Batura Glacier
The Batura Glacier is one of the most serene natural wonders of Pakistan. It is located in the Gojal Valley (Upper Hunza) of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is surrounded by the mountains of Passu and Batura, which tower over the glacier, making the view truly mesmerizing.
The Batura glacier is an alpine lovers’ paradise. So today, we are going to look deeper into it and see what it has to offer.
Batura Glacier Weather
The weather at the Batura glacier Hunza is freezing. The mercury consistently drops into the negative, and torrential rains are a normal part of life. However, there is nothing to worry about!
The place is highly accessible, with paved tracks to navigate the way. So, with the right amount of preparation, you can visit the glacier without fear. And trust us, once you get there, it will be all worth it!
When is the Best Time to Visit Batura Glacier?
If you want to enjoy the Batura glacier in all its might, we recommend that you visit between eleven in the morning and two in the afternoon. The weather gets a little less rugged at this time, making your trip to the glacier easier. Moreover, the sun is also out, so you can enjoy the glacier’s cold and the sun’s warmth simultaneously.
However, the main reason for visiting at this time is that you get to see the pristine glacier in all its majesty. A breathtaking snow-covered mass surrounded by scenery that is second to none shined upon by the mighty sun.
In addition, we recommend that you carry some gear with you to make your trip easier. Ensure that you have items such as glacier trekking essentials (flashlight, duct tape, trekking poles, etc.), camping essentials (tent, poles, sleeping mattresses, match sticks, etc.), abundant food & water, and a first aid toolkit with you at all times.
What are the Main Attractions At Batura Glacier?
Pakistan’s natural beauty is full of wonders, and each sight offers a unique experience. Whether you visit the mountain tops or the green meadows, each place has charm.
The Batura glacier is also one of these magnificent sights. It has an aura of calm and tranquility that draws people towards it. Several attractions at the Batura glacier Hunza will leave you in awe of the place and make your experience there phenomenal. Here are some that we found particularly noteworthy!
Exceptional Scenery
The Batura glacier is one of the most unusual places to visit in Pakistan. The snow-covered mountains within which the glacier is situated provide a genuinely riveting experience that repeatedly makes you fall in love with the place. The white blanket of snow gives the glacier its calm, creating a memorable experience.
Gray Rocks
At the glacier’s bottom are an accumulation of gray rocks and gravelly moraine. This sets up an excellent ground for the journey above, as it marks the start of what is going to be a wonderful experience.
Flowing Water Streams
The Batura glacier Hunza also houses some of the bluest water streams in the country. The Hunza river is fed by the glacier, which then feeds the Gilgit and Naltar rivers, all located in proximity to the glacier, further elevating its beauty.
Summer Pastures
You can also view and experience some of the lushest green pastures around the glacier. These pastures are used by the Wakhi people of the area, who use them to feed their herds of sheep, goats, cows, and yaks.
Breathtaking View at Batura Glacier
The Batura glacier also has an exquisite view. Nestled between the high mountain tops of Passu and Batura, the snowclad glacier is a sight to behold. Moreover, it has an abundance of greenery at its bottom with Juniper trees and roses, which add to the majesty of the view.
Stunning Night View
You can also enjoy the stars from the Batura glacier. The starry sky is visible from the glacier, making it a sight like no other. The combination of a clear night sky and light fragments dotted over that black canvas make it an outstanding experience that you will likely remember for the rest of your life.
Things to Do at Batura Glacier
In addition to the breathtaking views, there are multiple activities that you can do at the Batura glacier. And they are sure to make your journey more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some activities that we recommend you do the next time you visit:
Trekking
Trekking is undoubtedly one of the best activities you can do at the glacier. Several treks in and around the glacier are a joy to walk on. By strolling through the wilderness, you can whisk away into the glacier’s beauty and experience the surreal combination of natural wonders.
Camping
Another popular activity to do at the Batura glacier is camping. You can set up your camp and feel connected with nature in several spots. You can lie below the clear night sky and enjoy the area’s serenity.
Star-Gazing
You can also experience a magical night by seeing the stars at night. The glacier is one of the few places in Pakistan where you get an unobstructed view of the starry sky. This makes the trip to the glacier worthwhile.
Sight-Seeing
In addition, you can enjoy the glacier and the other natural attractions close to it quickly. Just take a quick walk, and you can experience other natural wonders, such as the Hunza river, Karakoram mountains, Passu cones, etc., nearby.
Trekking Places toward Batura Glacier
There are quite a few treks that you can enjoy at the Batura glacier. These treks will give you a sense of belonging with nature and instill the calm of the Batura glacier Hunza. These treks include China Camp to Uzhokpirt, Janabad to Uzhokpirt, Uzhokpirt to Yashpirt, Yashpirt to Guchesham, and Guchesham to Lupdur.
One of the Longest Glaciers Outside the Polar Region
The Batura glacier is about 57 kilometers long and is one of the longest in a non-polar region. It is located on the Batura Muztagh, one of the highest mountains on earth. It is also a sub-range of the Karakoram mountains. On average, the glacier has a thickness of about 150 meters. The lower region of the glacier mainly holds this mass.
How to Reach Batura Glacier?
The Batura glacier Hunza located on the massifs of Batura, can be reached from Islamabad, the federal capital, by taking a two-hour flight from the capital to Gilgit. You can take a taxi to the glaciers, which are about two hours away.
Alternatively, you can drive directly to the glaciers from Islamabad. It will take you around 14 hours. However, the roads up to the glacier are barren, so prepare yourself and your car accordingly.
How Much is the Distance to Reach Batura Glacier from Hunza?
The Batura glacier is located in the Hunza district of Gilgit-Baltistan. This means that most people prefer to trek to the glacier from Hunza. And the Batura-Hunza hiking trek helps in this regard.
At a distance of 25.1 kilometers, it takes around 5 hours for people to trek from Hunza to the Batura Glacier Hunza. However, this distance feels a lot shorter when you see the pristine peaks of Ultar (7388), Shispare (7611m), Passu peak (7284m), and Karun Koh (7164m) along your way.
Location of Batura Glacier Hunza
The Batura Glacier Hunza is located in Gojal in the upper Hunza Valley. It is approximately 57 km long. It flows west to east and feeds multiple rivers, such as the Hunza River in north Pakistan. Ultimately, it joins the Gilgit and Naltar Rivers before it flows into the Indus River. The glacier is situated just north of the mountains of Batura and Passu in the Batura Muztagh range.
FAQ
How long is Batura Glacier?
The Batura glacier is 57 kilometers (or 35 miles) long. It flows from west to east and stretches for 56 kilometers. It is one of the giant glaciers outside a polar region.
What is the height of the Batura Glacier?
The average altitude of the glacier is over 5000 meters (16400 ft.). However, its tallest point changes depending on the geography and climate.
How many days it takes to reach Batura Glacier?
If you are traveling from Islamabad, it will take you about 14 hours to drive to the Batura Glacier. However, the journey will take about 5 hours if you are trekking in from Hunza.
Conclusion
All in all, the Batura glacier is undoubtedly a marvel of Pakistan’s natural ecosystem. Its location between some of the country’s most renowned natural wonders makes it one of the most majestic places to visit. Moreover, its pristine beauty makes it a must-visit for anyone visiting the Northern areas.