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
Accommodation:
Twin-sharing standard hotel rooms in towns.
2-person dome tents during the trek.
Meals:
Half board at hotels (breakfast + dinner).
Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee).
Transportation:
Air-conditioned transport along the Karakoram Highway.
Soft-top 4×4 jeeps to/from the trek head and trek end.
Camping Facilities:
2-person dome tents with mattresses.
Dining tent with folding table & chairs.
Kitchen tent with full kitchenette and staff.
Toilet tent.
Portage:
13 kg per person during the trek.
Other Services:
Tips and portage at airports & hotels.
Entrance fees to sites and museums.
English-speaking mountain guide.
Domestic or international airfare and airport taxes.
Any expenses due to forced measures, flight cancellations, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, or other events beyond the control of Rock Valley Tours, their staff, and suppliers.
Personal expenses not mentioned under “Included,” such as souvenirs, snacks, phone/internet charges, or laundry.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
Optional activities or services not listed in the itinerary.
Travel or health insurance, including evacuation or rescue costs.
Luggage
Large Duffel Bag: Maximum 12.5 kg, with lock. Easier for porters to carry; avoid using a backpack.
Day Pack: For items you need during trekking, jeep rides, or bus travel (camera, jacket, water bottle, etc.).
Extra Carry-On: To store city clothes in the respective city.
Money Belt/Fanny Pack: For passport, travel documents, and cash.
Sleeping & Camping
Sleeping Bag: Rated 0 °F / -18 °C. Down bags are lightweight; synthetic bags perform better when wet. Waterproof shell or bivy recommended.
Camp Shoes: Jogging shoes or Tiva sandals, ideal for streams and campsite strolls.
Mattress/Close-Cell Matrices: We provide, but personal comfort items are optional.
Footwear
Trekking Boots: Medium-weight, fabric or fabric/leather combination. Well broken-in. Compatible with crampons.
Crampons: Required for certain high-altitude treks (e.g., Gondogoro La, Biafo-Hispar, Wartum Peak).
Thermal Socks: Cotton/wool blend for glaciers; synthetic/cotton for warmer sections.
Liner Socks: Thin, wickable material like polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, or Drylete.
Clothing
Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket & Pants: Warm, even when wet.
Rain Gear: A waterproof and windproof suit that fits over fleece layers.
Wicking Long Underwear: Tops and bottoms, two sets recommended.
Down Jacket/Parka: Essential for high-altitude or evening cold.
Shalwar Kameez (Women): Comfortable, loose-fitting for warm conditions and culturally appropriate.
Cotton/Wool Shirts & Trousers: Layering for trekking and evenings.
Gloves/Mittens & Ski Hat: Protect against cold and wind.
Brimmed Sun Hat: Protects from low morning sun.
Personal Gear
Sunglasses: High-quality UV protection.
Water Bottle: Durable screw-top recommended.
Headlamp & Extra Batteries/Bulbs
Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Skin Lotion
Toiletries & Laundry Soap
Swiss Army Knife / Multi-Tool
Nylon Cord / Clothesline
Personal Medical Kit
Pocket Sewing Kit
Lighter or Matches
Wristwatch
Optional Items
Extra sleeping mat for comfort.
Stuff sacks for used clothing.
Travel tissues or toilet paper.
Notebook and pen for journaling.
Snacks (energy bars, dried fruits, candy).
Camera, extra batteries, lenses, and cleaning supplies.
Lightweight sports gear (Frisbee, playing cards).
Water purification tablets.
Bathing suit (for rivers/lakes).
Tips
Pack one large duffel and one small day pack for convenience.
Wear durable, comfortable, and easily washable clothes.
Layer clothing to adjust to varying temperatures: warm days, cold nights.
Men can wear shorts after leaving populated areas; women should stick to loose, long clothing.
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.
Although Pakistan has faced challenges in recent years, it’s now generally safe to visit as long as you stay in busy areas. Some people might worry about coming here, but trust us, there’s a lot to discover beyond what you see in the news. You can be confident that Rock Valley Tours wouldn’t take you anywhere unsafe.
