Shimshal Pass and Mingling Sar Trek

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£1800

💥 18 Days

Shimshal Pass and Mingling Sar Trek BACKGROUND

Shimshal Valley is situated in Hunza and the Shimshal pass trek is one of the best treks in this valley. Shimshal Pass trek is full of thrilling encounters and it is quite a challenging trek. Experienced trekkers with good health can give this trek a shot it will give the most unforgettable experience to the trekkers.

Shidopen Pass and the Mingling Sar are popular Passes that will be crossed while the Shimshal pass trekking. The natural environment continually changes which exposes you to amazing feelings and experiences. You will certainly be captivated by the breath-taking atmosphere and vistas. To enthusiastic trekkers, the journey is an absolute challenge. When you trek through the Minglik Sar and Shipoden pass nature comes into full action. The scurfy track, rough mountains snowy peaks, and the greenery of the valleys make this trek more attractive and exciting. The change in atmosphere in this valley will naturally boost your mood and feelings.

Shimshal Pass Trek is one of Shimshal Valley’s grazing pastures. Shimshal valley is the most mesmerizing valley in Pakistan situated 4,735m above sea level and in the high pasture lands of enigmatic Pamirs. It lies on the South Asia-Central Asia watercourse. The place is remarkable for its stunning landscape with a striking isolated mass of reddish-brown stone growing over the wetlands like a watchtower. The beauty of this area is incomparable where the snowy peaks of Velyo Sar (6030m), Minglik Sar (6050m), and the Quz Sar (5900) adds to the exceptional beauty of this area. There are also mesmerizing crystal-clear water lakes in the area giving the most beautiful scene. Minglik Sar (6050 m) as mentioned above is located in the Shimshal Valley in Upper Hunza bordering the Karakoram Mountain range in southernmost China. Shimshal Lake lies next to the Shimshal Pass at the base of the mountain (4735 m). This trek gives the opportunity to see the Shimshal gorge which is near to the Wakhan Corridor & the Large meadowland of the mysterious Pamirs on the South Asia-Central Asia dividing line. On the mountain grasslands, the trekker can see goats, yaks, sheep, and ibex. Snow leopard also visits for a goat or yak meal at these grasslands.

The North face of K2 far south-east horizon from the summit can be slightly seen while this trek is one of the most beautiful attractions of Shimshal pass trek.

Included

🚘 Airport transfers in Islamabad

🏨 14 nights of accommodation in hotels mentioned in FAQ

📄 Letter of Invitation (needed for the visa)

🚐 Private coaster and Jeeps (when needed) with experienced driver across Pakistan.

🍴 All meals, including dinner in a fancy restaurant on arrival day + breakfast on departure day.

✔️ Clearance for all checkpoints

🤵 Pakistani local guide

👱‍♂️ International tour leader

🏰 Entrance fees, cultural activities and guided tours to all places listed in the itinerary.

Not Included

 ✈️International flights to Islamabad

 📜 Trekking Visa is required for this trek

 🍷 Alcoholic drinks or any extra drink

🏨  Single supplement. Having your own private room costs $200

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Itinerary

Day 1 Islamabad:

You will be greeted by the team of Hunza Adventure Tours at Islamabad International airport then transfer along with your luggage to a centrally located hotel in Islamabad. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 2 Islamabad–Chilas:

In the morning after breakfast then we will drive to Chilas on Karakorum highway en route we will stop for lunch then further drive to Chilas arrival in Chilas check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Chilas.

Day 3 Chilas–Karimabad Hunza:

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to the Karimabad Hunza sightseeing enroute we will stop at the junction point of the three greatest mountain ranges where they meet at the same then we will have a lunch break at Rakaposhi viewpoint then further drive to Karimabad Hunza arrival in Karimabad Hunza check in at hotel after a short rest then we will go for the sunset Safari at Eagles nest. Overnight stay in Karimabad Hunza.

Day 4 Karimabad – Hopper – Attabad Lake – Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley:

In the morning after breakfast then we will visit Baltit Fort Karimabad local bazaar, Altit Fort, Altit old village and in the afternoon visiting Hopper Valley after lunch then we will drive to Attabad Lake boating in Attabad Lake then further drive to Gulmit arrival in Gulmit check-in at hotel. Overnight stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley.

Day 5 Passu Glacier – Borith Lake – Suspension Bridges:

This day is very interesting, as in the first nearly half an hour we will drive to Hussaini Village and we will visit Hussaini suspension bridges, then we will drive up to Upper Borith walking up to the viewpoint of Passu white glacier then drive to Passu village after lunch then we will have a village visit after completing the visit then we will drive back to Gulmit. Overnight Stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley.

Day 6 Gulmit – Shimshal Valley:

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Shimshal Valley sightseeing and photo stops en route arrival in Shimshal Valley check-in the hotel. Overnight stay in Shimshal Valley.

Day 7 Shimshal Valley:

Today we will do the preparation for the trekking. Overnight stay in Shimshal Valley.

Day 8 Shimshal – Pasthurzin:

Today we will start the trek we will cross the Shimshal river to Bandsar (a small village part of Shimshal) at first. After 2 hours easy trek to reach Pamirthung where we cross the Pamirthung river with a suspension bridge to Garsar, which is almost precipitous climbing. During ascent, each team member should stock enough water as from Garsar to Pasthfuzin it is not to be had. Take lunch at Garsar and view the Yazghal glacier, White Horn.Distgir Sar and other famous mountains from this location; Kurdapin glacier is also visible from this point. After rest trek traverse to Pasthfuzin which is located in a narrow valley, a very comfortable and beautiful place for camping.

