- Duration 15 days
Price From E 1390 E 1251
Overview
The Shimshal Pass Trek is one of Pakistan’s most rewarding and remote trekking adventures, leading travelers deep into the heart of the Karakoram. Nestled in the farthest reaches of Hunza, the Shimshal Valley stands as a symbol of isolation, beauty, and resilience. The trek to Shimshal Pass (4,700m) takes around 3–4 days from Shimshal village, crossing rugged trails, high plateaus, and glacial streams before reaching the vast alpine pastures known locally as the Pamir. For six months each year, local shepherds bring their herds of yaks, goats, and sheep to these meadows for grazing, preserving a centuries-old pastoral tradition.
Surrounded by towering peaks such as Minglik Sar (over 6,000m), Shimshal Pass serves as a natural training ground for aspiring mountaineers. The region’s untouched beauty unfolds through shimmering lakes like Shimshal Pass Lake, wetlands rich in wildlife, and distant glimpses of mighty peaks like K2 on clear days. Adventurers who reach this highland are rewarded with not only breathtaking views but also genuine cultural encounters. Campers can share evenings with the hospitable shepherds, enjoy organic dairy produce, and witness the unique mountain lifestyle that defines Shimshal. Whether on foot or through yak safari, this trek offers a rare chance to explore one of Pakistan’s least-touched yet most captivating landscapes.
Tour Highlights
- Remote Karakoram Adventure: Journey into one of Pakistan’s most isolated and untouched valleys, offering raw natural beauty and solitude.
- High-Altitude Meadows: Explore the vast Pamir pastures at 4,700m, where local shepherds graze their yaks and goats for half the year.
- Magnificent Mountain Views: Witness stunning panoramas of Minglik Sar (6,000m+) and, on clear days, distant views of K2 and other 7,000m peaks.
- Cultural Immersion: Meet the warm Shimshali people, experience their traditional hospitality, and taste locally made organic dairy products.
- Shimshal Pass Lake & Wetlands: Discover serene high-altitude lakes, wetlands, and rich alpine flora that enhance the region’s unique charm.
Inlcludes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All domestic flights with baggage allowance (Checking: 20kg, Handcarry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing basis)
- Government trekking permits
- Trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- Camping site fees and bridge fees
- Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipment & tools)
- All meals in Pakistan, except those listed under exclusions
- Snacks, including dry fruits and tea/coffee, during the trek
- Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
- Licensed professional guide (as per government requirement)
- Waste Management Fee for Central Karakoram National Park
- Islamabad and Skardu city tours including entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistants, etc.)
- Porterage for personal luggage and mountaineering equipment
- Storage service for baggage in Skardu
- Basic first aid medicine kit
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals in hotels/restaurants not covered in the plan
- Bottled water and other beverages
- Personal trekking gear (clothing, shoes, sticks, etc.)
- Personal mountaineering gear (crampons, boots, ice axe, helmet, etc.)
- Extra hotel nights in Islamabad
- Excess baggage during the trek
- Storage service in Islamabad
- Tips and gratuities
- Miscellaneous personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
- Early return costs if leaving the trek midway
- Force majeure osts due to natural events (landslides, floods, etc.)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Extra hotel stays
- Jeep for single person (leaving early)
- Rented crampon, sleeping bags, stick, etc.
Day 01 : Day 1: Arrival
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02 : Day 2: Fly to Gilgit & Drive to Karimabad
Location: Hunza
Take a morning flight to Gilgit and continue the scenic drive to Karimabad in Hunza.
Day 03 : Day 3: Sightseeing & Paperwork
Location: Hunza
Enjoy sightseeing in Karimabad and complete official trekking paperwork.
Day 04 : Day 4: Drive to Shimshal Village
Location: Shimshal Village
Drive through the rugged Karakoram terrain to reach Shimshal Village.
Day 05 : Day 5: Free Day in Shimshal
Location: Shimshal Village
Spend the day organizing final logistics and exploring the village.
Day 06 : Day 6: Trek to Ghar Sar
Location: Ghar Sar
Altitude: 3,300m
Begin trekking from Shimshal to Ghar Sar through rocky terrain and scenic valleys.
Day 07 : Day 7: Trek to Wooch Furzeen
Location: Wooch Furzeen
Altitude: 3,800m
Continue the ascent to Wooch Furzeen with views of alpine pastures.
Day 08 : Day 8: Trek to Arbob Purian
Location: Arbob Purian
Altitude: 3,810m
Trek along glacial streams and set camp at Arbob Purian.
Day 09 : Day 9: Trek to Shujerav
Location: Shujerav
Altitude: 4,005m
Ascend steadily towards Shujerav surrounded by snow-clad peaks.
Day 10 : Day 10: Trek to Shimshal Pass
Location: Shimshal Pass
Altitude: 4,500m
Trek to Shuwerth (Shimshal Pass) and enjoy the vast Pamir pastures.
Day 11 : Day 11: Rest / Minglik Sar Attempt
Location: Shimshal Pass
Altitude: 4,500m
Rest day or optional climb to Minglik Sar (6,050m) for panoramic views.
Day 12 : Day 12: Explore / Minglik Sar Attempt
Location: Shimshal Pass
Altitude: 4,500m
Second day to explore or make another attempt on Minglik Sar.
Day 13 : Day 13: Trek to Arbob Purian
Location: Khuspang
Altitude: 4,400m
Rest day at Khuspang with the option to attempt crossing the pass again in case of bad weather.
Day 14 : Day 14: Trek to Wooch Furzeen
Location: Wooch Furzeen
Altitude: 3,800m
Continue descent through alpine meadows to Wooch Furzeen.
Day 15 : Day 15: Trek to Shimshal Village
Location: Shimshal Village
Return trek to Shimshal Village and celebrate the trek’s completion.
Day 16 : Day 16: Drive to Gilgit / Karimabad
Location: Gilgit
Altitude: 2,440m
Drive back to Gilgit or Karimabad through stunning Karakoram scenery.
Day 17 : Day 17: Fly to Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Take a morning flight to Islamabad and relax at the hotel.
Day 18 : Day 18: Contingency Day
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Reserved day for flight cancellations or delays.
Day 19 : Day 19: Departure
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Fly back to your home country marking the end of the expedition.
Questions & Answers
Do I need prior mountaineering experience for this trek?
No technical climbing is required for the trek itself. However, if you plan to attempt Minglik Sar (6,050m), basic mountaineering skills are beneficial.
What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
Accommodation includes hotels or guesthouses in cities and tented camps during the trekking days. All camping equipment is usually provided by the trekking operator.
What is the best time to do the Shimshal Pass Trek?
The ideal time is from June to September, when the weather is stable, the pastures are green, and the high passes are free of excessive snow.
How difficult is the Shimshal Pass Trek?
The trek is moderately challenging, involving 6–7 hours of trekking per day over varied terrain including rocky paths and glacial sections. Good fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.