Shimshal Pass Trek – Explore Pakistan’s Hidden Valley of Adventure

Tucked deep in the northeastern corner of Hunza, Shimshal Valley is often called the “last frontier of adventure” in Pakistan. Sitting at 2,880 meters above sea level, this remote valley is about a 3.5-hour jeep ride from the Karakoram Highway yet it feels like a world away.

What makes Shimshal special? It’s untouched, wild, and breathtaking. Think: unclimbed 7,000-meter peaks, hanging glaciers, alpine meadows, and a wildlife-rich national park where snow leopards, Himalayan bears, blue sheep, and ibex still roam free. Add in the warmth of the Wakhi community—the valley’s earliest settlers—and you get a trek that’s equal parts rugged and welcoming.

 

Why Trek Shimshal Pass?

The journey begins with a narrow gorge trail, winding into the wide-open expanse of Shimshal Valley in Upper Hunza. From there, the landscape transforms with every step: glaciers that glisten under the sun, lush green pastures carpeted with wildflowers, and streams that cut across alpine meadows.

At 4,700 meters, Shimshal Pass is the crown jewel. Up here, the Pamir pastures roll endlessly toward the Chinese border. Peaks like Mingling Sar and the shadow-shrouded Quz Sar rise above 6,000 meters, creating a dramatic skyline. And on crystal-clear days? You may even catch a glimpse of the legendary K2 in the distance.

 

A Trek for True Explorers

Unlike more crowded routes in the Karakoram, Shimshal Pass Trek is still off-the-beaten-path. It connects adventurers to Askole the starting point of the K2 Base Camp trek—through Lupke La or to the Karakoram Highway via Chafchingol Pass. This means it’s not just a trek. It’s a gateway to some of the greatest mountain journeys in the world.

 

Trek Highlights

Remote valley at 2,880 meters, near Passu in Gilgit-Baltistan

Trek to Shimshal Pass (4,700m) in the Pamir range

Scenic mix of glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildflower-filled pastures

Wildlife spotting in Shimshal National Park

Towering peaks: Mingling Sar, Quz Sar, and distant views of K2

Rich cultural encounters with the Wakhi community

 

Included/Excluded

INCLUDED
All hotel stays between hiking days are included. You will get breakfast, lunch, and dinner on all trek days. (Except lunch in cities like Islamabad and Skardu when you will have free time and 2 dinners in Islamabad.
All ground travel is covered except for your own taxi rides in Islamabad and Skardu. All local planning and trek logistics are taken care of.
You’ll receive permits needed for trekking and national parks including the NOC. A Letter of Invitation for travel to Pakistan will be provided.
Your flights within Pakistan (Islamabad to Skardu and back) are included. You will sleep in comfy, strong 2-person North Face tents ..
You can give up to 14 kg of your stuff to porters to carry. A group generator will be available for charging your electronics.
There will be a big dining tent with tables and chairs. You can use a group satellite phone if needed (extra cost).
You will share laughs and unforgettable moments with the group. This trek will be full of life-changing experiences.
NOT INCLUDED
International airfare Personal gear (sleeping bags, down jackets, etc.)
Travel insurance (must include emergency evacuation) Tips for porters, guides, and kitchen crew
Any cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances (landslides, weather, etc.) Extra nights due to flight cancellation or road delays
Visa application fees Single tent/hotel accommodation (requires additional charges).
Any pre-tour or post-tour accommodation

Additional information

locationIslamabad, PK
duration21 Days
tour typeDaily Tour
destinationShimshal Pass Trek
group size1 Person
1

Day 1: ARRIVAL DAY IN ISLAMABAD PAKISTAN:

Upon arrival at Islamabad airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to your hotel

2

Day 2: Fly to Gilgit- Karimabad Hunza (depand on weather condition) or drive to Chilas via Naran Babusar Pass12-14hrs

Drive to Chilas along the famous Karakorum highway up to Mansera and turn on the way to Naran valley Babusar Pass. The scenery along the way is breath taking. 12-14hrs. O/n at Shangrillah hotel

3

Day 3: Karimabad Hunza (320 km) 6 HOURS:

Drive to Karimabad . Transfer to hotel, after short rest we visit to Baltit and Altit fort / hotel

4

Day 4: DRIVE TO SHIMSHAL, (3,100 m) 120 km, 3-4 HOURS DRIVE:

Drive to Shimshal village . O/n at Guest House

5

Day 5: Trek Shimshal village to Gar e Sar 4hrs (3505m) O/N Camp

6

Day 6: Trek Gar e Sar to ArbabPerian (4350m) 6-7hrs (4350m) O/N Camp

7

Day 7: Trek ArbabPerian to Shuiwerth/Shimshal Pass 3-4hrs (4775m) O/N Camp

8

Day 8: Day for acclimatization to climb Minglik Peak (6050m) O/N Camp

9

Day 9: Climbing to Minglik Sar ( if any interested)

10

Day 10: Trek back to ArbabPerian 5-6hrs (3931m) O/N Camp

11

Day 11: Trek to Gar e Sar / O /N camp

12

Day 12: Trek to Shimshal village 2-3 hrs/ O/ N hotel

13

Day 13: Drive to Passu village/ Suspension bridge 3hrs/hotel

14

Day 14: Drive to Khunjerab Pass and Back to Karimabad Hunza 5-6hrs/Hotel

15

Day 15: Karimabad for local exploration

16

Day 16: Drive to Raikot bridge and continue jeep drive to jail 5-6hrs, trek to Fairy meadow 2-3hrs/hotel

17

Day 17: Trek Fairy Meadow to Beyal 4-5hrs /hotel

18

Day 18: Day free at Beyal (Nanaga Parbat BC)

19

Day 19: Trek back to Jail and continue jeep drive to Raikot- Gilgit 3-4hrs/hotel

20

Day 20: Fly to Islamabad or drive if not flight

21

Day 21: Day free at Islamabad

Tour Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Leave a Review

Rating