Batura Glacier Trek From Passu

The Batura glacier trek runs from Passu, in upper Hunza, up the valley beside one of the longest glaciers in the Karakoram, with most groups doing it in four to six days as far as the herding settlement at Guchesham and back. It is quieter and less technical than the region's big glacier crossings, a valley-and-pasture walk beside the ice rather than a crossing of it.

The Batura glacier

The Batura glacier is one of the longer glaciers in the Karakoram, at about 57 km, running through the mountains north of Passu and Hunza's Batura peaks. It is shorter than the Baltoro or Biafo glaciers further into Baltistan, but it is still among the longest ice bodies outside the polar regions, and the trek beside it is one of the more direct ways to get close to a major Karakoram glacier without the two-week commitment of routes like the Snow Lake trek.

The route

Unlike the Patundas trek, which crosses the neighbouring Passu glacier, the Batura glacier trek stays mostly on the valley side of the ice, following paths used by Passu's herding families rather than crossing the glacier itself.

1. Passu to Yashperth. A long first day, around eight to ten hours, starting on steep, rocky and sandy ground before easing onto valley trail.
2. Yashperth to Guchesham. A shorter day of around five to seven hours, passing through the different pastures of the upper Batura valley.
3. Around Guchesham. Trekkers with time can push a further stage to Lupdor, about four hours on, for a closer view up the glacier, before turning back.
4. Return to Passu. The trip back down usually takes two days, retracing the same valley trail.

There is no accommodation beyond Passu on this route, so camping gear, food and a guide familiar with the current trail are needed for the whole trip. The path shifts somewhat from year to year with the glacier and river, which is another reason to go with someone who has walked it recently.

How hard is it?

This is a moderate to strenuous trek rather than an easy valley walk. The first day out of Passu is long and covers rough, exposed ground, and several of the following days are also full days on foot, with camps at altitude and no lodges to fall back on. It does not, however, involve the roped glacier crossing that features on the neighbouring Patundas route, which makes it a more approachable option for trekkers who want serious Karakoram scenery without technical glacier travel.

What you see

The reward is sustained close-up views of the Batura glacier and the peaks above it, known collectively as the Batura wall, several of which rise above 7,000 metres. Because the trail runs beside rather than across the ice for most of its length, there is more time to take in the glacier's scale than on a quick crossing, and the upper pastures around Guchesham give some of the widest views in the valley.

When to go

June to September is the season, with July and August the most reliable months for weather and trail conditions, in line with the rest of the region covered in our trekking season guide.

Is it worth it?

For trekkers in Hunza with four to six days to spare who want a proper multi-day trek without committing to the technical or expedition-length routes further into the Karakoram, yes. It suits a wider range of fitness levels than the Patundas or Shimshal Pass treks, since it avoids glacier crossings, but it is still a serious trek with long days and no facilities, not a casual walk. Our trekking in Hunza guide compares it directly with Patundas, Rush Lake and the Shimshal Pass trek for anyone deciding between them.

Frequently asked questions