Trek Overview
Shimshal Valley (2,880m) is situated in the northeast of the Hunza Valley and about 52km and on three and half hours driving distance from the Karakoram Highway. This spectacular trek have a lot of attractions for various kinds of tourists and takes you to one of the most remote inhabited area of the Karakaram mountain region. It has many of the still unclimbed peaks above 7000m and some of the longest glaciers and a wide range of wildlife like the famous snow leopards and mountain bears, a large number of blue sheep population and mountain ibex and many other wildlife species of the area. It begins through the narrow gorge, which opens up in the Shimshal Valley in Upper Hunza region. Shimshal Valley is one of the oldest settlements of Wakhi people in the Upper Hunza region. There are around 130 household and above than 1200 people. The Shimshal Pass trek attracts and provide great opportunities to the trekkers to explore several glaciers, peaks, passes, meadows, streams, lush green land, wild flower pastures and you will see the wildlife in Shimshal national park. Beyond the main Shimshal Valley, there are the summer pastures known as Pamirs, the most scenic place around. Options to go to Askole at the head of K-2 trek via Shimshal and Lupke La passes or go to the Karakoram Highway via Chafchingol Pass are available. As a whole Shimshal Pass trek is an excellent trek for all the adventure seekers in the Pamir region. Shimshal Pass trek lies in Shimshal Valley and is the farthest end of the Gilgit Baltistan to the northeast of Upper Hunza Valley and particularly Passu village. It takes few days from the Shimshal Valley to reach the high altitude Shimshal Pass 4,700 meters. The pasture over here is so desolate stretching all the way to China and widely known as the Pamir pasture which has some peaks ranging above 6000 meters and this is one by the way is called the Mingling Sar.there are another one called Quz Sar which means the top of the shade where there is no sun shine at all. These peaks are the focal point of the trekkers for being spectacular in the vicinity of these peaks lie some beautiful lakes with grassy banks. The mighty K-2 can be seen from Shimshal Pass.
Expedition Highlights
- Native Balti & Hunza licensed mountain guides and high-altitude sirdars
- Premium alpine camp setups: 2-person tents, foam mattresses, mess & toilet tents
- Fresh gourmet mountain meals prepared daily by certified expedition chefs
- Full safety package: satellite phone, PAC hyperbaric chamber & first aid kit
- Complete government trekking permits, environmental fees, and airport transfers
Day-by-Day Trekking Itinerary
Drive to Gulmit.
Trek stage and mountain acclimatization through Drive to Gulmit.. Full expedition catering provided by our high-altitude chef. Overnight in Hotel.
Drive to Gilgit.
Trek stage and mountain acclimatization through Drive to Gilgit.. Full expedition catering provided by our high-altitude chef. Overnight in Hotel.
Fly to Islamabad (Weather Permitting), Or Drive To Besham.
Trek stage and mountain acclimatization through Fly to Islamabad (Weather Permitting), Or Drive To Besham.. Full expedition catering provided by our high-altitude chef. Overnight in Hotel.
Free Day In Rawalpindi Or Arrive Islamabad.
Trek stage and mountain acclimatization through Free Day In Rawalpindi Or Arrive Islamabad.. Full expedition catering provided by our high-altitude chef. Overnight in Hotel.
Fly to Onward Destination.
Trek stage and mountain acclimatization through Fly to Onward Destination.. Full expedition catering provided by our high-altitude chef. Overnight in - - -.
Trek Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Official Government Visa LOI Support (DTS # ID-1994)
- Hotel stays in Islamabad & Skardu / Gilgit on twin-sharing
- Full camping equipment (sleeping tents, mess tent, tables, chairs)
- 3 daily fresh meals on trek & purified boiled drinking water
- Professional licensed mountain guide, cook, and camp assistants
- Native porters (carrying up to 12.5kg personal client luggage)
- Bridge crossing tolls, national park fees & camping charges
- Satellite communication & emergency medical kit
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Pakistan
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, crampons)
- Mandatory helicopter rescue & medical insurance
- Alcoholic drinks, soft beverages & personal laundry
- Tips for mountain crew and drivers
Terms, Booking & Official Bank Details
Hunza Adventure Tours operates under strict commercial expedition standards licensed by the Department of Tourist Services (Govt. of Pakistan # ID-1994).
Official Bank Wire Details
Booking & Advance Deposit
A deposit of per person is required to process government trekking permits and issue official Visa Invitation Letters.
Balance Payment
The remaining expedition balance can be wired 30 days prior to arrival or settled upon arrival in Islamabad in cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level is required for this trek?
Participants should have good cardiovascular endurance, regular hiking experience, and be comfortable trekking 5 to 7 hours daily over glacial terrain and moraine.
What happens in case of altitude sickness or emergency?
Our leaders carry pulse oximeters, supplementary oxygen, and emergency first-aid kits. If required, rapid helicopter evacuation protocols with Askari Aviation are coordinated immediately.
