Passu Cones, also known as Tupopdan, is a group of distinctive and iconic peaks located in the Karakoram range of northern Pakistan. The peaks are located in the Hunza Valley, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, and are part of the larger Batura Muztagh subrange. Tupopdan is made up of two peaks, Passu I and Passu II, which stand at 7,478 meters (24,534 feet) and 7,312 meters (23,996 feet) respectively.
Passu is a small village located in the Gojal Valley of Upper Hunza in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan region of Northern Pakistan. Located along the Karakoram Highway in Upper Hunza, Pakistan, Passu is a popular tourist destination in Pakistan and around the world for its easily accessible vast landscape and views of the 7,478 m (24,534 ft) Mount Passu Sar, the Passu Glacier. and Tupopdan 6,106 m (20,033 ft).
Location of Passu Cones
Passu Cones is located along the Hunza River, about 20 kilometers (12 mi) from Gulmit, the Tehsil headquarters of Gojal, in Gilgit-Baltistan, and about 147 kilometers (91 mi) upstream from Gilgit. Passu is located in the Gojal Valley, a sub-division of the Hunza district.
Passu Cones is known for its striking and unique appearance, with sharp and jagged peaks that rise almost vertically from the surrounding landscape. The peaks are composed of a variety of different types of rock, including granite, gneiss, and schist, which give them a unique color and texture. The steep and challenging terrain of Tupopdan has made it a popular destination for mountaineers, with several successful ascents being made every year.
It lies very close to the Passu glacier tongue and south of the Batura glacier tongue. The latter is the seventh longest non-polar glacier in the world at 56 kilometers (35 mi) and reaches very close to the highway. Borith Lake is a large water reservoir feature below Hussaini village in the area.
Passu Cones Height
The 6,106 meters (20,033 ft) Tupopdan peak, also known as ‘Passu Cones’ or ‘Passu Cathedral’, lies to the north of Gulmit village in the Gojal Valley. It is the most photographed peak in the region. The high peaks of Passu Sar, Shispare Sar, and Batura are also nearby.
Passu cones are located in the village of Passu in Upper Hunza along the Karakorum Highway. The village of Passu has always been the best place to visit and a famous tourist destination mainly because of the spectacular cones of Passu and the gigantic mountain Passu Sar which is 7478 meters high. There is also a glacier known as Passu Glacier.
Passu is usually considered a stopover for tourists visiting the Hunza Valley, but this place is worth all the admiration in itself. The pass can be considered an example of natural architecture as the famous cones of the pass that surround this small village in the Gojal Valley are naturally shaped like perfect cones. However, as you appreciate this remarkable handiwork of nature, you should also look for other experiences and activities that this location has to offer!
The local people in the region believe that Passu Cones has a spiritual significance, and the peaks are considered sacred by many of the local communities. The peaks are often depicted in local art and handicrafts, and visitors can learn more about the cultural significance of the mountains by visiting the local museums and cultural centers.
How to get there:
You don’t need to stray far from the road to view the Passu Cones as they are visible from the Karakorum Highway once you cross Attabad Lake in the Gulmit Valley.
How to reach Pass from Hunza and Islamabad?
Hunza is just a 100-kilometer drive from Gilgit. Most passengers arrive by road. It takes around 2-3 hours to reach Hunza from Gilgit. The bus station is located at KKH Aliabad. The journey from Islamabad can take up to 24 hours. In Kashgar (China) it is possible to catch a regular bus service that connects to Hunza via Sost via the Khunjerab Pass (about 5000 meters high).
From Sost there are various activities such as trekking in the valleys and traveling through Hunza to the city of Karimabad (2 hours) in the area where the Baltit Fort is located. Gilgit has an airport with daily flights from Islamabad, interrupted only by extreme weather conditions. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates 12 flights per week connecting Gilgit to Islamabad.
Tourist Attractions:
Passu cones themselves are the most popular attraction of Passu Village. They remain one of the most photographed areas of Hunza.
This village, which was previously inaccessible, is now accessible, among other things, as a direct result of the completion of the Karakoram Highway. The winding Hunza River and full of beautiful landscapes including the high peaks of Gojal and glaciers make it one of the most magical places in Pakistan.
With a meager population of around 900 individuals, Passu comprises 98 households, with the local people, mainly speaking a language called Wakhi, which is an Indo-European language. To the north of the village, you will find the famous Passu Cones (20,033 feet) also called Tupopdan besides Passu Sar, Shispare Sar, and Batura.
Elders in the area claim that there were once over 300 households in the Pass, many of which were submerged and destroyed. Some remnants of the old Pass can still be seen when visiting the area.
Visitors usually tend to get out of their vehicles, stand in the middle of the wide and long paved road, and click memorable photos with the big Passu Cones in the background. Once you’ve captured the serenity of this place on camera, you may want to explore more adventurous spots.
For this, you can make your way to the Hussaini Bridge, which is also named one of the most dangerous bridges in the world! Suspended over the Hunza River, the Hussaini Bridge is a long bridge made up of wooden planks and ropes for support.
At first glance, it may seem daunting, but for many residents of the Passu, it is a regular route! So if you want to give your adventure a treat, jump on the bridge, if only for a few pictures and an adrenaline rush.
Another very exciting adventure you can indulge in while visiting the Passu Cones is the Pass Glacier trek. If you want to start your trek, you can choose to drive or walk from the main Karakoram Highway Road. Along the way, you will pass peaceful-looking villages and the majestic Lake Borith to add to the list of beautiful places to appreciate in the Pass.
After walking for a while, you should see the Passu glacier from a distance and marvel at its beauty. Once you are close to the glacier, you can choose when to stop or there is a route that takes you to the glacier itself. Depending on your strength and the level of adventure you want to indulge in, you can decide for yourself! If you want to enter the glacier, we recommend that you have a guide with you who can provide you with a safe way over it.
You will be able to find small Khokay (shops) with wooden roofs where you can sit and have a snack to recharge your energy. These Khokays (shops) alone will give you a sweet, fleeting experience by serving up freshly boiled eggs and deliciously prepared instant noodles that you’ll crave long after your trip is over!
If you are a foodie and want to enjoy popular dishes across Pakistan, you must try Apricot Pies from Glacier Breeze Restaurant in Passu. This restaurant is the perfect place to stop, eat, and enjoy the wonderful views that Passu has to offer. Made with local ingredients, visit the restaurant earlier in the day for a warm cake to pair with a warm cup of tea.
Perched on a hill along the Karakoram Highway in Passu, this restaurant is one of the few that offers authentic French press coffee in the region. With a picturesque view of the Passu Cones and the glacier, you can choose from a menu of options in case you fancy a bite to eat along with their delicious apricot cake and aromatic coffee.
However, if you’re craving some hearty food after a long trip in the northern regions, where to enjoy a burger or steak in this mountain wonderland, Yak Grill is similar to an outdoor kitchen and has an open layout. which allows visitors to bask in the views of the Pass. Nestled in the mountains and beautiful landscape of the Pass, Yak Grill is a tourist hotspot.
A 60-minute drive from Hunza, you can enjoy a bonfire with food at night with desi options like Chicken Malai Boti, Karahi, and Tikka – the food is known for its taste and quality and is loved by tourists. Along the Karakoram Highway, you can dig into the food and enjoy the spectacular view of the Pass.
