All You Need to Know About Gulmit and Passu:
Gulmit is a valley located in the upper region or heart of the Hunza Valley on the northern side of Pakistan. Gulmit, sometimes also known as Gul-e-Gulmit, is the headquarters of Gojal tehsil. Gojal is a district in Upper Hunza in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Gulmit is one of the most historic towns, it is more than 6 centuries old, that features mountain peaks and glaciers. It is also just a few minutes away from Passu Valley which features Passu Cones which is considered one of the most magnificent views on the Karakoram Highway.
The name Gulmit is derived from the Persian language, “gul” means flowers, and “mit” means lover. Located 2408m above sea level, Gulmit definitely lives up to the beautiful translation of its name. Gulmit is quite a popular tourist spot due to its gorgeous views and rich history, and also because it serves as the gateway to 5 other valleys as well as the majestic mountains of the north. One of these mountains is Passu Sar which features the astounding Passu Cones and Passu Glacier. Passu Cones are jagged, pyramid-like peaks that reflect the sunlight and make the valley below look golden and straight out of a fairytale.
Gulmit has very fertile fields that allow them to cultivate various fruits like Apples, Walnuts, Peaches, and Apricots as well as wheat, maize, and potatoes. Since Gulmit is a highly visited tourist spot, it has many hotels and shops to accommodate tourists. Gulmit also has a lot of historical sites, a house that is six centuries old, and a cultural museum that contains everything from a matchlock gun from 1891 used by British Commander to a taxidermized snow leopard and musical instruments dating back to the ancient era.
Although Gulmit features incredible colors throughout the year in every season the valley will take your breath away in Fall with vibrant colors and trees that showcase all the shades of orange, yellow, and red. The roads line up with the most beautiful of orange trees along with tall mountains hoovering over you, that will transport you to a Bollywood movie and you will pretty much never want to leave this place. The people here belong to the Shia Imami Ismaili sect and are extremely hospitable and kind. The people of Gulmit also made an amazing initiative of building Ondra Poygah, a hiking trail to the Ondra Fort which overlooks the beautiful panoramic view of the entire district below.
The trail is at 1,562 ft. elevation and is considered the longest uphill stairway in Pakistan with 1655 stairs. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly adventure tourism. The view from the top is to die for, the city is filled with all the colors of falls and you can even see the turquoise waters of Attabad.
Places to Visit in Gulmit and Passu:
Gulmit is filled with greenery and mountains which means that it offers spectacular short walks and hikes to various locations. There are numerous lakes also present near the valley where you can enjoy boating and fishing. Here are a few places you must visit:
- Borith Lake:
Borith Lake or Borit Lake is one of the most mesmerizing lakes near Gulmit. It is located at the height of 8500 feet above sea level and is often termed “bird heaven” since all the birds migrate here during summers from the hot areas for shelter and shade. WWF banned hunting here 25 years ago and now the site is a sanctuary for migratory birds. The lake lies between Gulmit and Passu Glacier and can be reached either by a 4×4 or by trekking. If you opt for a jeep, it will take you 30 minutes to reach this magical lake but if you choose to trek, it can take 2 to 3 hours although the route is more beautiful and filled with scenic views.
- Attabad Lake:
One of the most majestic lakes in all of Pakistan is Attabad. A result of natural disaster that caused 4 villages to be destroyed in 2010. The lake features turquoise blue water which makes it vibrant and a sight to behold. The landslide also caused destruction in Gulmit and the valley had to be rebuilt. The lake freezes in winter and the best time to visit is during summer as you can also indulge in a lot of activities at the lake such as swimming. boating, fishing, and jet skiing.
- Passu:
Passu village used to be inaccessible but after Karakoram Highway, the village can be easily accessed. Passu is one of the most bewitching locations in Pakistan due to the stunning landscapes of the district’s highest peaks and glaciers. In the north of the village resides the glorious Passu Cones with a height of 20,033 ft. Although there is not much to do here, the place in itself and the views are worth the journey you make. You can take amazing pictures here, standing in the middle of the long road with the enormous Passu Cones in the background to cherish your moments forever.
- Ondra Poygah:
Ondra Poygah is Pakistan’s longest uphill stairs, consisting of 1655 steps, that are used for trekking. It is a one-of-a-kind initiative by the people of Gulmit that they built themselves in mere 60 winter days. The stairs end up at Ondra fort which overlooks the entire district and you can see all the beauty far and wide. You will be able to spot Passu Cones, Attabad Lake, Gulmit Tower, Shisper Peak, and more. During autumn, you will get to witness all the shades of yellow, orange, and red spread out all over the town. Ondra Poygah is a truly unique project which aims to promote eco-friendly adventure tourism. The views you get to see during the trek will make you tear up and the final view from the top with making you weep.
Where to Stay in Gulmit and Passu:
- Gulmit Silk Route Lodge:
Silk Route Lodge is one of the most popular 3-star accommodations in Gulmit. It is located on the river bank and looks over the breathtaking views of the Karakoram and Cathedral Mountain. The hotel has a restaurant and each room has a terrace as well. The hotel also has a few places nearby that you can walk to such as Gulkin.
Price Range: PKR 4200 per night
Contact: 0341 0359430
Address: NH 35, Gulmit, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Marcopolo Inn Gulmit:
Marcopolo Inn is located in Gulmit on the Karakoram Highway. The hotel is owned by a previous ruler of Gulmit and has been maintained to be kept well. Marcopolo offers views of the beautiful green plateaus of Gulmit and the paved roads of Karakoram. There is also a small museum in the hotel that contains artifacts from the olden kingship days.
