Passu

Introduction

Passu is a small village in the Gojal sub-district of Upper Hunza, situated along the Karakoram Highway approximately 15km north of Attabad Lake. Despite its modest size, Passu has become one of the most photographed and widely recognised destinations in Pakistan, largely on account of the extraordinary Passu Cones — a row of jagged, cathedral-like rock spires that rise abruptly from the valley floor and dominate the skyline to the north of the village with an almost surreal geometry.

The Passu Cones

The Passu Cones, also known as the Tupopdan peaks, are a series of extraordinarily sharp rock spires formed from the same tectonic upheaval that created the broader Karakoram range. The cones rise to heights between 6,000 and 6,100 metres and are composed of dark metamorphic rock streaked with pale mineral veins, giving them a striking visual character that changes dramatically depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun. Reflected in the Hunza River on a still morning or silhouetted against a sunset sky, they are among the most compelling natural spectacles in all of South Asia.

Hussaini Suspension Bridge

A short distance from Passu village, the old Hussaini Suspension Bridge crosses the Hunza River in a series of precarious wooden planks strung between wire cables, with gaps between the boards wide enough to see the rushing river far below. Crossing it is a simultaneously nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience, and the bridge has become something of a rite of passage for visitors to the area. A newer, sturdier bridge has been built alongside it for everyday use, but most travellers choose to make the crossing on the older structure for the experience and the view.

Batura Glacier

The Batura Glacier, stretching approximately 57km along the northern flanks of the Batura Muztagh range, is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions and is accessible on foot from Passu village. The walk to the glacier snout takes around two to three hours and passes through lateral moraines and glacial outwash plains. The glacier's surface is heavily laden with rock debris that gives it a grey, craggy appearance distinct from the clean white glaciers often seen in photographs, but the scale and raw power of the ice mass is deeply impressive.

Gateway to Shimshal

Passu also serves as the starting point for the rough jeep track that winds eastward into the remote Shimshal Valley, one of the most isolated inhabited valleys in Pakistan. The road to Shimshal, largely carved out by local villagers themselves over many years, crosses high passes and dramatic gorges and requires a 4x4 vehicle in good condition. For those not heading all the way to Shimshal, simply driving a short distance along this road provides extraordinary views back toward Passu and the Karakoram Highway corridor.

May to October is the main visiting season. June to September offers the most stable weather for glacier walks and hiking. The Karakoram Highway remains open throughout this period. Spring (April–May) brings greenery and wildflowers. Winter road conditions can be treacherous and some guesthouses close from November to March.

Passu lies on the Karakoram Highway approximately 170km north of Gilgit and around 70km north of Karimabad. From Karimabad, the drive takes about 1.5 hours by car. Shared vans and wagons run along the KKH between Gilgit and Sost (the Pakistan–China border town), passing through Passu. Ask to be dropped at Passu village along the highway.