Lets go Chapursan Valley

Chapursan Valley is situated in upper hunza, it starts from Sost and ends on Irshad Pass which links Pakistan to Afghanistan via Wakhan Corridor. Chapursan means, 'What else do you need!. During the reign of the Mir of Hunza and later under British occupation the area was heavily hunted. In recent years, conservation efforts undertaken by the communities have slowly helped

to increase the wildlife population. Today, Himalayan ibex, wolves, golden eagles and even snow leopards can again be observed in their natural habitat.

It's almost a 4 hour tough jeep ride from Sost to Zoodkhun (first house) which is the last inhabited village of Chapursan Valley. 


At Zood Khun, accommodation, trekking information, yak and jeep transport and more can be found at the Pamir Serai guesthouse run by the redoubtable Alam Jan Dario, horseman, musician and ambassador of Wakhi Tajik culture. As the operator of Pamir Trails (www.pamirtrails.com), Alam Jan Dario runs cultural and adventurous treks on foot or horseback into the valleys and over the passes of his spectacular homeland.

IN VILLAGES/ON HIGH PASTURES

• be considerate of the local culture
• wear appropriate clothing. Locals usually love to see foreigners wearing shalwar kamiz
• ask permission before taking photographs, especially of women or religious places 
• if you want to give a gift or a donation, hand it to a responsible, respected person, such as a schoolteacher or community leader 
• when offered local food be humble and thankful. You can share some of your own food in exchange

WHILE TREKKING

• dispose properly of all your garbage. Burn paper, collect plastic, flatten tins and carry them out. Hiding garbage under a stone is not an option!
• leave your campsite in the state you found it
• use gas or kerosene for cooking. If you need to use wood, leave a donation for the village
• choose toilet sites at least 50m away from your camp and from any river or water source. Dig a toilet pit for larger groups
• avoid toilet paper if possible. Use water instead be an example to your guides and porters by following and explaining these guidelines and their reasons