Duration: 20 Days
Trekking Days: 12 (strenuous high-altitude trekking)
Camping Nights: 12
Hotel Nights: 7
Maximum Elevation: 5,151 meters
Trek Overview
Situated in the heart of the Karakoram Range, Shimshal is the remotest valley in the region, surrounded by some of the toughest mountains and high virgin peaks.
The journey begins in Islamabad, followed by a scenic drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway to Passu in Upper Hunza. From Passu, soft-top 4×4 jeeps take you into the valley. It takes two days of trekking to reach the main village of Shimshal.
From the village, the adventure continues with a 4-day trek to the summer settlements, located above two pristine lakes and flower-filled meadows roamed by yaks. After resting, a 6-day trek over three mountain passes leads back to the Karakoram Highway, just south of Khunjerab Pass at the Pak-China border.
This 20-day Shimshal Pass Round Trek starts from Shimshal Valley and ends in Hunza Valley, offering remote wilderness, high-altitude adventure, and stunning landscapes.
For a detailed schedule, please see the Itinerary below.
Arrival in Pakistan.
Drive along the Karakoram Highway after breakfast and freshen up.
Overnight stay in a hotel.
Exciting drive through the Indus & Hunza river gorges.
Visit the meeting point of the Himalayas, Hindukush, and Karakoram ranges.
Enjoy views of Nanga Parbat (8,125 m) & Rakaposhi (7,788 m).
Overnight in the hotel.
Jeep to Kuk, opposite Mulungudi Glacier, with hot springs.
Trek to the main valley and onward to Shimshal Village (3,300 m).
Camp overnight. (7–8 hours)
Trek through the narrow Shimshal River gorge.
First two hours along the open valley, then into the gorge.
Scenic views of Kunianchish and Yazgildoom peaks.
Overnight camp at Furzin.
Steep climb of 200 meters from camp, then a gradual traverse.
Steep descent to the Shimshal River.
Camp overnight.
Relaxing walk along the river with peaks above 6,000 m.
Pass Ganj Dour Valley, home to blue sheep, ibex, and snow leopards.
Shunjerab is a summer settlement with 60 houses.
Camp overnight.
Walk east through Gulchi Washk, a flower-filled valley below Manglik Sar.
Visit two alpine lakes before Shimshal Pass.
Afternoon visit to Shuwart summer settlement; experience local food.
Camp overnight.
Explore local houses and Shuwart Glacier.
Camp overnight.
Retrace the trek back with a gradual descent.
Camp overnight.
Follow the stream from Shuwart to Maidur Valley, a valley with summer settlements.
Camp overnight near a small settlement.
Early morning trek to Shapodin Pass (5,150 m).
Views of Passu Peak (7,478 m) and Shispar Peak (7,611 m).
Camp overnight at Shapodin settlement.
Cross Boisam Pir Pass (5,090 m).
View Kanjut Sar (7,760 m) from the pass.
Camp overnight at Mandik Shlaq.
Trek past the Havdiji settlement; enjoy local hospitality and lunch.
Camp overnight at Werbin.
Cross three small rivers; spot Ibexes along the way.
Camp overnight at base camp.
Steep ascent to Chafchingol Pass (5,151 m); view Dastagil Sar (7,885 m).
Descend to KKH at Kuksil (4,150 m) in Khunjerab National Park.
Vehicle transfer to Hunza; overnight at the hotel.
Free day to explore Karimabad Valley.
Optional excursions to Passu & Batura glaciers.
Visit Altit & Baltit Forts.
Enjoy the Hunza cultural dance in the evening.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Early morning drive on the Karakoram Highway with lunch in Dassu.
Overnight at the motel.
Stop at the Taxila archaeological site (Gandhara civilization, 500 BC–500 AD).
Evening free in Islamabad; overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to Islamabad Airport for an international flight.
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.
