Phargam An Trek

Travel from Islamabad to the breathtaking Chitral Valley via the Swat Motorway. After a quick pause at the Swat Motorway Rest Area, continue driving along the N-45 highway, taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. You will pass through the magnificent Lowari Tunnel on your way to Chitral. Finally, if arrive in Chitral Valley, you may immerse yourself in its rich cultural legacy and breathtaking scenery. The estimated travel time from Islamabad to Chitral is around 9 to 10 hours. Explore Chitral's attractions, including the Shahi Mosque, Shahi Qila, the Polo Ground, Governor Cottage, and the Chitral Museum.

Istor, Golen Gol's highest town at 2700 meters, gets its name from the Khowar word for 'horse'. Driving from Chitral to Istor is an interesting excursion via breathtaking terrain and natural beauty. After leaving the busy city of Chitral, you'll be surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Chitral District. As you travel through the twisting roads and mountain passes, you'll come across gorgeous villages and valleys, each with its distinct character and charm. Along the journey, you'll be able to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Istor (2700m), the highest village on Golen Gol, translates to 'horse' in Khowar. A spring and a grassy, shaded camping area are located across the river from Istor. The path up Golen Gol narrows and continues for 5 kilometres to Romen, a flat area dotted with huts, farming, and clear springs. Another 2.5 kilometres will take you to a huge, grassy plain with clean streams, a few cottages, and some crops. On maps, this is referred to as Chhatar Ghuni (3000m), however it is known locally as Jungal. Lohigal Gol flows south from Jungal and joins the Lohigal An.

Ascend the lateral moraine along the true right (north) bank of the Golen Glacier's outwash stream. The moraine has some sparse grass growing on it, but it is mostly talus, and the slope is steep. Reach the top 112 to two hours after leaving camp. Turn left 40 degrees and climb an unusual-looking talus slope until the trail levels off with a black moraine ahead and a green hilltop to the right. Climb large Class 2 granite stones for one to 112 hours to a beautiful grassy area filled with wildflowers and snowcocks. Ascend the talus gradually towards the pass from here. You can stumble upon the remains of an old trail built for a former Mehtar of Chitral to ride his horse across. The historic track is erased throughout the final difficult ascent to the pass until near the peak, when water and the trail return. Phargam An (4975 metres) takes 412 to 6 hours to reach. A metal plaque near the peak recalls Gorge Kronberger, an Austrian mountaineer who died in the glacier.

Expect some snow on the pass until mid-August, as well as a modest cornice on the north side. The descent is through talus, with the old trail emerging on occasion, until you arrive at the grassy, flower-filled stream ibex habitat. Snow leopards are probably present, but they are rarely seen. You can camp here and still go to Harchin in one day if you leave early the next morning.

A rough hill is immediately beyond this location. Leave it to the left and descend a steep slope. The old road and picturesque waterways can be seen below. Flowers and low willows abound, and on a hot day, the stream is peaceful and pure, inviting you to wash the dust from your hair beneath a waterfall. Descend into the upper Phargam Gol, which features steep, jagged rocks. A spectacular waterfall blooms off the Khora Bort Glacier from Buni Zom to the north. On sweltering summer days, the torrent from this gigantic waterfall may only be accessed in the morning. Large rocks roll down the riverbed in the afternoon, making fording impossible. Phargam High Camp (3900m) is three to four hours from the pass and is located in a grassy area surrounded by clear streams. Enjoy the sunset over the upper valley cliffs and mountains.

Climbers attempting Buni Zom, which was first climbed by a New Zealand expedition in 1957, set up base camp here. A steep narrow gully with loose rocks at Gulabmali leads to the Khora Bort Glacier and Khora Bort Zom (5850m), as well as the route to Buni Zom. It is recommended to wear a climbing helmet. A steep moraine extends beyond the valley into a snowy basin where you can camp. The road above the basin divides and gets more complicated, demanding the aid of a local guide. Less daring climbers might enjoy breathtaking views from the nearby Panorama peak (5690m).

Meals included: Breakfast

Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.