Hunza Patundas Trek – The Hidden Gem of Hunza Valley
Hunza Patundas Trek is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful yet lesser-known high-altitude adventures. Located in Upper Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, this trek offers a perfect combination of alpine meadows, dramatic glaciers, and panoramic mountain views. Often called the “roof of Hunza,” Patundas Meadow sits at around 4,200 meters between the mighty Passu Glacier and Batura Glacier. however From here, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Passu Cones, Ultar Sar, Shispare Peak, and the Batura Massif.
Unlike more popular routes such as Fairy Meadows or Nanga Parbat Base Camp, the Patundas Trek remains relatively untouched, giving travelers a unique chance to experience the raw wilderness of the Karakoram. Whether you are a trekking enthusiast, photographer, or adventure seeker, this trek promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Hunza.
This high-altitude pasture offers some of the best panoramic views of the Karakoram range, including Passu Cones, Batura Wall, and Shispare Peak. It is one of the most scenic and relatively lesser-known treks in Hunza.
Starting from Borith Lake, the trek takes adventurers through alpine meadows, yak pastures, and glacier crossings, making it ideal for nature lovers and experienced hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. With stunning sunrise and sunset views, peaceful camping spots, and a backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks, Patundas is often called the “roof of Hunza.”
This trek is best experienced between June and October, when the trails are clear and the weather is most favorable. Far from crowded tourist routes, the Patundas Trek offers an authentic wilderness experience, cultural encounters with local Wakhi communities, and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s a must-do for trekking enthusiasts exploring the northern areas of Pakistan.
Trek Highlights – Hunza Patundas Trek
Here are the main highlights that make the Patundas Trek one of the best in Pakistan:
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🏔️ Stunning Views: Spectacular scenery of Passu Cones, Batura Glacier, Ultar Sar, and Shispare Peak.
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🌿 High-Altitude Meadow: Camp at the Patundas plateau (4,200m), a lush green pasture surrounded by snowcapped giants.
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❄️ Glacier Experience: Trek between two iconic glaciers – Passu Glacier and Batura Glacier.
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🏕️ Alpine Camping: Sleep under clear skies with views of towering peaks.
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🚶 Off-the-Beaten-Path: A less crowded alternative to busy trekking routes.
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🐐 Wildlife Encounters: Spot marmots, ibex, and yak herders in alpine pastures.
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🌊 Beautiful Lakes: Start your journey at the serene Borith Lake in Upper Hunza.
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🏡 Cultural Immersion: Meet the warm Wakhi community and experience authentic Hunza hospitality.
🎒 What to Bring for Hunza Patundas Trek
To fully enjoy the Patundas Trek, being well-prepared is crucial. Here’s a list of essential items you should pack:
🧥 Clothing
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Waterproof & windproof jacket
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Insulated down jacket (for cold nights at 4,200m)
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Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
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Trekking trousers & shirts
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Warm gloves, beanie, and scarf
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Sturdy trekking boots with good grip
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Extra socks & inner layers
⛺ Trekking Gear
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Backpack (40–60L)
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Sleeping bag (comfort up to –10°C)
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Trekking poles
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Sunglasses & sunscreen
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Reusable water bottle (with purifier if possible)
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Headlamp with extra batteries
🍲 Food & Health
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Energy bars & snacks
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Personal medicine & first aid kit
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Water purification tablets
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Electrolyte powders
📷 Extras
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Camera or drone (optional, but recommended for epic views!)
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Power bank / solar charger
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Travel documents & permits
Why Choose Us for Hunza Patundas Trek?
Choosing the right tour operator is essential for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Here’s why adventurers prefer us for the Hunza Patundas Trek:
1. Experienced Local Guides
Our professional Hunza-based guides know the trails, weather conditions, and culture inside out, ensuring your trek is safe and enjoyable.
2. Customized Itineraries
We offer flexible itineraries depending on your fitness level, travel time, and interests – from short treks to extended Hunza explorations.
