Field guides / Gilgit Division / Hunza / Passu Glacier
Field guide · Nature
Gilgit Division
Hunza District · Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Passu Glacier
A spectacularly accessible glacier near Passu village, a half-day walk takes visitors onto the ice with views of Passu Cones and the Karakoram peaks above.
The Passu Glacier descends from the peaks above Passu village on the Karakoram Highway and is one of the most accessible glaciers in Pakistan, a 2-3 hour walk from the roadside brings non-trekkers onto the ice. The glacier surface offers close-up views of crevasses, seracs, and the soaring Passu Cones and Karakoram peaks above.
Why go
- ✦Among most accessible glaciers in Pakistan
- ✦Passu Cones visible from glacier surface
- ✦No technical gear required for snout walk
- ✦Combine with Batura Glacier same day
A Walk on the Ice
The Passu Glacier walk is one of the best low-effort high-reward experiences in northern Pakistan. Within 2 hours of leaving the KKH, you are standing on active glacier ice with seracs around you and the cathedral spires of Passu Cones filling the sky.
Planning tip
When to go, April to October from the KKH; safest to walk on the ice June to September.
Getting there, Drive the KKH to Passu village (90 km north of Karimabad); the glacier path begins at the edge of the village.
Allow, Half a day return from Passu village.
