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.