Trekking round the famous Shimshal Pass is akin to venturing into a hypnotic world that has the best experiences to offer you.
Rising at 4735 meters above sea level in Upper Hunza, the Shimshal Pass is located on the crunch between the Indus River and Tarim River basins. The pass takes you to the Shimshal Braldu River valley on the edge of the lesser-known and traveled Pakistan-China border.
The venture is an ultimate challenge for the passionate trekkers. Nature comes into full play as you trek through Minglik Sar and Shipodeen pass. The scurfy route, rugged mountains, snow capped peaks, lush green valleys and pastures make the trek even more enthusing and interesting. You will naturally experience a boost in your feelings as the natural aura changes and captivates you every few minutes.
The natural environment, local hospitality, grasslands, the beautiful mountain landscapes, wildlife like Marcopolo Sheep, Himalayan Ibex, and blue sheep, and organic lifestyle make this trek completely splendid. It is worth mentioning here that the Colonel Francis Young Husband crossed the Shimshal Pass to reach Shimshal from China sometimes during the famous Great Game, and it was at this place that he stumbled upon his Russian counterpart Captain Grombtchevski.
Day 01
Drive from Islamabad to Hunza.
Day 02
jeep drive from Hunza to Shimshal Valley
Day 03
Rest day. Hotle or Camp.
Day 04
Shimshal – Furzin.
Day 05
furzin – arbab Parian.
Day 06
Arbob Parian – Shuijerab.
Day 07
shuijerab to Shimshal pass (4745m).
Day 8
Rest and Explore around
Day 9
Trek back to Arbob Parian.
Day 10
arbab Parian – Uch Furzin.
Day 11
Uch Furzin – Shimshal Valley
Day 12
Shimshal Valley – Hunza
Day 13
fly back to home destination.
Cost Not Included
What does Packages not Include?
► Travel insurance
► Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application)
► International flights (return tickets)
► Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
► Early Wind-up
► Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc at hotels)
► Souvenirs
► Things that is not mentioned above
Cost Included
► Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for the Tour)
► Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
► All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary)
► All road transport in Pakistan (according to itinerary above)
► All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to itinerary
► All meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at hotels
► All tour requirements on ground (including, support staff, (excluding personal) etc
► Government Permits, documentation.
Equipment List
Equipment List We are providing you with three lists for the Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list. List 1 – Must Bring Items:
- First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
- Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
- Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
- Mittens or gloves
- Gloves (Thermal)
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
- Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
- Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
- Warm hat
- Warm jacket (down)
- Water bottles 1 liter (x2)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Antibacterial hand wash
- Shirts/T-shirts
- Small towel
- Socks
- Spare laces
- Underwear (normal and thermal)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Wash-bag and toiletries
- Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
- Baselayer – leggings (Thermal)
- Trekking Trousers
- Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
- Mountaineering equipment (See “List 2” below)
List 2 – Mountaineering Equipments:
- Crampons
- Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2.
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
- Climbing helmet
- Prusik loops X two (2) – (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
- Sling (120 cm)
List 3 – Optional:
- Buff or scarf
- Small padlock (for locking your bag)
- Camera
- Insect repellant
- Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
- Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
- Liner (for sleeping bag)
- Travel clothes
- Bottle for Pee
Minimum Group Participants and holiday Status The required number of participant bookings i.e. six (6) registrations are required to conduct the “Fixed departures”. Although we receive several guests for each fixed departure, we feel that it is important to mention it. You can make sure of the trip status on this page. Status “available” means we are registering guests and “guaranteed” means we have crossed the required number of participants and the trip will commence on the given dates. We will constantly be in touch with all our guests who register. We will timely guide you step by step regarding visa applications and flight reservations to Pakistan etc. Travel Documents & Visa In order to apply for visas to Pakistan, you generally need a passport expiring later than (6) months. For more reliable and updated information, we suggest you to contact the nearest Pakistani consulate or embassy in your country. We expect that you will take full responsibility for ensuring you have the right travel documents. Normally if you are visiting non-EU countries, you must check for 2 vacant pages in your travel document (passport) for every country you plan to travel. A tourist visa (visit visa) is required to come to Pakistan for trekking. People on work visas (already in Pakistan/abroad) require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) which normally takes up to 6 weeks. The requirements and fee for tourist visas to Pakistan is normally around 200 USD but for accurate information you should consult Pakistani consulates nearby. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need a Letter of Invitation from our company and sometimes a duplicate (copy) of the “government trekking permit” for the group, processed by us. We will help you with all necessary documents to obtain the visa once you register with us. For more information please write us at info@karakorumexpedition.com