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Shimshal Pass Round Trek

Price $0 20 Days
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Shimshal Pass Round Trek

$0 per person

20 Days Adventure, 12 days strenuous trek, 12nights camping and 7 nights in hotels. Maximum Elevation 5,151 meters

Situated in the heart of Karakorum range is Shimshal, the remotest valley in the whole range. The mountains are some of the toughest, with some high virgin peaks lying here. You start the trip in Islamabad and drive on legendary Karakorum Highway to Passu in upper Hunza, from where we take soft-top 4×4 jeeps to enter the valley. It takes two days to walk to reach the main village – Shimshal in the valley. From the village it is 4 days trek to the summer settlement, towering above two lakes and flower-filled meadows roamed by Yaks. After resting at meadows, we take a six days trek over three passes to arrive at Karakoram Highway, just south of Khunjerab Pass at Pak China border.

20 Days
1
Day 1
Fly to Pakistan
2
Day 2
Islamabad – Chilas / Narran: Arrive Islamabad, after short stay for fresh up and breakfast drive on the Karakoram Highway to Besham in air conditioned transport. Overnight stay in hotel. (260 km, 6/7 hours)
3
Day 3
Chilas to Hunza: Exciting drive through the gorge of Indus & Hunza rivers. En route visit the meeting point of the worlds, three highest mountain ranges, Himalayas, Hindukush and Karakoram. Enjoy views of Nanga Parbat (8,125 m) & Rakaposhi (7,788 m). Overnight in hotel. (515 km, 8/9 hours)
4
Day 4
Hunza - Shimshal: After two hours Jeep drive we will be in Kuk, opposite to Mulungudi Glacier, with hot springs. We have beautiful view of Dastagil Sar (7885m). As we walk from Kuk, from here it is easy descend to the main valley and an hour & half to main village. Shimshal is one of the remotest areas of Karakoram. 900 years ago Shimshal Valley was discovered by a Sufi Saint he settled here and all Shimshali people are from his family. Camp overnight. (7/8 hours, 3300m)
5
Day 5
Shimshal – Pasth Furzin: For the next two days, our walk would mostly be traverse through the really narrow gorge of Shimshal River. But our walk from the village for the first two hours today is in the open valley along the river. Soon we leave the main valley and turn to left to enter the gorge. Mostly the trek is safe, although at few places you would need good balance on the narrow foot track. En route enjoy views of Kunianchish and Yazgildoom. Furzin, a narrow camp along the side stream is known for its Birch trees. Overnight in Furzin. (5/6 hours)
6
Day 6
Furzin - Arbab Parian: This might be the hard part of the trek. We start from the camp with a steep ascend of 200 meters on the cliff facing the camp, traverse gradually for half an hour and then descend steeply to Shimshal river. We cross the river on Foot Bridge and then walk for another hour to Pariyan camp for cool breeze off the Maidur Nallah and fresh lunch. After lunch we take up the last part of gorge walk, involving one and half hour’s ascend on a well maintained yet steep foot trek (pariyan) to the top, called Pariyan Sar, with fascinating views of our peak Manglik and many other summits. Here you enjoy the vista and take relaxing hour’s walk to the camp. Our camp Arbabparian is a shepherd’s settlement for winter, with plenty of fresh water. (4/5 hours)
7
Day 7
Arbab Parian - Shunjerab: Compared to last two days, it is a relaxing walk along the river with views of peaks soaring above 6,000 meters. In our way we will pass Ganj Dour Valley, leading north to China border with many pastures for the yaks and goats. This valley is known for its substantial population of blue sheep, Marcopolo sheep, Ibex and also few snow leopards and bears. Shunjerab is the summer home of Shimshalis, with 60 houses and huge yards to house the animal & human population. People stay here in May & June and then proceed over Shimshal pass to Shuwart to spend the winter. Camp overnight (4/5 hours)
8
Day 8
