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N 35°18′ · E 75°37′
Upper Hunza
Passu Cones
Seventeen jagged spires rising from the valley floor like a cathedral carved by geology. They sit right beside the road, and they still surprise you.
About the Cones
Rock that rises like
a cathedral wall.
The Passu Cones, sometimes called Passu Cathedral, are a row of serrated peaks that erupt from the valley floor above Passu village in the Gojal region of upper Hunza. The highest, Passu Cataract, reaches 7,284 metres. They are not technically difficult climbs by Karakoram standards, but they are among the most visually dramatic peaks in Pakistan because of the way they sit directly against the road.
Most mountains in this part of the Karakoram reveal themselves gradually, a silhouette first, then detail as you get closer. The Cones are different. One moment you are driving through a narrow gorge and the next they are directly in front of you, their faces catching the light at whatever angle the day has left. The effect on first-time visitors is reliably spectacular.
The area around Passu also offers what is arguably the most memorable short walk in Hunza: the Hussaini suspension bridge, a traditional rope-and-plank bridge that crosses the Hunza River to the village on the opposite bank. It sways above a fast-moving river and requires some nerve. Most people cross it anyway.
Practical Info
Getting there
and what to do.
Getting there
90 to 100 kilometres north of Karimabad on the KKH, approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The drive goes through the Attabad Lake tunnels (a dramatic moment in itself) and through Gulmit before reaching Passu. No permit required.
Hussaini Bridge
The traditional rope-and-plank suspension bridge near Passu village crosses the Hunza River to Hussaini on the opposite bank. It takes 30 to 45 minutes each way and requires a head for heights. One of the most memorable short walks in the region.
Photography
The Cones face east and catch morning light on their main faces. Afternoon creates dramatic shadow contrast on the spires. There is a well-known viewpoint on the KKH just south of Passu village, pull over and look north.
Combine with
Passu pairs naturally with Attabad Lake and Gulmit on a full-day upper Hunza excursion from Karimabad. The entire circuit from Karimabad takes 7 to 9 hours and covers the most dramatic stretch of the KKH.
Common Questions
Before you go
answered honestly.
What are the Passu Cones?
The Passu Cones, also called Passu Cathedral, are a dramatic row of jagged rock spires above Passu village in the Gojal region of upper Hunza. The highest peak, Passu Cataract, reaches 7,284 metres. The spires are formed from ancient metamorphic rock and are visible from the Karakoram Highway as you drive north from Karimabad toward the Chinese border.
How far are the Passu Cones from Karimabad?
Approximately 90 to 100 kilometres north of Karimabad, or about 2 to 2.5 hours by road. The route follows the Karakoram Highway through Attabad Lake (via tunnel) and Gulmit before reaching Passu village. Most visitors combine Passu with Attabad Lake on a full-day upper Hunza excursion.
Can you trek near the Passu Cones?
Yes. The most accessible option is the Hussaini suspension bridge walk: a traditional rope-and-plank bridge that crosses the Hunza River near Passu, leading to the village of Hussaini on the opposite bank. It takes 30 to 45 minutes each way and requires some nerve, the bridge sways above a fast-moving river. The Passu Glacier is also within hiking distance for those with more time.
What is the best time to visit the Passu Cones?
June through September for the clearest skies and warmest weather. The KKH remains open year-round, but the area around Passu can see heavy snowfall from November to April, which reduces visibility and can make the Hussaini bridge walk hazardous. Early morning light hits the eastern faces of the spires best.
Plan Your Visit
Add Passu to your Hunza itinerary.
Passu Cones are included in Raahi's Do Wadiyan (Skardu & Hunza) tour as part of the upper Hunza day excursion. We can also build a standalone Hunza itinerary around them.
→Hunza Valley: complete destination guide→Attabad Lake: the turquoise lake you pass on the way to Passu→Baltit Fort: Karimabad's 900-year-old citadel→Do Wadiyan: 9-day Skardu & Hunza tour→Things to Do in Hunza: all activities & experiences→Passu & Gulmit: guide to upper Hunza beyond Karimabad→Karakoram Highway guide: driving the KKH from Islamabad to Khunjerab→Hunza in May: spring season on the road to Passu→Hunza in July and August: peak season in upper Hunza→Hunza in August: clearest skies for Passu Cones photography→Hunza in September: shoulder season in upper Hunza→Passu Cones and the Hussaini Bridge: upper Hunza in one day→Plan a customized Hunza trip with our team
Plan Your Visit
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