General
Khot An Pass Trek (2024-25)
Take on the Khot An Pass trek, a picturesque route across the Hindu Raj Range. This walk takes you through breathtaking scenery, from lush yak pastures to high mountain passes, all while learning about the history and culture of the region. It’s an adventurer’s dream to discover one of Pakistan’s secret jewels, along with stunning vistas and interactions with distant mountain settlements.
Dates & Cost – Khot An Pass Trek – (10 Days)
Summers are ideal for the Khot An Pass Trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Pakistan. The months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in the Hindukush region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year. Our dates and costs for Khot An Pass Trek are given below.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2024 | 29-Jun-2024 | US$ 1,300 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2025 | 29-Jun-2025 | US$ 1,300 | Available | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
Holiday Information
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
- All road transport in Pakistan
- Hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing rooms)
- Trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing tents)
- Hotel meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipments and tools)
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters for trekking equipments, kitchen (supplies, tools, equipments, crockery, gas) and personal luggage
- Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipments (list provided on registration or request)
- Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
Itinerary – Khot An Pass Trek
The itinerary for the Khot An Pass Trek is given below.
Day 02: Drive Islamabad to Chitral
On this Day
Travel from Islamabad to the breathtaking Chitral Valley via the Swat Motorway. After a quick pause at the Swat Motorway Rest Area, continue driving along the N-45 highway, taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. You will pass through the magnificent Lowari Tunnel on your way to Chitral. Finally, if arrive in Chitral Valley, you may immerse yourself in its rich cultural legacy and breathtaking scenery. The estimated travel time from Islamabad to Chitral is around 9 to 10 hours. Explore Chitral's attractions, including the Shahi Mosque, Shahi Qila, the Polo Ground, Governor Cottage, and the Chitral Museum.
Day 03: Drive Chitral to Khot Lasht
On this Day
Take a picturesque journey from Chitral to Khot Lasht via winding roads with breathtaking vistas of the region's rocky mountains and deep valleys. As you climb higher into the secluded Hindu Raj Range, you'll come across lovely towns, terraced crops, and lush pastures. The trip offers a unique peek into rural life in northern Pakistan. Arriving in Khot Lasht, a magnificent high-altitude plateau at 3,048 meters, you'll spend the night acclimatizing before beginning the Khot An trek.
Day 04: Trek to Shahglasht
On this Day
First, spend the night in Khot Lasht (3048m) to acclimatize. The route continues from Khot Lasht to Shahglasht. Follow the road for 1 to 1½ hours until the bridge across the Khot Gol above Ewatch (3180m). Purkhot, the valley's highest year-round town, is forty-five minutes away and across the river. The tallest homes, used only in the summer, are another 30 minutes away. Continue hiking for another 45 minutes via undulating hills until entering the flat Shahglasht region, where you will find a solar-powered weather station after another 15 minutes. Khot Gol is formed when multiple streams come together. The Pushet huts are located above the weather station and to the south-east. The Jinali Shah huts are across the river to the north-west, while the Tarwatin huts are upstream of them. Warmin Gol flows eastward, whereas Jacha Gol flows northward. A track runs up to the Ghochhar Gol and Ghochhar An, a high pass that leads to the Bang Gol Lake (see Hindu Raj Crest under Other Treks). The Jharogh huts are located across from Tarwatin on the actual left bank of the Jacha Gol river. Camp on the meadows of ShahgLasht (3780m) and see the herders' cottages, where porters welcome the opportunity to stay.
Day 05: Trek to Dizg
On this Day
Follow the way up the Warmin Gol's true left bank, which passes between two enormous rocky hills. Follow the creek to the north (left) until you reach Graz, a flat grassy meadow 1¼ hours from Shahglasht. This is a suitable high camp option to Shahglasht if your porters are prepared to sleep at 3900m.
Truskho Chhat (3950m) is a grassland region around 30 minutes from Graz. This is the final dependable water source before crossing the Khot An, as well as the last camp spot. Continue south-south-east, crossing beneath the base of the massive rock face. In 15 minutes, reach a hill and head southeast toward Khot An, which is visible from the little mound. Reach Khot An (4230m) in 30 minutes from the Knoll. Yaks graze on the pass in the summer. The peaks above Thui are ahead and to the east. To the west are the high Hindu Kush peaks, including the seldom observed Akher Chhish (7019m) near the Uzhnu Gol's head. To a tiny, chilly spring, descend south-south-east via scree for 30 minutes. This is the only water till Dizg! Contour over the valley's south slopes, providing excellent views of the Shandur mountain and Yarkhun Valley below. After one to 1½ hours, reach a ridge immediately above Yarkhun. Turn northeast and descend the ridge top. After crossing a single juniper, Zigzag down the ridge's east face for an hour on a steep, loose gravel track. Then descend a steep gully amid beautiful eroded loess towers on loose gravel for another hour to reach the valley level. Follow the route across the alluvial fan for 30 minutes to the jeep road into Dizg (2500m), then another 15 minutes to the stores. Shopkeepers in this beautiful, well-watered Isma'ili hamlet may give trekkers green spaces to camp.
