Unforgettable Adventure Awaits Yak Safari in Shimshal Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
I am writing to present a unique and exhilarating opportunity for an unforgettable adventure: a Yak Safari in the captivating Shimshal Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Karakoram Range, discover the rich cultural heritage of the region, and embark on an extraordinary journey with these majestic creatures.
The Shimshal Valley is renowned for its pristine landscapes, towering peaks, and warm hospitality. Our carefully crafted Yak Safari allows you to experience the valley’s beauty in a distinctive and eco-friendly way. Here’s what you can expect from this remarkable adventure.
Unparalleled Scenic Beauty: Explore the rugged terrain, lush meadows, and cascading glaciers as you traverse the enchanting Shimshal Valley. Marvel at the towering peaks, including the magnificent Karun Kuh, Mingling Sar, and the awe-inspiring Shimshal Whitehorn.
Interact with Majestic Yaks: The Yak, a symbol of strength and resilience, will be your trusted companion throughout the safari. These gentle giants will carry you through the challenging terrain, allowing you to forge a unique bond as you navigate the mountains together.
Cultural Immersion: Engage with the warm and hospitable Shimshali people, known for their rich traditions and heritage. Experience the unique lifestyle of the valley’s inhabitants, and enjoy authentic local cuisine and music during your stay.
Customized Itinerary: Our expert guides will tailor the Yak Safari to suit your preferences and physical abilities. Whether you seek a leisurely exploration of the valley or a more challenging trek to higher altitudes, we will create an itinerary that fulfills your desires.
Experienced Guides and Safety: Your safety is our utmost priority. Our experienced guides are intimately familiar with the terrain, ensuring your well-being throughout the journey. They will provide valuable insights into the local flora, fauna, and cultural significance, enhancing your overall experience.
Sustainable Adventure: We are committed to preserving the pristine beauty of the Shimshal Valley. Our Yak Safari adheres to eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. Together, we can contribute to the conservation of this natural treasure.
Please note that our Yak Safaris are limited to a small group of adventurers to maintain an intimate and personalized experience. To secure your spot, I recommend confirming your interest at your earliest convenience.
This Yak Safari in Shimshal Valley offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, immerse yourself in local culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I am confident that this extraordinary adventure will surpass your expectations and leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Gilgit-Baltistan.
If you would like to receive detailed information, including available dates, pricing, and further assistance in planning your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to ensure your journey is seamless and remarkable in every way.
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure that will redefine your perception of natural beauty and cultural immersion. Join us on this Yak Safari in the stunning Shimshal Valley!
Real travelers are always in search of real-life experiences. While in Pamirs, enjoying a safari on a yak brings you closer to local culture and lifestyle that locals lead in Shimshal, Passu, and Chupesion. Yak, or dong as Shimshal call it, happens to be the largest animal in the cold Frozen Mountain of Karakorum Pakistan.
Immensely shaggy and weighing about a ton it has curved horns whose tips can be as wide apart as 90 cm. and measure 76 cm. over the curves. It can easily be distinguished by its long black, white brown hair, which is tinged with gray at the muzzle. Spending its summers at a height above 6,000 meters, in winter it moves in herds to the lakes, marshes and lower valleys. It is this highly insulated shaggy coat which helps Yak to survive in such extreme cold.
The Joy of Yak Safari in Shimshal
Yak Safari in Northern area is a safari with a difference. It is an experience unique to Shimshal, Passu Chipursan Gilgit Baltistan. Exploring lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiseled snow peaks, meadows, forests on a yak can be a lifetime experience. It offers breathtaking views of high peaks of this rugged land. A Yak Safari is organized on prior booking. All those who wish to experience Yak Safari in Northern Pakistan respect the humble attitude of this majestic animal. Travelers are also requested not to take the extreme hospitality of the yak for his weakness.
The Yak – Born to be Tough
Around 6 feet in height and 1000 kg in weight, the yak has a coat of thick black hair which prevents him against the extremities of the Karakorum, Himalayan, and Hindukush climate. A yak is capable of surviving a temperature of – 45 degrees centigrade. They have also adapted themselves quite well to snowstorms and blizzards. During winters, they live on moss and dried grass. Yaks are generally found at an altitude of around 3,500m. They are also good climbers as well.
Camel Safari
Learn all about packing and trekking with camels, go for a walk with them, and enjoy lunch with them beside the River. Immerse yourself in camel culture and learn about the history, anatomy, personality, keeping, and training of both Dromedary (one-hump) and Bactrian (two-hump) camels. You will get a tour of the farm for an opportunity to get up close and personal with a sloth, armadillo, opossom and much more. This experience is so much more than a farm tour – it is an educational and hands-on experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
welcome reception at the air port. Transfer to hotel for fresh up. After lunch city tour of the twin cities Rawalpindi & Islamabad, federal capital of Pakistan. Overnight hotel.
