Shimshal Trek

• Trekking

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 walk 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.