Passu Cones (Tupopdan)
پسو کونز
A row of serrated peaks across from Passu village in Upper Hunza, which look like church spires. It is the most classic scenic view along the Karakoram Highway.
The Passu Cones, formally called Tupopdan (about 6,106 metres), lie to the north of Passu village in Upper Hunza. A line of sharp, serrated peaks looks like the spires of a Gothic cathedral and stands out sharply against the blue sky. Chinese visitors call them the 'Cathedral Peaks'. On the Passu stretch of the Karakoram Highway, a straight section of road faces the peaks directly. It is the signature spot for self-drive travellers taking epic road photos. There is a simple tea stall at the roadside viewpoint.
Passu village itself is a trekking base. You can take short walks to the ice-tongue viewpoints of the Passu Glacier and the Batura Glacier, or take on the Passu–Borith Lake–Hussaini Suspension Bridge loop, which takes about half a day. Passu is also famous for apricots and apricot almond cakes. Family guesthouses in the village serve local dishes.
Entry is free. Allow 30 minutes for photos. If you trek to the glaciers, set aside half a day. Note: the altitude brings strong UV radiation, and mountain weather changes quickly.
Opening hours
All day