The best-documented Golen Gol trek links Madaklasht in Shishi Koh valley to the Golen valley north-east of Chitral town, over a pass of roughly 4,000 metres. Operators run it as five days with jeep transport at each end, and two to three days of actual walking. It is a moderate route in a quiet part of the Hindu Kush, with steep, snow-covered passes that limit it to summer and early autumn.
This is a route guide, not a substitute for a local guide: the passes here are used mostly by herders, and trekking sources say so plainly.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Route | Chitral, Madaklasht, Ghocharsor, pass, Koreeouch, Rogh Junali, Golen, Chitral |
| Length | 5 days (3 days on foot) as run by Chitral operators |
| Pass height | About 4,058 m on one operator's itinerary; another source gives 4,496 m for the Roghili An |
| Best months | Summer to late September; passes snowbound until about July |
| Golen from Chitral | About 24 to 25 km |
| Support | Local guide, porters and cooks strongly advised |
Where is Golen?
Golen (also written Golain or Golen Gol) lies north-east of Chitral town, roughly 24 to 25 km away. The Golen Gol river runs down to the Mastuj river, and the Golen Gol hydropower dam, operating since 2018, is about 25 km from Chitral. The valley's settlements include Golain Payeen, Chashma, Bubaka, Izghor, Birmogh and Istoor, with small shops in Izghor, Birmogh and Istoor for basics. Accommodation is limited to one or two local guest rooms, and there is a private trout farm where visitors can eat beside the stream.
The five-day route
The itinerary below is the one published by the Chitral Travel Bureau. Times are theirs and vary with fitness and conditions.
- Day 1: Chitral to Madaklasht by jeep, three to four hours. Madaklasht is at about 2,500 m, and our Chitral to Madaklasht road guide explains the drive.
- Day 2: Madaklasht to Ghocharsor, about four hours, mostly flat through tall pines past shepherd huts, to about 2,800 m.
- Day 3: over the Madaklasht pass to Koreeouch, about six hours. The pass is listed at 4,058 m. This is the hardest day.
- Day 4: Koreeouch to Rogh Junali, four to five hours along the south stream of the Golen valley.
- Day 5: Golen back to Chitral by jeep, two to three hours.
Other sources give a higher figure for the main pass on this link, the Roghili An at 4,496 m, and note it is a demanding crossing with a steep ridge. Treat the heights as approximate and ask your guide which crossing you will make.
Going on from Kuguzi
From Kuguzi (also spelt Koghuzi) in the upper Golen valley, trekking sources list two onward options: a five-day route over the Phargram pass towards Laspur to the north-east, and a three-day trek south to Madaklasht. Another operator describes a longer trek from Golen to the Buni Zom base camp and over the Phargram pass at about 4,700 m, rated moderate except for the last stage over the pass. Those routes need proper high-altitude experience and are beyond this guide.
A Chitral tourism listing for Golen also mentions a route towards Swat Kohistan via Bashqar Lake and a two-day link to Madaklasht.
When to go
The steep passes at the valley heads stay snow-covered until about July and are best crossed before late September, according to a Chitral trekking guide. Plan for July to mid-September. Check, too, that the road to Madaklasht is open: the road suffered flood damage in July and August 2026 and was being cleared and repaired in August. Rivers run high with glacier melt in mid-summer, so ask your guide about stream crossings.
What to carry and arrange
- A local guide, porters and a cook through a Chitral operator, since the passes are infrequently used
- Tent, sleeping bag rated for freezing nights above 3,500 m, and rain gear
- Food for the walking days, as there is little to buy beyond Madaklasht
- Water purification, a first-aid kit and a printed route note with your return date left in Chitral
Never go alone, and tell someone in Chitral your route and expected return.
Is it safe?
Chitral is on the UK government's list of areas where it advises against travel, and the UK advises against all travel on the N45 from Mardan to Chitral city. Overseas visitors should check their own government's advice, since travelling against it can void insurance. Pakistani trekkers should ask local police and operators in Chitral about the situation immediately before setting out. Our Chitral safety guide has more. Landslides and flash floods are the more routine hazards in July and August.
Is it worth it?
It suits experienced walkers who want a short route with a real pass crossing and no crowds, and who are comfortable with a simple village stay at each end. It is not a good first trek: help is far away, and the pass heights vary between sources. For easier walking in Chitral, see our guide to treks in Chitral, or browse all experiences.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Golen Gol trek?
Chitral operators run Madaklasht to Golen as five days including the jeep days, with about three days on foot.
How high is the pass between Madaklasht and Golen?
One operator lists the Madaklasht pass at 4,058 m. Another source gives the Roghili An at 4,496 m. Ask your guide which pass you are crossing.
When is the Golen trek possible?
Passes stay snowbound until about July and are best crossed before late September, so July to mid-September is the practical window.
How far is Golen from Chitral?
About 24 to 25 km, and operators give two to three hours by jeep from Golen back to Chitral.
Can I trek without a guide?
We would not. The passes are used mostly by herders and are unmarked, so a local guide is the safe way to do it.
