General
Werthum Pass Trek (2024-25)
Discover the Werthum Pass Trek, an exhilarating adventure across Pakistan’s breathtaking Karakoram Mountains. This journey, called after the Wakhi phrase for millstone, passes the lonely Werthum Pass at 5,147 meters, linking the Batura Glacier to the Lupgar Valley. With stunning vistas of towering peaks and rough terrain, this walk is the ideal combination of natural beauty and adventure. The Werthum Pass Trek, suitable for both experienced climbers and enthusiastic trekkers, promises an amazing adventure in one of the world’s most stunning mountain ranges. Join us for an unforgettable journey!
Dates & Cost – Werthum Pass Trek
Summers are ideal for the Werthum Pass Trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Pakistan. The months mentioned below are ideal for trekking in the Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate until October. Our dates and costs are noticeable below.
Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20-Jun-2024 | 04-Jul-2024 | US$ 2,000 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
20-Jun-2025 | 04-Jul-2025 | US$ 2,000 | Available | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
Holiday Information
Inclusions for both International & local trekkers
- All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- All camping site fees and bridge fees
- All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
- All meals in Pakistan, except those specifically mentioned under "What's Not Included" section.
- Snacks, including dry fruits and tea/coffee, during the trek
- Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Waste Management Fee (USD 150) for Central Karakoram National Park (mandatory)
- Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porterage -personal luggage (14kgs)
- Storage service for baggage in Skardu (for leaving a bag behind before going on the trek)
- First aid medicine kit (basic)
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Exclusions for both International & local trekkers
- International Airfare & Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be provided)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- All Hotel/Restaurant Meals (5 Lunches & 6 Dinners) (Price range per meal US $4 to $9)
- Government Permit Fee of USD 300 for Gilgit Baltistan Council's GB Adventure (increased in 2024) - View Document
- Bottled water & beverages (e.g., 1.5L bottled water costs approximately USD 0.30)
- Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additionalUSD 67 per night
- Excess or additional weight/baggage during the trek:USD 11 per kg
- Storage service for baggage in Islamabad:USD 18 per bag/piece
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
- Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
- Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
Itinerary – Werthum Pass Trek
The itinerary for the Werthum Pass Trek is noticeable below.
Day 02: Drive to Chilas from Islamabad
On this Day
you will depart Islamabad early in the morning for a gorgeous journey to Naran, which will take roughly 6-7 hours and cover 239 kilometers. When you get to Naran about midday, you'll stop for lunch and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of this little valley town. After an hour of relaxation, you will resume your journey to Chilas, departing at approximately 2:00 PM. This section of the journey is 113.3 kilometers and takes around 3-4 hours, traveling via the breathtaking Babusar Pass, which sits at an astounding elevation of 4,173 meters (13,691 feet). The Babusar Pass, the highest point in the Kaghan Valley, provides stunning vistas with its notorious hairpin twists. By late afternoon or early evening, you will arrive in Chilas, where you may check into your hotel and unwind after a long day of travel. The ride across Babusar Pass offers not only an exciting driving experience but also breathtaking panoramic views of the region's natural beauties.
Day 03: Drive to Karimabad and Passu
On this Day
The drive to Karimabad (Hunza) takes about 6-7 hours. En-way, stop at the junction of three big mountain ranges, the Karakorum, Himalaya, and Hindukush, at Thalichi for photography from Nanga Parbat 8,126m, and at the Rakaposhi viewpoint for photography and refreshment. Driving to Passu in the evening, 50 kilometers. Altitude: 2,400 meters.
Day 04: Travel from Passu to Yunz ben
On this Day
On this day, your trip begins with an 11.5-kilometer hike from Passu to Yunz ben. This walk is scheduled to last around 6-7 hours as you follow sandy trails to the snout of the massive Batura Glacier. The Batura Glacier is longer than the well-known Baltoro Glacier in the K2 area. The altitude on this walk will be roughly 2,880 meters. Tents will be used for overnight accommodations, allowing for a close interaction with the surrounding natural environment. Meals will be given along the way to keep you energized during the adventure. This trip provides an opportunity to witness the raw beauty of the countryside and the majesty of the Batura Glacier, making it an unforgettable element of your journey.
Day 05: Trek from Yunz Ben to Yashpirt
On this day
GPS data
Altitude: 3,302 m
Time: 6-7 hours
You'll walk from Yunz ben to Yashpirt, covering 5.7 kilometers in 6-7 hours. Expect a difficult day of trekking on rocks and moraines as you cross the Batura Glacier diagonally. Yashpirt, a lovely high meadow with shepherd cottages, provides breathtaking views of the Batura Alps and the renowned Batura icefall. You'll also see Distaghil Sar (7,885 m), the tallest mountain in the Trans-Himalayan area.
Day 06: Trek from Yashpirt to Shireen Maidan
On this Day
Today's trip will take you from Yashpirt to Shireen Maidan, covering 16.9 kilometers in 6-7 hours. This section of the tour poses a moderate challenge as you travel across rocky terrain. Enjoy the scenery on your trip to Shireen Maidan. Prepare for an exciting day of adventure and discovery in the region's breathtaking scenery.
Day 07: Trek to Werthum Base Camp
On this Day
Your journey continues from Shireen Maidan to Werthum Base Camp. The excursion takes roughly 3-4 hours and covers a distance of 3.8 kilometers. Expect a shorter trip to Werthum than on previous days, allowing you some rest and enjoyment of the scenery. Take in the natural splendor of the environment as you reach the base camp, where you will prepare for future excursions.
