Gilgit Baltistan

Passu Cones: The Beauty of
Northern Pakistan

Located in the beautiful Hunza Valley of northern Pakistan is the gorgeous Passu Cones, also called Passu Cathedral.

 Passu Cones height is 6,106 metres (20,033 ft). These Conversation-peak-like formations, which fiercely stand proudly skywards, have fascinated many travellers and adventurers over centuries.

Sitting majestically on the edge of the Karakoram Range, the Passu Cones striking geological feature offers an eye-pleasing reminder of the struggle and perseverance of the Pakistani landscape.

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Visit Passu Village, Home of the Iconic Cones and Glacier

Passu is a small and beautiful village on the banks of the Karakoram Highway near the famous cones. The village has the Passu Glacier, another natural sightseeing spot that attracts people for adventurous purposes.

Passu is unique in this regard: the small, inaccessible glacier and the Passu Cones’ steep walls offer just the right combination of impressive panorama. Apart from the cascades, those who enjoy trekking will have an opportunity to have trails to stunning overlooks of the cones and the glacier.

How to Get There?

Passu is approximately 150 km from Gilgit, the main city in northern Pakistan, and is best approached by the Karakoram Highway.

It takes between 3 to 4 hours to drive from Gilgit to Passu. Anyone coming from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, can take a direct flight to Gilgit and then convey to Passu. The process involves interesting sights of mountains, rivers, and valleys, and it does not rim at all with a simple expectation of an interesting sight.

What to do There?

Passu Cones are full of activities, including adventure lovers, trekkers, and those who love natural beauty.

Trekking:

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Some possible trekking options are available in the surrounding areas. Such activities include trekking to Batura Glacier – one of the largest outsides of polar zones, or shorter walks to viewpoint Passu Cones.

Photography

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The cones’ tall shapes and the varying colours of the sky create good subjects for photography lovers. There is nothing as exciting as photographing this part of the country in the morning and evening.

Glacier Exploration:

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This village tour takes you to the warm heart of the Wakhi people and gives you real insight into their traditions, customs and lifestyle in Passu village.

Cultural Immersion:

This village tour takes you to the warm heart of the Wakhi people and gives you real insight into their traditions, customs and lifestyle in Passu village.

Easy Routes to the Passu Cones

The most accessible way is by Karakoram Highway; the Passu Cones can be seen from this road, one of the highest paved roads in the world.

This tarred road is easily traversed throughout the year, with the best time to visit during the summer when the weather is good and the road is conducive. You can get excellent vistas along the track through the Karakoram Range and have additional opportunities to see Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi.

Weather and Climate

Passu Cones is located at a high altitude, so the region’s climate is well determined.
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Passu Cones weather varies significantly with the seasons:

Summer (May to September):

It is advisable to come during the day when temperatures fluctuate between 15 degrees Celsius and about 25 degrees Celsius. The conditions are somewhat dry, with occasional showers, and the climate is favourable for trekking or visiting some landmarks.

Winter (December to February):

The climate is severe, particularly during the winter season when the temperatures plunge below freezing point, and the area is capped with snow on the cones and the valleys. While they are not quite as famous among tourists during this time, the cones look more like they are part of the winter when covered in snow.

Spring and Autumn:

Both have relatively similar climate conditions with fewer crowds. Both are preferable for travellers who dislike having a taste of crowded tourist destinations. Thus, the oncoming of autumn is beautifully illustrated by trees changing their colour from green to orange and gold.

Local Food and People in Passu Cones

Wakhi people inhabit Passu Village, which is famous for their friendliness and rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival, cultural troupes that include traditional singers in Wakhi music and dance make the visitors understand the cultural background of the place.

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Regarding food, local dishes exhibit the region’s lifestyle in as much as meals are simple and nutritious.

When it comes to food, Chaps Horo, which is a meat-filled pastry and Yak meat stew are delicacies you can eat.Other local seafood recommendations include fresh apricots, almonds, and walnuts.

Delicious Wakhi bread and tea, cooked from natural mountain herbs, will let people taste the solidity and simplicity of the local culture.

Passu Cones Hotel

Travellers frequent the Passu Cones Hotel, which is conveniently located and enables visitors to explore the village and the surrounding area. Other well-recommended hotels include:

Serena Hunza Balti Inn

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This elegant hotel is in neighbouring Karim Abad and has magnificent views of the Hunza Valley and Passu Cones, as well as comfortable and well-equipped guestrooms.

Passu Ambassador Hotel

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A mid-range hotel offering quality simple accommodation, traditional food, and the opportunity to learn about the culture. It is a convenient option if you wish to remain around the cones

Hunza Marco Polo Inn

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I suggest the hotel below if you’re searching for a hotel that exudes the historical Pakistani feel, has excellent service, and has reasonable prices for a comfort level near Passu.

Eagle’s Nest Hotel

Located at an even higher elevation in Hunza, this hotel features great views of the Passu Cones and other mountains, so tourists passionate about photography and nature will certainly appreciate it.

Travel Tips for Visiting Passu Cones

Best Time to Visit: 
If the intention of visiting this place is to have the most of the culture and weather, the best time to do so is between May and September.

Altitude Sickness:

 Do not forget that it is mostly at a high altitude; therefore, do not rush when hiking or trekking to avoid altitude sickness. Staying hydrated is key.

Pack Accordingly:
The nights can be cold even in summer, so pack warm clothing, along with trekking equipment – good quality trekking shoes- and a camera if you want to take photographs of the area.

Why Passu Cones Should Be on Every Traveller’s List

Therefore, while Passu Cones may be seen as simply mountains with geographical features, trekking opportunities and adventure missions, they also represent an important blend of natural attractions, cultural values, and calm. Be it the height of the glaciated mountains, the exploration of the huge glaciers, the cuisine, or the culture. This terrain cannot be compared to any other region, making it the perfect destination for lovers of the great outdoors, photographers, and travellers who wish to explore a unique destination.

Conclusion

Thus, Passu Cones represents the best of the northern areas of Pakistan in terms of geographical features. The resultant shape of these mountains is irregular; their sharp edges, combined with the glaciers and valleys, form a breathtaking sight. Whether you want to hike, discover the local people, or just get some plain old vertical scenery, Passu Cones has to be on your list of places to visit. The beautiful people of the region add to this beauty, making the experience one to remember. Due to its different activities, wonderful climate, and cultural significance of Passu Cones, Passu may undoubtedly be considered a heaven for travellers.

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The Travel North

The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.