Shimshal Pass Trek – High Altitude Route in Hunza

  • Northern Area, Pakistan
  • Duration: 19d - 18 nights
  • Language: English

Overview

The Shimshal Pass Trek in Gilgit Baltistan offers a rare chance to peek at the highly conservative and traditional lifestyle of the Shimshali people and, at the same time, it portrays the immense beauty of Karakoram. The summation point of Shimshal Pass offers eternal views of K2 and many other towering peaks.

Picturesque villages, wide alpine pastures, pristine rivers and warm local hospitality make this trek one of the most rewarding long distance treks in the world. Trango Adventure has been organizing the Shimshal Pass Trek for a number of years, welcoming trekkers and mountaineers from all over the world. Our standard itinerary runs for 17-19 days, starting and finishing in Islamabad, with everything planned meticulously to attain proper acclimatization, safety and full enjoyment. Additionally, we can tailor our itineraries, incorporating time, fitness and trekking experience.

 


 

Highlights

  • Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Pakistan through Shimshal Pass Trek.
  • Discover the lush green capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad.
  • Scenic drive along the Indus River on the famous Karakoram Highway (KKH)
  • Explore the Altit and Baltit Forts with UNESCO listing in Hunza
  • Experience life in the historic and remote Shimshal Valley Scenic view of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) and Rakaposhi (7,778 m) from the KKH.

 


 

What’s Included

  • All domestic flights within Pakistan
  • (Weight allowance for carry-in luggage: 20 kg | Hand carry: 7 kg)
  • Road transfers for all transportation, such as airport pickups/drop offs
  • Hotel stays in Pakistan on a twin sharing basis
  • Trekking camp stay in twin sharing dome tents
  • Camping site charges and cost of crossing all bridges
  • Trekking arrangements, such as camping equipment, kitchen utensils and other non-personal effects
  • All meals throughout the journey (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Fluid intake, such as drinking water with meals
  • Trekking snacks such as dry fruits, tea and coffee
  • Services of a licensed professional trekking guide (as required by the government)
  • All government permits, official papers
  • Shimshal nature trust fee (government charge)
  • Islamabad and Hunza sightseeing, inclusive of entrance fees
  • Skilled support staff such as cook, assistants
  • Porterage service for private luggage (maximum of 14 kg per passenger)
  • A primary first aid kit to be available throughout the trek

 

Services Not Included   

  • International airfare for members.
  • Personal climbing or trekking gear.
  • Sleeping bags and all personal expenses, including telephone calls, fax, email charges, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
  • Room service, gratuities for personal services and items of a purely personal nature.
  • Staff tips (a small bonus for local staff is recommended).
  • Mini-bar charges while staying in hotels or during travel.
  • Personal insurance for members.
  • Customs clearance charges (import or export of equipment).
  • Travel Insurance: It is strongly recommended that all travelers/trekkers obtain their own travel insurance covering trip cancellation, accidents, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal belongings.

 

What To Expect

1

Islamabad arrival (590 m).

  • Arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
  • Meet at the airport and drive to the hotel.
  • Free day at the hotel for rest and recuperation after a long international flight.
2

Fly to Gilgit & Drive to Karimabad Hunza

  • Morning flight to Gilgit.
  • Drive to Karimabad, the cultural heart of Hunza Valley, upon arrival.
  • Overnight stay at hotel.
3

Leisure in Karimabad – Official Formalities

  • Rest and acclimatization day in Karimabad.
  • Completion of trekking permits and official formalities.
  • Visit local bazaars, Baltit Fort, and Altit Fort.
  • Overnight stay at hotel.
4

Drive to Shimshal – Hotel

  • Scenic drive along the Hunza River and Karakoram Highway.
  • Arrival in Shimshal Village.
  • Check-in at hotel and enjoy village life.
5

Rest Day in Shimshal – Final Logistics

  • Last-minute trekking preparation and porter arrangements.
  • Acclimatization day.
  • Explore the village and interact with local people.
  • Overnight stay at hotel.
6

Trek to Ghar Sar (3,300 m) – Camp

  • Begin trek from Shimshal Village.
  • Cross rivers and walk through spectacular mountain terrain.
  • Arrival at Ghar Sar.
  • Overnight stay in camp.
7

Wooch Furzeen Trek (3,800 m) – Camp

  • Gradual ascent through alpine landscapes.
  • Reach Wooch Furzeen.
  • Enjoy stunning mountain views.
  • Overnight stay in camp.
8

Trek to Arbob Purian (3,810 m) – Camp

  • Continue trekking toward Arbob Purian.
  • Cross glacial streams and high pastures.
  • Overnight stay in camp.
9

Trek to Shujerav (4,005 m) – Camp

  • Trek to the high-altitude grazing settlement of Shujerav.
  • Experience traditional shepherd camps.
  • Overnight stay in camp.
10

Trek to Shuwerth / Shimshal Pass (4,500 m) – Camp

  • Challenging ascent toward Shimshal Pass (approx. 4,730 m).
  • Reach high camp at Shuwerth near the pass.
  • Overnight stay in camp.
11

Rest or Exploration Day

  • Rest and acclimatization day at high altitude.
  • Optional exploration of surrounding areas.
  • Optional ascent of Minglik Sar (6,050 m) for experienced trekkers.
12

Rest or Exploration Day

  • Contingency or rest day for acclimatization.
  • Optional continuation of Minglik Sar climb.
13

Trek back to Arbob Purian (3,810 m) – Camp

  • Start return trek.
  • Descend to Arbob Purian.
  • Overnight stay in camp.
14

Trek Back to Wooch Furzeen – Camp (3,800 m)

  • Continue descent through familiar terrain.
  • Reach Wooch Furzeen.
  • Overnight stay in camp.
15

Trek Back to Shimshal Village

  • Final trekking day back to Shimshal Village.
  • Celebrate completion of the trek.
  • Overnight stay at hotel.
16

Drive to Gilgit or Karimabad (2,440 m)

  • Drive to Gilgit or Karimabad depending on flight schedule and road conditions.
  • Overnight stay at hotel.
17

Fly to Islamabad – Hotel

  • Fly from Gilgit to Islamabad (subject to weather).
  • Arrival and transfer to hotel.
18

Flight Delay Contingency Day

  • Reserved extra day in case of flight cancellation due to mountain weather.
19

Departure

  • Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for onward international flight.

Map

  • Shimshal Pass lies in the Shimshal Valley, Hunza (Gilgit-Baltistan), at around 4,735 meters, connecting Pakistan with China’s Xinjiang region.

  • This is a challenging high-altitude trek. Long trekking days, rough terrain, and altitude make it suitable only for experienced trekkers.

  • The trek usually takes 10–14 days, depending on acclimatization, route selection, and weather conditions.

  • The best season is July to September. Outside this window, snow and extreme weather make the pass unsafe.

  • Yes. The trek stays above 4,000m for several days, so proper acclimatization is critical to avoid serious altitude problems.

  • Yes. A local guide is essential due to remoteness, navigation challenges, and safety concerns. This is not a solo or unguided trek.

  • Accommodation is basic camping throughout the trek. No hotels, no lodges — only tents and complete self-sufficiency.

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