Chipursan Valley & Chilinji Pass Trek
Pakistan's Northernmost Valley β On the Edge of Afghanistan, China, and Tajikistan
From
RsΒ 420,000
14 Days
Duration
5,335m
Max Elevation
2β10 pax
Group Size
Chipursan Valley (Zood KhunβKili Kichk), Gojal, Gilgit-Baltistan
Region
Overview
Chipursan Valley is the northernmost inhabited valley in Pakistan β a narrow corridor that pushes into the mountains at the point where Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China converge. The valley's Wakhi-speaking inhabitants are among Pakistan's most traditional and isolated communities, maintaining a way of life little changed for centuries. The trek up Chipursan leads through a series of small villages β each with ancient stone towers and flat-roofed houses β before entering the high pastures where yak and cattle herds graze against a backdrop of 6,000m and 7,000m peaks. The Chilinji Pass at 5,335m is the culmination β a technically demanding, non-technical high crossing linking the Chipursan system to the Ishkoman Valley of Ghizer. On a clear day the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan is visible from the pass. The descent into Ishkoman through the Chilinji Glacier moraine is wild and spectacular. This is one of the most remote and rewarding trek routes in all of Pakistan.
Trip Highlights
Chilinji Pass (5,335m) β high frontier crossing between Gojal and Ishkoman
Chipursan Valley β Pakistan's northernmost valley, bordering Afghanistan and China
Wakhi cultural immersion β ancient stone villages, traditional dress, yak herders
Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan visible from Chilinji Pass
Snow leopard, Marco Polo sheep, and wolf territory throughout
One of the rarest and most remote trek routes in Pakistan
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Islamabad β Hunza
π Hotel Hunzaπ½οΈ Dinner
Islamabad β Hunza
Fly to Gilgit or drive via KKH. Arrive Hunza.
2Hunza β Sost β Chipursan Valley (Zood Khun, 3,100m)
π Guesthouse Zood Khunπ½οΈ All meals
Hunza β Sost β Chipursan Valley (Zood Khun, 3,100m)
Drive north to Sost (1hr). Branch west into Chipursan (2hrs 4WD). Arrive Zood Khun β first Chipursan village. Trek briefing.
3Zood Khun β Yarzerech (3,400m)
π Camp Yarzerechπ½οΈ All mealsπ 18kmβ°οΈ 3,400m
Zood Khun β Yarzerech (3,400m)
Trek up the valley. Pass through traditional villages. Stone towers and ancient architecture.
4Yarzerech β Kili Kichk (3,700m)
π Camp Kili Kichkπ½οΈ All mealsπ 16kmβ°οΈ 3,700m
Yarzerech β Kili Kichk (3,700m)
Continue to the last summer pasture settlement. Yak herds. Outstanding views of 6,000m peaks.
5Kili Kichk β Chilinji Base Camp (4,400m)
π Camp Chilinji Baseπ½οΈ All mealsπ 12kmβ°οΈ 4,400m
Kili Kichk β Chilinji Base Camp (4,400m)
Ascend towards the pass. Moraine and high pasture terrain. Snow visible ahead.
6Acclimatization Rest Day at Base Camp
π Camp Chilinji Baseπ½οΈ All meals
Acclimatization Rest Day at Base Camp
Rest at 4,400m. Short exploration hike above camp. Observe wildlife. Prepare for pass crossing.
7Cross Chilinji Pass (5,335m)
π Camp Ishkoman Sideπ½οΈ All mealsπ 14kmβ°οΈ 5,335m
Cross Chilinji Pass (5,335m)
Early start. Steep ascent on snow and scree. Summit at 5,335m β Wakhan Corridor visible. Begin descent into Ishkoman drainage.
8Descent: Chilinji Glacier Moraine β Pakora (3,500m)
π Camp Pakoraπ½οΈ All mealsπ 18km
Descent: Chilinji Glacier Moraine β Pakora (3,500m)
Long descent through spectacular moraine and glacier landscape.
9Pakora β Ishkoman Valley Villages
π Guesthouse Ishkomanπ½οΈ All mealsπ 16km
Pakora β Ishkoman Valley Villages
Trek to the Ishkoman Valley floor and the nearest village.
10Ishkoman β Gilgit via Ghizer Valley
π Hotel Gilgitπ½οΈ All meals
Ishkoman β Gilgit via Ghizer Valley
Drive from Ishkoman through the beautiful Ghizer Valley to Gilgit (3β4hrs).
11Rest Day in Gilgit
π Hotel Gilgitπ½οΈ All meals
Rest Day in Gilgit
Rest, recover, explore Gilgit bazaar. Optional Gilgit polo match (if in season).
12Optional Extension to Hunza or Skardu
π Hotel Hunza or Skarduπ½οΈ All meals
Optional Extension to Hunza or Skardu
Hunza (2hrs north) or Skardu (4hrs east) for further adventures.
13Journey to Islamabad
π Hotel Islamabadπ½οΈ Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to Islamabad
Fly from Gilgit or drive via KKH.
14Departure
π π½οΈ Breakfast
Departure
Transfer to airport.
What's Included
- All transport IslamabadβHunzaβSostβZood Khun and exit via Gilgit
- Senior licensed guide with Chilinji Pass experience
- Assistant guide
- Cook and kitchen staff
- Porters (Wakhi local porters)
- Full camping equipment
- All meals
- Special area permits (GojalβIshkoman crossing)
- Hunza hotel (1 night), Sost (1 night), Gilgit (1 night)
- Satellite phone and emergency equipment
Not Included
- International airfares
- Pakistan visa
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips
β οΈ Requirements & Prerequisites
- β’Prior high-altitude trekking above 4,500m essential
- β’Strong physical fitness β 8+ hrs/day on remote, high terrain
- β’Chilinji Pass has snow year-round β gaiters and trekking poles essential
- β’High-altitude evacuation insurance mandatory
Best Season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difficulty of the Chilinji Pass crossing?
The pass itself (5,335m) is non-technical but demanding. There is permanent snow on the approaches and the descent is steep scree. The crossing takes 7β9 hours from base camp to camp on the far side. Prior experience above 4,500m is essential. We carry rope for any glacier sections encountered.
Can we see Afghanistan from this trek?
Yes β on a clear day from the Chilinji Pass, the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan is visible to the northwest, as are the peaks of the Afghan Pamirs. This is one of the few trek routes in Pakistan where Afghanistan is genuinely in view.
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Price Calculator
$1,500 USD Β· 4β5 persons
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3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.
Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
Custom quote β info@wonderland-tours.com
Payment Methods
30% deposit to confirm. Balance due 30 days before departure.
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