In a Glimpse:
Shimshal valley is the remotest valley of Gilgit Baltistan, located at an altitude of 3,100 meters making it the highest human settlement of the district with a total population of 2000 people.
It is located at a distance of 4 hours from Hunza valley and the journey consists of one of the most dangerous dirt roads of the world which is only suitable for trained drivers. In our beautiful Pakistan, Shimshal is home to high peaks like Dastaghil Sar towering at 7885 meters, Mulungutti Glacier, Shimshal Whithorn, and Shimshal lake making it a point of interests for both mountaineers and other tourists looking to unwind in the calm of nature.
For years up until October 2003, Shimshal valley was inaccessible by motor roads. It was in 1985 that a combined project was started in collaboration with the locals to connect the valley via a road with the Karakoram Highway. It took 18 years of combined efforts to construct the 56 Kilometers long road which possesses the might that has humbled many egos.
Climate/Weather Condition:
It is typically very cold in Shimshal Valley, the winters are particularly harsh with temperatures falling to -27 Degrees at the night and -7 during the day.
The best time to visit Shimshal Valley is from May to August as the road remains covered with snow for most of the year.
How to get there:
Shimshal valley is accessible from Karakoram Highway from Hunza Valley after the Batura glacier via a rather perilous but adventurous jeep ride on a non-metallic road.
Due to its remote location, only a couple of jeeps make the journey per day starting from Aliabad but one can board at any point in the way up to Passu.
The jeep ride to be booked in advance, however, it can be arranged on spot but it is subject to availability.
People traveling from outside of Pakistan typically require a permit to visit the valley, their travel agents/guides will be able to help them acquire those.
What to do in Shimshal:
Trekking and Yak Safari are the popular attractions of Shimshal Valley. Shimshal pass trek is the major activity of the region which offers a beautiful view of the high pastures of the Valley including the view of Minglik Sar – a 6000 meters high peak – and a beautiful lake known as Shimshal lake which has thin grass on one side and thick grass on one.
Shimshal valley also features peaks that served as a training ground for aspiring mountaineers. High peaks of the valley include:
- Destaghil Sar – 7885 meters
- Kunju Sar – 7790 meters
- Trivor – 7577 meters
- Chhish – 7492 meters
- YukshinGardan Sar – 7530 meters
- Momhil Sar – 7343 meters
- Malungutti Sar – 7207 meters
- Shimshal Whitehorn – 6303 meters
- Minglik Sar – 6150 meters
- Lupghar Sar – 7200 meters
- Yazghil Sar – 6000 meters
The valley is home to many gigantic glaciers including:
- Malungutti
- Khurdopin
- Yazghil
- Odver
- Ver Zharav
Apart from this due to its remoteness Shimshal offers unmatched peace and quietness that is enough to make its visitors leave with an unforgettable experience.
The hospitality of the People and Culture:
The people of Shimshal valley are Wakhi speaking and majorly belong to Ismaili community. Shimshalis is to Pakistan what Sherpas are to Nepal as this valley has produced some of the best mountaineers of the country including Samina Baig who is the first Pakistani woman to have climbed Mount Everest and the Seven Summits.
