One of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Shimshal, a remote village in Upper Hunza, is the Kuch Festival. This traditional event marks the time when the people of Shimshal bring their livestock down from the high Pamir pastures, where they spend nearly five months grazing their animals.
During their stay in the high pastures, families prepare essential dairy products such as yeast, cheese, and butter, which are stored for use during the long and harsh winter. The return of the shepherds and their herds is a moment of great joy, as families reunite after months of separation.
With thousands of sheep, yaks, and goats descending into the valley, the welcome celebration becomes a truly spectacular sight. One of the most significant rituals of the festival is the traditional goat sacrifice at the Shimshal Bridge, a practice that has been followed for hundreds of years. This act symbolizes gratitude to God for the safe return of family members and their livestock from the high pastures.
The Kuch Festival takes place every year between 15th and 18th October in Shimshal Valley and offers a rare opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions of the Shimshali people.
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport
Meet & greet and transfer to the hotel
Rest and recovery after international travel
Overnight stay at hotel in Islamabad
Early morning transfer to airport
Flight to Gilgit (subject to weather)
In case of flight cancellation, drive to Chilas via Karakoram Highway
Overnight stay at hotel in Gilgit or Chilas
Scenic drive through the Indus & Hunza River gorges
En-route stop at the junction of three mountain ranges:
Himalaya, Karakoram & Hindu Kush
Views of Nanga Parbat (8,125 m) and Rakaposhi (7,788 m)
Arrival in Karimabad
Overnight stay at the hotel
(Approx. 8–9 hours drive)
Visit Baltit Fort & Altit Fort
After lunch, drive towards Shimshal Valley
Jeep to Kuk, opposite Mulungudi Glacier
Optional visit to hot springs
Views of Dastagil Sar (7,885 m)
Short walk down to Shimshal village
Arrival in one of the most remote valleys of the Karakoram
Overnight camp in Shimshal Valley
Start trekking along the Shimshal River
Walk through narrow gorges and open valleys
Enjoy views of Kunyang Chhish & Yazghil Dome
Camp at Pasth Furzin, known for its birch trees
Overnight camping
(5–6 hours trek)
Trek continues through dramatic gorges
Gradual ascent with river crossings
Camp at Wuch Furzin (3,365 m)
Overnight camping
Relaxed trek with views of peaks above 6,000 m
Pass Ganj Dur Valley, leading toward the China border
Wildlife sightings may include blue sheep, ibex, and Marco Polo sheep
Arrival at Shujerab (4,350 m) – summer settlement of Shimshalis
Overnight camping
(4–5 hours trek)
Trek through Gulchi Washk (Carpet of Flowers)
Wide open Pamir-style landscape
Two alpine lakes near Shimshal Pass
Views of Minglik Sar
Visit the Shuwart summer settlement
Cultural interaction with local families
Overnight camping
(4–5 hours | 4,735 m)
Free day to experience Kuch Festival activities
Visit local houses and pastures
Explore Shuwart Glacier
Observe traditional livestock culture
Overnight camping
Trek back along the same route
Gradual descent makes the walk easier
Camp at Paryain Sar / Shujerab
Overnight camping
(5–6 hours)
Descend back through the gorge
Camp at Wuch Furzin
Overnight camping
Final trekking day
Arrival back in Shimshal village
Celebration with the local community
Overnight camping/guesthouse
Jeep drive back to the Hunza Highway
Continue to Gilgit
Overnight stay at the hotel
Flight to Islamabad (weather permitting)
If flight canceled, drive to Besham
Overnight stay at hotel
Free day for rest, shopping, or sightseeing
Visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and local bazaars
Farewell group dinner
Overnight stay
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport
Fly back home with unforgettable memories
End of Trip
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
Accommodation:
Twin-sharing standard hotel rooms in towns.
2-person dome tents during the trek.
Meals:
Half board at hotels (breakfast + dinner).
Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee).
Transportation:
Air-conditioned transport along the Karakoram Highway.
Soft-top 4×4 jeeps to/from the trek head and trek end.
Camping Facilities:
2-person dome tents with mattresses.
Dining tent with folding table & chairs.
Kitchen tent with full kitchenette and staff.
Toilet tent.
Portage:
13 kg per person during the trek.
Other Services:
Tips and portage at airports & hotels.
Entrance fees to sites and museums.
English-speaking mountain guide.
Domestic or international airfare and airport taxes.