Day 06: Drive Dizg to Chitral
On this Day
After finishing your hike, you will travel back from the peaceful village of Dizg in the Yarkhun Valley to Chitral. The tour will take you through the stunning landscapes of the northern area, with views of towering peaks, rivers, and traditional mountain communities along the route. As you descend from the high-altitude valley, you'll retrace your steps through the rocky grandeur of the Hindu Raj Range, reflecting on the rich experiences and breathtaking views of your journey. Upon arrival in Chitral, you'll have the evening to rest and decompress after your excursion.
Day 07: Explore Chitral
On this day
Begin your exploration by visiting the Shahi Mosque and Shahi Qila, two of the city's most renowned attractions. The mosque is recognized for its exquisite construction, and the Qila (fort) provides insight into Chitral's rich past. Don't miss the bustling bazaars, where you may buy traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 08: Drive to Islamabad
On this Day
The travel from Chitral to Islamabad usually takes 9 to 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey is picturesque, traversing through high terrain and providing stunning vistas along the way. Make sure to stop in any of the attractive villages and towns along the way, such as Dir and Swat, to enjoy the region's natural splendor. Once in Islamabad, you may visit the city's various attractions, such as the Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh, and Lok Virsa Museum.
Day 09: Contingency day for potential delays
On this Day
We also have a contingency day in your travel arrangements in the event of unanticipated delays. This entails setting aside an additional day for your vacation so that you may change your itinerary if necessary. This might be due to inclement weather, road closures, or unforeseen occurrences during your route. This extra day helps address such circumstances without significantly disrupting your travel plans, resulting in a smoother and more pleasurable vacation overall.
Day 10: Fly to home country
Meals included: Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is noon.
Why Register Early?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.
2. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
3. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 2 years.
6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 190
- 1st November: USD 290
- 1st January: USD 350
- 15th February: USD 400
- 1st March: USD 450
- 1st May: USD 490
Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 2 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.
As Featured In:
| Apricot Tours' Social Responsibility |
| 1 foreign trekker = 5 trees |
| Apricot Tours will plant five trees for every foreign trekker who visits Pakistan for trekking to Nanga Parbat. The trees will be planted in the northern areas of Pakistan starting from 2019 as part of our CSR initiative. We aim to contribute to "Goal 13: Climate Action" of UN's Sustainable Development Goals by taking part in the massive government campaign to plant 10 billion trees during the next five years to tackle climate change. Pakistan's adverse climate impacts are very much visible through changing temperatures, prolonged droughts, increased floods and extreme weather conditions especially in Pakistan's mountain regions. Pakistan stands 7th on the list of countries that are mostly likely to be affected by global warming and has one of the highest deforestation rates in Asia. Decades of tree felling have reduced the country's forests to less than 3 percent of its total land area. How planting trees will make a difference? Planting trees will help save energy and money, cool our cities, reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for species of many kinds, provide clean water and add to the beauty of Pakistan's mountain region by simply being there. Our participants can also donate separately. Details on this initiative can be requested. |
Overview – Khot An Pass Trek
The Khot An trek is a mesmerizing excursion that takes hikers across the Hindu Raj Range, providing an intimate interaction with northern Pakistan’s lonely and quiet surroundings. The journey begins at Khot Lasht, a high-altitude plateau in the Turikho Valley, where you will acclimatize before embarking on a route that people have followed for decades. As you follow the track, you will pass through stunning yak pastures and quaint towns, with each step exposing the raw beauty of the nearby highlands. The ascent is moderate, enabling trekkers to enjoy vast vistas of the valley below, with the Khot Gol River running through it.
The first phase of the tour takes you to Shahglasht, a high-altitude meadow where streams meet to form the Khot Gol. This area is littered with seasonal herders’ huts, and the meadows provide an ideal camping, surrounded by the undulating hills that are typical of the region. As you climb higher, the route takes you through the quiet meadows of Graz and Truskho Chhat, where the grass is thick and the yaks graze freely, providing a pleasant environment that contrasts with the difficult rise ahead.
The hike culminates in the Khot An Pass, 4,230 meters. The pass is a grassy saddle with amazing views of the Hindu Kush’s towering peaks to the west, including the seldom-seen Akher Chhish, and the magnificent Shandur range to the east. The descent from the pass is steep and difficult, with a 1,730-metre plunge to the town of Dizg in the Yarkhun Valley. This section of the path is distinguished by loose gravel trails and spectacular erosion features, resulting in a physically challenging yet visually magnificent descent.
The trip’s final leg takes you down the valley level to the welcome settlement of Dizg. This Isma’ili community is located in a well-watered and fertile area of the Yarkhun Valley, where shops and locals provide green campsites and insight into local culture. The Khot An trek is more than simply a physical excursion; it is a voyage through history, culture, and the spectacular wildness of the Hindu Raj Range, providing a really rewarding experience for anyone seeking adventure and connection with nature.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
