Tour Photo Gallery
Step into the awe-inspiring Northern Pakistan wilderness with genuine captures from our journeys.
Tour Overview & Experience
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Custom pacing, private certified native guides & tailored group itineraries.
Every trip helps support Conservation
Fair-wage porter insurance, Leave-No-Trace practices & local community aid.
Seamless travel, every detail perfected
All permits, deluxe accommodations, private transport & 24/7 expert logistics.
The Haramosh La Trek is a legendary and formidable route in the heart of the Karakoram. Unlike standard trekking paths, this expedition is designed for seasoned adventurers seeking a true mountaineering challenge. The route connects the Haramosh Glacier with the Chogo Lungma Glacier, encircled by the awe-inspiring Haramosh Peak (7,409m), Laila Peak (6,986m), and Mani Peak (6,685m). Due to steep ascents, heavily crevassed upper glaciers, and avalanche risks, this trek demands prior high-altitude experience and technical climbing skills. The rewards are equally extraordinary—the descent leads to the serene Kutwal Lake, a stunning alpine jewel set beneath the Haramosh massif, where trekkers enjoy a well-earned rest day surrounded by lush meadows, reflective waters, and panoramic mountain views before descending to Dassu.
“Along the ancient Silk Road, every fortress, stone bazaar, and welcoming mountain hearth tells centuries of timeless history and vibrant living heritage.”
Tour Highlights
- Conquer the Haramosh La: Cross the challenging 4,800m Haramosh Pass, a route reserved only for experienced trekkers.
- Majestic Peaks: Witness the towering giants of the Karakoram, including Haramosh Peak (7,409m), Laila Peak (6,986m), and Mani Peak (6,685m).
- Glacier Expedition: Navigate the heavily crevassed Haramosh and Chogo Lungma glaciers, experiencing true high-altitude mountaineering.
- Spectacular Campsites: Camp at the base camps of Spantik and Laila Peak, surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.
- Kutwal Lake: Enjoy a well-deserved rest day at the serene and beautiful Kutwal Lake.
- Cultural Immersion: Travel through the remote villages of Arandu and Dassu, experiencing the unique hospitality of the Balti and Shina people.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (16 Days)
Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome reception in Islamabad. Afternoon at leisure to rest or explore the capital city. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Islamabad to Skardu (Flight) or Chilas (Drive)
Take a scenic flight to Skardu, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas and Karakoram (subject to weather). In case of flight cancellation, we will drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. Overnight in a hotel.
Free Day at Skardu or Drive from Chilas to Skardu
If flying, enjoy a free day exploring Skardu’s local bazaars and historical sites. If driving from Chilas, complete the journey to Skardu along the Indus River. Overnight in a hotel.
Skardu to Arandu (2,770m)
Drive to Arandu, a remote village near the Shyok River. The road journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Bukhum
Begin the trek with a gradual ascent through the Arandu Valley, passing small settlements and cultivated fields. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Khurumal
Continue trekking through the valley, following the stream and gradually gaining altitude. The landscape begins to transition into more rugged terrain. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Bolucho (3,800m)
Trek towards Bolucho, the starting point for the glacier route. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Spantik Base Camp
Start the approach to the glacier. This section is more demanding as we navigate moraine and initial glacial terrain, moving towards the base camp of Spantik Peak. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Laila Base Camp
Continue trekking on the glacier towards the base camp of the magnificent Laila Peak. The route requires careful navigation and offers stunning views of the peak. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Sharing
Trek towards Sharing, a high-altitude grazing area. The terrain is increasingly challenging, with steep sections and rough glacial features. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Haramosh La (4,800m)
The most challenging day of the expedition. Ascend steeply to the Haramosh La, requiring the use of ropes for safety. This section is exposed and demands high fitness and mountaineering experience. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Kutwal Lake
Descend from the pass towards the serene Kutwal Lake. The descent is steep but rewarding, eventually leading to a lush, green campsite by the lake. Overnight in a camp.
Free Day at Kutwal Lake
A well-deserved rest day to recover from the high pass crossing. Explore the lake, relax, and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Overnight in a camp.
