Knowing as “The Roof of World,” Chapursan Valley is one of Pakistan’s famous adventurous regions. Whether you visit its moon-like landscape or experience its breathtaking views of high mountains, it is the best place to visit in Gilgit Baltistan.
Though Pakistan has many tourist attractions, I have never had such an enjoyable and memorable experience as Visiting Chapursun Valley. Due to the rugged roads and challenging journey, you must be trained enough to travel through This Valley, one of the world’s most famous and difficult places to visit.
This guide provides all you need to know about visiting Chapursan Valley—from how to get there and where to stay to must-visit spots and essential travel tips. Whether you’re an adventurer or simply seeking tranquillity, this valley offers a journey you’ll never forget.
Where is Chapursan Valley located?
Located in the Northern region of Pakistan, This Valley is a must-visit destination in Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan. It is situated near the Afghan Border adjoining the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land in northeastern Afghanistan. This Valley tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the highest mountain views, Chapursan’s delicious taste, and Chapursan’s adventurous activities.
What is the best time to visit Chapursan Valley?
Standing at a high altitude of 3200m, Chapursan Village’s unpredictable weather offers a harsh and extreme landscape for tourists in winter. If your visit falls in winter, you will only be in the whole landscape of Chapursan Village. The snow-capped mountains and icy gardens are the best experiences for visitors in Winter.
I had a wonderful experience visiting this Valley in the Summer. The water pipes were still frozen during this season, and we missed the picturesque views of waterfalls and streams in Chapursan Valley.
Autumn is also the peak month when you can visit this valley. During this season, Chapursan’s temperature remains below 5 degrees centigrade. The accommodation facilities are limited in Autumn, and It’s roads also offer a dangerous and adventurous experience in Autumn.
The Chapursan Valley’s harsh weather and temperature make it a less crowded destination, but if you want to experience the beauty of Chapursan Valley, plan your trip in summer when the days and nights are full of excitement with many adventurous facilities.
How to get Chapursan Valley?
There are many ways to reach This Village. Despite its remote location, you can hire a jeep or public transport and book cars and high roofs by contacting travel agencies. Following are the travel routes of This Valley:
Start Your Journey in Gilgit
Gilgit is the central location where you will start your drive towards Chapursan Valley by crossing Chapursan’s dangerous roads throughout your trip. By reaching this spot, you can hire a jeep for further adventure. From Gilgit, you will go straight to Hunza Valley, where you can change your transport if traveling locally.
Getting Public Transport to reach The Valley
By reaching Hunza Valley, you will ask your hotel owner to guide you to the local transport. A public van drives to Chapursan daily by picking up the travelers standing at the region of Sost, a small local market near Khunjerab National Park. If you are somewhere along the Karakoram Highway, you must know when the public van will reach you. The van travels straight to the Chapursan.
The transport cost is approximately 300PKR from the Sost region, and the travel time includes almost 2 hours to reach Chapursan Valley.
How much does it cost to hire a jeep to visit Chapursan Valley?
As the jeep facility is provided with the availability of experienced and local guides, the costs of visiting Chapursan Valley become very high. You should pay approximately 6000Rs to the jeep owner for the booking of just one day. Hiring a jeep is relatively more expensive than local transport, so I recommend you travel by local transport.
Is it safe to travel by personal vehicle to Chapursan Valley?
Taking a personal vehicle is usually not recommended due to the Chapursan’s risky and difficult roads unless you are experienced enough to drive through these roads.
Chapursan Valley Roads: Risks and Conditions
Unpaved and Narrow Roads
The route between Sost and Chapursan Valley consists of roads with narrow edges and rugged surfaces. The unparalleled and rocky paths may result in chances of accidents unless you are visiting through Chapursan roads along with experienced drivers.
Rocky Terrain and Bumpy Road
You can also experience the bumpy roads while traveling through the route of Chapursan Village. During my visit to This Valley, I also had a harsh experience with dangerous roads. Special precautions must be taken while crossing famous bridges. Though the streets of Chapursan Valley are not as challenging and risky as Fairy Meadow’s roads, there are specific points where you need perfect tips and techniques to pass through.
Landsliding Risks
The visit to Chapursan Valley must be avoided in winter as the chance of land sliding is high. The roads of Chapursan Valley are also dangerous due to the accumulation of snow, which becomes slippery, increasing the chance of accidents.
Where to stay in Chapursan Valley?
Most accommodation in Chapursan Valley comes from homestays and guesthouses run by the Wakhi people, the valley’s indigenous inhabitants. Staying with a local family allows you to experience the region’s traditional hospitality and immerse yourself in the Wakhi culture. Following are the famous spots in Chapursan where you can stay during your journey:
Kirmin Village
It is the first village that you will find while visiting Chapursan Valley. The town has one guest house named “Didar Karim Guest House.”
Keel Village
Just a small distance from Kirmin village, there is another village, Keel Village, which is highly renowned for its reasonable guest house, “Little Pleasure Guest House.”
Reshit Village
On the way to Chapursan valley, another famous village is located, Reshit village. In this village, you will find a renowned guest house for your stay. Village Guest Houses and Hilltop Guest Houses are the popular hotels in this region.