Price Range: PKR 3600 per night
Contact: 0346 5431267
Address: Polo Ground, Near Gulmit، Gulmit, Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Roomy Yurts:
If you are looking to stay somewhere different then try staying in a Yurt which is a traditional round tent-covered hut. Roomy offers Yurts in Gulmit which has garden views and is located in a beautiful place. The rooms are luxurious and cost comparatively more but staying here will be a completely different experience.
Price Range: PKR 12000 per night
Contact: https://roomy.pk/hotels/hunza/gulmit/roomy-yurts-marcopolo
Address: Next to Marcopolo Inn Hotel, near Polo Ground, Gulmit, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan.
What to Eat in Gulmit and Passu:
The rich culture of these cities means there is a lot to eat. Here are a few of the popular dishes you must try when you visit Gulmit or Passu:
- Tumoro Tea:
Tumoro tea is made from a herbal aromatic plant found in Hunza. The tea has a lot of health benefits and you will love it for the warmth it will provide you during the winter. Tumoro tea is also great for stress relief, immunity boost, and improved circulation.
- Yak Burger:
A must-try if you want to experience the meaty delight that grilled Yak meat is. Although Yak meat is supplied by butchers all year round, the best time for it when it is guaranteed that all restaurants will have is during the fall and winter seasons. The best place to try Yak Burgers is Yak Grill in Passu.
- Ghilmindi:
Ghilmindi is another amazing dish from Hunza that you will dream about after coming home. The dish is made by stuffing pan-fried chapatis with a mixture of yogurt and cheese along with mint, onions, and apricot oil. Sometimes, the stuffing also contains nuts. You will find the best Ghilmindi in a restaurant in Gulmit named Bozlanj Café.
How to Reach Gulmit and Passu:
There are 2 ways to reach Gulmit from Islamabad, you can either fly to Skardu or Gilgit. After reaching Hunza, you will have to travel via the Karakoram Highway to reach Gulmit. The distance from Hunza to Gulmit is around 34 KM and you can reach it in 50 minutes.
However, after you have reached Gulmit, you will have to travel a further 13 KM to reach Passu. The journey will take 20 to 25 minutes.
How Many Days to Stay in Gulmit and Passu:
There are a lot of places to visit in Gulmit and Passu that can take up your 2 to 3 days but if you want to enjoy some downtime by just staying at this peaceful location soaking up the natural beauty all around you, then you can stay for 5 days or more.
Weather in Gulmit and Passu:
The weather in Gulmit and Passu is the same as the two are just a few minutes apart. There is minimal rainfall in Gulmit as it has a cold desert climate and the average temperature here during summer is 18 to 25°C with July being the warmest month. The driest month is November while the coldest month is January when the temperature can drop to -5.5°C.
However, you must try to visit Gulmit and Passu during the Fall season if you really want to be blown away and left in awe by the sheer natural beauty of this place.
Reviews of Gulmit and Passu:
- “Ondra Poygah is a community based tourism initiative located in Gulmit village of Gojal Valley.
Ondra is the name of a hill, and also the name of an ancient fort, while Poygah in the local Wakhi languages means “stair” or “step”.
The Ondra Poygah, thus, is the name given to the steps built by the local community to connect Gulmit village to the Ondra fort.
The project is currently under construction. Around 2,000 steps will be constructed, covering a trail of around 3,500 meters
#beautifuldestinations#beautifulpakistan#travelwithus#PakistanZindabad#gulmit#mountains#toursim“
- “From picturesque landscape to venturesome treks to delectable food and delightful culture to compelling history, this marvel of a valley offers it all.
Traveling in the last week of March, my time of visit turned out to be ideal. Not many tourists had arrived. Nature has bestowed Gulmit with abundant beauty that changes with every season, it’s people are beautiful inside out, and it is a perfect treat for all nature enthusiasts who love to hike. Quick summary of places we visited.
Hike to view the Passu Glacier: The trek can go on as long as you like.
Khunjerab Pass: The road to Pak China border offered a beautifully transitioning terrain. It was nipping cold when we got down but the all-white landscape was a treat to behold.
Batura Lake: A quick stop and a great spot to take pictures with the glorious Passu cones in the backdrop.
Attabad Lake: The perfectly blue water lends a scenic boat ride and in summers we were told it is also open for Jet Skiing.”
- “Gulmit tower with the colors of autumn.
What unfolded was a spectacular trip infused with the right amount of unwinding and adventure. Not only did we get to enjoy all the major hot spots that internet had been raving about, we also got to witness the beauty of Gulmit as seen from the eyes of someone whose heart beats for the valley. “
- “The stunning Passu cones of Hunza Valley
(Gulmit, Gojal)
#Passu (پسو) is a small village located in the #Gilgit Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. Situated along the #Karakoram Highway in Upper #Hunza, Passu is a popular tourist destination because of its easily accessible sweeping landscapes, and vistas of the 7,478 m (24,534 ft) tall Passu Sar mountain, the Passu Glacier, and Passu Cones.”
Average Cost of Gulmit and Passu:
A standard 5-day tour package of Gulmit from Islamabad starts at PKR 35,000 per person and the package also includes sightseeing in Passu.
Final Verdict:
Gulmit and Passu are one of the most beautiful valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan with a lot of places nearby to visit and sightsee. If you are traveling to Hunza, you have to visit Passu Cones to see these beautiful and ragged peaks which are one of the most photographed sites in all of Pakistan. The natural beauty all around you in Gulmit and Passu will capture you and you will surely catch yourself daydreaming about this place after you go back home.
