Trek
Gojal (Upper Hunza), Hunza
Patundas Meadows
- Duration
- 3 days
- Highest point
- 4,200 m
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Season
- Jun–Sept
Price to be confirmed
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Trek · Shimshal valley, Gojal (Upper Hunza)
Shimshal Pass and the Shimshal Pamir
A remote high-pasture trek from Shimshal village to the Shimshal Pass and the Pamir grazing grounds used by Shimshali herders each summer.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Highest point
- 4,735 m
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Season
- June–September
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Goharanwar14 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
Shimshal is the highest settlement in Hunza, connected to the Karakoram Highway at Passu only since a jeep road opened in 2003. Its people graze yaks, sheep and goats on high summer pastures several days' walk from the village, and the trek follows their route to the Shimshal Pamir.
The pass itself sits on the watershed between the Indus and Tarim basins, a broad open saddle with lakes and grazing rather than a sharp col. The trek offers a rare insight into a living pastoral culture, but involves long days, river crossings and sustained time above 4,000 m.
- The Shimshal Pass on the Indus–Tarim watershed
- Shimshali summer pastures at Shujerab and Shuwert
- Herding life and high lakes on the Pamir
- Village life in Shimshal, Hunza's highest settlement
Itinerary
Day 1
Passu to Shimshal village by jeep
Drive the Shimshal road up the gorge from the Karakoram Highway. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Shimshal
Day 2
Acclimatisation day in Shimshal
Short walks around the village and fields; meet the community and prepare loads.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Shimshal
Days 3–4
Shimshal to the lower pastures
Two stages up the gorge on herders' trails, including steep sections and side-stream crossings, camping at pasture sites such as Garsar.
Overnight: Camps at herders' pastures
Day 5
To Shujerab
Climb to the summer pasture of Shujerab.
Overnight: Camp at Shujerab
Day 6
Over the Shimshal Pass to Shuwert
Ascend onto the open Pamir and cross the Shimshal Pass to the summer settlement at Shuwert.
Overnight: Camp at Shuwert Highest point: 4,735 m
Day 7
Exploring the Shimshal Pamir
A day around the lakes and pastures of the Pamir, visiting herders if invited.
Overnight: Camp at Shuwert
Days 8–9
Return to Shimshal village
Descend by the outward route, or an alternative herders' trail where conditions allow.
Overnight: Camp, then guesthouse in Shimshal
Day 10
Shimshal to Passu by jeep
Drive back down the Shimshal road. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Practical information
- Accommodation
- Camping, Guesthouses
- Passes
- Shimshal Pass (4,735 m)
- Suitable for
- Trekkers, Explorers, Culture travellers, Photographers, Filmmakers
What’s included
Included
- Jeep transfers on the Shimshal road
- Guide and porters from Shimshal
- Camping and kitchen equipment
- Meals on trek
- Guesthouse nights in Shimshal
- Coordination of any community conservation fee
Not included
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance with high-altitude cover
- Accommodation outside Shimshal
- Tips
- Optional peak ascents near the pass
What to bring
Essential
- Well broken-in boots for rough, exposed trails
- Trekking poles
- Four-season sleeping bag
- Down jacket and warm hat
- Waterproof shell and trousers
- River-crossing sandals
- Water purification
- Personal first-aid kit including blister care
- High-altitude sun protection
Optional and useful
- Small gifts are best discussed with the guide first
- Power bank or small solar charger
- Telephoto lens for yaks and wildlife
- Phrasebook notes for Wakhi greetings
- Lightweight down trousers
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Remote: evacuation is slow and depends on the Shimshal road.
- Sustained time above 4,000 m; a good acclimatisation profile is essential.
- Steep trails with exposure and stream crossings in the gorge.
- A local community fee has been reported by operators; confirm current arrangements.
Photos
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Start shaping your journeyShimshal Pass and the Shimshal PamirPrice to be confirmed
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