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.
Chafchingol Pass (5,100m) Trek
Trip Duration: 14 days
Season: June – September
Grade: Entry level Trekking and Mountaineering
Activities: Trekking, Climbing and exploring the traditional valleys
Accommodation: 14 days trip, 07 days trek, 08 nights hotel, 06 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 Karakoram 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
Chafchingol Pass is located on the boundary of Shimshal Valley and Khungerab Valley. It is famous for its finest and most challenging treks in the Karakoram Region of Pakistan.
This exciting trek begins from Shimshal Village crossing a suspension bridge (Michael Bridge) over Shimshal River and enters into the massive gorge to Zartgarben, crosses two passes – Boisam Pass 4,930m and Chafchingol Pass 5,100m through the remote Ghujerab valley and ends at Koksil on the KKH below Khunjerab Pass.
Boisam Pass and the surrounding area is a magnificent view of the famous giant peaks of Hisper Mustagh beyond the Shimshal valley and all are unfolded with great view of Yazghil glacier. There are two eye-catching lakes on the pass. It is the junction of many small glaciers flow both sides of the Pass. There are many attractive trekking Peaks in the surrounding area.
Ghujerve Valley consists of many small patches of summer pastures used by Shimshali people for their livestock.
The glaciated Chafchingol involves fording a deep, swift torrent several times, a 2nd-class ascent over a crevassed glacier. It is a spectacularly beautiful and challenging walk, and the nicest of the treks from Shimshal valley. For this trek a rope and climbing gear are necessary for the river crossings and for descending the glacier on the north side of the Chafchingol Pass 5,100m.
An optional extra is climbing Sonia Peak 6,370m gives an alternate adventure from the base of Chafchingol Pass. It is a charming snow capped peak, ideal for climbing adventurers.
Short Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Islamabad – Hotel
Day 02 Fly to Gilgit or drive to Chilas – Hotel
Day 03 Drive to Hunza valley – Hotel
Day 04 Drive to Shimshal village – Hotel
Day 05 Trek to Shpodin (4,200m) – Camp
Day 06 Trek to Mindiqashlagh (4,100m) – Camp
Day 07 Trek to Warben (3,500m) – Camp
Day 08 Trek to Targeen (3,800m) – Camp
Day 09 Trek to Chafchingol Base camp (4,084m) – Camp
Day 10 Trek to Koksil (3,400m) via Chafchingol Pass (5,100m) – Camp
Day 11 Trek to KKH & Drive to Passu/Hunza – Hotel
Day 12 Drive to Gilgit – Hotel
Day 13 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Bisham – Hotel
Day 14 Drive to Islamabad – Hotel
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.
Our 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 gear, sleeping bags, ice axe, crampons, and harness
Personal phone calls and laundry
Tips
International airfares, Travel Insurance, Airport and departure taxes.
Guides and porters
Our local guides and porters are all experienced, handpicked and trained by Shaheen Baig and Qudrat Ali (directors of Shams Alpine) 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.