Sonia Peak Expedition

Trip Duration: 16 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, 08 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 Expedition

Sonia Peak 6,100m gives an alternate adventure from the base of Chafchingol Pass 5,100m. It is a charming snow capped peak, ideal for climbing adventurers. Chafchingol Pass is located on the boundary of Shimshal 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. after climbing Sonia Peak.

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 10/11 optional day for Climbing Sonia Peak 6,370m – Camp

Day 12 Trek to Koksil (3,400m) via Chafchingol Pass (5,100m) – Camp

Day 13 Trek to KKH & Drive to Passu/Hunza – Hotel

Day 14 Drive to Gilgit – Hotel

Day 15 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Bisham – Hotel

Day 16 Market visit or second day drive to Islamabad and departure from Islamabad to Home – Hotel

Our Services Include

Domestic airfares Islamabad – Gilgit – Islamabad.

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 and clibing.

Porters will carry your large pack – one waterproof kit bag per client, – weight not to exceed 15kgs.

Excess baggage will incur extra porter wage.

Camping and bridge Fees.

Safety equipment included and medical kit.

High altitude porter, low Porters, Guides, Cook and other staffs insurance.

Invitation letter for travel to Pakistan to assist your visa application.

Assistance upon your arrival and departure

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 etc

Personal phone calls and laundry

Tips for company staff and porters

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 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.

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.