A CROSSROADS ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Shimshal Pass Trek in Hunza
March – November | Private depending on bookings
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Pace: A multiday mountain trek, with walking and camping days. Share your preferred pace and mobility before we prepare your proposal.
Premium accommodation where available. Final stays, room arrangements and the daily pace are agreed with you.
INDICATIVE JOURNEY PRICE
USD 3,500–6,000 per person
The final proposal confirms your dates, party size, room arrangements, services and price.
Group departure routes and lengths may differ from this private itinerary. If no dates are listed, enquire about a private journey.
PAKISTAN · SHIMSHAL PASS
Discover Shimshal Pass
Shimshal village is the gateway to this extended pass trek. The walking stages, rest time and return progression form the core of the programme, with the road approach and departure days kept separate.
Follow the complete 19-day route below. Private dates and changes to the pace are discussed after enquiry, with the final stays and services agreed before booking.
Moments along the journey
Journey highlights
The mountain road into Shimshal
Shujarab’s meadows and herding settlements
Shimshal Pass and the high pasture landscape
A guided return trek through the valley
Your journey route
Explore the main places along this journey. Markers show geographic context; the daily sequence below confirms the proposed stages and overnight stops. Exact mountain camps, glacier lines and trail access are confirmed with the guide.
View the daily route and overnight stops
| Day | Route stage | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival In Islamabad | Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 2 | Drive Towards Naran Valley | its serene ambiance |
| 3 | Heading Towards Hunza | Hunza · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 4 | Exploration Of Karimabad | Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 5 | Adventureing To Shimshal Valley (3100M) | Shimshal Valley |
| 6 | Beginning Of The Trekking Adventure | Pastfurzeen · camping |
| 7 | Further Trekking Upwards To Arobab Peryeen (3930M) | Arobab Peryeen · camping |
| 8 | Trek To Shujarab | Shujarab campsite |
| 9 | Rest At Shujarab | Shujarab campsite |
| 10 | Final Trek To Shimshal Pass (4750M) | Shimshal Pass area · camping |
| 11 | Optional Minglik Sar climbing attempt | Shimshal Pass area · camping |
| 12 | Begin The Return From Shimshal Pass | Return-trail campsite, agreed with your guide |
| 13 | Descend Along The Return Trail | Return-trail campsite, agreed with your guide |
| 14 | Continue Toward Shimshal Valley | Return-trail campsite, agreed with your guide |
| 15 | Return To Shimshal | Shimshal |
| 16 | Returning To Karimabad Via Jeep Drive | Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 17 | Northern valleys → Naran/Bisham · first return road day | Naran or Bisham · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 18 | Naran / Bisham to Islamabad · hotel overnight | Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 19 | International Departure | No overnight stay; departure timing confirmed in your proposal |
Your 19-day itinerary
A proposed sequence, adapted to your dates and interests. Weather, flight operation and local access may require changes.