Day 9 Pasthurzin – Arbabpurin :

The second day of the trek is a steep screw and descent to Woochfurzin which takes 1 hour to climb up and cross some difficult parts of the way to Pamirthung, we will cross the bridge called Chichan Bridge (this bridge was donated by a person to the community of Shimshal) and reach to Parin a place for lunch and again 2 hours climb to reach Parinsar. Parinsar offers the best view of Maidur Valley, Chashkin (6000m) peaks, Mangligh Sar(6050m) traverse walk to Arbabpurin.

Day 10 Arbabpurin – Shujarab:

An easy trek to Shujarab which is the summer pasture owned by the people of Shimshal. Every year about 30 to 40 families from Shimshal come here for 4 months (June – September) with their cattle’s, here we will taste the local cheese and milk!

Day 11 Shujarab – Shimshal Pass (4745m):

Shujarab to Shimshal pass is a steep trek and the part till Gulchinwashk is the toughest but after that, the lush green land will reward you. A paradise for adventure lovers! Today we will see the two beautiful lakes lupwhooyee and Zaklayee and camping beside the lake.

Day 12 Climbing – Mingling Sar:

These great opportunities to climb Mangaligh Sar, start at 3 o clock in the morning after 9 hours you will reach the summit, Magaligh does not demand more technical Mountaineering skills indeed you must have physical power. From the top, you can K2, Mustagh ranges. Shimshal Mountain group, Baralgu Valley, Verjarab Valley, Yukshin garden (7400m) Pamiri, and Kanjut sar.

Day 13 Shimshal Pass – Arbabpurin:

In the morning after breakfast, we will trek back on the same way to Arbabpurin. Overnight Camping at Arbabpurin.

Day 14 Arbabpurin – Pasthfurzin:

In the morning after breakfast, we will trek to Pasthfurzin from Arbabpurin.Overnight camping at Pasthfurzin.

Day 15 Pasthfurzin – Shimshal Valley:

Today is the last day of our trek it is a 3 – 4 hours trek from Pasthfurzin to Shimshal Valley, arrive and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Shimshal Valley.

Day 16 Shimshal Valley – Gulmit:

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Gulmit sightseeing en route and lunch break then further drive to Gulmit arrival in Gulmit check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley.

Day 17 Gulmit – Naran Valley:

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Naran Valley via Babusar Pass sightseeing en route and lunch break then further drive to Naran Valley arrival in Naran Valley check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Naran Valley.

Day 18 Naran – Islamabad:

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Islamabad en-route visit the Taxila museum then further drive to Islamabad arrive in Islamabad after farewell dinner party then we will drop you at the airport to catch a flight back home.

FAQs

Where do we meet for the trek?
The group will assemble at the hotel in Islamabad.

Are transfers provided?
Yes, transfers are provided from/to Islamabad Airport for all clients arriving on Day 1 and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary.

Will I have contact information for the hotel?
Yes, hotel contact details and an emergency number will be included with your booking confirmation.

What is included in the meal plan?
All meals are included from arrival on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 16.

How is food and water managed during the trek?
Water: Untreated tap water is not recommended. Water for trekking is supplied in boiled, filtered, or bottled forms. It’s advisable to bring purification tablets or a filter bottle.
Food: During the Rush Lake Trek, meals are provided in a mess tent with a mix of local and Western dishes. Breakfast includes cereal, muesli, eggs, and bread. Lunch typically consists of canned fish, meats, cheese, and soup. Dinner is a three-course meal, with buffet options at hotels.

What is the accommodation like?
Hotels: 3 nights in Islamabad at good standard hotels, tourist class hotels in Gilgit, Karimabad, and Passu, and simpler guesthouses in Shimshal and Hopar. Twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities are standard.
Camping: 5 nights in 2-person tents during the trek. Single occupancy can be pre-booked for an additional cost.

What if I am traveling alone?
Solo travelers will be paired with another single client of the same sex. Single room and tent occupancy can be arranged at an extra cost.

What should I know about internal flights?
Flights to Gilgit: Subject to weather conditions. Flights may be canceled, and in such cases, travel by road will be arranged.

Who will lead the trek?
The trek will be led by an experienced KE Western leader, assisted by a local guide. Support staff, including cooks and porters, are locals who rely on trekking for their livelihood.

What should I know about altitude?
Expect to spend at least one night above 4000 meters and trek to 5000 meters or more. We carry a portable altitude chamber and bottled oxygen for emergencies.

How much spending money should I bring?
Approximately £200 (or equivalent) in local currency for tips and miscellaneous expenses. Additional funds may be needed for optional guided sightseeing in Islamabad.

How should I handle currency?
Change money into local currency (500 rupee notes preferred) upon arrival. US dollars, Sterling, and Euros can be exchanged at the airport.

How much should I tip?
A tip of approximately £80 (in local currency) is customary for the local crew and drivers. The trip leader will assist with the tipping process at the end of the trek.

How can I adjust to the time zone?
Arriving a day or two early can help you adjust to the time zone and recover from travel stress. Additional nights and airport transfers can be arranged.

What is the baggage allowance for the trek?
One soft duffel bag and one day pack. The maximum packed weight for trekking gear is 12.5 kgs. Extra items can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad or Gilgit.

Where can I find a suitable map for the trek?
TerraQuest Map: 1:175,000, available from Stanfords (stanfords.co.uk). It covers the central Karakoram Range and is waterproof and tear-resistant.