Mountains like cathedrals
The Passu Cones, one of the most iconic mountain formations in all of Pakistan, located north of Passu village in the Gojal Valley of Upper Hunza, Gilgit‑Baltistan. And for us one of the most epic camp sites we've ever had – camping in front of pyramid-shaped peaks over 6106 m tall. EEEPIIIIICCC!
Along the famous Karakoram Highway
Since we entered the Gilgit region in northern Pakistan, we’ve been greeted by one breathtaking mountain peak after another. Still following the legendary Karakoram Highway, the road winds through the heart of the Karakoram, passing small villages, quite scarry narrow passages, and high cliffs with overhanging rocks. Sometimes rockfalls close by, sometimes landslides ahead of us. This road is not boring!
For centuries, this route served as an important section of the ancient Silk Road. Even today, the Karakoram Highway is still the most important trade route between Pakistan and China. It serves as the only direct overland connection between the two countries and remains the main link for trade, transport, and the close relationship between Pakistan and China.
The Camp
We had planned to camp right at the foot of the Passu Cones, which meant crossing the Hunza River to reach a beautiful spot on the riverbank. But after days of flash floods caused by melting glaciers, the river was carrying far too much water and crossing was impossible.
But as you can see, though, we still managed to find an epic place to set up camp 🙂 What can we say more about it, it's the feeling you need to experience. It's breathtaking and calming in the same time. We've never seen any other mountain that even come close to this.
We still claim that bedroom views from our roof tent are better than any 5-Star Hotel view you can get at probably every place we’ve been
Sometimes we’re too lazy to set up the full camp with chairs and table. And sometimes, we simply do as the locals do and sit on a blanket on the ground.
That summer, flash floods and landslides became increasingly devastating, and the Hunza River reached record levels. Not long after, this very spot was washed away by yet another flood.
Luckily we could enjoy a few days camping here. Campfires every night of course.
When freedom feels real again.
When freedom feels real again.
When freedom feels real again.
When freedom feels real again.
When freedom feels real again.
A moment captured on camera, like so many before it. Beautiful to look at, but impossible to fully convey how it truly felt to be there.
The colors makes you cry. You understand that, right?
Most of the people here in the upper Hunza are Wakhi, an ethnic group known for their strong sense of hospitality and resilience in one of the harshest environments on earth. Life is simple but deeply connected, farming, herding, and living with the seasons still play a central role in daily life. It is also home of some of our friends Azim and Khaber who have been hiking with us.
Many locals stopped by for a look, always curious and friendly.
Climb the Passu Cones
Florian was here for the first time in 2023, when he spent several weeks trekking in the Karakoram. Back then, he already fell in love with these peaks. They are simply too majestic not to.
Ever since we decided to travel together – long before we even bought our Defender – coming back to Passu was part of the plan.
At one point, Florian said that one day he wanted to climb the Passu Cones. But it turned out to be far more challenging than it first seemed. It’s a highly technical climb, and only a handful of people have ever reached the summit.
Maybe one day.
For now, we’re happy just sitting here, taking in the view, and dreaming about what it might feel like to stand on top.
