General
Irshad Pass Trek (16 Days) – Afghanistan/Pakistan (2026-27)
The Irshad Pass Trek is a strenuous cross-border trek that connects Afghanistan’s isolated Wakhan Corridor with Pakistan’s Chapursan Valley. This high-altitude route passes through vast Pamir vistas, old Kyrgyz towns, and the snow-covered Irshad Pass (4,977 meters). It offers one of the most stunning and least-traveled treks through Central Asia, combining breathtaking scenery with deep cultural connections.
In addition to this trek, we offer the following adventure options in Afghanistan, as listed in the table below.
Dates & Cost – Irshad Pass Trek
Summers are ideal for the trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Afghanistan. The months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in the Pamir region of Afghanistan. We have guaranteed departures every year. Our dates and costs for the trek are given below.
Holiday Information
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
- All road transport in Afghanistan
- Hotel accommodation in Afghanistan (twin sharing rooms)
- Trekking accommodation in Afghanistan (twin sharing tents)
- Hotel meals in Afghanistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking meals in Afghanistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipments and tools)
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters for trekking equipments, kitchen (supplies, tools, equipments, crockery, gas) and personal luggage
- Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
- Visa to Afghanistan (supporting documents offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipments (list provided on registration or request)
- Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
Highlights
The Irshad Pass Treks has a lot to offer. Below are the main highlights:
- Experience the remote beauty of the Wakhan Corridor in northeastern Afghanistan.
- Cross the snow-covered but nonglaciated Irshad Uween Pass (4,977 m) into Pakistan.
- Visit the nomadic Kyrgyz settlement of Kashch Goz in the Little Pamir.
- Explore the historic Bozai Gumbaz tombs, remnants of ancient Pamir heritage.
- Camp beside the high-altitude Kist-e-Ab plains under vast Pamir skies.
- Witness the colorful rock formations and wild river valleys of the Afghan Pamir.
- Trek through the sacred site of Baba Ghundi Ziarat in Chapursan Valley.
- Meet the welcoming Wakhi and Kyrgyz herders along traditional caravan routes.
- Descend into the fertile Chapursan Valley surrounded by towering Karakoram peaks.
- Conclude the adventure in the fabled Hunza Valley, gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan.
Itinerary – Irshad Pass Trek
The itinerary for the Irshad Pass Trek is given below.
Day 02: Travel in Faizabad
On this Day
Your adventure will begin in Kabul. From there, continue north, going through Gulbahar and entering the Hindukush mountains via the Salang Tunnel. After entering Baghlan, proceed east to Faizabad, Badakhshan's province capital. The day will conclude with an overnight stay at a reputable hotel in Faizabad.
Day 03: Drive to Ishkashim
On this Day
The adventure continues as you travel from Faizabad to Ishkashim in the rural northeast. The drive takes you via breathtaking valleys and mountain roads to this small village, which serves as the Wakhan Corridor's gateway. Upon arrival, you will spend the night at a small guesthouse.
Day 04: Ishkashim to Qila-e Panja
On this Day
Following breakfast in Ishkashim, the journey continues along the ancient Wakhan Corridor to Qila-e Panja. The road follows a mythical route originally taken by Silk Road travelers such as Marco Polo and the Chinese monk Hsuan Tsang. Qila-e Panja, located at the confluence of the Pamir and Wakhan Rivers that create the Panj, has Sassanid roots. Overnight accommodations are in a small guesthouse.
Day 05: Journey to Sarhad-e-Broghil
On this Day
Continue your journey into the Corridor by jeep, this time along the less-traveled Little Pamir River valley. This rural route goes to Sarhad e Broghil, a village of about 500 Wakhi people. The overland vehicles are left behind, indicating that the Wakhan Valley Trek will continue on foot.
Day 06: Sarhad-e-Broghil – Daliz Pass – Borak
On this Day
The walk begins with one of the most difficult days of the route. Leaving Sarhad-e-Broghil, the trail swiftly ascends away from the Wakhan River as the valley becomes too steep to follow. The route takes you over the Daliz Pass at 4,260 meters, with a hard vertical gain of approximately 1,000 meters. After crossing this high saddle, the trail drops into Borak, where the first campsite is located, providing much-needed relaxation after a strenuous first day.
Day 07: Trek to Langar
On this Day
The walk begins in Borak and continues along the Wakhan River's banks. The terrain fluctuates between rocky cliffs and broad meadows as Wakhi shepherds transport their sheep to larger villages before winter. The day's drive takes us to Langar, whose name literally means "free buffet," and is traditionally linked with grazing sheep and yaks. The campsite offers an insight of Wakhi pastoral life.
