The Haramosh La trek is a long, technical glacier crossing in the Karakoram that links the Haramosh Glacier with the Chogo Lungma glacier. Operators run it as a 12 to 17 day trip, usually from Arandu or Doko in the Basha valley to Dassu, near Sassi on the Gilgit–Skardu road, with the pass itself at about 4,800 m. It is for experienced trekkers with a guide, not a first Karakoram walk.
If what you want is the gentle version, the walk to Kutwal Lake in Haramosh valley is a separate five-day trek that many people do instead. This page is about the full pass crossing: what the route is, when it is possible, and how hard it really is.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Pass | Haramosh La, about 4,800 m |
| Start and end | Arandu or Doko to Dassu, near Sassi on the Gilgit–Skardu road |
| Duration | 12 to 17 days including the drive, depending on operator |
| Best months | July to September (one operator says July to late August) |
| Difficulty | Hard; crevassed glacier and a steep, rope-assisted western side |
| Gear | Crampons, rope and harness, with a guide who knows the glacier |
| Cost | Operator packages are listed in US dollars, from about US$2,800 to 2,900 per person |
What is the Haramosh La route?
The pass connects two glacier systems. On one side is the Haramosh Glacier, on the other the Chogo Lungma, in the north-east Karakoram. Operators describe a route that starts at Arandu (about 2,770 m), climbs through Bukhum and Khurumal villages to higher camps around Bolucho (about 3,800 m), passes below Spantik and Laila peaks, crosses the pass and then descends to Kutwal Lake and the road at Dassu.
Different operators run the stages in different orders and with different camp names, so treat any day-by-day list as one version rather than the standard one. What is consistent is the shape: a long approach through villages and forest, a high glacier section, a steep descent and a finish at Kutwal Lake, with the road at Dassu.
How hard is it?
Operators rate it from "moderate to strenuous" to "hard". One says it is easy but slightly technical, and another says only experienced trekkers with mountaineering experience should go. The disagreement is mostly about how you define technical, but the facts behind it are the same:
- The upper glacier is heavily crevassed, which brings a risk of avalanches.
- The ascent is steep on the western side and needs a rope.
- Crampons, ropes and harnesses are essential, and guides give basic training on the glacier.
- Proper acclimatisation matters, and so does a high level of fitness.
If you have not walked on a glacier with crampons before, this is not the route to learn on. Start with the Kutwal Lake walk, our Kutwal Lake trek guide, or with a first glacier route listed in our best treks in Gilgit-Baltistan.
When can you go?
July to September is the window operators give, with one specifying July to late August for safe passage. Another says June offers snow-covered passes and August to September clearer visibility. Early in the season there is more snow on the glacier, which can help or hinder depending on the guide's judgement. After September the cold and shorter days make a high glacier camp harder.
Weather decides more than the calendar. Plan spare days and accept that a guide may turn back if the pass is not safe.
Permit, guide and cost
A government trekking permit is needed, and operator packages include permit and camping fees. Licensed guides are a requirement for trekking groups in the region, according to the operators, and in practice nobody should attempt a glacier crossing without one. Our trekking permit guide explains what applies to Pakistani and foreign trekkers.
Costs: two operators list all-inclusive packages at about US$2,800 and US$2,880 per person. These are dollar figures, with no year shown on the pages we read, so check the current price and convert at today's rate. Packages include meals, guides and camping equipment but not your personal kit.
Getting to the start
The road from Gilgit or Skardu to the Basha and Haramosh area runs along the Gilgit–Skardu road. Islamabad-based itineraries add a long drive on the Karakoram Highway, about 11 to 12 hours in one operator's schedule. The route from Mansehra to Chilas is one the UK government advises against travelling on, and foreign visitors should check their own advice, which can void travel insurance. If you are travelling by road from Islamabad in summer, ask your operator how they will avoid that stretch, for example by the Babusar route or by flying to Gilgit or Skardu.
What to carry
- Crampons, an ice axe, harness and rope (often provided by the operator; confirm)
- Warm layers and a four-season sleeping bag; nights above 3,500 m are cold
- Sun protection for glacier travel
- A first-aid kit, and any personal medicines
- Water treatment and a good supply of snacks and cash for villages
Our packing list for trekking in Pakistan covers the rest.
Is it safe?
The danger is in the mountains, not the area. Gilgit-Baltistan is not on the UK government's list of areas it advises against, but crevasses, avalanche risk and remoteness are real. Rescue is slow and expensive far from the road; see our note on helicopter rescue for trekkers and make sure your insurance covers it before you book.
Who should do it and who should not
It suits fit, experienced trekkers who have already done at least one high-altitude trek, have used crampons and want a quiet route through the Haramosh villages and the lake. It does not suit beginners, families, or anyone short of two weeks. For most travellers, the Kutwal Lake walk or a day around Haramosh valley is the better choice, and our Skardu page shows what else sits nearby.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Haramosh La?
About 4,800 m, according to operators who run the trek.
How many days does the Haramosh La trek take?
Operators list 12 to 17 days including the drive, with about 12 of those on foot.
Where does the Haramosh La trek start and end?
It starts at Arandu or Doko in the Basha valley and ends at Dassu, near Sassi on the Gilgit–Skardu road, passing Kutwal Lake near the end.
When is the best time for the Haramosh La trek?
July to September. One operator says July to late August for the safest passage.
Do I need a guide for Haramosh La?
Yes. The glacier is crevassed and the western ascent needs a rope, so travel only with an experienced guide.
