Overview
The Hussaini Suspension Bridge crosses the Hunza River near the village of Hussaini, a few kilometres from Passu on the Karakoram Highway. It is built of steel cables and wooden planks, many of them spaced well apart, and it sways as you walk. Local people have used it for years to reach fields and pastures across the water, and it became famous once photographs of it spread online.
Behind the bridge rise the Passu Cones, a serrated ridge of dark peaks, and the river below is a wide, grey braid of glacier water. Most visitors come to look and take photographs from the bank rather than to cross. The setting is dry and open, with little shade, and the light is best in the early morning and late afternoon.
Highlights
- The view of the bridge with the Passu Cones behind it
- Photographs at sunrise and sunset, when the cones glow
- A short walk along the riverbank from Hussaini village
- Easy combination with Passu, the Passu Glacier and Borith Lake
Best time to visit
May to October is the main season, and autumn gives clear air and golden poplars in the village. Winter is very cold, and the bridge can be icy. Afternoon winds can be strong in the valley, so choose a calm hour for any crossing.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Islamabad (ISB), then to Gilgit or drive the Karakoram Highway north to Hunza over two days. Hussaini is roughly three to four hours from Gilgit by road, a little before Passu, and shared vans on the highway can drop you at the village. Most visitors include it on a car-and-driver day between Karimabad, Attabad Lake and Passu.
What to expect
This is a short, simple stop: allow an hour or two. The planks are widely spaced, some are loose, and there is a view of the water between them, so it is not for anyone uneasy about heights. Services are basic, with a few tea stalls and guesthouses in the villages nearby.
Practical tips
- Crossing is optional. Look first, watch how local people walk it, and turn back if you feel uncertain.
- Never cross in strong wind or when the bridge is wet or icy, and go one or two people at a time.
- Keep children close, hold your phone and camera securely, and wear shoes with a good grip.
- Respect fields and houses on the far bank, and ask before photographing local people.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hussaini bridge safe to cross?
It is used by local people every day, but it is old, it sways and some planks are loose. Cross only if you are comfortable with heights, and not in wind, rain or ice.
Do I have to cross it to enjoy the place?
No. The best views, including the bridge with the Passu Cones behind it, are from the bank, and many visitors never step onto the planks.
How long should I allow?
An hour or two for photographs and a short walk. Combine it with Passu and Borith Lake for a full day.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Mehtab Alam (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Ferozagulzar (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Mimalkera (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