Shunjerab – Shuwart: East from Shunjerab is Gulchi Washk (carpet of flowers), a 200 meters gradual ascent to bring us just under Manglik Sar. We walk in wide open valley running east to west, with two lakes located just before the Shimshal Pass. In summer we find Yaks, goats and sheep who roam the green pastures. In afternoon one could walk over to Shuwart summer settlement, consisting of 60 houses. Inevitable we might get invited for dinner, a great chance to visit local houses and also to taste the energetic nomad food made from Yak’s cheese, butter and wheat flour. Camp overnight. (4/5 hours, 4735m)
9
Day 9
Shuwart Rest day: We will visit some local houses this day. Shuwart glacier is one of the places here to visit. Camp overnight.
10
Day 10
Shuwart - Arbab Parian: Same trek we have passed through on our way to Shuwart. But it will take us very short time because of the continues gradual descend of the trek. Camp overnight. (5/6 hours)
11
Day 11
Arbab Parian – Maidur: It is an easy walk. We follow a stream flowing from Shuwart to Maidur. There are many summer settlements in Maidur Valley. We will pitched our tents at a small settlement having only two or three houses. It is a beautiful Valley and water is easily accessible here. Camp overnight. (4/5 hours)
12
Day 12
Maidur – Shapodin: Today we take early morning start to cross Shapodin Pass (5150m). The climb up to pass is not technical and one can climb it with the help of walking poles only. Passu Peak (7478m) and Shispar Peak (7611m) are visible from the Pass. Water is easily available in the way. After crossing the Pass we will arrive at the camping place of Shapodin which is also a summer settlement. Camp overnight. (7/8 hours)
13
Day 13
Shapodin - Mandik Shlaq: We will cross Boisam Pir Pass (5090m) this day. Its an easy trek up to the Pass. Kanjut Sar (7760m) Peak is visible from the Pass. After the pass there is a beautiful lake of blue water. Enroute short stay for rest and lunch at Pachodewashk. Proceed towards Mandikshlakh. There are seven houses in Mandikshlakh and water is easily available for washing. Camp overnight. (5/6 hours)
14
Day 14
Mandik Shlaq – Werbin: Quite easy trek. We will start after break fast. Enroute stay at Havdiji. Havdiji is also a settlement and there are seven houses. The local people will stop us here for lunch and without serving us they will not let us go forward so we take a break here. Proceed towards Werbin. Camp overnight. (4/5 hours)
15
Day 15
Werbin - Chafchingol Pass Base Camp: We will cross three small rivers in this days trek which will be a great fun and adventure is the water level goes up in the rivers. The place is also famous for Ibexes. Camp overnight. (5/6 hours)
16
Day 16
Trek Over Chafchingol Pass To KKH: It will be an early start with pack lunch because the trek is strenuous and long this day. From the base camp its a steep slope of 300 meters up to Chafchingol Pass (5151m). We can see Dastagil Sar (7885m) Peak from the Pass. After the Pass water is available and the walk is also quiet normal. We will reach on KKH at Kuksil (4150m) just 15 kilometers from Khunjerab Pass. The area is in Khunjerab National Park. Our vehicle will be ready in Kuksil to take us to Hunza. Proceed to Hunza. Overnight at hotel. (7/8 hours trek +2/ 3 hours drive)
17
Day 17
Karimabad: Day free at Karimabad to explore the valley and possible excursion to Passu & Batura glaciers & visit the forts. Altit & Baltit forts are the landmarks of the times when Hunza was a well sought after staging post on the Karakoram Branch of the Silk Route. The frost were erected by the locals of safeguard themselves against the invaders coming mostly from Central Asia, over the high passes. Overnight at hotel. Meals and overnight at hotel. Hunza cultural dance in evening.
18
Day 18
Drive Karimabad – Besham/ Narran: Early morning drive Air Conditioned transport on the Karakoram High way towards Besham. Lunch in Dassu. Proceed towards Besham. Overnight at Motel. (11/12 hours )
19
Day 19
Drive Besham/ Narran – Islamabad: After breakfast we will drive on Karakoram Highway to Islamabad. We could stop at Taxila to visit the archaeological site of Gandhara Buddhist civilization, dating from 500 BC to 500 AD. Half day SS in Islamabad after lunch. Evening free. Overnight at Hotel. (5/6 hours)
20
Day 20
Fly back to home destination: Morning transfer to Islamabad airport for international departure flight.

