Batura Glacier is one of the longest and largest glaciers outside the polar region. It is in the upper Hunza (Gojal) region of Hunza District, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Batura Werthum, which translates to millstone in Wakhi, is a non-glaciated pass (5,147 meters) linking the Batura Glacier Chapursan’s Lupgar Valley to its north. The Batura Werthum trek starts from China camp and ends in Ramanj village after crossing the Werthum pass.
I have always enjoyed the thrill and adventure of being immersed in nature. Thus, trekking has always made me explore new landscapes, gave me the chance to witness the most beautiful parts of the world along with physically challenged me during the journey. So, as soon as June rolled around, I planned a trip to the Batura Werthum Pass trek with my peers.
We landed at Islamabad airport with excitement oozing out of us. After a short yet fun stay in Islamabad, we visited some well-known tourist attractions like the beautiful Faisal Mosque, Damen Koh, and Pakistan Monument. We had an excursion to Rawalpindi to visit some places there.
Our brief stay in Islamabad ended soon as we rented a car to begin our expedition. Our first stop was Chilas which we reached after a 6-to-7-hour drive from Islamabad to Naran via Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad. After taking a break for lunch we arrived in Chilas from Naran via the Babusar pass in 3 to 4-hours. From Chilas, we drove to Passu and Karimabad. There we got to see the breathtaking view of Passu Glacier, and the junction point of the great mountains of Pakistan i.e., the Karakoram range, the Himalayas and Hindukush range. After a night’s stay in Passu, we started our trek from there.
From Passu, we trekked for 6 to 7 hours to reach Yunzben. With a couple of breaks and walking through the dusty trails at the snout of the huge Batura Glacier. The Batura Glacier is longer than the famous Baltoro Glacier in the K2 range. Camping under the starry sky with the beautiful scenery at the Yunzben campsite was truly breathtaking. The next morning our trekking journey continued to Yashpirt. We had to diagonally cross the Batura Glacier. The trek to Yashpirt was tiresome with a lot of walking on rocks and moraines of Batura.
Arriving at Yashpirt was a remarkable sight with the beautiful high meadows, shepherd huts, and stunning views of Batura peaks and Batura ice fall across the glacier. The next day from Yashpirt, we trekked a comparatively easier trek than Yashpirt and reached Shireen Madain. The sweet field from there we finally arrived at our main destination, the Werthum Base camp.
The Werthum base camp was astonishing with the surrounding mountains and lush greenery as the scenery, it was truly a remarkable sight. The magnificent view of Batura glacier could also be seen from there. After camping for the night at the base camp, we moved towards the high camp.
It took us 3 to 4 hours to trek to the Werthum High camp. We were instructed to be sure-footed throughout the trek from the Werthum high camp to the top as there are ice slopes on both sides and the ice is soft too. After another 45 minutes, we reached the top. The trek was a bit difficult but the enthralling view from the top made the struggle worthwhile. We made our way to the campsite after a while and after camping for the night in the cold, we continued our journey to Harkeesh.
To reach Harkeesh, we had to pass the beautiful Werthum pass that connects the Batura Glacier Chapursan’s Lupgar Valley. The enchanting environment of Werthum Valley forever etched itself in my brain. We could see the six majestic Batura peaks and Shishpar. After finally arriving at Harkeesh we ate and retired for the night. From Harkeesh after trekking for 3 to 4 hours we arrived at Raminj Village.
The village was vibrant with its unique cultural clothes and blossoming meadows. The food was also very different from anything I had ever eaten because of the different spices they used. We stayed there for a day, and it was one of the most memorable days of the trip for me as their rich culture fascinated me.
In Raminj, we again rented a jeep and headed back to Karimabad by passing the Attabad lake. After our expedition in Karimabad, we headed back to Naran and then to Islamabad from where we headed home.
The Batura Werthum trek was one of my favorite treks I have ever had the privilege to trek to as the crystal-clear valleys and streams, the exceptional view of 14 peaks higher than 7000m, and strikingly beautiful glaciers all are available to witness during this 10-to-15-day trek. Along with this, the trek is mostly free from difficulties as there are close to zero steep segments.
So, if you are pondering to decide a destination for a trip, the Batura Werthum pass trek is a more than decent choice.
If the breathtaking beauty of the Batura Glacier fascinates you, then this article is just for you.
An Enchanting Trek To Hunza Batura
Hunza offers many routes to trek from. Each has their own specialty and is full of a pleasurable experience. This article might help you decide your next trip if you are intrigued by Hunza and wanting to explore it more: