Minglik Sar: A Majestic Peak in the Pamirs

Minglik Sar is a breathtaking mountain peak standing at 6,050 meters (19,849 ft) above sea level, nestled in the Pamirs of Shimshal Valley, Hunza. Ranked as the 31st highest peak in the world, Minglik Sar presents adventurers with a challenging yet immensely rewarding expedition amidst some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes on Earth.

The Pamir Mountains form a strategic and spectacular mountain range, linking peaks and ranges across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Pakistan. Expeditions here offer unparalleled vistas of glaciers, alpine lakes, rugged mountain passes, and towering summits. Wildlife enthusiasts might encounter yaks, sheep, goats, and—if fortune smiles—the elusive Ibex or even a snow leopard.

Shimshal Valley, part of Gojal in Gilgit-Baltistan, serves as the gateway to Minglik Sar. Situated at around 3,000 meters above sea level, Shimshal is the highest settlement in Pakistan’s Hunza Valley. Covering 3,800 square kilometers and home to roughly 2,240 households, the valley boasts a rich history. Notably, the Shimshal Pass once played a strategic role as a route used by Hunza raiders targeting trade caravans traveling between China and India.

The Minglik Sar Expedition Route:

1. Shimshal Valley (3,000 m) – Starting point of the trek.

2. Wuch Furzeen (3,365 m) – First major stop for rest and acclimatization.

3. Shuijherav (4,350 m) – Key staging area for preparing for the high-altitude climb.

4. Shimshal Pass – Final approach to the summit, demanding careful navigation.

5. Minglik Sar Summit (6,050 m) – The ultimate challenge, requiring advanced mountaineering skills, peak physical fitness, and favorable weather conditions.

The journey to Minglik Sar is more than a climb; it is an immersion into one of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, rich in wildlife, culture, and history. For those seeking adventure, it promises an experience that is as rewarding as it is challenging.

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis at standard category hotels in towns, 2-person dome tent during trek.

•  Meals: half board at hotels, full board during trek

  Transport: Air conditioned transport on Karakoram Highway, Soft top 4×4 jeeps to trek head & trek end.

• Camping Facilities: 2 Pax dome tents with matrices, dinning tent with folding table & chairs, kitchen tent with complete kitchenette and staff, toilet tent.

  Portage of 13 Kg during trek.  Tips & Portage at airport & hotels, entrance fee at sites & museums. English speaking Mountain Guide.

• Domestic/International airfare and airport taxes.  Any expense due to forced measures, cancellation of flight, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, forced majeurs: beyond the control of Rock Valley Tour, their staff and suppliers.  Any expense of personal nature not mentioned above. Trekking

GEAR AND CLOTHING LIST

For Trekking  

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 carry-on to keep items that you will use during  while on the trek, bus or jeep.

Luggage

• Large duffel bag with lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in 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, sun glasses, water bottle, jacket and other items you may like to use while on the trek.
• Extra carry-on. For storing city clothes in Skardu.
• 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 at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degree F    or   -18 degree 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 water proof 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 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.
• CramponsYou may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having 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 hose 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 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 cotton liner. Woolen cap is also good.
• Mittens or Gloves. Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions, when 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 sun is low and hits your eyes.
• Bathing Suit. Men can take bath by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.
• Toiletries.Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chap stick /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 evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon the sun goes down.  

Men could wear shorts once we are through the populated areas, that means from the third day of trek.  Women are advise 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

• Head gear
• 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 durable screw top.
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp with flash light + extra batteries and bulb
• Insect repellent
• Swiss Army knife, or a similar one
• Nylon cord for a clothes line
• Personal Medical kit
• Pocket size sewing kit
• Lighter or matches for general use
• Wrist Watch

Optional Items

• We provide close-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort.
• Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing of your used clothes.
• Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues.
• An interesting  book.
• Note book and pen for 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

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