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SERVICES INCLUDED & EXCLUDED Liaison with ministry of tourism in Islamabad for permit process and measurement of Liaison officer. Process of import/export permit from ministry of tourism. Clearance of cargo before arrival of the team and its storage. Assistance upon arrival/departure. Welcome reception (briefing)/farewell meeting (debriefing) at Alpine Club of Pakistan. Hotel accommodation at tourist class hotels at Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas and Skardu with all meals. All meals during trek and 45 days at B.C Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food etc. to the B.C and 50 kg per person on return from BC. Road transfers between airport/hotel and within city as per itinerary. Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees. Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel and related community gear. Wages and basic kit of guide, Srdar, cook and assistant(s). Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue). Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes and parking fee etc. Letter of guarantee on behalf of team/client for environmental bond for USD 1200. Mail handling/forwarding to BC/overseas except postage charges. Reconfirmation of air tickets. Above quotation is based on present porter rates and valid for 2019. All expenses of Gov. Liaison officer Invitation letter for apply Visa Cost Excludes International airfare, airport tax, excess baggage charges. Surface transfers in case of flight cancellations to the kick off point. High altitude porters/any crew above BC. Tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp including high altitude food and oxygen. Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s) and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team). Medications ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind. Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills and items of personal nature. Traveling Insurance liability of member(s) and other under force majeure conditions. Clearing agent charges. Any other service not mentioned in this condition sheet. Porters and staff tips Re- Fund If the cancellation is made 30Days + prior to departure full payment will be refunded and a nominal communication service charge will be deducted. RVT reserves the right to deduct: 25% cancellation charge from paid package price if the cancellation is made in less than 22 day of arrival date. 40% in case of cancellation in less than 14 days. In case of cancellation prior to arrival, all charges in respect of confirmed bookings that entail no-show charges by hotels/transport/airline will have to be paid by the clients. Anyone deciding to abandon the trip after arrival or leave during the trip for whatever reason(s) whether the clients own or external (of the nature of force majeure) will not be eligible for a refund. This also applies in case the entire group completes/abandons the trip and decides to return earlier than the agreed time schedule. Nominal communication service charge will also be deducted from the refund. OFFICIAL FORMALITIES: Submission of application for climbing permit and coordination with the ministry of Tourism in order to update climbers with the progress. Arrangements of the first meeting with Guide and Ministry Briefing/de-briefing in the Ministry of tourism. Processing application for satellite permit (if required) Documentation for import and export of mountaineering cargo Luggage and Cargo: Before your arrival and departure, RVT takes care of your luggage. Clearance of Cargo before arrival, Clearance of your Cargo after your departure to your home. Storage of your unwanted belongings in Islamabad or Skardu, which you do not need during your adventure, Miscellaneous: Satellite Thuraya phone, Walkie talkie Radios, Reconfirmation of international flight tickets The arrangement of high-altitude porters (if required). Rock Valley Tours has the best high-altitude porters in Pakistan. The arrangement of high-altitude tents (VE 25 North Face Tents) on payment. A farewell dinner will be hosted from RVT in one of the best restaurants or hotels in Rawalpindi/Islamabad with your staff who will be coming back with you from the base camp or your adventure. Taxes Fees & Tipping: The following fees and taxes are included in our quotation, for members, RVT crew and Camping fees, Bridge crossing Fees (Porter, porter Sardar, and RVT staff Tip is not included in the cost) Note: If any member splits from the expedition for his/her own reason, that member will bear all transportation costs on the way back to Rawalpindi. In case of damage to the base camp tent or any Equipment, the trek member will be charged the original value of the Equipment. Payment Procedure: * 50 % Advance on date block & confirmation of services, minimum 02 months before the commencement of trek nonrefundable. * 50 % balance payable before one month of trek Start (IMPORTANT) Foreigner clients must share their passport copy, 02 passport size Photograph full detail for trek permission requirement. If any member leaves the trek at any stage, the organization will not be liable to refund the payment. Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught using any kind of substance on buses or during the trip will be expelled from the trip on the spot. That person will not be eligible for any kind of refund. We reserve the right to cancel the trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate by them. In such a case the registered participants will receive a full refund. On an adventure trip of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond the control of organizers can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the Leader of the group and Guide will decide what the best alternative is, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group Smoking in transport is strictly prohibited. Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card. Time management/punctuality is strictly recommended. Participants are advised to use Non-Slippery Shoes/Boot/Joggers/DMS. Participants must NOT wear Heel/Dress Shoes. On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air-conditioned buses will be operational on an on-off basis to keep the vehicles from overheating. The RVT will not be responsible for any injury/damage/loss. GEAR AND CLOTHING LIST for Trekking Personal gear & Clothing. While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry-on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as a carry-on to keep items that you will use while on the trek, bus, or jeep. Luggage Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites, and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended. Day Pack: Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket, and other items you may like to use while on the trek. Extra carry-on: For storing city clothes in Skardu, Hunza, Chitral, Money Belt: A small fanny pack, money belt, or around-the-neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents, and money. Packing list for your Duffel: Sleeping Bag: As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass, Shimshal Pass, at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth. Trekking Boots: The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A Vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through the snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes. Camp Shoes: Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls. Crampons: You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having a better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. (Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar, and Wartum Peak Thermal socks: The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions, cotton socks are best. For those who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended. Liner Socks: A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above. Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet. Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above. Rain Gear: A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as a windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants. Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea. Ski Hat: Covers your ears properly, use one with a cotton liner. The woolen cap is also good. Mittens or Gloves: Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions when the temperature drops quickly. Brimmed Sun Hat: Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as the sun is low and hits your eyes. Bathing Suit: Men can take baths by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys. Toiletries: Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chapstick /lip balm, skin lotion, and laundry soap. CLOTHING With your knowledge of Pakistani culture, you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable, and easy to wash and dry. In good weather, you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for the evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon as the sun goes down. Men could wear shorts once they are through populated areas, which means from the third day of the trek. Women are advised to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals. Check List Headgear Parka Wool shirt & trousers Sweater Cotton shirt & pants Gloves & Mittens Rain/wind suit Cotton & Wool undergarments Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic) Boots (Trek & Camp) Belt! Down Jacket Shalwar Kameez (Cotton) Spare laces for boots Miscellaneous Items Sunglasses Towel Washcloth Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep. Water bottle, with a durable screw top. Sunscreen Headlamp with flashlight + extra batteries and bulb Insect repellent Swiss Army knife, or a similar one Nylon cord for a clothesline Personal Medical Kit Pocket size sewing kit Lighter or matches for general use Wrist Watch Optional Items We provide closed-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort. Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing your used clothes. Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues. An interesting Notebook and pen for a journal. Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars. Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies, and extra lenses. Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee) Water purification tablets Buy Outdoor Gears Online: You can get all the gears from Shimshal Adventure Shop Shop 180-E Street # 11, Rifle Range Rd, New Iqbal Park, Lahore, Punjab 54750 0307 0043805 https://g.page/ShimshalAdventureShop?share
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