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
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