Chipursan Valley & Irshad Pass Trek
Pakistan's Friendliest Frontier β Wakhi Villages and Afghan Border Views
From
RsΒ 165,000
8 Days
Duration
4,980m
Max Elevation
2β14 pax
Group Size
Chipursan Valley, Gojal (Upper Hunza), Gilgit-Baltistan
Region
Overview
The Irshad Pass (4,980m) is the more accessible of the two main passes out of Chipursan Valley, linking the valley to the Baba Ghundi pastures on the edge of the Wakhan Corridor. The trek into Chipursan itself is one of the most culturally rich and visually dramatic in Pakistan β the valley pushes between the walls of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush into a landscape where Pakistan narrows to just a few kilometres between China and Afghanistan. The Wakhi villages of Chipursan β Zood Khun, Rech, Yarzerech β have maintained their traditional way of life with extraordinary authenticity. From the Irshad Pass, the full panorama of the Wakhan Corridor is revealed β Afghan peaks, the Panj River corridor, and Tajikistan beyond. This is a shorter and somewhat less demanding version of the Chilinji trek, making it accessible to strong trekkers without prior high-altitude experience.
Trip Highlights
Irshad Pass (4,980m) β sweeping Wakhan Corridor and Afghanistan views
Chipursan Valley β Pakistan's northernmost inhabited valley
Wakhi villages β ancient stone towers, traditional dress, yak herds
Baba Ghundi β sacred site on the edge of the Afghan corridor
Afghanistan, China and Pakistan converge within 50km of this trek
Shorter and more accessible than the Chilinji β still a genuine frontier experience
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Islamabad β Hunza
π Hotel Hunzaπ½οΈ Dinner
Islamabad β Hunza
Fly to Gilgit or drive. Arrive Hunza.
2Hunza β Sost β Chipursan β Zood Khun (3,100m)
π Guesthouse Zood Khunπ½οΈ All meals
Hunza β Sost β Chipursan β Zood Khun (3,100m)
Drive to Sost, then 4WD to Zood Khun village β gateway to Chipursan.
3Zood Khun β Rech β Yarzerech (3,700m)
π Camp Yarzerechπ½οΈ All mealsπ 20kmβ°οΈ 3,700m
Zood Khun β Rech β Yarzerech (3,700m)
Trek up the valley through traditional stone villages. Extraordinary cultural immersion.
4Yarzerech β Irshad Pass Base (4,300m)
π Camp Irshad Baseπ½οΈ All mealsπ 12kmβ°οΈ 4,300m
Yarzerech β Irshad Pass Base (4,300m)
Ascend into the upper valley. Last summer herders. Snow peaks close on all sides.
5Cross Irshad Pass (4,980m) β Wakhan Views & Return
π Camp Irshad Baseπ½οΈ All mealsπ 16kmβ°οΈ 4,980m
Cross Irshad Pass (4,980m) β Wakhan Views & Return
Early start. Ascend to the pass. Wakhan Corridor panorama. Afghanistan peaks visible. Descend back to base camp. (Day trek β no border crossing.)
6Irshad Base β Zood Khun
π Guesthouse Zood Khunπ½οΈ All mealsπ 20km
Irshad Base β Zood Khun
Return down the valley. Porter farewell.
7Zood Khun β Sost β Hunza
π Hotel Hunzaπ½οΈ All meals
Zood Khun β Sost β Hunza
4WD back to Sost, drive to Hunza. Visit Attabad Lake.
8Hunza β Gilgit β Islamabad
π Hotel Islamabadπ½οΈ Breakfast
Hunza β Gilgit β Islamabad
Fly or drive to Islamabad.
What's Included
- All transport IslamabadβHunzaβSostβChipursan return
- Licensed local Wakhi guide
- Cook and staff
- Porters at local rates
- Full camping equipment
- All meals
- Area permit (Gojal border zone)
- Hunza hotel (1 night), Sost (1 night)
Not Included
- International airfares
- Pakistan visa
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
- Tips
β οΈ Requirements & Prerequisites
- β’Good physical fitness β 6β7 hrs/day
- β’Prior trekking experience helpful but not mandatory
- β’Gaiters and trekking poles recommended (snow on pass)
Best Season
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the Chilinji Pass trek?
The Irshad Pass trek stays within Chipursan and returns the same way β it is a return trek, not a traverse. The Irshad Pass (4,980m) is lower and less demanding than Chilinji (5,335m). Ideal for those wanting the Chipursan experience without committing to a full 14-day traverse and high-pass crossing.
8 people booked this trip this month
Price Calculator
$589 USD Β· 4β5 persons
Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.
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.
Get a Free Quote
Personalised itinerary & pricing in 24 hrs