For more than a thousand years, Kilik and Mintaka Passes served as the primary Silk Route crossings between China and the ancient Kingdom of Hunza. Today, these wide valleys and expansive alpine meadows — once closed to foreigners — are open once again for exploration.
Located on Pakistan’s northern border with China, Kilik and Mintaka remained restricted to foreign visitors for decades after 1947. Their reopening now allows trekkers to walk along one of the world’s oldest trade corridors.
The trails to these gentle passes are 1–3 meters wide and easy to follow, making this one of the most accessible and least technical treks in northern Pakistan. The route offers abundant freshwater springs, scattered trees, lush grazing lands, and grassy campsites. The landscape is defined by broad valleys, rolling alpine meadows, and panoramic views of the Karakoram mountains.
This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and moderate-altitude trekking in the remote Misgar Valley of Gojal, Upper Hunza.
Trek Facts
Mountain Range: Karakoram
Altitude: 600 m (minimum) – 4,027 m (maximum)
Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
Zone: Open
Duration: 15 Days
Best Time: June – September
Arrive in Islamabad. Check into your hotel and rest after your journey. Evening is free to explore the city or relax.
Take a morning flight to Gilgit. In case of flight cancellation, drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive from Gilgit or Chilas to Karimabad, the heart of Upper Hunza. Check into your hotel and enjoy the surrounding views.
Full-day tour of Hunza Valley. Visit Altit and Baltit Forts, stroll through Karimabad bazaar, and enjoy panoramic views of Rakaposhi, Ultar, and Diran peaks. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to the remote Misgar Valley. Begin your trek towards Murkushi and set up camp in the peaceful alpine meadows. Overnight in tents.
Continue trekking through grassy meadows and high valleys, approaching the historic Kilik Pass. Overnight in tents.
Full-day excursion to Kilik Pass. Enjoy sweeping Karakoram views and explore the historic Silk Route trails. Return to Murkushi for overnight camping.
Retrace your steps along the alpine trails back to Murkushi. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Gul Khaja, another scenic campsite in the Misgar Valley. Enjoy the panoramic views and the tranquility of this remote area. Overnight in tents.
Excursion to Mintaka Pass, the other historic Silk Route crossing. Explore the ancient trails and surrounding landscapes. Return to Gul Khaja / Murkushi for camping.
Descend through the high meadows back to Murkushi. Overnight in tents.
Drive back from Murkushi to Misgar, then continue to Gilgit. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning flight to Islamabad. If the flight is canceled, drive to Besham and continue to Islamabad. Overnight at the hotel.
Relax or explore the capital city at your own pace. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight back home.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
If you’re traveling to Pakistan, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your nationality, you can get it on arrival or apply online before your trip. You can also go to your local Pakistani embassy for a tourist visa. The length of stay varies: e-visas can be up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months), while visas on arrival are valid for 30 days. Make sure to check visa requirements with the authorities, as they might change.
In Pakistan, what you wear depends on when and where you’re going. In hot areas, wear light, loose clothes like a shirt and trousers. For cold places, bring warm clothes like a jacket and layers. When visiting mosques, cover your head, arms, legs, and shoulders. Dress modestly and avoid shorts. If you’re unsure, it’s best to dress conservatively.
June–September: Monsoon season with unpredictable rains, reaching over 45°C (113°F) in June. Floods can occur.
October/November: Post-monsoon season with decreasing temperatures and rainfall. Days are warm, nights cool.
December–February: Winter months with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and colder nights, especially in the northern mountains where it snows.
March–May: Hot and dry season with temperatures in the mid-30s°C (95°F) in low-lying areas, getting hotter towards the north.
