General
Avdegar Trek (2024-25)
The Avdegar Trek is a picturesque excursion that begins in Passu in the Hunza region and includes valley views, rocky terrain, and high-altitude pastures. After crossing a suspension footbridge (dut), the trail passes through Kharamabad village before ascending sharply to Avdegar pasture (3930m). Trekkers can take in breathtaking views of Shishpar Peak, the Batura range, and the surrounding glaciers. This moderate hike offers a gratifying experience of natural beauty and mountain scenery in the Karakoram.
Itinerary – Avdegar Trek
The itinerary for the Avdegar Trek is given below.
Day 02: Fly to Gilgit
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Day 03: Drive to Hunza Passu
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Begin your picturesque trip towards Hunza Valley via the Karakoram Highway. Stop at Rakaposhi View Point for breakfast and spectacular mountain views. Once in Hunza, visit the famous Baltit and Altit Forts before continuing on to Passu. En there, stop at the stunning blue waters of Attabad Lake and traverse the thrilling Hussaini Suspension Bridge. End the day by enjoying the spectacular Passu Cones and neighboring glaciers, then spend the night in Passu, surrounded by the tranquil splendor of the Karakoram Mountains.
Day 04: Avdegar trek (day trip)
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From Passu (2400m), walk 10 minutes south along the KKH to the first hairpin curve, then take the unsealed road east to Yashbandan, where the trailhead is 20m away. Descend into the valley, passing Yashbandan's crops, then continue on the trail to the footbridge (dut), which takes 10 minutes to cross. After crossing, take the left branch to Kharamabad (2610m) or the right for Zarabad; for Avdegar, head northeast to Kharamabad, then follow an abandoned canal to the stream bed (2670m). From there, take the alternate track west of the stream, ascending steeply for an hour before rejoining the old path below the junipers (3360m) and continuing to Avdegar pasture (3930m) in 1.5 hours, where you may enjoy views of Shishpar and neighboring peaks, with limited water from a nearby gully.
Day 05: Avdegar Ridge Top (Optional)
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To acquire even greater perspective, ascend to the notch in the ridge above Avdegar, where a granite finger points up. This prominent rock inspired the name Avdegar (in Wakhi, videk means 'the route' and gar means'stone'). From the first huge grassy area, turn north (left) and cross the first large scree slope into another grassy area. Then, traverse a smaller scree slope and climb the grassy area beyond, switchbacking up the rock above the highest grass point. Passu yaks do this, which is unlikely but is factual. The altitudes on the ridge reach 4100m. The views from the fields below, however, are spectacular, and most hikers do not try the more difficult walk to the ridge top. To reach the ridge top, there are two stages: one up and one down.
Day 06: Avdegar to Passu
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Back to Passu via the same route.
Day 07: Drive to Gilgit
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Drive back from Passu to Gilgit, via the Karakoram Highway. The excursion takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and offers stunning views of the Hunza Valley and the Hunza River. Spend the afternoon touring the Gilgit Bazaar, where you can purchase local handicrafts, gemstones, and traditional things. For lunch or dinner, taste traditional Gilgit cuisine, such as chapshuro (meat pie) and mamtu (dumplings), or eat regional specialties at a local restaurant. Wrap off your day by witnessing the city's cultural energy before retiring for the night.
Day 08: Fly to Islamabad
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Day 09: Fly to home country
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Dates & Cost – Avdegar Trek
All seasons are considered good for the Avdegar Trek. Considering the inflow of tourists all year round, our dates are open throughout the year and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler. Our prices and dates for this tour (all seasons) are given below.
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-November to February, 2025 | Daily | 1200 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2025 | Daily | 1200 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2025 | Daily | 1200 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2025 | Daily | 1200 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
Holiday Information
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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Overview – Avdegar Trek
The trek begins in Passu and takes you through the gorgeous scenery of the Hunza area. The hike begins with a magnificent stroll along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) to the tiny settlement of Yashbandan, which was previously known for horse-keeping. As you descend into the verdant valley, the trail winds past fields, affording scenic views of the landmark “Welcome to Passu” sign on the hillside.
The trek includes a suspension footbridge, known locally as dut, with narrow planks that demand careful stepping and attention. Following the bridge, the path forks, allow trekkers to choose between Kharamabad and Zarabad. The path to Avdegar takes you northeast to Kharamabad (2610m), a thriving community with a lush agricultural landscape.
The hike from Kharamabad continues toward an abandoned canal, which leads to a stream bed at 2670m. The journey begins along an alternate trail, progressively ascending steeply through rocky terrain and scattered juniper trees, providing stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The adventure concludes in Avdegar pasture (3930m), where you can camp and take in the breathtaking panorama, which includes the high Shishpar Peak and the spectacular Batura Range. The journey is a worthwhile adventure for people looking for natural beauty, cultural encounters, and breathtaking views in the heart of the Karakoram mountains.