DAY 1
Arrival In Islamabad
Upon your international arrival at Islamabad airport, our team warmly welcomes you. You’ll be escorted to your designated accommodation for some well-deserved rest. Later, explore the vibrant capital city’s hot tourist spots.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 2
Drive Towards Naran Valley
Enjoy an early breakfast before Ventureing on a picturesque drive to Naran Valley, located approximately 282.2km away from Islamabad. Adventure via the legendary Karakoram Highway, passing through scenic valleys like Taxila, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. Relish the natural beauty of Naran Valley and spend the night in its serene ambiance.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: its serene ambiance
DAY 3
Heading Towards Hunza
After a delightful breakfast, journey towards the breathtaking Hunza Valley, nestled in the extreme north of Pakistan. En route, stop at Babusar top for awe-inspiring views and continue along the Karakoram Highway. Marvel at the Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi viewpoints before arriving in Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Nagar District, for dinner and overnight stay.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Hunza · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 4
Exploration Of Karimabad
Explore the ancient cultural heritage of Karimabad, visiting iconic landmarks such as Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, and the Queen Monument. Spend the evening witnessing a mesmerizing sunset at the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 5
Adventureing To Shimshal Valley (3100M)
Set out after breakfast for Shimshal village, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the village, sampling fresh fruits and immersing yourself in the local culture. Dinner and overnight stay in Shimshal Valley.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Shimshal Valley
DAY 6
Beginning Of The Trekking Adventure
Start your trekking expedition with a hearty breakfast, trekking towards the Pastfurzeen campsite (3360m). Cross two magnificent rivers and enjoy lunch amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. Spend the night camping under the stars.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Pastfurzeen · camping
DAY 7
Further Trekking Upwards To Arobab Peryeen (3930M)
Continue your trek towards Arobab Peryeen campsite, navigating rugged terrain and crossing picturesque bridges. Capture stunning photographs and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Arobab Peryeen · camping
DAY 8
Trek To Shujarab
Continue the approach to Shujarab campsite, with meadows and herding settlements along the route.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Shujarab campsite
DAY 9
Rest At Shujarab
A rest day around Shujarab, with time to explore the nearby landscape and meet local shepherds when appropriate.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Shujarab campsite
DAY 10
Final Trek To Shimshal Pass (4750M)
Venture on the final leg of your trekking journey towards Shimshal Pass, reaching an altitude of 4750m. Marvel at the majestic mountain vistas and camp beside a serene blue water lake.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Shimshal Pass area · camping
DAY 11
Optional Minglik Sar climbing attempt
An optional Minglik Sar attempt is assessed separately by the mountain guide according to weather, snow, acclimatisation, skills and equipment. Reaching the summit is not guaranteed. Confirm mountaineering support, specialist equipment and permissions before booking; guests who do not climb remain with the agreed camp arrangements.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Shimshal Pass area · camping
DAY 12
Begin The Return From Shimshal Pass
Begin retracing the trekking route toward Shimshal Valley. The guide chooses the camp and pace according to conditions.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking on mountain trails. Confirm stage distance, walking time and conditions with the guide; allow extra time for rests and glacier or moraine terrain.
Overnight: Return-trail campsite, agreed with your guide
DAY 13
Descend Along The Return Trail
Continue descending toward the valley, with breaks and camp arrangements adjusted to the group and trail conditions.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking on mountain trails. Confirm stage distance, walking time and conditions with the guide; allow extra time for rests and glacier or moraine terrain.
Overnight: Return-trail campsite, agreed with your guide
DAY 14
Continue Toward Shimshal Valley
Continue the return trek. The final camp location depends on the agreed pace and conditions.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking on mountain trails. Confirm stage distance, walking time and conditions with the guide; allow extra time for rests and glacier or moraine terrain.
Overnight: Return-trail campsite, agreed with your guide
DAY 15
Return To Shimshal
Complete the descent into Shimshal Valley and rest after the trekking stages.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking on mountain trails. Confirm stage distance, walking time and conditions with the guide; allow extra time for rests and glacier or moraine terrain.
Overnight: Shimshal
DAY 16
Returning To Karimabad Via Jeep Drive
Return by jeep from Shimshal through the valley to the Karakoram Highway near Passu, then continue south to Karimabad. Allow for narrow-road delays and keep optional visits flexible. Gilgit and the Indus are not on this transfer route.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 17
Northern valleys → Naran/Bisham · first return road day
Begin the southbound road return from the northern valleys. Stay overnight in Naran when the Babusar route is open and suitable, or in Bisham via the Karakoram Highway. Complete the journey to Islamabad tomorrow.
Road transfers; sightseeing and walking adjusted to the available time.
Overnight: Naran or Bisham · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 18
Naran / Bisham to Islamabad · hotel overnight
Complete the planned road journey from Naran or Bisham to Islamabad and check into your hotel. Keep optional sightseeing secondary to reaching Islamabad, and rest overnight before international departure on Day 19.
