Shimshal Pass Trek

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport where our logistics escort meets you and arranges transfer to the hotel. Spend the day resting before gathering in the evening for the Shimshal Pass expedition briefing. Optional sightseeing in Islamabad available based on arrival times.

Drive north along the Karakoram Highway via Taxila, Abbottabad, and Mansehra before climbing into the cool alpine corridor of the Naran Valley. Distance: 231km. Duration: 8 hours.

Rejoin the Karakoram Highway over Babusar Pass, passing the three-mountain-range confluence and catching glimpses of Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi (7,788m) along the Hunza River up to Karimabad. Distance: 320km. Duration: 7 hours.

Explore the historic capital of Hunza beneath Ultar Sar. Visit the centuries-old Baltit and Altit Forts, walk the local market, and catch sunset over Rakaposhi from Eagle’s Nest viewpoint.

Travel past Attabad Lake and turn onto the rugged Shimshal gorge road. Reach the historic Wakhi community of Shimshal (3,100m) with afternoon free to explore village lanes. Distance: 120km. Duration: 3-4 hours.

Begin the trek following the deep canyon, crossing footbridges toward Garsar for lunch before climbing steadily up to the camp at Past Furzeen. Duration: 6-7 hours.

Ascend through rugged cliffs, crossing Chichan Bridge with open views of Manglik Sar (6,050m) and Chashkin Peak. Settle into camp at Arbob Peryeen. Duration: 6 hours.

A gradual 6-hour trek across meadows leads to the summer herding grounds of Shuijarab, where Wakhi pastoralists tend yaks and sheep in high pastures. Duration: 6 hours.

Take a day to acclimatize and observe highland pastoral routines as shepherds move livestock across the upper valley.

Climb through the valley entrance to reach the alpine plateau and glacial lakes of Shimshal Pass. Set up camp near the water beneath Manglik Sar. Duration: 5 hours.

Optional summit push on the non-technical slopes of Manglik Sar (10-12 hours round-trip) requiring crampons and good fitness, rewarding climbers with broad views of K2 and the Muztagh range. Non-climbers explore around the pass lakes.

Pack camp and begin descending back across the high slopes to Shuijarab meadows. Duration: 5 hours.

Retrace the canyon trail back down to the campsite at Arbob Peryeen. Duration: 6 hours.

Continue heading down the valley toward Past Furzeen for the final night under tents in the gorge. Duration: 5 hours.

Walk the final 4 hours following the Shimshal River to conclude the trek in the village. Duration: 4 hours.

Board jeeps out of the gorge, rejoining the Karakoram Highway through the Attabad tunnels back to Karimabad for hot showers and craft markets. Distance: 120km. Duration: 4 hours.

Drive south along the KKH past the three mountain ranges junction, turning over Babusar Pass to spend the night in Naran. Distance: 320km. Duration: 6 hours.

Travel down through Kaghan Valley to Abbottabad and follow the highway back to Islamabad for an evening celebratory dinner. Distance: 231km. Duration: 8 hours.

Private airport transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your return flights. End of trip services.