Shimshal Trek

Shimshal is the last remnant of true Hunza culture that exists near Pakistan’s Pamir range, east of the town of Passu in upper Hunza valley.

Our journey begins at Dut and we reach the remote village of Shimshal in about three days. At each step we are amazed how a path has been carved in this deep and narrow ravine on the way to Shimshal. The reason why Shimshal was located in such an out-of-the-way place is because this is where the Mir (ruler) of Hunza used to send his people who were found guilty of crimes and also those who he just did not like!

Shimshalis now are a proud and hardy folk. Their hospitality is legendary and the natural beauty that they inhabit makes us feel that perhaps the Mir sentenced them to heaven, not hell!

Our trek now veers northwards from Shimshal and we enter the lovely and remote Ghujerab valley. Here we cross the Boesam Pass and the Chapchingiol Pass to reach the trail head at Kuksel. This is where we meet the KKH and our jeeps, which will transport us back to Hunza.

The trek from Shimshal to Kuksel takes us into a very remote area and gives us a chance to see some of the endangered wildlife in the Khunjerab National Park. If we are lucky we may be able to observe Markhor, Ibex, Marcopolo Sheep and even the elusive magnificent Snow Leopard. This is ideal high Pamir meadow country strewn with thousands of colorful flowers. This is a tough trek and ropes are provided for various river crossings and as aid at other steep places.

Itinerary

Arrive Islamabad. Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel

Flight to Gilgit or drive to Chilas. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Drive to Gulmit. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Trek to Dut. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Ziarat. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Malunguti. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Shimshal. Meals and overnight in camp.

Exploration and rest day. Meals and overnight in camp

Trek to Zardgarben. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Jaffar Wasshk. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Hnidjerab. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Wierben. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Chapchingiol. Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Chapchingiol High camp (5000m). Meals and overnight in camp.

Trek to Kuksel valley. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Trek to Kuksel spring. Meals and overnight in Camp.

Drive to Gulmit. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Drive to Karimabad. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Drive. to Gilgit. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Drive to Besham. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Drive to Islamabad. Meals and overnight in hotel.

Transfer to airport.

Please Note:

The above itinerary is not a fixed programme but is intended to give an indication of the likely events during the expedition. Please note that because of the nature of mountaineering on 8,000m peaks, it will be necessary to have a flexible plan in order to take the best advantage of situations as they present themselves. Any changes to the itinerary will be made with a view to maximizing the benefit to the team members and of ensuring their eventual success on the mountain.

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