Shimshal Valley & Yazghil Glacier Trek
Pakistan's Most Remote Valley — The Last Frontier of the Karakoram
From
¥11,648
14 Days
Duration
4,735m
Max Elevation
2–12 pax
Group Size
Shimshal Valley, Upper Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan
Region
Overview
Shimshal Valley holds a special place in Pakistani trekking as one of the most isolated and authentic communities in the Karakoram. Located northeast of Passu in Hunza, Shimshal was not accessible by road until 2003. The Shimshali people, renowned as some of the finest high-altitude porters in the world, have maintained their unique culture and language for centuries. The trek involves a 4WD drive on a dramatic cliff-face road to Shimshal village, followed by multi-day trekking across high-altitude pastures (Shuijerab at 4,735m), moraines, and alongside the massive Yazghil Glacier. The high passes offer views of Yazghil, Momhil, and Trivor (7,728m) — peaks almost no tourists have seen. This is genuine wilderness trekking at its best.
Trip Highlights
Shimshal village — one of Pakistan's most isolated communities, no road until 2003
Shuijerab high-altitude pastures (4,735m) — Shimshali herders and their yak herds
Yazghil Glacier — vast and barely visited glacier system
Views of Trivor (7,728m), Momhil (7,414m), Yazghil Sar (6,987m)
Traditional Wakhi culture, food, and hospitality in Shimshal
Shimshal Whitehorn — one of the world's most beautiful alpine flowers at these altitudes
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Islamabad → Hunza (Karimabad)
🏠 Hotel Hunza🍽️ Dinner
Islamabad → Hunza (Karimabad)
Fly to Gilgit or drive via KKH. Arrive Karimabad.
2Karimabad → Passu → Shimshal Village (3,100m)
🏠 Guesthouse Shimshal🍽️ All meals
Karimabad → Passu → Shimshal Village (3,100m)
Drive to Passu. 4WD on the dramatic cliff-face Shimshal road (4hrs, 60km). Arrive Shimshal village.
3Shimshal → Kuk (3,600m)
🏠 Camp Kuk🍽️ All meals📏 20km⛰️ 3,600m
Shimshal → Kuk (3,600m)
Trek east along the Shimshal River. Wild and remote valley.
4Kuk → Shuijerab (4,200m)
🏠 Camp Shuijerab🍽️ All meals📏 18km⛰️ 4,200m
Kuk → Shuijerab (4,200m)
Ascend to the high summer pastures. Encounter Shimshali herders with their yak herds.
5Shuijerab → Yazghil Glacier Viewpoint (4,735m)
🏠 Camp 4,735m🍽️ All meals📏 10km⛰️ 4,735m
Shuijerab → Yazghil Glacier Viewpoint (4,735m)
Highest point of the trek. Views of Trivor, Momhil, and the Yazghil glacier system.
6Glacier Exploration Day
🏠 Camp 4,735m🍽️ All meals
Glacier Exploration Day
Explore the glacier margins and moraine. Photographs of the high peaks of Upper Hunza.
7Return to Shuijerab
🏠 Camp Shuijerab🍽️ All meals📏 10km
Return to Shuijerab
Descend to the pastures. Overnight with herders.
8Shuijerab → Kuk
🏠 Camp Kuk🍽️ All meals📏 18km
Shuijerab → Kuk
Continue descent.
9Kuk → Shimshal Village
🏠 Guesthouse Shimshal🍽️ All meals📏 20km
Kuk → Shimshal Village
Return to Shimshal. Rest day and cultural immersion.
10Rest Day in Shimshal
🏠 Guesthouse Shimshal🍽️ All meals
Rest Day in Shimshal
Visit ancient rock carvings, attend traditional celebrations if available, walk around the village.
11Shimshal → Passu → Hunza
🏠 Hotel Hunza🍽️ All meals
Shimshal → Passu → Hunza
4WD back along cliff road to Passu. Drive to Hunza.
12Hunza Exploration
🏠 Hotel Hunza🍽️ All meals
Hunza Exploration
Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Attabad Lake.
13Hunza → Islamabad
🏠 Hotel Islamabad🍽️ Breakfast, Dinner
Hunza → Islamabad
Drive or fly to Islamabad.
14Departure
🏠 Hotel Islamabad🍽️ Breakfast
Departure
Transfer to airport.
What's Included
- All transport Islamabad–Passu–Shimshal return (4WD mountain road)
- Senior licensed DTS guide from Shimshal
- Assistant guide
- Cook and kitchen staff
- Porters (Shimshali porters — world-class high altitude)
- Full camping equipment
- All meals
- Shimshal zone trekking permits
- Islamabad, Hunza, and Passu accommodation
- Satellite phone
Not Included
- International airfares
- Pakistan visa
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips
⚠️ Requirements & Prerequisites
- •Prior high-altitude trekking experience above 4,000m essential
- •Excellent physical fitness — 8+ hrs/day on difficult terrain
- •High-altitude evacuation insurance mandatory
Best Season
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the road to Shimshal safe?
The Shimshal road is a 4WD mountain road carved into cliff faces. It is passable with experienced drivers in suitable vehicles. It is one of the most dramatic road journeys in Pakistan. Our drivers are local specialists who use this road regularly.
Price Calculator
$1,600 USD · 4–5 persons
Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.
3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.
Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
Custom quote → info@wonderland-tours.com
💳 Flexible Payment Plan
Full refund if cancelled 60+ days before departure.
Payment Methods
Get a Free Quote
Personalised itinerary & pricing in 24 hrs