Day 08: Trek to Werthum High Camp
On this Day
Begins with a walk from Werthum Base Camp to Werthum High Camp. This part of the journey will take roughly 3-4 hours to complete, covering 3.4 kilometers. Today's journey is quite short, giving you plenty of opportunity to adjust to the altitude and take in the surrounding natural splendor. As you rise to the high camp, soak in the spectacular vistas and prepare for the exploits that lie ahead at greater elevations.
Day 09: Trek from High Camp to Harkeesh
On this Day
Today's route will take us from the High Camp to Harkeesh, which will be both tough and rewarding. You'll start by climbing the daunting Werthum Pass, which stands at an elevation of 5,147 meters. The walk is planned to last 6-7 hours and cover 6.1 kilometers. Along the trip, you'll climb 172 meters before descending 1,658 meters. Prepare for a challenging day of hiking over tough terrain and high heights. Despite the difficulties, the breathtaking scenery and sense of success make this an unforgettable portion of your journey.
Day 10: Trek from Harkeesh to Raminj
On this Day
Descend from Harkeesh to Raminj, which should take around 3-4 hours. The track descends 394 meters. Enjoy a shorter trip today, allowing for some leisure and reflection on your adventure thus far. As you make your journey to Raminj, enjoy the changing beauty and the calm of the mountains.
Day 11: Drive from Raminj to Karimabad
On this Day
On Day 11, take a lovely journey from Raminj to Karimabad. Begin your journey by boarding jeeps to Passu, from whence you will transfer to Karimabad. Along the walk, take in the spectacular views of Attaabad Lake and the surrounding terrain. Enjoy the thrill of navigating the difficult terrain and taking in the region's natural beauty as you make your way to Karimabad.
Day 12: Local visits to Karimabad and Altit
On this Day
Begin your day by seeing the Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old ancient building located in Baltit village. Before continuing your journey, take time to see the historic fort's rich cultural legacy and architectural marvels. In the afternoon, explore Altit Fort, which has a 900-year history, as well as Altit Village. Witness the workmanship of Hunza's women carpenters, who demonstrate ancient techniques passed down through generations. In the evening, take a leisurely water channel stroll from Karimabad to Hyderabad village to unwind and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.
Day 13: Drive from Karimabad to Naran
On this Day
Embark on a picturesque trip from Karimabad to Naran, spanning 355 kilometers across the legendary Babusar Pass, which reaches 4,173 meters (13,691 feet) above sea level. Take advantage of different views along the way to halt for photographs and refreshments, allowing you to capture the beautiful beauty while also rejuvenating yourself amidst nature's majesty. Babusar Pass, noted for its hairpin twists, is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley and connects it to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway. The Karakoram Highway is regarded as the eighth wonder of the world, adding to the appeal of the expedition. Prepare for an extraordinary trip as you travel this incredible road, taking in the spectacular majesty of the scenery along the way.
Day 14: Drive from Naran to Islamabad
On this Day
GPS data
Time: 6-7 hours
The journey from Naran to Islamabad, spans 239 kilometers. Along the way, stop at Taxila and discover its many historical sites. Taxila, noted for its importance as a learning center and the blossoming of Gandhara art, contains several archeological sites ranging from 600 BC to 500 AD. Begin your journey with Taxila Museum, which houses a broad array of archeological artifacts highlighting the region's cultural legacy. Discover Taxila's past by visiting archeological sites like Jaulian, Mohra Moradu, and Sirkap, all of which are within a 30-kilometer radius of the museum. Before continuing your travel to Islamabad, take time to appreciate the architectural marvels and cultural value of these historic places.
Day 15: Fly to Home Country
On this Day
Travel to Islamabad airport for your international trip home. As you go for home, bid farewell to Pakistan's breathtaking landscapes and cultural riches. As you prepare to leave, reflect on the remarkable memories and experiences you had throughout your adventure. Allow Pakistan's beauty and kindness to remain in your heart as you recall beloved memories and fresh views.
Why Register Now?
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 us less than peak-season.
2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. We have restricted one group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
3. 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.
4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: 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.
5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change according to the late deposit schedule above. The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals
The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 100,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable in all cases too.
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.
Photo Gallery – Werthum Pass Trek
Overview – Werthum Pass Trek
The Werthum Pass Trek takes daring travelers through some of Pakistan’s most breathtaking alpine scenery. This pass, named after the Wakhi phrase for millstone, serves as a gateway between the Batura Glacier and the Lupgar Valley in Chapursan, enticing hikers with its secluded beauty and harsh terrain. At a height of 5,147 meters, the pass offers an alternate path for people looking to explore the higher parts of the Batura Glacier region, as well as access to Werthum Valley.
This less-traveled valley, located north of the Batura Glacier, has a varied panorama filled with snow-capped peaks and glaciated terrain. From basic, non-technical snowy summits to more difficult technical peaks reaching heights of 5,400 to 5,900 meters, the Werthum Valley has something for hikers of all ability levels. Along the way, travelers are rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding mountains, including the towering peaks of the Batura range and the magnificent Shishpar.
Despite its isolated position and challenging terrain, traversing the Werthum Pass does not need significant mountaineering abilities. However, hikers should be prepared for difficult circumstances and changing weather patterns. With proper planning and preparation, this walk provides a unique chance to immerse oneself in the natural splendor of the Karakoram area, meeting breathtaking scenery, a rich cultural legacy, and great hospitality along the route. Whether you’re an expert climber searching for a new challenge or a first-time explorer wanting to enjoy Pakistan’s natural grandeur, the Werthum Pass Trek guarantees an exciting trek into the heart of the Himalayas.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024