Shimshal Pass and Hunza Valley Tour

Dedicate the first two days of your Shimshal Pass and Hunza Valley tour to arrival and exploration in Hunza Valley. Over these two days, discover the natural and cultural treasures. Uncover the rich heritage at Altit and Baltit Fort, offering a glimpse into the local traditions. Roam the busy streets of Karimabad and Altit village, where elders gather and share their experiences, wisdom, chitchat stories, and history.

Explore the 1000-year-old Ganish settlement. Built in the 9th and 10th centuries, this fort has served as the first fortified entry point in the valley. Traveling further, you will reach the Hunza Sacred Rocks, where thousands of petroglyphs carved by the Silk Road explorers and traders depict the geographic importance of the Hunza Valley.

After crossing the Hunza tunnel near Attabad Lake, take a short hike to Baskochi Meadows to acclimatize to the rising altitude and warm up for the challenging trek ahead. Discover Shishket and Gulmit village. Enjoy a rafting adventure on the Hunza River and uncover the breathtaking beauty of Borith Lake and the surrounding rugged terrain from Ghulkin Viewpoint. As the day ends, drive to your hotel and enjoy a comfy evening, waiting for the wonderful adventure to begin the following days.

Following a hearty breakfast, begin your journey to Shimshal Valley, the gateway to the famous Shimshal Pamir. Drive right from KKH near Passu Cones and enter the Shimshal canyon. Experience the journey along the famous Shimshal Road. The narrow gravel road curves through high mountains, and the Shimshal River roaring below is an adventure in itself.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a smile and warm Shingshali hospitality. You can explore the beautiful barley fields and trek to the nearby hills to acclimate yourself. As the evening arrives, get a good night’s sleep in a local guesthouse.

Finally, the days come when you will quench your thirst for adventure in the Lower Pamir. After breakfast, set off towards Yazghil. Cross the Shimshal River on a suspension bridge and enter the Pamir Gorge.

To reach the Pamirs, you will trek the route along Pasth Furzin, Wuch Furzin, Arbob Perian, Shue Zerave, and Shue Wurth. After Shue Wurth, make your way through a beautiful meadow with a lake in its center to reach the Pamir. The meandering trail will follow several ascents and descents, crossing perpetual landslides, gravel trails, meadows, and barren lands to reach its final destination.

As you arrive at your final destination, you’ll witness uncommon views, pristine surroundings, and nature in its purest form, untouched and untapped. Here you’ll see the famous Minglik Sar (6,050 meters) and the Shimshal Pass that connects Shimshal with Skardu and Nagar Valley via the famous Lukpe La, Hisper La, and Snow Lake.

The meadow is also the summer pasture for the Shingshali people. You can interact with the locals and gain insights into their daily life. Join the community while they round their animals at such altitude. Take part in shepherding activities such as milking the animals and making Qurut, Rughn (butter), Lassi, and other dairy products. Also learn about the rich Wakhi traditions and how they have preserved traditional animal husbandry for years.

After spending two full days at the Pamir, following the same route via Wuch Furzin and Pasth Furzin, you will return to Shingshal. Commemorate the beautiful journey by singing the famous Shingshali song “Shirin Pomir,” the Beautiful Pamir, with the locals. Spend one last day with the Sherpas of Pakistan before returning to Lower Gojal.

Ride the challenging road, get your adrenaline pumping one more time before you arrive in Passu. Journey back to Gilgit and board the scenic flight to Islamabad. Wind up your Shimshal Pass and Hunza Valley Tour with many memories to take home.