The Zani Pass trek crosses a pass of about 3,840 metres from the village of Uthool in Mulkhow to Shahgrom, the last village of the Tirich valley, with views toward Tirich Mir and the Hindu Raj. It can be done as a short crossing in one long day with a jeep to the top, or as the first stage of a longer Tirich Mir trek. It is mainly a June to September route.
Its main value is that it is the quickest way into the Tirich valley on foot from the Booni side, and it gives a first view of the country around Tirich Mir (7,708 metres) without the long approach through the valley. This guide covers the route, the numbers that vary between sources, how to get to the start, what the crossing is like and the safety advice for Upper Chitral.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Route | Uthool (Mulkhow) to Shahgrom (Tirich valley) |
| Pass height | About 3,840 m (sources give 3,840 to 3,890 m) |
| Local names | Zani An (Tirich side); Tirich An (Uthool side) |
| Jeep to the pass | Possible from Booni; about 2 hours reported in 2021 |
| Season | June to September; operators run it in June and July |
| Operator price | US$1,700 for a 13-day package in 2026 (Apricot Tours) |
Where is the Zani Pass?
It lies between the Mulkhow section of the Turikho valley and the Tirich valley, which are both parts of the same river system (see our Turikho valley guide). The Mulkhow side is reached from Booni; our Mulkhow valley guide describes the villages on that side. The pass is known as Zani An in the Tirich valley and Tirich An in Uthool.
Sources disagree on its height: 3,840 metres on an operator's page and on a Chitral tourism site, 3,886 on another operator's page and 3,890 on a 2021 trekker's account. Treat it as just under 3,900 metres, and carry the same precautions you would for any pass of that height.
What you see
On a clear day the top gives a view across the Hindu Raj and Hindu Kush. Operators and trekking pages name Istr-o-Nal, Buni Zom and the foothills of Tirich Mir. One page says the colours of the two ranges contrast clearly from the pass. The views depend on cloud, which often builds by midday, so an early start matters.
How the crossing runs
There are two ways to do it, and the difference decides how tiring the day is.
Walking from Uthool. The traditional route climbs from Uthool, a green village with fruit trees where trekkers camp, up to the pass. A trekker who started at 3 am in July 2021 turned back after about two hours when heavy rain and wind arrived, so weather can stop you even in midsummer.
Jeep to the pass. The same trekker later hired a jeep from Booni and reached the pass at 7 am after about two hours, describing the road as well-trodden and not hard driving. That day's walk then ran:
- From the pass, south along the Athahk channel.
- Shordonik Lake, about 4,043 metres, around 8:30 am.
- Koshtgolo Tek, a second high point of about 4,110 metres, near 11:30 am.
- Down through the forested Bandok area to Shahgrom at about 2,890 metres.
- On through Shosht and Warimun to Lajward, arriving at 19:30.
That is a long day, around twelve hours on the move, and most people should stop at Shahgrom, where a rest house and camping are available. Check that the jeep road is open to the top before planning around it.
Where to go after Shahgrom
Shahgrom is the usual start of the walk to Tirich Mir base camp, via the pastures at Athak and Bandok and the Istr-o-Nal base camp at Shogor Biasin, about 4,040 metres. Our Tirich Mir base camp trek guide covers that route. An operator describes the Zani crossing as reducing the time and cost for Tirich Mir base camp trekkers, compared with starting from the road end at Shahgrom.
If you do not want to go further, the way out is down the Tirich valley through Zandrangram and Nishkoh toward Booni. The 2021 trekker came out this way via Werkup, finishing with public transport to Booni.
Season and weather
Operators schedule the crossing in June and July, and the overall trekking season in these valleys runs June to September. At close to 3,900 metres you should expect cold mornings, strong wind and the chance of sudden rain or snow on the top. Do not cross in poor visibility, and carry a waterproof layer, a warm layer, a hat and gloves even for a day crossing.
Start early, and be ready to turn back. The 2021 account shows how quickly the weather can change.
Cost and guides
An operator's 13-day package from Islamabad, including a flight to Chitral, was priced at US$1,700 per person in 2026. It includes Kalash valley and Tirich valley time, so most of that cost is not the pass itself. Prices change, and treat this as a reference point rather than a quote.
Our Chitral jeep rental guide and treks in Chitral overview explain how vehicles and guides are usually arranged, and what other routes exist. Hire a local guide who knows the pass if you walk it.
Is it safe? UK advice and what to check
The UK government's Pakistan travel advice (updated 22 September 2026) does not name the Zani pass or the Tirich valley, but it advises against all travel on the N45 from Mardan to Chitral city, against all travel within 10 miles of the Afghan border, and against all travel to Upper and Lower Dir and Swat. Tirich Mir stands close to the border, so check how far your route is from it with a local operator.
A local tourism site notes that foreign visitor numbers in the Tirich valley have fallen because of security concerns. Pakistani visitors still go, but Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has had attacks in 2026, including in Lower Dir in July. Check local news and current police advice, and register at checkposts as asked. Foreign visitors should check their government's advice, which may say not to go and can void travel insurance. Our guide to whether Chitral is safe has more.
Who it suits
It suits fit walkers who want a high crossing and a first look at the Tirich valley, with the jeep option for those short of time. It is not for anyone who has not been above 3,500 metres before and cannot afford a day of altitude trouble, nor for people who need certainty about the road, which can close. For other treks in this area, see our experiences page.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Zani Pass?
About 3,840 metres on most operator pages, with some sources giving up to 3,890 metres.
Where does the Zani Pass trek start and end?
It starts at Uthool in Mulkhow, or at the jeep road end near the pass, and ends at Shahgrom in the Tirich valley.
Can you drive to the Zani Pass?
A 2021 trekker reached it in about two hours by jeep from Booni on a road he described as not hard driving. Check current road conditions before you go.
When is the best time for the Zani Pass trek?
June to September, with operators running it in June and July.
Is the Zani Pass trek difficult?
An operator calls the main crossing strenuous and warns that altitude problems can arrive quickly. Weather is the main risk on the day.
Is the Zani Pass trek safe?
Pakistani visitors do travel here, but the UK advises against travel near the Afghan border and on the N45. Check current advice and local news before going.
