Last Settlement - Zood Khun Village: Chipurson

 

Zood Khun Village: The Last Settlement on the Roof of Pakistan

Zood Khun Village – landscape (Photo: Bernard Grua)

Where Mountains Meet Culture, and Simplicity Meets Strength

Tucked away in the remote heights of Chapursan Valley, lies a resilient village known as Zood Khun—the northernmost human settlement in Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and China’s Xinjiang province.

1. Geographic Heart of the High Mountains

Zood Khun sits at a breathtaking 3,300 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram Range. It’s a frontier where ancient trade paths and cultural traditions still breathe.

• Irshad Pass: Gateway to Wakhan Corridor.
• Baba Ghundi Shrine: A spiritual place in the highlands.
• Yashkuk meadow: Lush grazing lands in summer.

2. A Pure Wakhi Identity

The people of Zood Khun belong to the Wakhi ethnic group, with a language and culture preserved through generations. Their language, Wakhi, and their faith in Ismaili Islam shape a peaceful, community-driven way of life.

3. Life and Architecture

Homes are made of stone and wood, with flat roofs to dry food and fodder. Villagers live close to nature, building lives that withstand heavy snow and harsh winters.

4. Economy and Daily Survival

Zood Khun survives on high-altitude farming and livestock. Potatoes, barley, goats, yaks, and hand-planted trees form the economic backbone of the community.

“In Zood Khun, land and life are inseparable.”

5. Education and Community

Thanks to the Aga Khan Development Network, education has reached even this remote corner. Both girls and boys go to Diamond Jubilee High school, and villagers work collectively to maintain water channels, plant trees, and support each other.

6. More than a Tourist Spot

Zood Khun quietly attracts anthropologists, nature lovers, and cultural explorers due to its authenticity and isolation.

7. Zood Khun's Cultural Significance and Attractions

Beyond its natural beauty, Zood Khun is a hub of cultural and recreational activities:

• Proximity to Peaks: The village is near notable peaks such as Sakar Sar, Yaskuk Peak, Pamir Sar Peak, and Chalanji, making it a strategic location for trekkers and mountaineers.

• Ice Hockey Tournaments: Zood Khun hosts annual ice hockey tournaments, attracting teams from all over Gilgit-Baltistan. In the 2025 Baba Ghundi Winter Sports Festival, the Zood Khun Leopards loss against the Ghulkin Winter Club in the grand final. [Source]

• Rich Musical Heritage: The village has produced renowned artists such as Fazal Rehman Shreen Sudo, Alam Jan Dario, Hyder Murad, Sanawar Sabir, and Sharafat Ali, contributing significantly to Wakhi music and poetry.

• Museum and Library: Zood Khun houses a museum preserving Wakhi cultural artifacts and a library that serves as a knowledge center for locals and visitors alike.

Read More

• Pamir Times: Zood Khun
• Wikipedia: Chapursan Valley
• Bernard Grua: Zoodkhun Cultural Overview
• Baba Ghundi Winter Sports Festival 2025

Final Thought

Zood Khun isn’t about luxury or spotlight. It’s about peace, history, nature, and endurance. It’s one of Pakistan’s best-kept cultural treasures—an unfiltered glimpse into life where the Earth ends and the sky begins.

Some Review

🌿 On Nature and Isolation

> “Zood Khun’s isolation at 3,300 meters creates an almost surreal tranquility. There are no advertisements, no commercial signs—just the roar of the river, bird songs, and wind through poplars. It’s a place where the absence of human noise becomes a rare luxury.” 

— Bernard Grua, Researcher & Photographer .  

> “The dry, crystal-clear air offers a respiratory break for those from polluted cities. At night, the skies are incredible—unspoiled by light pollution.”

— Pamir Institute .  

🏡 On Culture and Hospitality

> “Alam Jan Dario isn’t just a host; he’s a storyteller, horseman, and guardian of Wakhi traditions. His glass sunroom frames the Karakoram like a painting.” 

— Rocio Otero, Herald Dawn .  

> “We entered the dark and cozy interior of Alam Jan’s home... sipping the best tea we’d tasted, watching steam rise from our sodden clothes. It was pure contentment.”

— Anonymous Traveler, Blog Testimonial .  

On Organic Living

> “The wild sea buckthorn berries taste like sunshine—vibrant and untamed. Zood Khun’s chemical-free farming yields flavors forgotten by modern agriculture.”  

— Bernard Grua .  

> “Food here tastes like it’s from another era—untainted and vibrant. The potatoes and barley are grown without a trace of industrial additives.” 

— Pamir Institute .  

⛰️ On Adventure and Spirituality

> “Baba Ghundi Shrine is where the earth meets the divine. Kyrgyz traders cross Irshad Pass with yaks and stories, weaving a tapestry of ancient commerce.”

— Lonely Planet .  

> “Chapursan Valley is bumpy roads, Afghan frontiers, and so much human kindness. Alam Jan’s mountaineering tales left us in awe.” 

— Travel Blog, 2020

📸 On Photography and Legacy  

> “Matthieu Paley’s images of Zood Khun’s schoolgirls against the Karakoram are nature’s perfect canvas—light and isolation intertwined.” 

— Pamir Serai Testimonials .