Burzil Pass – The Remote, Snow-Kissed Gateway of Astore!
Burzil Pass is a high-altitude mountain corridor that once served as a trade and pilgrimage route between ancient Baltistan and Kashmir. Today, it’s one of the most off-the-beaten-path drives in Pakistan, offering stunning alpine views, high meadows, and access to Minimarg (with military permission).
Traversing this route gives travelers an unmatched look at raw Himalayan beauty, dotted with glacial streams, rocky ridges, and views that stretch for miles across valleys.

Why Visit Burzil Pass?
Feature | Highlights |
---|---|
🏞️ Epic Mountain Views | Open landscapes, glaciers, and distant ridgelines |
❄️ Snow Even in Summer | Snow patches year-round due to high elevation |
📸 Photography Heaven | Ice fields, alpine valleys, yak trails |
🐏 Wild & Remote | No towns, no markets — just mountains and sky |
🧭 Historic Significance | Ancient trade and invasion route between Kashmir and Gilgit |
🎒 Gateway to Hidden Valleys | Leads into Minimarg, Domail, and Kamri National Park |
Routes to Burzil Pass
Location & Accessibility
📍 District: Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan
🛣️ Route: Astore → Chillam Chowki → Minimarg → Burzil Pass
🌐 Connects: Astore Valley (Pakistan) with Gurez (Kashmir) — currently closed at the border
🧭 Coordinates: Approx. 35.122° N, 75.713° E
⛳ Elevation: ~4,100 meters / 13,450 ft
🕰️ Open Season: June to early October (closed in winter due to snow)
How to Reach Burzil Pass
Route | Details |
---|---|
🚙 Skardu → Deosai → Astore → Chillam → Burzil | Adventure route; 4×4 only |
🚙 Astore → Chillam Chowki → Burzil Top | Most common; ~3–4 hours from Astore town |
❄️ Winter Access | Closed due to heavy snowfall and road blockage |
🪪 Military Permit | Required beyond Chillam Chowki to pass through to Minimarg or LoC zones |
⚠️ Foreigners are not allowed beyond Chillam due to security restrictions. Pakistani citizens need NOC/army clearance.
Best Time to Visit
Month | Conditions |
---|---|
🌸 June – July | Snow patches remain, green meadows emerge |
🌿 August – September | Best weather, clear skies, wildflowers |
🍂 October | Pass closes early due to snowfall |
❄️ November – May | Closed; impassable due to deep snow |
Things to Do
Activity | Experience |
---|---|
🚗 Jeep Safari | A thrilling, high-altitude drive with hairpin turns |
🏕️ Picnic at Burzil Top | Bring your own food, enjoy panoramic views |
📷 Landscape Photography | Capture untouched wilderness |
🐐 Watch Grazing Wildlife | Possible to spot yaks, ibex, and marmots |
🧘 Disconnect & Reflect | No signal, no noise — just wind and sky |
Local Food
Try local dishes like:
Chapshuro (meat-filled bread)
Sharbat (dried apricot juice)
Trout Fish (fresh from local rivers)
Butter tea & organic yogurt
Must-know things!
- Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs: Warm Shawl/Lightweight Jacket.
- Gadgets & ChargersBook & Notepad.
- Mints, Sanitizer, Wet Wipes & Tissue paper.
- Toiletries.
- Snacks.
- Hiking boots/Sturdy Joggers.
- Cargo Pants/Hiking Trouser.
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock.
- Refillable Water Bottle.
- Snacking Bars/Dry Fruits.
Traveler Tips
Fuel Up in Gupis or Gilgit – no petrol stations in Golaghmuli
Mobile Network: Limited; only SCOM works in some areas
Permits: No NOC needed for Pakistani tourists. Foreigners might need NOC from Gilgit.
Weather Gear: Even in summer, nights are cold – bring layers
Altitude Sickness: Stay hydrated, ascend gradually