The Shimshal valley and its pass

The following morning, our group will take an early flight to Skardu , the largest city in Baltistan (approximately 50 minutes). On a clear day, the surrounding peaks, including Nanga Parbat , offer spectacular views.

Upon arrival, we will take the road to the Hunza Valley and reach our lodge in Aliabad after a spectacular 6-hour drive!

Sunset stroll in Karimabad + dinner in pavilions run by women.

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If the flight is cancelled, we will take the Islamabad–Hunza route (18 hours) with the possibility of spending a night in Naran.

Our guides and local team organize everything to ensure the trip remains safe and comfortable.

We will follow the legendary Karakoram Highway, stopping at various viewpoints:

1. the vertiginous Hussaini suspension bridge,
2. the peaceful Lake Borith,
3. a salt lake, and a superb panorama of the glacier.

Short walks will allow us to acclimatize gently.

Altitude: 2500m

Departure by 4x4 to the isolated village of Shimshal.

One of the most magnificent roads, a generation of Shimshalians made it possible to build this road, it was only opened in 2023 - 3-4 hours drive to reach the village.

At this point, we understand that the adventure begins, when we enter the gorges of the canyon on paths that are sometimes narrow with various suspension bridges.

Meeting with the teams

Altitude: 3000m.

After breakfast, we will leave early to avoid the intense heat, a pleasant first day going up the river before starting a beautiful gradual climb to the camp, we admire the magnificent Yazghail glacier and the entire Shimshal plain.

This is a great introduction to set the mood for this magnificent valley and this grand trek!

The second day is the most spectacular, with narrow paths through the gorges, aerial and vertical passages, and unobstructed views all day long.

The morning follows regular paths, accessible to all except those suffering from vertigo.

In the afternoon, we descend into the gorge before a final rocky climb to the campsite at 3,900 m, offering a 360° view as a reward.

Altitude: approximately 3900m

Our day will begin gently, on plateaus with ascents and descents during the morning.

After crossing a river, we will walk along it and may see the first yaks.

This day is much less demanding than day 2, which will allow us to fully enjoy the scenery, while conserving our energy.

Altitude: approximately 4350 m

Today is the shortest day of walking.

We will have breakfast without any particular time constraints before setting off to climb the pass, which is relatively easy and takes two hours.

We will then arrive on the Pamir plain, in the Shimshal region, where we will still have one to one and a half hours' walk to reach the camp, located near the river and the two lakes.

We will admire the herds of yaks and the greenery of this plain surrounded by Minglik Sar, a peak reaching 6,000 meters in altitude, a true haven of calm after our efforts.

A day of rest at 4735m altitude to explore and discover this magnificent Pamir plain.

Excursion to the small village where the shepherds live in Shuwerth to observe how the shepherds live and take care of the animals.

We will walk leisurely for 40 minutes to an hour before witnessing the spectacular return of more than 5,000 sheep and goats to their enclosures, a typical and fascinating scene in the valley at the end of the day.

For early risers, it will also be possible to go at sunrise to witness the herds leaving the house.

In short, a quiet day of rest, with the possibility of exploring around the camp, a well-deserved and timeless break.

Altitude: 4735m

We will take the same route again to stop at the Arbab Pirien camp.

This campsite is nestled in the valley, but we can enjoy this little green space and admire the rocks and minerals that surround us.

Altitude: approximately 3950m

We rejoin the main path of the gorge before turning right to enter a new valley.

The route alternates between ascents and descents, constantly offering splendid scenery; some sections are stony.

With a bit of luck, we might even spot some Himalayan ibex.

We will then cross a river before reaching our campsite located below.

From there, the view of the mountains is remarkable, and the sunset, with its play of light on the peaks, can offer an unforgettable spectacle.

Altitude: 4350

We have a long day ahead of us. We will leave early in order to reach the pass around 1 p.m.

The scenery will be reminiscent of yesterday's, but this time it will offer more shimmering glaciers and snow-capped peaks. We'll take a lunch break with the team before tackling the final section of the ascent: a gradual, steady zigzag climb without any technical difficulties.

Once at the pass, if the weather is good, we will enjoy a 360-degree view.

The panorama of the surrounding peaks is absolutely magnificent: a unique, almost unreal sensation that makes you dizzy as the immensity of the valley impresses.

After a well-deserved rest, we will begin the descent. The first section is really steep and can be surprising, even though it doesn't require any particular technique.

The team will be there to support you and help you progress as best as possible, but you will still need to maintain a good "mountain footing".

The second part of the descent is gentler and relatively easy, leading all the way to the campsite.

There, a completely different atmosphere awaits us, bringing new energy to the end of this beautiful day of effort.

This stage takes you on a walk of approximately 3/4 of an hour, accessible to all, to the Zartghar Ben camp.

The trail crosses several rivers and opens onto vast plains bordered by steep mountains, offering spectacular panoramas at every step.

This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the landscapes and admire the power of the surrounding peaks after a long day the day before.

Enjoy this suspended moment in this plain where we will set up camp.

Altitude: 3800m

After arriving at the homestay, after a 3 to 4 hour walk, we will take advantage of these last moments to spend a final afternoon in the village of Shimshal.

Since Sheru is originally from Shimshal, we are regularly invited to meet the locals or have dinner with them.

It's something very special to discover, far from the usual tourist routes.

Altitude: approximately 3100m

After this incredible adventure, and a relaxing breakfast, we will take to the road in Jeep to return to Passu.

We will take you to visit the village of Passu, a local carpet factory run by women.

We will meet Nawaz's grandfather, a true living legend, who will be happy to tell us fascinating stories of the first great mountaineering expeditions in the region.

We're going to enjoy the legendary yak burger, a real treat!

By taking the Karakoram Highway and the magnificent roads between Hunza and Skardu.

After this long day of driving, we can relax and admire the sunset.

Altitude: 2200m

Deosai National Park is an alpine plateau of exceptional beauty and ecological value, located in the western massif of the Himalayas, east of Nanga Parbat and close to the central Karakoram range.

This plateau, whose altitude varies from 3,500 to 5,200 m, covers an area of ​​358,400 hectares.

It is part of UNESCO's heritage.

1 night in campsites nicknamed glamping, with the comfort of a hotel room in a tent!

After a day exploring the Deosai Plateau, we will observe its fauna and flora, and may have the chance to spot brown bears, before returning to the hotel at the end of the day.

Morning flight to Skardu, flying over Nanga Parbat one last time.

In the free afternoon, we could take you to a lovely café.

Safety day – if the flight is cancelled.

This day will be used for the drive between Skardu and Islamabad. It's a free day if we arrive in Islamabad on the previous day's flight; only breakfast is included.

As an option, and depending on flight confirmation, we may offer a visit to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 1 hour's drive from Islamabad.

We arrange airport transfers for all those whose flight is scheduled within 12 hours.

Hotel check-out is around 11am.

If you wish to stay longer in Islamabad, it is possible to extend your stay at the hotel, but the additional nights are not included.