patundas — Steep ascent to the high meadow
- Day 7 · Patundas → Lazhdur — Sunrise exploration and descent
- Day 8 · Lazhdur → Ghulkin — Re-cross Passu Glacier and return to the village
- Day 9 · Ghulkin → Gilgit → Islamabad — Road transfer and conditional flight
- Day 10 · Islamabad departure — Final airport transfer
Accommodation, support and equipment.
Accommodation plan
| Islamabad | 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Ghulkin / Upper Hunza | 3 nights |
| Passu Ghar camp | 1 night |
| Lazhdur camp | 2 nights |
| Patundas camp | 1 night |
Trek profile
| Reference | EP-008 |
|---|---|
| Grade | Challenging · 4 of 5 |
| Highest camp | Approx. 4,300 m |
| Longest day | Up to 6–8 hrs |
| Terrain | Steep trail, moraine and active glacier |
Important route note
The Passu Glacier is active and the crossing changes. This journey requires a locally experienced guide, appropriate footwear, good balance and flexibility. Trekking hours and camps may change after the guide’s daily assessment.
What is and is not included.
Services Included
- 9 nights in twin-sharing hotels, guesthouse and shared camping tents
- Private ground transportation and airport transfers
- Experienced guide and specialist local glacier support
- Porters within the stated personal-load allowance
- Camping tents and group camping equipment
- Entrance, conservation and local trekking fees where charged
- Visa-support documentation and applicable service taxes
Services Not Included
- International and domestic airfare; booking assistance is available
- All meals and beverages
- Sleeping bag, personal trekking equipment and excess porter loads
- Travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Visa fee, personal expenses and tips
- Disruption, rescue or evacuation costs
- Anything not listed under Services Included
Related trekking journeys
Compare this journey with the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek, the Shimshal Pass journey, or the Rush Lake trek.
Climb to the table of mountains.
EP-008 can operate on a planned departure or private dates, subject to glacier, weather and flight conditions.