Fast facts

Country Visited

Pakistan

Visas

Yes* 

Vaccinations

Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information

Singles

A single supplement is not always possible on this trip. In many instances campsite size is limited and it will be necessary to share with another team member. This also applies to mountaineering expeditions. Single supplement in hotels is available. Please contact Shams Alpine Mountaineering & Trekking Pvt Ltd for specific detail, relevant to your trip.

Entry points  

Bab Ghundi can be reached from Islamabad by plane to Gilgit city or else by road along the Karakoram Highway to Sost valley and following the Chipursan road to Baba Ghundi. Another way is by road from Tashkurgan, China on the Karakoram Highway through Khunjerab National Park and the Old Silk Route to Sost valley.

Leader

 Discover the spectacular hidden Karakoram with English speaking, world renowned Shimshali mountain guides

Adventure travel

By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you contact us with any concerns. We are happy to answer any questions.

Responsible travel

The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimize the impact of our presence.

Baba Ghundi Festival -Chipursan Valley   

Trip Duration:  12 days

Season:  June – September

Grade:  Easy 

Activities:   Exploring the traditional valleys of Hunza and to experience their culture  

Accommodation:  17 days trip, 9 days trek &Yak Safari, 9 nights hotel, 8 nights camping

 

Tour from Gilgit Airport to Chipursan Valley 

On your drive/tour from Gilgit to Karimabad, Hunza and onto Sost (along the KKH and a section of the ancient Silk Road) and then to Chipursan valley, you will enjoy some of the most outstanding scenery in Northern Pakistan. The Gilgit river and terraces of farmland will be beside you as you drive north. You will stop and enjoy the views of the junction of the Western edge of the Himalayas with the Karakorum and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. You will stop at the base of Rakaposhi (7,788m) and gaze up the Ghulmet Glacier at the highest unbroken slope on earth 5,838m above you. You will explore beautiful Karimabad with its delicious apricots (in the right season) and the famous Baltit Fort. The ancient roadside sacred rocks at Haldeikish and the drive north through picturesque and colorful villages and farmland and along the Khunjerab river; then to Passu  with the amazing granite cathedral mountain tops surrounding you.

 

About this Trip

 The two –day  International Baba Ghundi Festival celebrated every year in the Chipursan Valley of upper Hunza near the Pak-Afghan border.

The festival is held at the shrine of Baba Ghundi to pay homage to the Sufi saint for his pioneering role in the spread of Islam in the region.

A large number of people from Afghanistan’s Wakhan region near the border and different parts of GB attended the festival which is also credited with bringing together the Wakhi speaking people of the two countries.

People of Chipursan and Gojal valleys and upper Hunza have ancestral cultural ties with the people of Wakhan.

Traditional games, like Buzkashi and polo are among the main features of the festival. Wearing local costumes, musicians and dancers perform on the occasion.

Short Itinerary

Day 01    Arrival in Islamabad (600m) – Hotel

Day 02    Fly to Gilgit or drive to Chilas – Hotel

Day 03    Drive to Hunza, Karimabad (2,400m) – Hotel

Day 04    Drive to Chipursan Valley – Hotel

Day 05    Drive to Baba Ghundi – Guest House

Day 06-07   Participate in Baba Ghundi Festival – Guest House

Day 08    Drive to Hunza – Hotel

Day 09    Drive to Gilgit – Hotel

Day 10    Fly to Islamabad or drive to Bisham – Hotel

Day 11    Make visit or second day of drive to Islamabad – Hotel

Day 12    fly out from Islamabad  – Hotel

 

Our Services Include

An experienced English speaking high altitude Guide.

Wages for guides

Good quality accommodation in cities and towns in twin bed shared rooms. Single room supplement is available.

Internal Jeep transport by private vehicle.

Bridge fees.

Invitation letter for travel to Pakistan to assist your visa application

Assistance on your arrival and departure.

Service does not include

Bottled water, aerated drinks, alcohol, laundry and other items of personal nature

Meals except where indicated in the itinerary

Personal snacks, energy bars, energy gels, sweets

Personal phone calls and laundry

Tips

International airfares,Travel Insurance, Airport and departure taxes.

Single supplement

 Guides and porters

Our local guides, staff and porters are all experienced, handpicked and trained by The founder members of Shams Alpine, Mr. Qudrat Ali and Mr. Shaheen to ensure that our clients have the best opportunity for success with comfort. A porter will carry your kit bag and you will be expected to carry your own day pack which should be large enough to carry all you will need throughout the day e.g. sunscreen, raincoat, water bottle, camera, spare long sleeved clothing, snow protection glasses, sun protection gloves, hat and scarves, snack food, etc.