let's travel north

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?

FeatureHighlights
🏞️ Epic Mountain ViewsOpen landscapes, glaciers, and distant ridgelines
❄️ Snow Even in SummerSnow patches year-round due to high elevation
📸 Photography HeavenIce fields, alpine valleys, yak trails
🐏 Wild & RemoteNo towns, no markets — just mountains and sky
🧭 Historic SignificanceAncient trade and invasion route between Kashmir and Gilgit
🎒 Gateway to Hidden ValleysLeads 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

RouteDetails
🚙 Skardu → Deosai → Astore → Chillam → BurzilAdventure route; 4×4 only
🚙 Astore → Chillam Chowki → Burzil TopMost common; ~3–4 hours from Astore town
❄️ Winter AccessClosed due to heavy snowfall and road blockage
🪪 Military PermitRequired 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

MonthConditions
🌸 June – JulySnow patches remain, green meadows emerge
🌿 August – SeptemberBest weather, clear skies, wildflowers
🍂 OctoberPass closes early due to snowfall
❄️ November – MayClosed; impassable due to deep snow

 

Things to Do

ActivityExperience
🚗 Jeep SafariA thrilling, high-altitude drive with hairpin turns
🏕️ Picnic at Burzil TopBring your own food, enjoy panoramic views
📷 Landscape PhotographyCapture untouched wilderness
🐐 Watch Grazing WildlifePossible to spot yaks, ibex, and marmots
🧘 Disconnect & ReflectNo 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!

Things to pack for traveling? 
  • 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