For our trip we’re going to the beautiful remote mountain village of Shimshal (3.100 m) in Hunza, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, the north of Pakistan. We will discover the ancient forts of Karimabad and hike the Ultar Meadow before we take the Karakoram Highway followed by the mountainous connecting road all the way to Shimshal Valley where we will explore the mountains while camping and hiking for the next few days. 

From Karimabad we’ll start our adventure on the Karakoram Highway, followed by a connecting mountainous road near Passu. The curvy road to Shimshal is spectacular and zigzagging through the mountains is not for rookie drivers. It is one of the closest villages to the border with China and the highest settlement in Hunza. Even though the village of Shimshal only has 2.000 inhabitants, the total area is around 3.800 km2 and contains four districts:Farmanabad, Aminabad, center Shimshal and Khizarabad. The Shimshal Pamir Lake is one of the biggest attractions in the valley.

Many of the houses are made out of stones and mud and are centuries old and until 2003 the area was almost inaccessible as there was no good road. It took 18 years for the road to finally be finished and now Shimshal is finally connected to the rest of Pakistan, thanks to Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Shia people from Shimshal, and the government of Pakistan.

Agriculture is the main activity in Shimshal and yaks, goats and sheep are herded in the grasslands throughout the valley in which the Shimshal River finds its way to the Hunza River, which finally connects to the Indus. The most famous resident from Shimshal is Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman who reached Mt. Everest’s summit and the seven continents’ highest peaks. Other notable climbers are Rajab Shah and Mehrban Shah, who are among the best mountaineers in Pakistan. Many Shimshalis work as porters or mountain expedition leaders all over the region. 

Once a year, in the middle of the Summer there is a festival called Woolyo on the Shimshal Pass with yak racing, music and dancing. The reason why we’re going to Shimshal is ofcourse to hike through the magnificent mountains of one of Pakistan’s most beautiful regions for mountaineering and hiking. 

Shimshal valley has its largest adventure area in Hunza and is a major attraction for tourists. There are many mountains well over 7 kilometers high: Distaghil Sar (7.885 m), Kunjut Sar (7.790 m), Trivor (7.577 m) and many other mighty peaks, accompanied by gigantic glaciers  such as Khurdopin Glacier.

One of the highlights is the climbing of the Minglik Sar (6.050 m), which is best climbed after June when the snow is not too deep. It is not possible to climb this mountain during winter, during summer the experience is beautiful and rewarding. The difficulty level is moderate. 

Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival at Islamabad Airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 2. Flight from Islamabad to Gilgit. In case of cancellation we drive with overnight stay.
Day 3. Free day in Karimabad to explore the forts and the historical part.
Day 4. Day hike to Ultar Meadow
Day 5. Drive to Shimshal and stay at hotel
Day 6. Hike to Furzin and camping
Day 7. Hike to Arbab Parian and camping
Day 8. Hike to Sijerab and camping
Day 9. Rest day and camping
Day 10. Climbing of the Minglik Sar
Day 11. Back to Arbab Parian
Day 12. Furzin
Day 13. Shimshal and drive back to Karimabad
Day 14. Long drive to Besham
Day 15. Drive to Islamabad and drop off at hotel.
Day 16. PCR-testing and free day.
Day 17. Flight back home

The itinerary is based on midrange hotels, but can be upgraded to luxury hotels in which we try to use Serena as much as possible, which are still the best hotels in the country. Please, contact us for a quotation. 

Included:
– Transport as described in the itinerary.
– Midrange accommodation throughout the whole stay.
– All meals during camping and trekking. Not in the hotels of Karimabad and Islamabad.
– Professional, government-licensed English speaking local guide.
– Porters and cook where needed with their salary, food, accommodation and insurance included.
– All camping and cooking equipment, although you can bring your own.
– All entrance fees and camping fees.

Not included:
– International flights
– Extra porters
– Sleeping bag
– Tips and gratuities
– Anything which is not mentioned in the costs 

Price:
1 person: 6599 usd
2 persons: 4159 usd per person
3 persons: 3999 usd per person
4 persons: 3799 usd per person
** Single supplement: 600 usd

Our mountain specialists:

	Hailing from Karimabad, Hunza, Safdar speaks English and Spanish. Safdar is an expert mountaineer and guide for over three decades now. He has been working with many adventure groups and mountaineering expeditions from different countries. He is instrumental in exploring some new treks and climbing routes.
	Born in Karimabad, Hunza, Mohammad speaks English. he is an expert mountaineer and guide for over two decades now. He has been working with many adventure groups and mountaineers from all over the world. He is a very tough campaigner and team player.