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
Shimshal can be reached from Islamabad by plane to Gilgit city or else by road along the Karakoram Highway to Hunza. Another way is by road from Tashkurgan, China on the Karakoram Highway through Khunjerab National Park and the Old Silk Route to Passu 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.
Shimshal Pamir Yak Safari
Trip Duration: 17 days
Season: June – September
Grade: Entry level trek and Yak Safari – optional climbing
Activities: Trekking & exploring the traditional valleys
Accommodation: 17 days trip, 8 days trek and Yak Safari, 08 or 09 nights hotel, 8 nights camping
Tour from Gilgit Airport to get to the Trek start at Shimshal.
On your drive/tour from Gilgit to Karimabad, Hunza and onto Passu (along the KKH and a section of the ancient Silk Road) and then to Shimshal 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 villages and farmland and along the Khunjerab river; then to Passu with the amazing granite cathedral mountain tops surrounding you before you turn off the KKH up the narrow breath taking gorge road to Shimshal.
About this Trek and Tour – Optional Climbing
Yak Safari is unique to Shimshal village, so do not miss the opportunity to experience an adventure with a difference. An experience on the back of a yak is enjoyable as well as exciting. Yak Safari is something that is new and an interesting ride for one and all, be it a child or a grown-up. You will enjoy the beauty of its expansive landscape; striking isolated mass of reddish-brown stone which rise like a watch-tower over the watershed; snow capped and easy trekking peaks; and the mesmerizing crystal clear blue water lakes which give exceptional beauty, peace and tranquility to the area, while you travel through the high passes on the back of a Yak to Shimshal Pass.
In May each year the Kutch festival is held in Shimshal Pass. It is one of the most exciting events, when the local people of Shimshal, with their flocks of sheep and goats, and herds of Yaks laden with their bedding and utensils, all move to the upland grazing grounds of Shimshal Pass (Shuwerth and Shuijerav) where many Shimshali women spend 5 months with the livestock on the summer pastures and they make Cheese (Qurut), Butter and other live stock products. This is an area rich in tradition and culture.
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 Shimshal village (3,100m) – Hotel
Day 05 Yak ride to Zartgarban (4,100m – Camp
Day 06 Yak Ride to Targeen crossing over Veyeen sar pass 4800m and Chech merk Pass 4160m – Camp
Day 07 Yak Ride to Arbob Parien – Camp
Day 08 Yak ride to Shuijerav – Camp
Day 09 Yak ride to Shimshal Pass 4,735m (Shuwerth) – Camp
Day 10 Explore, Shimshal Pass – Camp
Day 11-12 Yak ride back to Peryen Sar & trek to Past Furzeen -Camp
Day 13 Trek to Shimshal Village – Hotel
Day 14 Drive to Gilgit – Hotel
Day 15 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Bisham – Hotel
Day 16 Drive to Islamabad – Hotel
Day 17 Departure from Islamabad to home
Our Services Include
An experienced English speaking high altitude Guide.
Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner), cooking and eating utensils and mess tent.
Wages for guides, cook and porters.
Good quality accommodation in cities and towns in twin bed shared rooms. Single room supplement is available.
Internal Jeep transport by private vehicle.
Tented camps on shared basis while trekking.
Porters will carry your large pack – one waterproof kit bag per client, – weight not to exceed 15kgs.
Excess baggage will incur extra porter wage.
Trekking permits and Khunjerab National Park and Central Karakorum Park Fees.
Safety equipment included and medical kit.
Porters, Guides, Cook and other staffs insurance.
Invitation letter for travel to Pakistan to assist your visa application.
Yak hiring charges
Our Services do 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 gear, sleeping bags, ice axe, crampons, and harness
Personal phone calls and laundry
Tips
International airfares, Travel Insurance, Airport and departure taxes.
Single supplement
Guides and porters
Our local guides and porters are all experienced, handpicked and trained by Shaheen Baig ad Qudrat Ali (directors of Shams Alpine Mountaineering and Trekking Pvt Ltd) 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.