Shimshal Pass Trek - Shimshal Pamir
Our Shimshal Pass Trek takes you deep into the wilderness of Hunza Valley. The stunning journey to Shimshal Pamir challenges your abilities and allows you to witness beautiful pastures, magnificent Karakoram grandeur, and a chance to interact and learn about the Wakhi Shepherds of Shimshal, referred to as the Sherpas of Pakistan.
Shimshal Pass Trek - Shimshal Pamir - Overview
The Shimshal Pass Trek is an exhilarating adventure to the vast Pamir pasture of Shimshal Valley. It offers a genuine mountain adventure with challenge and thrill at every step. The trek begins at Shimshal village and takes you deep into untouched wilderness and pristine Pamir pastures.
The adventure to Shimshal Pass begins with the Shimshal Road, known as the most dangerous road. The track itself is half the fun. Traverse through a high mountain road carved via a narrow gorge with the Shimshal River raging below.
Beyond the mountain retreat, the Shimshal Pass Trek offers you a unique opportunity to interact with the resilient Wakhi community of Shimshal, famously known as "The Sherpas of Pakistan," whom you will meet at high-altitude pastures grazing their yaks, sheep, and goats.
In a quick highlight, our Shimshal Pass Trek will allow you to explore and discover:
- The beautiful highland pasture and towering peaks of the Hunza Valley, such as Manglik Sar(6,050 meters).
- Interaction with the local Wakhi community at Shimshal village and local Shepherds rounding their animals at the Pamir Pastures.
- Experience an off-the-beaten-path journey to one of the most remote villages in Pakistan. Drive via the most challenging 4x4 jeep road, demanding trails, and verdant Pamir pastures.
Whether you are a climber or a photographer, the Shimshal Pass Trek offers both adventure and scenery.
Similar Adventures
In addition to our Shimshal Pamir Trek, we offer several other exhilarating trekking experiences in Hunza Valley. Check out our trekking packages below and book your journey.
Zerave Gulmit Trek
Embark on a short hiking experience in Hunza Valley with our Zerave Gulmit Trek. Witness the majestic Gulmit Glacier and magnificent Shisper Peak.
Beldihail Meadows Trek
Our Beldihail Meadows Trek is a unique experience in Hunza, offering jaw-dropping views of the mighty Rakaposhi, Diran, Spantik, and Attabad Lake all at once.
Patundas Hunza Trek
Book your Patundas Hunza Trek and embark on the most scenic trail in Hunza Valley. Get a chance to experience crossing the stunning white glacier of Passu and enjoy mesmerizing views of Batura Glacier, the 7th longest non-polar glacier.
Batura Glacier Trek
Batura Glacier trek is a unique adventure in the Karakoram Mountains, allowing you to traverse Pakistan’s 4th-longest glacier. You can explore beautiful pastures, interact with the Wakhi community, and watch the grandeur of Batura.
Tour Pricing
Highlighted below is the cost per person for the Shimshal Pass Trek. Note that our trekking packages are all-inclusive for both international and domestic tourists.
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Itinerary - Shimshal Pass Trek - Shimshal Pamir
Outlined is the day-to-day itinerary of Shimshal Pamir Trek. The plan highlights the daily activities and attractions you will experience and see while trekking to the Pamir.
Day 01: Fly to Gilgit Airport and Drive to Shimshal Valley
On this day of the Shimshal Pass Trek, board a flight from Islamabad to Gilgit. Receive a warm welcome from our team at the airport and begin your journey towards Shimshal Valley. The first section of the drive will be on the Karakoram Highway till Passu. The Shimshal Road will drift to the right from the foot of the famous Passu Cones. The smooth paved road transitions into an adventurous dirt off-road route. During the day, you will enjoy experiencing the following attractions:
- Experience a drive on one of the most challenging roads in the Karakoram, passing through high mountain curved roads, crossing wooden bridges, perpetual landslide areas, and witnessing the Shimshal River raging beneath the sheer cliffs.
- Along the way, watch the serenity of Mulungutti Glacier, Mulungutti Sar, and Dasghal Sar Peak, both above 7000 meters.
- Enjoy warm hospitality from the Wakhi community of Shimshal Valley, often referred to as the Sherpas of Pakistan.
Day 02: Acclimatization day in Shimshal - Trek to Yazghil Glacier
Taking advantage of the free day, you can explore the Shimshal Valley and interact with the local community. To acclimatize to the high-altitude valley, the group will trek to Yazghil Glacier, which is a scenic short trek of 3 hours from the valley. Apart from acclimatization, the short 3-hour trek offers the best view of the Yazghil Glacier, which is 20 KM long. During the second day of the Shimshal Pass Trek, you will get to discover the following things:
- Interact with the resilient Wakhi community of the region and learn their customs, traditions, and how they have thrived at such high altitudes.
