Koksil, Chapchingol Sar located near the Khunjerab Pass in the upper Hunza region of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a remote and windswept outpost sitting at the edge of Pakistan’s high Karakoram frontier. Positioned along the world-famous Karakoram Highway (KKH)—just before the Khunjerab Pass border gate with China—Koksil lies within the buffer zone of Khunjerab National Park, a protected alpine habitat that houses snow leopards, ibex, and marmots. At elevations exceeding 4,000 meters, this rugged plateau region is sparsely populated, characterized by barren glacial valleys, towering granite ridgelines, and deep seasonal snow cover in winter and spring.
Though rarely spotlighted as a destination in itself, Koksil’s snowfields offer untapped potential for high-altitude ski touring and backcountry exploration. In recent years, adventurers and alpine guides have begun to recognize this corridor—stretching from Sost to Khunjerab—as a wild winter playground for experienced skiers, especially those equipped for ski mountaineering or cross-country glacier skiing.
Departure from home country to Pakistan
Arrive to Islamabad our guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel for rest. After some rest we will have our city tour of Islamabad we will visit the Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument. After that we will go back to the hotel and can walk around the bazaar near the hotel, then have dinner. Overnight in Hotel.
Approximate drive: 2 hrs
Approximate Elevation: 540 m
After breakfast, drive to Chilas via the scenic Babusar Pass (4173m), depending on road conditions. If Babusar Pass is closed (usually open from June onwards), we will take the Karakoram Highway (KKH) along the Indus River. The drive offers breathtaking landscapes with stops for photography, rest, and meals. Overnight at Shangrila Hotel, Chilas.
Approximate Elevation: 1265m
Approximate Drive Via Babusar: 8-9 hrs
Approximate Drive Via KKH: 12-13 hrs
Morning, we will first visit the famous Chilas Rock Carvings along the ancient Silk Route: A compilation of rock carvings dated from 2nd BCE o 7th century AD having more than 50,000+ carvings. Later on, we will drive towards Hunza we will stop by the Rakaposhi view point have our lunch and proceed towards Hunza. Upon reaching to Hunza, we will visit the Baltit fort and enjoy the spring blossom around the valley. Overnight in Hotel
Approximate drive: 6 hrs
Approximate elevation: 2500 m
After breakfast, we will drive towards Sost, the boundary region of Pakistan and China. We will visit the Khunjerab national Park and the region of Koksil where we will begin our skiing journey. Before that we will visit the Khunjerab Boarder the highest border Between Pakistan and China. Return to Sost for next day and overnight in hotel.
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Acclimatize this day
Approximate Drive: 2 hrs
Approximate Elevation: 2,800 m
Morning, we will start our trek to Koksil Base Camp, the trek itself will be not so challenging. It would take about 4-5 hrs trek from Sost to Koksil Base Camp. Upon arrival we will set up our camps and analyze the terrain for skiing. Overnight in Camps.
Approximate trek: 5-6 hrs
Approximate Elevation: 4000 – 5470 m
Enjoy ski descents in quiet, alpine terrain. Familiarize yourself with the snow conditions. Overnight in Camps.
Attempt a higher peak or longer ski descent for extra slope. Overnight in Camps
Morning, Ski or trek back to Sost. Rest, stay overnight.
Approximate trek: 4hrs
Approximate Elevation: 2800 m
Morning, we will leave for Gilgit on the we will be enjoying the scenic view of the mountains and stop at the Rakaposhi view point, have lunch at the Rakaposhi view point, then we will visit the Kargah Buddha a Huge Buddha carved into the mountain. After we will head to Gilgit the capital of Gilgit-Balitistan. Overnight in Gilgit.
Approximate drive: 4-5 hrs
Approximate Elevation: 1500 m
Morning, we will experience the panoramic flight over the mighty Nanga Parbat to Islamabad. The flight is one hour long. After that we will visit the Taxila Museum, and the archaeological sites of Taxila. Have lunch and check-in to hotel. Evening you can walk around the bazaar near hotel. We will have our farewell dinner from the NPA. Overnight in hotel.
Approximately flight: 1hrs
Approximate Elevation: 540 m
Transfer you to the airport for return flight to your country.
Tour of Gandhara Civilization is one of the important tour, it not only contain the history of Buddhism but also share the prosperity of Buddhism in Pakistan in ancient times. Pakistan was once a region containing different religious territories.
Biafo & Hispar Glaciers have a total length of 126 km and are the longest of their kind outside of the Polar Regions. They meet at the 5,150 m high Hispar Pass. This immense highway of ice and rock connects the antique kingdoms of Nagar in the West and Askoli (little Tibet) in the East.
11 Days of Buddhist pilgrimage tour and Buddhist Rock Cravings, is one of the important tour, it not only contain the history of Buddhism but also share the prosperity of Buddhism in Pakistan in ancient times.
