Tupopdan

Tupopdan, also known as Passu Cathedral or Passu Cones, is a mountain in northern Pakistan.

Tupopdan
Passu Cathedral
North aspect
Highest point
Elevation	6,106 m (20,033 ft)[1][2]
Prominence	1,255 m (4,117 ft)[2]
Parent peak	Karun Kuh[2]
Isolation	12.7 km (7.9 mi)[2]
Coordinates	36°33′26″N 74°56′01″E[2]
Geography
Tupopdan Location of Tupopdan Show map of Karakoram Tupopdan Tupopdan (Gilgit Baltistan) Show map of Gilgit Baltistan Tupopdan Tupopdan (Pakistan) Show map of Pakistan
Interactive map of Tupopdan
Location	Kashmir
Country	Pakistan
Administrative territory	Gilgit-Baltistan
District	Hunza
Parent range	Karakoram South Ghujerab Mountains
Geology
Rock type	Limestone[1]
Climbing
First ascent	July 6, 1987

Description

Tupopdan is a 6,106-metre (20,033-foot) summit in the South Ghujerab Mountains subrange of the Karakoram. The mountain is situated 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) north of the village of Passu and the mountain is one of the most scenic sights along the Karakoram Highway.^[1] Precipitation runoff from this mountain's slopes drains into tributaries of the Hunza River. Topographic relief is significant as the north face rises 1,700 metres (5,577 ft) in 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi), and the summit rises 3,600 metres (11,811 ft) above the Hunza River in seven kilometres (4.3 mi). The first ascent of the summit was achieved on July 6, 1987, by Andy Cave and John Stevenson via the Northeast Ridge.^[3][4] One source claims that Tupopdan means "sun-drenched mountain",^[5] whereas another source states it is a Wakhi word meaning "hot rock" which alludes to snow shedding quickly from the south slopes in winter.^[6]

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Tupopdan is located in a tundra climate zone with cold, snowy winters, and cool summers.^[7] Weather systems are forced upwards by the mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. This climate supports two unnamed glaciers descending from the north slope. The summer months offer the most favorable weather for viewing or climbing this peak.^[8]

See also

• List of mountains in Pakistan
• Hunza Valley

Gallery

• 
  Tupopdan summit is left of center. South aspect.
• 
  Passu Cathedral from south
• 
  Passu Cathedral
• 
  Passu Cathedral from Attabad Lake
• 
  Tupopdan summit is left of center. South aspect.