- Trek to the Yazghil Glacier, a 3-hour-long scenic journey to the 20 km-long white Yazghil Glacier.
- Acclimatize yourself before you start the trek to Shimshal Pass.
Day 03: First day of the Shimshal Pass Trek - Shimshal to Pasth Furzin
Begin the scenic yet challenging trek to Shimshal Pass. On this day, alongside the Shimshal River, you will enter the Pamir Tang, a narrow gorge referred to as the gateway to Shimshal Pamir. The journey will continue towards Gharsar, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch in the wilderness. During the first day of the trek, you will witness:
- Mesmerizing views of Yazghil Sar Peak (7,324 meters) - the 87th highest peak in the world and 35th highest peak in Pakistan.
- Witness the Dastghil Sar Peak (7,855 meters) - the 19th highest peak in the world and 7th highest peak in Pakistan.
- Enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Yazghil Glacier from the opposite angle.
- Spend the night in camps at Pasth Furzin and enjoy a beautiful evening beneath the starlit sky.
Day 04: Pasth Furzin to Arbob Perian
On this day of the Shimshal Pass Trek, continue the journey from Pasth Furzin to Arbob Perian. In Wakhi, Perian is referred to as the narrow trail carved through a challenging and dangerous high mountain section to restore connections between two areas.
The first section of the trek includes ascending a steep slope before arriving at Wuch Furzin. The trail continues from Wuch Furzin and includes crossing a suspension bridge before arriving at the next campsite - the Arbob Perian.
Day 05: Arbob Perian to Shue Zerave
As you begin the trek from Arbob Perian towards Shue Zerave, you will witness vast summer pastures and grazing lands. On this day, you will get to see the Wakhi Shepherds rounding their animals at these highland pastures. You can learn how these resilient peoples have adapted to live in such harsh mountain terrains.
Interact with the Wakhi peoples of Shimshal. Learn how much they have loved their Pamir. Listen to the melodies they have composed to express their love for the Shimshal Pass and hear inspiring stories of courage, hardship, and legendary tales of survival passed down through generations.
Day 06: Shue Zerave to Shue Wurth - Shimshal Pass/Pamir
On this day of the Shimshal Pass Trek, you will finally reach the Shimshal Pamir, also known as the Shimshal Pass. While trekking from Shue Zereve to Shue Wurth, you will traverse through beautiful and lush green meadows, watching yaks, sheep, and goats grazing across the pasture. The snow-capped towering peaks such as the Minglik Sar Peak (6,050 meters) in the distance will give you the best picture-perfect view. Apart from the mountain scenery, witness two beautiful lakes as well.
Upon arrival, receive the warm hospitality of the Shimshal people. You will be offered a warm cup of tea with putok - local bread, and rughn - butter. Spend the evening in the pristine and tranquil surroundings of Shimshal Pass.
Day 07: Exploration Day at Shimshal Pamir
Spend a full day exploring the Shimshal Pass. Join the locals in collecting and rounding up their animals. Visit the two high-altitude lakes. Observe the flora and fauna of the pasture. As the evening approaches, you can join the ladies who milk these animals and process them to make qurut, rughn, and other dairy products.
Day 08: Trek back to Arbob Perain
On this day of the Shimshal Pass Trek, journey back to Arbob Perain. Along the same route, you will walk past the two beautiful lakes. Bid farewell to the shepherds and continue your journey towards Arbob Perain. Camp the night at the Perain.
Day 09: Trek back to Wuch Furzin
On this day, following the narrow trail, hike back to Wuch Furzin. Enjoy one more night in the wilderness before heading back to Shimshal Valley.
Day 10: Back to Shimshal Valley
On this day, you will trek back to Shimshal Valley from Wuch Furzin. During the day, you will again witness signs of civilization as you get closer to the Pamir Tang. The Yazghil Glacier, Yazghil Sar Peak, and the Dastighil Sar Peak will gradually begin to emerge. Cross the Shimshal River, and alongside it, hike back to Shimshal Valley. Spend the night in a local guest house.
Day 11: Drive to Gilgit City
On the second-to-last day of the Shimshal Pass Trek, drive again on the most challenging road. You will join the Karakoram Highway near Passu. Continue the journey till you reach Gilgit City.
Day 12: Fly back home
Conclude your Shimshal Pass Trek and board the flight back to Islamabad.