Wakhan Corridor and Chilinji Pass Trek

In the North of Chitral lays an enchanting land of vast upland steppes, dotted with vivid turquoise lakes and set against a breathtaking backdrop of rugged snowcapped peaks. The Broghil valley is linked by a series of forbidden passes to the Oxus Valley and Afghanistan to the north. We will be following the route used from ancient times by the camel caravans of merchants from the bazaars of Central Asia, transporting their wares from Tashkent, Samarkand, and Khokand, The easy-angled Shah Jinali Pass (4215 m) joins the legendary Turikho Valley to the dramatic Yarkhun Valley.

From Broghil we will cross the Karamber La (4300 m) a spectacular pass crowned by a string of lakes, to reach the northern reaches of Ishkuman and a complete traverse of the Hindukush and Hindu Raj ranges, starting out on gentle paths, gradually gaining in altitude and increasing in difficulty, the journey culminates in the crossing of the remote Chilinji Pass (5160 m) into northern Hunza. One of the finest trek-only itineraries offered anywhere in the Hindu Kush, this really is a trip for connoisseurs of the outlandish!

This classic traverse from Chitral to Chapursan valley and Hunza along the Wakhan corridor is a delightful trek crossing three passes Shah Janali Pass 4215m the Karambar pass 4300m and Chilinji Pass 5200m. The scenery keeps changes dramatically from deep valleys, thundering rivers, and soaring glaciated peaks of the Shah Janali before you emerge on the southern tip of the Pamirs at Broghil and Karambar. In Broghil the boundless plains, lakes, and mountains of the Pamirs of central Asia are literally a stone throw away, and a detour to the crest of Broghil pass reveals a valley that falls away into the fabled Oxus. Here you will get the opportunity to see the Wakhi tribe, rosy-cheeked Tajiks, and Kirghiz leading yaks and camels on trade routes. Then continue east into the northern extremities of the Karakoram in Hunza Valley with peaks rising on both sides of you, glacier crossing, and with the high Chilinji Pass this trek offers a variety of mountain scenery on route.

The trek will take you to the Yarkhun River North of Mastuj follows a wide valley with village and cultivation by every side stream. Adaunting at Bang reads “Boroghil 120 kilometers”, then easy day’s trip up and back along with wide, smooth pastures grazed by Yaks, horses, goats, and sheep. Their summer settlement just before the pass, deserted Robat settlement, comprising two roofless stone shelters, Wildfed Thesiger who was here in 1952, writes of the same sense of space and clearness. The top of the Pass is at 4100m height and is flat between Chitral and Ishkoman Valleys. The trek down the Karamber River to over the Chilinji Pass 5160m to Chapurson in Upper Hunza Valley. The long broad Chupurson Valley joins the Hunza River from the west just above Sost.

The Broghil valley along the Wakhan Corridor is an area yet to be explored and the exist secluded virgin valleys and grazing lands touching Afghanistan and the Central Asian states through this famous strip.

During the trek, we will be crossing three passes starting with an easy stroll through the valleys and pastures. The scenery here is captivating and out of this world. The Chillinji Pass joins the region with the Hunza Valley. We cross the famous shrine known as Baba Ghundi to arrive on the Karakoram Highway and drive to Gulmit. In Hunza Valley we do sightseeing enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains and experience the traditional hospitality of the local people. Later on, we drive along the Karakoram Highway as we return to Islamabad.