Sher e Sabz Village
After reaching this village, you will find other reasonable guesthouses for your accommodation. Pamir Mountain Guest House and Chapursan Village Guest House are famous visitor accommodation spots in Chapursan Valley.
Zudkhun Village
Shah Guest House is the central accommodation spot available in this village.
Things To Do in Chapursan Valley
After reaching Chapursan Valley, the question arises: “What to do in this village?”. In this article, I will provide details of the various adventurous moments you can enjoy in this valley.
Go for Trekking and Hiking
Trek to Karambar Lake: This is one of the most popular treks in the region, taking you to Karambar Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world (at around 4,100 meters). The hike is challenging, but the scenery of glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear water is worth the effort.
Explore the Valley’s Trails: Short hikes around the valley let you explore the valleys, meadows, and surrounding mountain peaks, offering panoramic views of the entire region. Yishkok Meadow in Chapursan Valley is a famous spot for trekking adventures.
The meadow serves as a base for several trekking routes, including paths leading to the Yashkuk Yaz Glacier, the longest glacier in the valley, and the Sakar Sar base camp, which is the highest peak in Chapursan Valley at 6,272 meters. Reaching Yishkok Meadow involves a trek from the village of Zood Khun, the last inhabited settlement in Chapursan Valley. The trail is moderately challenging and requires a good level of physical fitness.
Visit the Local village and meet the Wakhi people
Chapursan Valley is home to the Wakhi people, a culturally rich ethnic group known for their hospitality and traditional way of life.
Cultural Exchange: Visit local villages such as Shigash, Pordung, and Boro, where you can stay with families, learn about their customs, and experience their way of life.
Traditional Cuisine: Enjoy the delicious conventional Wakhi food, including butter tea (a local specialty), fresh bread, and meat stews.
Wakhi Craftsmanship: See traditional handcrafts like woolen shawls, handwoven carpets, and embroidery, which you can buy as souvenirs.
Travel to the shine of Baba Gundi
After driving more than one hour from Zoodkhun, you can explore the region with a Baba Gundi destination. It is most often regarded as a pilgrimage site and has value due to its mystical powers. Regardless of religion, I have been there for peace and adventure.
Fishing at Karambar Lake
If you’re an angler or enjoy peaceful moments by the water, Karambar Lake offers a tranquil setting for fishing. While the lake is known for its cold waters, it’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Experience the local Festivals
Depending on the time of year, you may have the chance to witness traditional festivals of the Wakhi people, such as the Shandur Polo Festival or local harvest festivals. These celebrations feature traditional music, dancing, and games that glimpse the region’s vibrant culture.
Visiting Charupsan Valley’s Bridge Silk Route
Exploration: Visiting Chapursan’s famous and historical places gives you a sense of acknowledgment of their history and culture.
Cultural Immersion: Chapursan, Wakhi People, are well known for their warm hospitality and interactive nature. Visiting surrounding villages and places makes you attracted to the locals.
Photography: The valley’s landscapes and historic sites provide excellent opportunities for capturing the essence of this ancient trade route.
The Bridge Silk Route in Chapursan Valley is more than just a historical reference—it’s a living testament to the resilience and connectivity of human civilizations.
Travel Chapursan Valley: Tips for a Smooth Journey
Plan Ahead: Book your spot as early as possible and ensure your visit falls in peak season.
Hire a Guide: A local guide can help you navigate the terrain and provide cultural insights.
Travel Light: During your visit to Chapursan Valley, pack warm dresses and be selective in your food choices.
Check the Weather: Avoid traveling during winter or monsoon seasons when roads can be blocked.
Be Prepared for Adventure: The journey is as thrilling as the destination, so embrace the experience!
Visiting Chapursan Valley was the best experience that I have had. The unique blend of culture, significant history, and famous tourist spots in Chapursan Valley make it a must-visit destination for adventurers. Whether you visit the beautiful Yishkok Meadow or admire the importance of the old Silk Route bridge, every region of Chapursan Valley offers an unforgettable journey. While passing through the challenging routes, the Chapursan Valley’s trip is awe-inspiring and breathtaking. For travelers seeking tranquillity, cultural richness, and stunning scenery, Chapursan Valley is a must-visit destination that embodies the untouched beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan.
FAQs
Where is Chapursan Valley located?
Chapursan Valley is located in the Hunza District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It borders the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan and is part of the Pamir mountain range.
What is the best time to visit Chapursan Valley?
The best time to visit Chapursan Valley is from June to August when the weather is pleasant, the meadows are in full bloom, and the trekking trails are most accessible.
Are the roads to Chapursan Valley safe?
The route between Sost and Chapursan Valley consists of roads with narrow edges and rugged surfaces. The unparalleled and rocky paths may result in chances of accidents unless you are visiting through Chapursan Valley roads along with experienced drivers.
What are the accommodation options in Chapursan Valley?
Accommodation options in Chapursan Valley include guesthouses and homestays in villages like Zood Khun. Most places offer basic amenities and a chance to experience Wakhi hospitality.
What are the must-visit places in Chapursan Valley?
Some must-visit spots in Chapursan Valley include Yishkok Meadow, Karambar Lake, local Wakhi villages, and the trekking trails that lead to the Wakhan Corridor.
