The Haldi Cones are a cluster of sharp granite spires in the Karakoram, above Haldi village in Ghanche district. Haldi is about 25 km from Khaplu town (sources say 20 to 30 km), roughly 45 minutes by road, and the cones can be seen from Khaplu itself, from Machulu and from the Saling and Yocho valleys. Most visitors enjoy them as a skyline rather than a destination, but Haldi village gets you closest, and a long trek runs up to a base camp beneath them.
This guide covers where to see them from, how to reach Haldi, what the trek involves, and how they compare with the better-known Passu Cones in Hunza.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Haldi village, Ghanche district, Gilgit-Baltistan |
| From Khaplu | About 25 km (sources say 20 to 30 km), about 45 minutes |
| From Skardu | About 130 km, around 3 hours (one travel guide's figure) |
| Best viewpoints | Machulu village, Saling valley, Yocho valley, Haldi village, Khaplu town |
| Trek | Moderate; 6 to 10 hours to the campsite per one operator |
| Climbing | Most of the towers are described as unclimbed |
What are the Haldi Cones?
The Haldi Cones are granite towers and cone-shaped peaks in the Karakoram, between the Masherbrum range and the Saltoro range. Wikipedia describes most of them as unclimbed, and notes that peaks in the nearby Khane Valley to the north have been summited. Sources disagree on heights: one travel guide says dozens of peaks stand above 5,000 metres, while Wikipedia lists a high point of 7,742 metres. We have not printed a single figure because we could not reconcile them.
What you see from the villages is a jagged, pale ridge of spires that looks quite unlike the rounded, snow-heavy shoulders of the mountains around it. In clear weather it is hard to be in Khaplu without seeing them. One 2025 Khaplu guide makes the same point, and suggests pairing them with Chaqchan Mosque, Khaplu Fort and Thoqsi Khar Mosque for evening light.
Where to see the Haldi Cones from
You do not need to go all the way to Haldi. The Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department says the cones can be seen from Khaplu town, from the Yocho Masherbrum viewpoint and from Machulu village. Travel guides add the Saling valley and Haldi village itself.
- Machulu village. Most guides call it the best single viewpoint. Our guide to Machulu village covers the stay and the walk.
- Saling valley. A quieter side valley across the Shyok, with the cones on the skyline. See our Saling valley guide.
- Khaplu town. Clear views on a good day without going anywhere, including from near Khaplu Palace.
- Along the road to Saling. One guide recommends a pond just off the road between Khaplu and the bridge towards Saling, where the cones reflect in the water on still mornings.
- Haldi village. The closest road-accessible view, with the spires directly above you.
How to get to Haldi village
Haldi lies on the road that continues from Khaplu into the Hushe valley, where the Saltoro and Hushe rivers meet. From Khaplu you cross the Shyok and follow the valley north. The route to Hushe beyond Machulu is rougher, and one guide recommends a 4x4. Hiring a car and driver in Khaplu is the practical way, and a 2025 guide quoted about PKR 8,000 a day for a driver. Prices change, so agree the fare before you set off.
From Skardu, a travel guide gives about 130 km and three hours to Haldi, which fits a long day trip but is better as a night in Khaplu first. Our guide to Skardu to Khaplu covers the main road, and our guide to Hushe valley covers where the road goes next.
Can you trek to the Haldi Cones?
Yes, but this is a proper expedition-style trek, not a hike. One operator sells it as a 12-day itinerary starting from Haldi, passing Lathoq La and Nang Broq to a base camp, with dome tents and a support crew. They describe the walking as moderate and fairly easy, taking 6 to 10 hours to reach the campsite.
Do not read that as a casual outing. This is high ground in a remote valley, you need an organised team, and sensible acclimatisation. Our guide to hiring guides and porters in Gilgit-Baltistan explains how that works. If you only have a day, stay on the road and walk the village.
Haldi Cones vs Passu Cones
The two get compared because both are jagged spires beside a Karakoram valley. They suit different trips.
- Access. The Passu Cones are right beside the Karakoram Highway in Hunza and are photographed by thousands of travellers a season. The Haldi Cones are in a side valley off the Skardu to Khaplu road and see far fewer visitors.
- Setting. Passu has the glacier and the highway at its feet. Haldi is a farming village on a river junction, with the cones as a backdrop.
- Effort. You see Passu from the road. At Haldi you need a detour of about 45 minutes from Khaplu.
If you are choosing, they are not alternatives. Hunza and Baltistan are different trips, and the Haldi Cones are worth seeing if you are already in Khaplu.
Is the road to Haldi sensitive?
Haldi is in Baltistan close to the Saltoro range, an area with a military presence. The tourism department lists the cones as an ordinary visitor sight, and travellers go to Haldi and on to Hushe in season. If you plan to go beyond Hushe or on any trek, check current rules with local hotels or the Ghanche district administration before you set out. Foreign visitors should check their government's advice and the current NOC position.
Best time to go
Sources put the Khaplu and Hushe season at June to September, with some guides stretching it to October. Spring brings blossom in the Khaplu valley villages, and autumn colours the poplars. Winter is cold. For more, see the best time to visit Khaplu.
Is it worth the detour?
If you are already in Khaplu with a spare half day, yes. The drive up the valley is pleasant and you get a close look at the spires. If you only have a day in the whole area, put Khaplu Palace, Chaqchan Mosque and Machulu first, and let the Haldi Cones be the view you enjoy from there. Our Skardu hub links the wider area.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Haldi Cones?
In Haldi village, Ghanche district, in the Karakoram of Gilgit-Baltistan. They are about 25 km from Khaplu town.
How far is Haldi from Khaplu?
About 25 km by most sources, with some saying 20 or 30 km. Allow about 45 minutes by road.
Can I see the Haldi Cones without trekking?
Yes. They are visible from Khaplu town, Machulu, the Saling valley and Haldi village itself.
Have the Haldi Cones been climbed?
Wikipedia says most of the towers and cones are unclimbed, though peaks in the nearby Khane valley have been summited.
Are the Haldi Cones higher than the Passu Cones?
We could not confirm reliable heights for the Haldi Cones, because sources give very different figures. Compare them by setting and access rather than by height.
