Werthum (‘millstone’ in Wakhi) is an infrequently crossed nonglaciated pass (5147m) linking the Batura Glacier to Chapursan’s Lupgar Valley to its north. The pass offers an alternative exit from the upper Batura Glacier, especially attractive for those climbing in the Werthum Valley. This rugged side valley north of the Batura Glacier has some easy nontechnical snowy peaks, and several technical peaks ranging from 5400m to 5900m at the valley’s head and along the Shireen Maidan (sweet field) Glacier. The views from the pass include the six Batura peaks and Shishpar. Crossing Werthum Pass isn’t technically difficult, but requires basic mountaineering skills.

PLANNING

What to Bring

A rope, ice axe and mountaineering equipment necessary to cut steps in the ice cornice on the north side of the pass are required (see Mountaineering Equipment,). Crampons aren’t necessary when crossing from south to north, but are when crossing from north to south. When trekking with porters bring a tarp or tent for their use because no huts exist for the two nights between Kukhil and Harkeesh.

Maps

Refer to Maps under the Batura Glacier trek (p). The Swiss map incorrectly marks the trail between Shireen and Maidan and Werthum Base Camp (unmarked), and misrepresents the confluence of the streams that form Werthum Nala. The actual trail is on the opposite side of the river from where the trail is drawn on the map; the map has it backwards. Unsuspecting trekkers have dangled on nasty scree slopes and cliffs trying to follow the trail depicted on the map. Werthum Pass isn’t marked and the glacier on its north side is much smaller than the map shows. Harkeesh isn’t marked either. It’s on the south side of the Lupgar River along the first side stream west (left) of the place name Purzin.

Maps

Refer to Maps under the Batura Glacier trek (p). The Swiss map incorrectly marks the trail between Shireen and Maidan and Werthum Base Camp (unmarked), and misrepresents the confluence of the streams that form Werthum Nala. The actual trail is on the opposite side of the river from where the trail is drawn on the map; the map has it backwards. Unsuspecting trekkers have dangled on nasty scree slopes and cliffs trying to follow the trail depicted on the map. Werthum Pass isn’t marked and the glacier on its north side is much smaller than the map shows. Harkeesh isn’t marked either. It’s on the south side of the Lupgar River along the first side stream west (left) of the place name Purzin.