Shimshal Trek

Rainbow rock

Shimshal Trek

If you are interested in seeing the mighty Karakorams from the north, then you must visit Shimshal. This last remnant of true Hunza culture exists near Pakistan's Pamir east of the town of Passu in upper Hunza valley. Our walk begins at Dut and we reach the remote village of Shimshal in about three days of trekking. At each step we are amazed how a path has been carved in this deep and narrow ravine on the way to Shimshal. The reason why Shimshal was located in such an out-of-the-way place is because this is where the Mir (ruler) of Hunza used to send his people who were found guilty of crimes and also those who he just did not like!Shimshalis now are a proud and hardy folk. Their hospitality is legendary and the natural beauty that they inhabit makes us feel that perhaps the Mir sentenced them to heaven, not hell!

Our trek now veers northwards from Shimshal and we enter the lovely and remote Ghujerab valley. Here we cross the Boesam Pass and the Chapchingiol Pass to reach the trail head at Kuksel. This is where we meet the KKH and our jeeps which will transport us back to Hunza.

The trek from Shimshal to Kuksel takes us into a very remote area and gives us a chance to see some of the endangered wildlife in the Khunjerab National Park. If we are lucky we may be able to observe Markhor, Ibex, Marco polo, Sheep and even the elusive magnificent Snow Leopard. This is ideal high Pamir meadow country strewn with thousands of colorful flowers. This is a tough trek and ropes are provided for various river crossings and as aid at other steep places

ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Islamabad
Day 02: Fly to Gilgit/Drive to Chilas
Day 03: Drive to Passu
Day 04: Dut
Day 05: Ziarat
Day 06: Malunguti
Day 07: Shimshal
Day 08: Shimshal
Day 09: Zardgarben
Day 10: Jaffar Wasshk
Day 11: Hindjerab
Day 12: Wierben
Day 13: Chapchingiol Valley
Day 14: Chapchingiol High Camp
Day 15: Kuksel Valley
Day 16: Kuksel Springs
Day 17: Kuksel Spring
Day 18: Karimabad
Day 19: Gilgit
Day 20: Besham
Day 21: Islambad
Day 22: Islamabad
Day 23: Flight to home

For more info:
www.karakoramadventureholidays.com
www.adventurelandpakistan.com