Overview

The Chilinji trek, situated at an impressive altitude of 5140 meters, serves as a vital link connecting the Chapursan valley in Upper Gojal with the Iskoman valley in Ghizer.

The story of the Chilinji pass begins in 2009 when we first learned about this challenging mountain pass. We initially considered crossing it while traveling from the Ishkoman valley to Broghil and Karomber Lake. When we arrived in Swinj, hoping to find porters who could assist us in conquering the Chilinji pass, we discussed the possibility with the local Gujjars. To our surprise, they unanimously declined to accompany us and rejected the idea of crossing Chilinji, citing the pass's extreme difficulty. Looking back, after having successfully crossed Chilinji from the Chapursan side, navigating the crevasses and scree, we now realize that being refused by the porters back then was a stroke of luck. Considering that we lacked the appropriate technical equipment at the time and weren't as technically proficient, attempting Chilinji would likely have resulted in a catastrophic outcome, particularly from the Chapursan side, where the ascent is incredibly steep.

In the subsequent years, the region beyond Baba Ghundi was declared restricted by security agencies due to its proximity to the Afghan border. Last year, we received news of two groups successfully crossing the pass. Following this, we began preparing for our own Chilinji expedition. My initial priority for this year was to traverse the Central Asian states, but when that plan couldn't materialize, Chilinji became the clear and compelling objective. It took us seven long years of effort and preparation, but we eventually reached the summit of the Chilinji pass, making our achievement all the more rewarding.

DAYS ITINERARY SEA LEVEL RESIDENCE
01 Arrive Islamabad International Airport & Transfer to Hotel 512m HOTEL
02 Drive from Islamabad - Chilas 1265m HOTEL
03 Drive from Chilas - Hunza & sightseeing 2500m HOTEL
04 Drive from Hunza Karimabad - Chapursan Valley 3000m CAMP/HUT
05 Drive from Chapursan - Baba Ghundi Ziarat 3250m CAMP/HUT
06 Drive from Baba Ghundi Ziarat - Biyatar 3710m CAMP
07 Drive from Biyatar - Chilinji Base Camp 4400m CAMP
08 Drive from Chilinji Base Camp - Chilinji High Camp 4850m CAMP
09 Climbing Chilinji Pass & Trek to Virgot Forest 5290m CAMP
10 Trek from Virgot Forest to Chety Boe Glacier CAMP
11 Trek from Chety Boe Glacier to Ishkhoman Valley CAMP
12 Trek from Ishkhoman Valley to Kharmbor Lake CAMP
13 Explore the Kharmbor Lake and save a lasting memory CAMP
14 Trek from Kharmbor Lake to Brokhil Valley CAMP
15 Trek from Brokhil Valley to Chikkar CAMP/HUT
16 Trek from Chikkar to Yasin Valley CAMP/HUT
17 Trek from Yasin Valley to Darkot Village CAMP/HUT
18 Drive from Darkot Village - Hunza Karimabad - Gilgit HOTEL
19 Drive from Gilgit - Babusar Top - Islamabad HOTEL
20 Transfer to Islamabad International Airport onward to your own destination
Services Included
  • Airport transfers and all domestic transportation (private vehicles, jeeps, or flights depending on trek)
  • Hotel accommodation in Islamabad, Skardu, or Gilgit before and after the trek
  • Twin-sharing tents during the trek (single supplement available on request)
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hot drinks)
  • Experienced English-speaking guide and local support staff (porters, cooks, assistants)
  • National park and trekking permits
  • Group climbing/trekking gear (kitchen tent, mess tent, toilet tent, etc.)
  • Porterage of personal gear (weight limit varies by trek)
  • Emergency first aid kit and communication equipment
  • Sightseeing where applicable (cultural sites, valleys, viewpoints)
Services Not Included
  • International flights and visa fees
  • Travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking coverage)
  • Personal trekking gear (clothing, sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc.)
  • Tips for guide, porters, and support staff (customary but not mandatory)
  • Extra hotel nights beyond itinerary due to delays (weather, road closure, etc.)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, snacks, hot showers, internet, satellite calls)
  • Any unforeseen costs due to natural disasters, political issues, or itinerary changes
  • Optional excursions or activities not included in the original itinerary
  • AS REQUIRED - TENTS
  • AS REQUIRED - SLEEPING BAGS
  • AS REQUIRED - SLEEPING MATS
  • AS REQUIRED - KITCHEN GEAR
  • AS REQUIRED - DINING SETUP