Any expenses due to forced measures, flight cancellations, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, or other events beyond the control of Rock Valley Tours, their staff, and suppliers.
Personal expenses not mentioned under “Included,” such as souvenirs, snacks, phone/internet charges, or laundry.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
Optional activities or services not listed in the itinerary.
Travel or health insurance, including evacuation or rescue costs.
Luggage
Large Duffel Bag: Maximum 12.5 kg, with lock. Easier for porters to carry; avoid using a backpack.
Day Pack: For items you need during trekking, jeep rides, or bus travel (camera, jacket, water bottle, etc.).
Extra Carry-On: To store city clothes in the respective city.
Money Belt/Fanny Pack: For passport, travel documents, and cash.
Sleeping & Camping
Sleeping Bag: Rated 0 °F / -18 °C. Down bags are lightweight; synthetic bags perform better when wet. Waterproof shell or bivy recommended.
Camp Shoes: Jogging shoes or Tiva sandals, ideal for streams and campsite strolls.
Mattress/Close-Cell Matrices: We provide, but personal comfort items are optional.
Footwear
Trekking Boots: Medium-weight, fabric or fabric/leather combination. Well broken-in. Compatible with crampons.
Crampons: Required for certain high-altitude treks (e.g., Gondogoro La, Biafo-Hispar, Wartum Peak).
Thermal Socks: Cotton/wool blend for glaciers; synthetic/cotton for warmer sections.
Liner Socks: Thin, wickable material like polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, or Drylete.
Clothing
Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket & Pants: Warm, even when wet.
Rain Gear: A waterproof and windproof suit that fits over fleece layers.
Wicking Long Underwear: Tops and bottoms, two sets recommended.
Down Jacket/Parka: Essential for high-altitude or evening cold.
Shalwar Kameez (Women): Comfortable, loose-fitting for warm conditions and culturally appropriate.
Cotton/Wool Shirts & Trousers: Layering for trekking and evenings.
Gloves/Mittens & Ski Hat: Protect against cold and wind.
Brimmed Sun Hat: Protects from low morning sun.
Personal Gear
Sunglasses: High-quality UV protection.
Water Bottle: Durable screw-top recommended.
Headlamp & Extra Batteries/Bulbs
Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Skin Lotion
Toiletries & Laundry Soap
Swiss Army Knife / Multi-Tool
Nylon Cord / Clothesline
Personal Medical Kit
Pocket Sewing Kit
Lighter or Matches
Wristwatch
Optional Items
Extra sleeping mat for comfort.
Stuff sacks for used clothing.
Travel tissues or toilet paper.
Notebook and pen for journaling.
Snacks (energy bars, dried fruits, candy).
Camera, extra batteries, lenses, and cleaning supplies.
Lightweight sports gear (Frisbee, playing cards).
Water purification tablets.
Bathing suit (for rivers/lakes).
Tips
Pack one large duffel and one small day pack for convenience.
Wear durable, comfortable, and easily washable clothes.
Layer clothing to adjust to varying temperatures: warm days, cold nights.
Men can wear shorts after leaving populated areas; women should stick to loose, long clothing.
If you’re traveling to Pakistan, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your nationality, you can get it on arrival or apply online before your trip. You can also go to your local Pakistani embassy for a tourist visa. The length of stay varies: e-visas can be up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months), while visas on arrival are valid for 30 days. Make sure to check visa requirements with the authorities, as they might change.
In Pakistan, what you wear depends on when and where you’re going. In hot areas, wear light, loose clothes like a shirt and trousers. For cold places, bring warm clothes like a jacket and layers. When visiting mosques, cover your head, arms, legs, and shoulders. Dress modestly and avoid shorts. If you’re unsure, it’s best to dress conservatively.
June–September: Monsoon season with unpredictable rains, reaching over 45°C (113°F) in June. Floods can occur.
October/November: Post-monsoon season with decreasing temperatures and rainfall. Days are warm, nights cool.
December–February: Winter months with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and colder nights, especially in the northern mountains where it snows.
March–May: Hot and dry season with temperatures in the mid-30s°C (95°F) in low-lying areas, getting hotter towards the north.
Although Pakistan has faced challenges in recent years, it’s now generally safe to visit as long as you stay in busy areas. Some people might worry about coming here, but trust us, there’s a lot to discover beyond what you see in the news. You can be confident that Rock Valley Tours wouldn’t take you anywhere unsafe.