3. All-Inclusive Trekking Service
We provide tents, porters, meals, and camping gear so you can focus on the adventure. Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses is also arranged before and after the trek.
4. Cultural Immersion
Our treks aren’t just about mountains – we connect you with the Wakhi and Burusho communities, giving you authentic cultural experiences.
5. Commitment to Safety
Your safety is our top priority. We provide first aid kits, emergency plans, and acclimatization days to minimize altitude-related risks.
6. Eco-Friendly Trekking
We follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that the pristine environment of Patundas remains untouched for future generations.
Best Time for Hunza Patundas Trek
The best time to trek Patundas is between mid-June to early October when the weather is relatively stable, meadows are green, and mountain views are clear. July and August are peak months with warmer conditions, while September offers fewer crowds and crisp autumn skies.
🌍 Why Hunza Patundas Trek Should Be on Your Bucket List
If you’re seeking an adventure that combines raw wilderness, majestic glaciers, alpine meadows, and authentic culture, the Hunza Patundas Trek is a perfect choice. Unlike more famous treks, Patundas offers solitude, serenity, and some of the best mountain views in the Karakoram range.
Whether you are an experienced trekker or an adventurous traveler, Patundas will reward you with an unforgettable journey to one of the most stunning natural settings in Pakistan.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Islamabad, Islamabad | ||||
WEAR | Comfortable clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. | ||||
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NOT INCLUDED |
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Hunza Patundas Trek Itinerary – 10 Days from Islamabad
Day 1: Islamabad to Gilgit (By Flight or Road)
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Option 1: Early morning flight to Gilgit (1 hr) – weather permitting.
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Option 2: Drive via Karakoram Highway (~16 hours) with overnight stay in Chilas.
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Overnight: Hotel in Gilgit or Chilas (depending on travel mode).
Day 2: Gilgit to Passu (Hunza Valley)
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Drive to Hunza via Karakoram Highway (approx. 5–6 hrs).
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Short stops at Rakaposhi Viewpoint, Attabad Lake, Gulmit.
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Reach Passu – iconic for its cathedral-like peaks.
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Overnight: Guesthouse in Passu.
Day 3: Trek Prep & Acclimatization Day (Passu – Borith Lake – Passu Glacier Walk)
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Short hike to Borith Lake.
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Optional glacier walk to the edge of Passu Glacier for warm-up.
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Check gear and get used to altitude.
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Overnight: Passu or Borith Lake Guesthouse.
Day 4: Trek from Borith to Luzhdur (Camping)
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Begin the actual trek from Borith to Luzhdur (~4–5 hrs trek).
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Trail passes yak pastures and offers early glacier views.
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Camp setup in the alpine meadows.
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Overnight: Tent camping.
Day 5: Luzhdur to Patundas Top (4200m)
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Trek to Patundas ridge (~4–6 hrs). Gradual ascent with scenic views.
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Reach Patundas Top – a wide open meadow with panoramic views.
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Sunset view of Passu Cones and Batura Wall.
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Overnight: Tent camping at Patundas.
Day 6: Rest / Exploration Day at Patundas
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Explore surrounding ridges, photography, or just relax.
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Optional hike towards Batura Glacier side.
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Enjoy sunrise/sunset with surreal Karakoram backdrops.
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Overnight: Tent camping.
Day 7: Descend from Patundas to Borith
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Return trek (~5–6 hrs) via same trail back to Borith.
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Overnight: Guesthouse near Borith Lake.
Day 8: Borith to Karimabad (Central Hunza Sightseeing)
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Drive to Karimabad – visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and Duikar viewpoint.
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Explore Hunza local markets and cafés.
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Optional cultural night/dinner with local music.
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Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad.
Day 9: Karimabad to Gilgit / Chilas
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Begin return journey.
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If flying, overnight in Gilgit.
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If driving, overnight in Chilas.
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Free evening for rest or local exploration.
Day 10: Gilgit/Chilas to Islamabad
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Flight or full-day drive to Islamabad.
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Tour ends with unforgettable memories of Hunza’s wild north.
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