Khot An Pass Trek

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Take a picturesque journey from Chitral to Khot Lasht via winding roads with breathtaking vistas of the region's rocky mountains and deep valleys. As you climb higher into the secluded Hindu Raj Range, you'll come across lovely towns, terraced crops, and lush pastures. The trip offers a unique peek into rural life in northern Pakistan. Arriving in Khot Lasht, a magnificent high-altitude plateau at 3,048 meters, you'll spend the night acclimatizing before beginning the Khot An trek.

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First, spend the night in Khot Lasht (3048m) to acclimatize. The route continues from Khot Lasht to Shahglasht. Follow the road for 1 to 1½ hours until the bridge across the Khot Gol above Ewatch (3180m). Purkhot, the valley's highest year-round town, is forty-five minutes away and across the river. The tallest homes, used only in the summer, are another 30 minutes away. Continue hiking for another 45 minutes via undulating hills until entering the flat Shahglasht region, where you will find a solar-powered weather station after another 15 minutes. Khot Gol is formed when multiple streams come together. The Pushet huts are located above the weather station and to the south-east. The Jinali Shah huts are across the river to the north-west, while the Tarwatin huts are upstream of them. Warmin Gol flows eastward, whereas Jacha Gol flows northward. A track runs up to the Ghochhar Gol and Ghochhar An, a high pass that leads to the Bang Gol Lake (see Hindu Raj Crest under Other Treks). The Jharogh huts are located across from Tarwatin on the actual left bank of the Jacha Gol river. Camp on the meadows of ShahgLasht (3780m) and see the herders' cottages, where porters welcome the opportunity to stay.

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Follow the way up the Warmin Gol's true left bank, which passes between two enormous rocky hills. Follow the creek to the north (left) until you reach Graz, a flat grassy meadow 1¼ hours from Shahglasht. This is a suitable high camp option to Shahglasht if your porters are prepared to sleep at 3900m. Truskho Chhat (3950m) is a grassland region around 30 minutes from Graz. This is the final dependable water source before crossing the Khot An, as well as the last camp spot. Continue south-south-east, crossing beneath the base of the massive rock face. In 15 minutes, reach a hill and head southeast toward Khot An, which is visible from the little mound. Reach Khot An (4230m) in 30 minutes from the Knoll. Yaks graze on the pass in the summer. The peaks above Thui are ahead and to the east. To the west are the high Hindu Kush peaks, including the seldom observed Akher Chhish (7019m) near the Uzhnu Gol's head. To a tiny, chilly spring, descend south-south-east via scree for 30 minutes. This is the only water till Dizg! Contour over the valley's south slopes, providing excellent views of the Shandur mountain and Yarkhun Valley below. After one to 1½ hours, reach a ridge immediately above Yarkhun. Turn northeast and descend the ridge top. After crossing a single juniper, Zigzag down the ridge's east face for an hour on a steep, loose gravel track. Then descend a steep gully amid beautiful eroded loess towers on loose gravel for another hour to reach the valley level. Follow the route across the alluvial fan for 30 minutes to the jeep road into Dizg (2500m), then another 15 minutes to the stores. Shopkeepers in this beautiful, well-watered Isma'ili hamlet may give trekkers green spaces to camp.

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After finishing your hike, you will travel back from the peaceful village of Dizg in the Yarkhun Valley to Chitral. The tour will take you through the stunning landscapes of the northern area, with views of towering peaks, rivers, and traditional mountain communities along the route. As you descend from the high-altitude valley, you'll retrace your steps through the rocky grandeur of the Hindu Raj Range, reflecting on the rich experiences and breathtaking views of your journey. Upon arrival in Chitral, you'll have the evening to rest and decompress after your excursion.

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