Shimshal Pamir Trek

Itinerary:

Islamabad - Chilas - Hunza - Shimshal Valley - Wuch Furzeen - Shimshal Pass - Khush Gud e Gush -Shpodeen Pass (5346 m) - Zardgarben - Bandsar - Shimshal Village - Or - Shimshal Pass - Climbing - Climbing - Arbab Parin - Shimshal Pass (4735m) - Shimshal Village - Karimabad - Rest Day - Gilgit - Basham - Islamabad.

Fact sheet:Altitude 5150 mtr: Duration: 13 - 17 Days: Zone: Open:

Trip Highlights:

Shimshal is a village located in Gojal, Hunza-Nagar District, in the Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan formerly known as Northern Areas of Pakistan. It lies at an altitude of 3,100 m above sea level, and is the highest settlement in Hunza Valley of Pakistan. It is the bordering village that connects Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan with China. The total area of Shimshal is 3,800 km and inhabitant of around two thousand population with a total of two hundred and forty households.The village was inaccessible by motor road until October 2003, when a new road from the Karakoram Highway at Passu was constructed. The construction of non-metallic Jeep-able road started in 1985 and completed in 2003. Eighteen (1985-2003) of hardwork finally become successful. It become possible to connect Shimshal with rest of the world by mutual cooperation of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, Government of Pakistan and the local community. It now takes three hours to reach Shimshal by jeep from Passu. Shimshal valley has its largest adventure area in Hunza and is a major attraction for tourists. Its mountains like Destaghil Sar (7,885m), Shimshal White Horn( 6,3030m) Minglik Sar(6,150m), Lupghar Sar,Yazghail Sar, Kunjut Sar and others are well known among mountaineers. Gigantic glaciers include Malangudhi, Yazghail, Khurdopin, Braldu, Odver, Ver Zharav, and main passes are Chafchingoal, Khurdopin, Mai Dur, Braldu, Boi Sam and others. Shimshalis are to Pakistan as Sherpas are to Nepal

This spectacular trek takes us to one of the most remotely inhabited areas of the Karakoram. To find Hunza traditions still alive, you need to travel to more difficult and remote valleys like Shimshal.

Our jeep driver takes us through all of the Hunza Valley to the beginning of the trek. The trail begins, climbing past rugged mountains, through a narrow gorge, which opens up at the Shimshal Village. About 120 families of 1000 Shimshal people, all of them Ismaili, live in the hamlets surrounded by terraced and irrigated fields. Spend a free day for exploration before your out-bound trek on the same route.

The courageous and well-acclimatized can cross over Chapchingal Pass (5150 m) down to Kuksel Stream, and back to the Karakoram Highway below Khunjerab Pass. This rewarding trek takes you to Zargarbin Pass (4600 m) and Shimshal Pass (4735 m) and the high pasture lands worth visiting. It is home to endangered wildlife species such as snow leopards, wolf, blue sheep, ibex, and Marco polo sheep. This region is now called Khunjerab National Park.