Experience Pakistan · EP-013

Batura Glacier Trek

A 13-day supported journey from Passu into the broad glacial landscapes, summer pastures and mountain communities of the Batura Valley in Upper Hunza.

Duration13 days / 12 nights
Trek gradeModerate–challenging · 3 of 5
Highest campApprox. 3,800 m
Best seasonJune–September
Planned 2027 departures

Scheduled windows and private dates

DatesReferenceStatus
12–24 June 2027EP-013Registering interest
17–29 July 2027EP-013Registering interest
21 August–02 September 2027EP-013Registering interest
Indicative price range
USD 1,500–2,500per person, twin-sharing basis

Final pricing depends on group size, porter allocation, accommodation and operating dates.

Request dates & price
Journey overview

Glacier, pasture and Wakhi mountain life

Batura Glacier stretches for roughly 57 kilometres through the Karakoram, making it one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. Unlike more continuously glaciated routes, the classic Batura approach alternates between moraine, river terraces and seasonal grazing grounds used by Wakhi families from Upper Hunza.

The journey begins near Passu on the Karakoram Highway and follows the glacier’s northern side through camps such as Yashperth and Kuckhel. The skyline includes the Batura Wall, Shishper, Passu Peak and surrounding 7,000-metre summits. Route details change as the glacier, streams and seasonal bridges evolve.

IslamabadGilgitPassuBatura trailheadChina CampYashperthKuckhelLupdorPassu
Journey photography

Batura Glacier and its mountain skyline

Batura Glacier, summer pasture and campsite in Upper Hunza, Pakistan
Batura Glacier, summer grazing ground and the snow-covered Karakoram skyline.
Snow-covered Karakoram peak above Batura Glacier in Upper Hunza
A steep snow-covered summit rising above the Batura glacier system.
Journey highlights

Why Batura is a distinctive Karakoram trek

Batura GlacierWalk beside a vast valley glacier framed by the Batura Wall and the peaks of Upper Hunza.
Wakhi pasturesEncounter seasonal grazing settlements and learn how local families use the high valley.
Moderate altitudeExperience major Karakoram scenery without the extreme elevations of K2 or Gondogoro La.
Day-by-day itinerary

Thirteen days from Islamabad to Batura

Arrival in Islamabad

540 m · Arrival day · Easy

Airport reception and hotel transfer. The evening briefing covers equipment, road conditions, weather, porter arrangements and the Upper Hunza route.

Islamabad to Gilgit

Flight approx. 1 hour · Weather dependent

Fly to Gilgit when operating. If the flight is cancelled, the journey continues by road with an overnight and schedule adjustment based on safe driving hours.

Gilgit to Passu

Approx. 150 km · 4–5 hours · Karakoram Highway

Drive through Hunza and Upper Hunza, with stops at Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Attabad Lake and the Passu Cones when time permits. Overnight in Passu for acclimatisation.

Passu acclimatisation and trek preparation

Approx. 2,500 m · 3–4 hours walking · Easy

A measured village and valley walk introduces the landscape, local Wakhi culture and the scale of the glacier systems. Final equipment and porter checks follow.

Passu to Batura trailhead and China Camp

Approx. 3,000 m · 5–6 hours trekking · Moderate

Transfer to the trailhead and begin along the glacier margin. Negotiate moraine and open valley ground to the first camp, with wide views toward the Batura Wall.

China Camp to Yashperth

Approx. 3,300 m · 5–7 hours trekking · Moderate

Continue beside the glacier through changing moraine and pasture terrain. Seasonal stream crossings and trail conditions determine the exact line.

Yashperth acclimatisation and pasture exploration

3,300–3,500 m · 3–5 hours walking · Easy to moderate

A flexible day for acclimatisation, photography and exploration of the grazing areas used by Upper Hunza communities during summer.

Yashperth to Kuckhel

Approx. 3,600 m · 5–7 hours trekking · Moderate

Move deeper into the Batura Valley beneath a skyline of ice-covered summits. Camp selection depends on water, pasture use and seasonal conditions.

Day hike toward Lupdor

Up to approx. 3,800 m · 6–8 hours return · Moderate–challenging

Make a supported day excursion farther into the upper valley for closer views of the Batura massif. The turnaround point is selected according to weather, stream levels and group fitness.

Kuckhel to Yashperth

5–6 hours trekking · Moderate descent

Retrace the valley route to Yashperth, with changing afternoon light across the glacier and surrounding peaks.

Yashperth to Passu

6–8 hours trekking and short transfer · Moderate

Return through China Camp and the glacier margin to the roadhead, then transfer to Passu for a lodge stay and recovery.

Passu to Gilgit and Islamabad

4–5 hours driving · Flight subject to weather

Drive to Gilgit for the scheduled Islamabad flight when operating. A road contingency is available and may require an additional overnight.

Islamabad departure

Airport transfer · Easy

Private transfer to Islamabad International Airport. A post-journey buffer night is recommended before a separately booked international flight.

Interactive route

Day-by-day journey map

Trekking routeRoad or flight connection

This schematic map shows the sequence and approximate route. It is not for independent navigation; glacier margins, streams, bridges and camps change seasonally.

Services

What is included and excluded

Included

  • Private ground transportation with fuel
  • Airport transfers in Pakistan
  • Accommodation on twin-sharing basis
  • Licensed local guide and trekking support team
  • Porter support according to the final group plan
  • Camping equipment and camp logistics
  • Entrance fees, tolls and local coordination
  • Visa-supporting documentation

Not included

  • All meals and beverages
  • International and domestic flights; booking assistance is available
  • Pakistan visa fee
  • Personal trekking equipment and sleeping bag
  • Insurance covering trekking and emergency evacuation
  • Tips, laundry, telephone use and personal expenses
  • Costs caused by flight cancellation, weather or road closure

Best time and how to get there

Best time: June to September normally offers the most dependable trail and pasture access. Early or late departures may encounter snow, cold nights and difficult stream crossings.

Access: Reach Gilgit by weather-dependent flight or road from Islamabad, then follow the Karakoram Highway to Passu. The trekking trail begins close to the glacier’s lower margin.

Preparation: Regular hill walking, consecutive-day endurance and confidence on loose moraine are recommended. Glacier conditions may require changes to camps and walking times.

Related trekking journeys

Compare other Upper Hunza routes

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