In a Glimpse
Adorned with grassy slopes draped in vibrant flowers and alpine vegetation, spectacular views of Burzil Pass make it the top natural attraction in the region. Blossoming flowers blended with water streams and snow make it the best place to visit while journeying through Gilgit Baltistan. As you delve into beautiful Pakistan, Burzil Pass reveals itself as a unique natural attraction.
Historical Significance
Burzil Pass, towering at an elevation of 13,808 feet, has played a crucial role in the history of northern Pakistan. Once a key segment of the ancient caravan route connecting Srinagar to Gilgit, it facilitated trade and travel between these regions. Under British rule in India, the pass allowed unrestricted passage through Jammu and Kashmir.
However, following the First Kashmir War, Pakistan closed much of this route, permanently cutting off the historic passage between Srinagar and Gilgit. Today, no travel is permitted through this pass between India and Pakistan, making it entirely inaccessible for cross-border movement.
By the early 20th century, a hut was erected at its crest, serving as a relay point for couriers carrying mail and messages between British India and China. Once bustling with travelers on horseback, the pass now stands as a historical landmark, a silent witness to the passage of time.
Geographical Significance
Burzil Pass lies approximately 5 kilometers north of the demarcation between Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and about 30 kilometers north of the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing Pakistan and India in the disputed Kashmir region.
Astor River, a tributary of the Indus River and one of the several rivers draining the Deosai Plateau, originates from the western slopes of the pass and runs through Astore Valley.
Access to Burzil Pass
Burzil Pass is the oldest known route connecting Gilgit to Skardu through the Deosai Plains. It lies some 5 km north of the administrative line between Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Burzil Pass is also accessible from Astore, passing through Gorikot, Maikaal, Dad Khitran, and Chilum Choki, which leads to the Deosai plateau. The metaled road to the pass is called Astore Valley Road.
Burzil Pass is also accessible from Minimarg Valley, connecting to the route between Kashmir and China. The road from Minimarg continues as a steep and long slope with captivating scenery that all the way leads to Burzil Pass.
Weather
The climate on Burzil Pass is harsh and greatly unpredictable. The weather is prone to change within the blink of an eye as the bright sunshine dims as clouds appear within a moment. The rain suddenly transforms into moderate and heavy snowfall. The best time to get pleasure from the scenic beauty of Burzil Pass is from May to July.
Local Dining
Burzil Pass has a few small kiosks among the sparsely located huts of locals. You can get some locally made snacks from these shops or mingle with locals to enjoy the hospitality of the Pakistani people.