Day 08: Trek from Langar to Kashch Goz
On this Day
The road eventually moves from the steep-sided valley of the Wakhan to the vast expanses of the Afghan Pamir. The hike finally leads to Kashch Goz, the first Kyrgyz village met on the trail. Here, it may be essential to transfer from Wakhi pack animals to Kyrgyz yaks or horses, resulting in a change in both environment and culture. Camping in Kashch Goz is the first introduction to the nomadic Kyrgyz lifestyle.
Day 09: Trek to Kist-e-Ab Camp
On this Day
From Kashch Goz, the trip continues into the Afghan Pamir, leaving behind the Kyrgyz hamlet and encountering extensive high-altitude grasslands. The trail continues through the historic site of Bozai Gumbaz, where ancient domed tombs serve as a reminder of the region's Silk Road history and nomadic culture. After experiencing this amazing environment, the journey continues through wide valleys and rivers to Kist-e-Ab Camp. Nestled in a secluded region of the Pamir, this camp provides panoramic vistas of desolate ridges and high passes, and serves as an important staging place for the route to Surki Yenj and Irshad Pass.
Day 10: Trek to Surki Yenj Camp
On this Day
The journey continues through a high-altitude wilderness, with multicolored rock formations rising impressively against the sky. River crossings add to the difficulty as the trail cuts between valleys and mountains on the way to Surki Yenj. This camp serves as a strategic base before facing the upcoming high pass, and the evening is spent preparing for the most difficult section of the expedition.
Day 11: Crossing Irshad Pass (4,977m) - Camp
On this Day
This is the pivotal day of the journey. At roughly 4,977 meters, the Irshad Pass is snow-covered but not glaciated, necessitating cautious stepping across steep scree and snowfields. The climb is lengthy and difficult, but the reward is panoramic vistas that extend across the Afghan Pamirs into Pakistan's Chapursan Valley. Camp
Day 12: Trek to Baba Ghundi Ziarat
On this Day
The trail progressively descends through the Chapursan Valley, past river gorges and alpine meadows, until it reaches the famous Baba Ghundi shrine. This ziarat is a significant pilgrimage place, and its spiritual atmosphere makes it an appropriate rest stop after the rigors of Irshad Pass. The shrine and surrounding surroundings also function as a cultural crossroads for Kyrgyz, Wakhi, and Hunzakut influences.
Day 13: Travel to Chapursan Valley
On this Day
As you descend the Chapursan Valley, the trip becomes simpler as the altitude declines and towns become more common. The valley includes a patchwork of stone buildings, terraced farmland, and grazing areas. The journey provides an opportunity to meet friendly folks and learn about the unique culture of Hunza's upper valleys.
Day 14: Drive to Hunza
On this Day
The trail continues down into the upper Hunza region's farmed lands, eventually arriving at Sost, the last village before the Khunjerab Pass. The hike culminates with a drive through the center of Hunza, surrounded by iconic peaks such as Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger, and Rakaposhi. An overnight stay in Hunza provides much-needed comfort after days in the woods.
Day 15: Drive to Gilgit – Fly to Islamabad
On this Day
The group travels from Hunza to Gilgit via the picturesque Karakoram Highway, passing through spectacular valleys and towering peaks. From Gilgit, a flight or long drive brings the route full circle to Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, where the trek officially ends.
Day 16: Departure from Islamabad
On this Day
On the final day, participants will go to Islamabad International Airport for their onward flights. After crossing high hills, lonely valleys, and two unique cultures, the Irshad Pass Trek leaves you with vivid memories of one of Central Asia's most difficult yet rewarding excursions.
Why Register Early?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.
2. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Pamir and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
3. Pay Balance after arrival in Afghanistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Afghanistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 2 years.
6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 190
- 1st November: USD 290
- 1st January: USD 350
- 15th February: USD 400
- 1st March: USD 450
- 1st May: USD 490
Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 2 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Afghanistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Afghanistan.
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Map
Overview – Irshad Pass Trek
The Irshad Pass treks is one of the most difficult and rewarding treks connecting Afghanistan’s remote Wakhan Corridor to Pakistan’s Chapursan Valley. The route begins at Sarhad-e-Broghil with hard ascents over Daliz Pass and continues along the Wakhan River to Kyrgyz towns such as Kashch Goz. Before arriving at high-altitude staging areas like Kist-e-Ab, trekkers will pass through breathtaking Pamir vistas, nomadic communities, and the medieval tombs of Bozai Gumbaz. This expedition requires endurance, with long days of walking, rough terrain, and multiple river crossings that test both strength and determination.
The crossing of Irshad Uween Pass (4,977 m), a snow-covered but non-glaciated pass with dramatic views of both Afghanistan and Pakistan, is the trek’s highlight. The road descends through the sacred shrine of Baba Ghundi before continuing into the rich Chapursan Valley, eventually arriving in Hunza. The Irshad Pass, with its blend of natural beauty, cultural contacts, and high-mountain adventure, offers a remarkable tour through Central Asia’s most remote and fascinating borderlands.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
