Full Board
Moderate
May to September
17 Days
The Haramosh Pass Trek is one of Pakistan’s most demanding and spectacular high-altitude trekking routes, designed exclusively for experienced trekkers with mountaineering skills. This expedition traverses the remote heart of the Karakoram Range, crossing the formidable Haramosh Pass, which connects the Haramosh Glacier with the Chogo Lungma Glacier.
Surrounded by legendary peaks such as Haramosh Peak (7,409m), Laila Peak (6,986m), and Mani Peak (6,685m), the trek offers raw wilderness, towering ice walls, crevassed glaciers, and dramatic alpine camps. Beginning near Arandu/Doko and ending at Dassu near Sassi Village, where the valley meets the Gilgit–Skardu Road, this journey blends technical challenge with unmatched Himalayan scenery.
The Haramosh Pass trek is widely regarded as one of the most adventurous and technically demanding traverses in the Karakoram. Connecting the remote Basha Valley in Baltistan with the lush Haramosh Valley in Gilgit, this 17-day journey is a true “glacier highway” experience.
Unlike standard valley hikes, the Haramosh Pass trek requires navigating the heavily crevassed Chogo Lungma and Haramosh glaciers. You will stand in the shadows of giants like Haramosh Peak (7,409m) and the iconic pyramid of Laila Peak. The trek culminates in the crossing of the Haramosh Pass (4,800m), leading you down into the enchanted meadows of Kutwal Lake. For those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Haramosh Pass trek package, this expedition offers the perfect blend of icy challenge and alpine serenity.
What is the Haramosh Pass trek difficulty? This trek is rated as Easy but a bit Technical. Previous experience is a huge advantage for the Haramosh Pass Trek, but it is also a good trek for those who want to go on an adventurous trek. If you want a slightly easier trek but with the same rewarding experience of seeing untouched alpine beauty, consider booking our Lukpe La Trek or Thalay La Trek.
The Haramoush Pass trek involves a steep ascent on the west side and a sharp descent into the Kutwal Valley. Due to the high risk of crevasses and potential rockfall, we use fixed ropes and expert mountain guides for the pass crossing. The total Haramoush Pass trek distance is approximately 90–100 km of rugged terrain.
While the pass is lower than others like Gondogoro La, the rapid elevation gain and technical glacier work make it a serious undertaking.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights & all ground transport | International airfare, visas & insurance |
| Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing) | Personal trekking gear & sleeping bags |
| Trekking permits & camping fees | Meals outside itinerary & extra hotel nights |
| Trek accommodation (twin-sharing tents) | Excess baggage charges |
| All meals during trekking days + snacks | Emergency evacuation & rescue costs |
| Licensed trekking guide & full support staff | Tips & gratuities |
| Porterage for personal luggage (fixed allowance) | Personal expenses outside of those specified |
| CKNP waste management fee | Early departure or trek withdrawal costs |
| Secure baggage storage in Skardu | Gear rental unless specified |
| Satellite phone (emergency use) & first-aid kit | Force majeure expenses |
Meet trekking team and transfer to hotel
Rest and recovery after international travel
Pre-trek briefing and document check
Scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu (weather permitting)
Aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram Range
Transfer to hotel upon arrival
Free time to explore Skardu Bazaar
Acclimatization and rest day in Skardu
Visit Kharpocho Fort and Upper Kachura Lake
Final equipment checks and shopping
Overnight stay at hotel
Jeep drive from Skardu to Arandu via Shigar Valley
Drive along the Braldu River and remote mountain tracks
Arrival at Arandu Village, gateway to the trek
Camping or guesthouse stay
Begin trekking from Arandu
Gradual ascent through alpine terrain
Views of hanging glaciers and rugged cliffs
Camp at Chogo Brangsa
Trek alongside glacial streams and moraine fields
Increasing altitude and remoteness
Stunning views of surrounding Karakoram peaks
Camp at Balucho
Trek towards the base of Spantik Peak (7,027m)
Walk over glacier and rocky sections
Explore Spantik Base Camp surroundings
Overnight camping near base camp
Continue trekking through glacial terrain
Spectacular views of the iconic Laila Peak
Arrival at Laila Peak Base Camp
Camp beneath soaring granite spires
Essential acclimatization day
Short acclimatization hikes around camp
Preparation for Haramosh Pass crossing
Rope and safety gear checks
Resume trekking towards the upper glacier
Terrain becomes steeper and more technical
Navigate crevassed glacier sections carefully
Camp at Sharing
Early start for Haramosh Pass ascent
Rope-assisted climb on the steep western side
Panoramic views of Haramosh, Mani, and surrounding peaks
Descend carefully towards the Chogo Lungma Glacier
Descend into the Chogo Lungma Valley
Trek through dramatic glacier scenery
Arrival at the stunning Kutwal Lake
Camp near the lake
Trek through green pastures and alpine landscapes
Gradual descent into inhabited areas
Arrival at Askere village
Camp or local guesthouse stay
Final trekking day
Walk through narrowing valleys and river crossings
Reach Sassi Village near the Gilgit–Skardu Road
End of trekking section
Jeep drive from Sassi to Gilgit or Chilas
Follow the Karakoram Highway
Hotel stay and rest
Drive back to Islamabad via Karakoram Highway or Naran route
Scenic mountain landscapes along the way
Hotel stay in Islamabad
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport
Departure for onward international flight
End of Haramosh Pass Trek expedition
Our all-inclusive Haramoush Pass trek price starts at $2,800 USD. This covers technical gear (ropes/harnesses), domestic flights, 4×4 jeeps, and a high-ratio staff-to-guest team to ensure safety on the glacier.
The full expedition is 17 days. The actual trekking portion takes roughly 12 days, with the remaining days allocated for international arrivals, domestic flights, and essential mountain briefings.
You do not need to be a professional climber, but you should be familiar with using crampons and walking roped-up. Our guides provide basic training on the glacier, but a high level of physical fitness is mandatory.
The window for crossing the pass is short. The best time is from July to late August. Outside this window, the pass is either too snowy or the crevasses on the glaciers become dangerously unstable.
Karakoram Treks specializes in technical traverses. We provide satellite communication, oxygen for emergencies, and veteran Balti guides who have safely led teams over the Haramosh Pass for over a decade.
Emma Douglas –
Truly one of the best trekking companies I’ve traveled with. Strong safety standards, excellent food, and deep local knowledge. The Karakoram is magical, and this team knows it well.