Road transfer with breaks and allowance for delays. No mountain flight is scheduled in this return sequence.
Overnight: Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 19
International Departure
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Islamabad airport for your international departure, bidding farewell to Pakistan with cherished memories of your trekking expedition.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: No overnight stay; departure timing confirmed in your proposal
Accommodation along the journey
The mountain walking stages use the camp or lodge arrangements agreed for this route. Approach and return stays are confirmed separately, with premium accommodation where available.
Use the overnight line in each daily card to follow the stay sequence. Tell us your room preferences and any requests for longer stays before the personal programme is finalised.
What is included
The services below reflect this journey. Your agreed proposal confirms the final arrangements before booking.
Meals on trekking days
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included on trekking days 6–15. Meals on other days are payable separately.
Drinking water & refreshments
- .Mineral water in the car
Accommodation, agreed with you
- Premium accommodation where available, with simpler stays in remote locations as appropriate. Properties and room arrangements are agreed after your enquiry.
Transport
- .Airport transfers
- .Transportation with fuel
- .All toll tax and parking charges
Visa Application
- .Invitation letter and supporting documents for visa application
Extras
- .English-speaking, professional journey guide
- .Boating at Attabad Lake: Enjoy a scenic boating experience at Attabad Lake, adding to the adventure.
- .Fees to Both Altit and Baltit Forts
- .Porters
What is not included
Meals & personal spending
Meals outside trekking days 6–15 are excluded.
Other exclusions
- International flights; personal travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities; personal purchases and optional activities not specified in your agreed proposal.
- Meals not on Trekking Days
- Flight and insurance liability
- Any Expenses not mentioned above
Tailor the experience
This version is centred on the longer pass trek and remote camps. The valley itinerary has a different balance of village time and walking, so compare the two daily routes before choosing.
Plan your Shimshal Pass journey
Mountain flights, road alternatives & international departure
When a mountain flight is cancelled, the road alternative is split over two days with an overnight in Naran when the Babusar route is open and suitable, or in Bisham via the Karakoram Highway. The same overnight arrangement applies when travelling north from Islamabad towards Gilgit or Hunza. Northbound road travel replaces local sightseeing or uses the arrival-contingency day shown in the programme. Return journeys reach Islamabad at least one calendar day before international departure, with an Islamabad hotel overnight. Confirm international flight times against this revised sequence before booking.
Season, access & pace
Remote camps and consecutive walking days need careful planning. Return camp stops are agreed with the guide according to conditions; the pass programme is more demanding than a village visit.
Dates & arrangements
The proposed duration is 19 days / 18 nights. Share your arrival and departure plans, party size and preferred balance of the visits listed here. Your proposal confirms transport, stays, fees and any flight arrangements for this particular route.
Packing for this journey
Walking boots suitable for the route, layered mountain clothing, waterproof protection, sun protection and a daypack. Confirm sleeping, camp and any specialist equipment with us before departure; do not assume equipment hire is included.
Travel notes & FAQs
How does this differ from the Shimshal Valley journey?
This version is centred on the longer pass trek and remote camps. The valley itinerary has a different balance of village time and walking, so compare the two daily routes before choosing.
What affects the daily plan on this route?
Remote camps and consecutive walking days need careful planning. Return camp stops are agreed with the guide according to conditions; the pass programme is more demanding than a village visit.
Are meals included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on trekking days 6–15. Meals on other days are paid separately.
Further reading
Explore the official destination and heritage references relevant to this route.
LET’S SHAPE YOUR JOURNEY
Shimshal Pass, made personal
Tell us your preferred dates, interests and accommodation preferences. We’ll prepare a clear proposal with the itinerary, stays, services and price.
Enquire about this journey →Prefer shared company? Explore fixed departures and confirm current availability. Meet the people behind Crossroads and view our credentials.