Trek to Dassu, Drive to Chilas
Descend further to the village of Dassu, where the valley meets the main Gilgit-Skardu road. From Dassu, board a vehicle for the drive to Chilas. Overnight in a hotel.
Drive to Islamabad
A long but scenic drive back to Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway. Farewell meeting in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.
Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Accommodation: Hotel stays in Islamabad/Skardu/Chilas and camping (tents, mattresses, mess tent) during the trek.
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek and at hotels as per itinerary.
- Staff: English-speaking guide, cook, and low-altitude porters.
- Logistics: Airport transfers, road/jeep transport, and porterage of personal luggage (usually 12.5–16 kg).
- Camping Equipment: Sleeping tents, kitchen gear, crockery, and fuel.
Package Exclusions
- Travel & Visas: International airfare, airport departure taxes, and Pakistan visa fees.
- Insurance: Comprehensive personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.
- Accommodations & Upgrades: Single room supplement (available upon request).
- Separate Transfers: Airport transfers for participants arriving or departing outside the group schedule.
- Personal Gear & Expenses: Sleeping bags, room service, laundry, phone/internet charges, beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks), and items of a purely personal nature.
- Custom Activities: Optional excursions, extra sightseeing, or custom deviations from the fixed itinerary.
- Gratuities: Tips for mountain guides, camp staff, porters, and drivers.
- Unlisted Services: Any expense or service not explicitly specified in the "Included" section.
Trek & Route Map
Interactive geographical route & terrain map for Haramosh La Trek
Terms & Conditions
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for all tours, treks, expeditions, and safaris operated by the company in Pakistan.
Reservation & Advance Payment Requirements
- 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation to secure permits, hotel rooms, transport, and certified mountain guides.
- The full balance settlement must be cleared upon arrival in Pakistan before departure.
- Advance deposits can be directly wired to our official corporate bank account at Bank Alfalah.
Official Corporate Bank Account Details
Direct all international wire transfers to our official account at Alfalah Bank Pakistan:
A 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation. Deposits are non-refundable in case of client cancellation, but 100% refundable if the company encounters unforeseen logistical impediments.
All tour packages provide hotel rooms on a twin-sharing basis. A single room supplement charge applies for single occupancy requests.
No refunds will be made to participants who voluntarily leave the tour before completion for any unused nights, transport, or meals.
Our certified tour directors hold complete operational authority. Disruptive or unlawful behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the tour group.
All participants are advised to secure comprehensive international travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and trip cancellation prior to arrival.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. We issue official DTS-licensed LOI documentation for the Pakistan online eVisa portal within 24 hours of booking.
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Sturdy trekking boots / trail walking shoes
- Comfortable slip-on shoes for camps & lodges
- 3-4 pairs of wool/synthetic socks
- Thermal base layers & warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof & windproof outer shell
- Sun hat, warm beanie, and lightweight gloves
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen & polarized sunglasses
- Camera / action cam with extra batteries
- Portable power bank & universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the Haramosh La Trek?
This is an extremely challenging and technical trek, not suitable for beginners. It is considered one of the most difficult passes in Pakistan, requiring prior experience with glacier travel and technical mountaineering skills. The western ascent is steep and requires the use of 600 to 700 meters of rope, while the upper glacier is heavily crevassed with avalanche risks.
What is the actual altitude of Haramosh La?
While many itineraries list the pass at 4,800 meters, recent reports from teams that have crossed it state the actual altitude is 5,070 meters. You should prepare for a high-altitude crossing.
When is the best time to attempt this trek?
The reliable trekking window is from late June to early September. Outside of this period, snow and weather conditions can make the route unsafe or impassable.
Do I need a permit or a guide?
Yes. All trekking in Gilgit-Baltistan requires a permit, and it is mandatory to hire a licensed guide and porter for trekking in restricted areas. Permits are typically arranged through a licensed tour operator, and processing can take several days.
What is the biggest risk on this trek?
Aside from the technical climbing challenges, the primary risks are glacier hazards (crevasses and avalanches) and altitude sickness. The itinerary includes some acclimatization days (e.g., at Laila Base Camp), but the rapid gain in altitude and physical exertion make AMS a real concern.