Today our journey starts from driving on the historic Grand Trunk Road. On our Taxila is situated 34 km from Islamabad, which is the former capital of Ghandhara Buddhist civilization. We visit the splendid site Museum and the archaeological site. After Taxila we will leave the GT road and turn north on the Karakoram highway. Pass through the lush green alpine landscape of Hazara and arrive at Sharkool and cool place situated on top of a hill. As we descend from Sharkool, we emerge on the bank of Indus river at Thakot. From here we enter the narrow rocky gorge of Indus. Overnight hotel. (300 km, 7/8 hours)
Continue drive on Karakoram Highway to Gilgit. Building the KKH, was a joint venture between Pakistan army and Chinese engineers and it took 20 years & sacrifice of 850 lives to complete this 8th wonder of the world. In the afternoon we would have a fascinating view of Nanga Parbat (8,125 M) as we get closer to Gilgit then drive to reached Hunza Karimabad the capital of Hunza Gojal. Overnight at hotel. (430 km, 07/08 hours)
Morning visit of the town. Gilgit at 1,600 M is the administrative capital of northern areas of Pakistan and a traditional staging post on historical Silk Route from Kashgar. From the bazaar we could walk to the suspension bridges over Gilgit & Ghizer rivers. Continue drive on the Karakoram Highway to the charming village of Passu in the heart of Karakoram Mountains. We have fascinating views of soaring peaks all around us, including Rakaposhi (7,788 M). Overnight in Passu Tourist Lodge, 2500 meters. (150, 4/5 hours)
We will take jeeps from Passu. 3 hours drive in the narrow valley of Shimshal up to Waeenben. At Waeenben our bags will be shifted from jeeps on to the Yaks, our companions for next two weeks. After crossing two suspension bridges we will reach in Ziarat. This is the place where the famous Sufi Saint Shams-e-Tabrez had stayed for long time for meditation and fasting. The symbols are still kept on the rock. Shams-e-Tabrez had come from Tabrez, to preach Islam in the region. The followers of the Sufi saint visit this sacred place to cadge prayers. They put colorful flags on the rocks around. Three houses been constructed by the people of Shimshal here in Ziarat, as Ziarat is in their daily route up or down from the civilization. We will take lunch in Ziarat. Continue journey towards Kuk. It takes 3 hours to get in Kuk. Kuk is well known for its hot spring water. The visitors take bath and enjoy the view of Malangoti Glacier. When the weather is clear, the great Dastagir (7885m) can be seen on the head of the Malangoti glacier. Other peaks like Madhelsar, Shimshal white horn, Malangoti sar etc. can also be seen from this point. After crossing a suspension bridge we get in Kutdoor and we climb a small steep rocky patch. From the top two small villages of Shimshal Tangashsar and Farmanabad can be seen. We will reach in Farmanabad, where lives the famous climber of Pakistan Mr. Rajab Shah. Rajab Shah is the only Pakistani climber who have climbed all eight thousander meter peaks of Pakistan. A short tea break can be taken at Rajab’s house. An hours easy walk up to the center of the village. Arrive main Shimshal valley for overnight camping. ( 3/5 hrs Jeep Ride 3000 M)
As todays track is steep and hard so we will take an early start. After crossing the Shimshal river, we will reach in Band-e-Sar and we’ll enter the narrow gorge of Tang, which goes up to Zartgarben. When we climb the steep up, we cross through a memorious gate and reach in Zartgarban. The plain land is charming and encircled with high mountains. Zartgarban is basically a summer pasture where villagers keep their animals for 5/6 months in summer. (6/7 hrs 3700 M)
It takes more then three hours to reach in Puryen, place for our lunch today. We will follow the Maidoor river today and reach Puryen. After having lunch here we will cross a small bridge and we climb the high steep of Puryen Sar. We will cross through two wooden gates. These gates were built by the people of Shimshal to defend the village from the troops from China. In ancient time when there was no friendship between China and Pakistan and the area was disputed. In 1974 it was officialy announced by the govt. of China that this area is in Shimshal. After that there is complete peace in the area. When we reach on the top of Puryen Sar, we can see the Minglik Sar (6050m) in front of us. This is a trekking peak in the heart of the Pasture. Arrive Arbab Parian for overnight camping. This is a beautiful and colorful place with spring water. Nice place to take bath in the crystal clear water. ( 4/5 hrs 4150M)
Shimshal Pass
A rest day after long trekking for personal activities.
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 on 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 5150 M)
In one long day we will reach Passu from Shimshal. 7/8 hours walk to reach the trek end and from there two hours in jeeps to Passu. Overnight stay in Passu trouist Lodge.DAy-
Short drive to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley. Here we have time to visit the Altit & Baltit forts and walk through the bazaar, shops are full of traditional woolen gowns, caps and ladies suites and lots of decoration pieces, which are prepared by the ladies of Hunza. View of the fascinating mountains arround Hunza, like Rakaposhi, Ultar Peak, Golden Peak and Lady finger increases the charm and attraction of the valley. People in both central and upper Hunza are very friendly and educated. ( 50 km 2250 M)
This would be a long drive through the Indus gorge on the KKH. Lunch break in Besham. By evening we will reach Islamabad. Arrive and transfer to hotel.
(425 km 11/12 hrs)
Day 21 Departure
Transfer to airport for international departure flight.
