Minglik Sar Expedition
Shimshal Valley / Pamir-Karakoram β 6,050m
Minglik Sar (6,050m) is a high peak situated at the head of the Shimshal Pamir in the Hunza District of Gilgit-Baltistan. Soaring above the vast alpine pastures of Shimshal and the turquoise lakes of the Pamir pass, Minglik Sar provides a non-technical route into high-altitude mountaineering within one of the Karakoram’s most culturally distinct mountain regions.
Positioned near the borderlands of the Pamir plateau, Minglik Sar is widely considered an ideal entry-level 6,000-meter objective. What we offer is full logistics support β Islamabad-to-Base-Camp travel, permits, local Shimshali porters, kitchen staff, and full Base Camp infrastructure β for mountaineers seeking an authentic trekking and climbing experience in the Karakoram.
The Shimshal-Pamir Massif
Minglik Sar (6,050m) | Malungutti Sar (7,075m) | Yazghil Sar (6,000m) | Distaghil Sar (7,885m)
Route & Climbing History: Minglik Sar was first climbed in 1988 by a team led by famous Pakistani mountaineer Nazir Sabir along with local Shimshali climbers. The peak’s broad Southern Ridge offers a gradual snow slope ascent, making it a favorite for high-altitude trekkers stepping into mountaineering for the first time.
Climbing grade: Introductory high-altitude snow climb (PD-) β non-technical 30Β° to 35Β° snow slopes, glacier crossing, and gentle ridge walking. Requires basic crampon/ice axe skills, roped glacier travel, and strong cardiovascular fitness.
Climbing Equipment and Gear List
Mountain climbing Gears
Β
β Β Helmet ( Black diamond, Petzel )
β Β Alpine Ice Axe (65-70cm)
β Β A mountaineering harness, with adjustable leg loops.
β Β Carabiners: 3 locking and 6 regular
β Β Rappel device: ATC or figure 8
Mountaineering boots
Β
β Β Mountaineering boots suitable for above 6000m; La Sportiva Gsm2 or equivalent
β Β Hiking shoes for the trek to base camp with ankle protection
β Β Gaiters
β Β Thermal mountaineering socks or equivalent: 6 pairs
β Β Liner socks or equivalent: 3 pairs
Body Layers:
Β
β Β 2 merino base layers: top / bottom set
β Β 1 mid layer top: breathable Underwear
β Β Lightweight Nylon Pants: 1 pair
β Β Hooded Soft Shell jacket To be worn over other layers
β Β Soft Shell Guide Pants: Gore Tex and breathable
β Β Hooded Hard Shell: Gore Tex and breathable
β Β Hard Shell Pants: Gore Tex and breathable, big enough to wear over your guide trousers
β Β Insulated Down Jacket with hood: North Face Himalayan parka or equivalent
β Β Insulated synthetic Pants: Worn primarily when climbing below Camp 2
β Β Long jones equivalent to Rabβs Polartec or equivalent: 2 pairs
Headgear and Hand wear:
Β
β Β Wool hat (ski hat)
β Β Sunhat: To shade your face / neck from the sun on a hot day
β Β Buff: To protect your neck / face from the sun
β Β Under helmet Balaclava
β Β Glacier glasses: Full protection with side covers or wrap around
β Β Ski goggles: To be worn on summit day in the event of high winds
β Β Lightweight synthetic liner gloves: For wearing on a hot day; 2 pairs
β Β Soft shell gloves: To wear for moderate cold / wind
β Β Shell glove with insulated liner: To wear for severe cold / strong wind
β Β Expedition Mitts for bad weather
Personal Gear:
Β
β Β Expedition Backpack: 65L pack should be large enough.
β Β Trekking Backpack: To carry on the trek to base camp. Simple and light.
β Β Sleeping Bag: Rated to at least -40Β°F. Goose down or synthetic
β Β Compression stuff sacks: 3 large ones; for reducing volume of the sleeping bag, down parka, etc., in your pack.
β Β High Quality sleeping pad (1 for base camp and 1 for high camps): Full length is preferred.
β Β Closed cell foam pad: To be used in conjunction with the inflating pad for warmth and comfort when sleeping.
β Β Trekking poles with snow baskets: Adjustable poles
β Β Cup: Plastic insulated cup for drinking
β Β Bowl: A plastic bowl for eating dinner or breakfast
β Β Spoon: Plastic spoon
β Β Head torch: 1 normal for base camp and 1 with remote battery systems for climbing at night. This will be used whilst climbing at night
β Β Sunscreen: SPF 50 or above
β Β Lip balm with sunblock
β Β Water bottles: 2 wide mouth bottles with 1 liter capacity
β Β Water bottle parkas (2): fully insulated with zip opening
β Β Thermos: 1 litre (buy a good ones to keep your water warm for longer hours)
β Β Pee bottle: 1 litre minimum bottle for convenience at night in the tent
β Β Toiletry bag: Include toilet paper and hand sanitizer and small towel
β Β Hand warmers & toe warmers
β Β Pen Knife or multi tool (optional)
β Β Camera: bring extra batteries and memory cards
β Β Personal solar charging system (optional but recommended)
β Β Travel Clothes
β Β Duffel bags (2) with locks: To transport equipment
β Β Base Camp extra Items: Kindle, I pad, books, smart phone, etc
β Β Snack food: Please bring a few days of your favourite climbing snack food such as bars, energy gels, nuts, beef jerky, etc. A variety of salty and sweet is recommended to give you extra energy.
β Β Small personal first aid kit: Include athletic tape, Band-Aidβs, Ibuprofen, blister care, personal medications, etc
β Β Medications and Prescriptions: Bring antibiotics (Azithromycin, etc.), and altitude medicine such as Diamox and dexamethasone
Arrive in Islamabad & Expedition Briefing
β° 540m
Our team will receive you at Islamabad International Airport with a name placard and transfer you to your hotel. Share flight details .
π Grand Islamabad / Envoy Hotel or equivalent
Fly Islamabad β Gilgit (or Drive via KKH)
β° 1,500m | β± 45 min flight (or 10β12 hrs drive)
Scenic morning flight over the Karakoram to Gilgit. (If weather delays the flight, travel overland via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas/Gilgit). Drive to Passu or Gulmit in Upper Hunza.
π Marco Polo Inn / Gulmit Continental or equivalent, Upper Hunza
Drive Hunza β Shimshal Village
β° 3,100m | β± 3β4 hours drive
Jeep drive through the narrow, dramatic Shimshal Gorge to Shimshal Village, home to famous Pakistani high-altitude climbers.
π Local Guest House / Camp, Shimshal
Trek Shimshal Village β Past Furzin
β° 3,500m | π 15 km | β± 6β7 hours
Begin trekking along the Shimshal River, crossing suspension bridges and narrow gorges to reach the campsite at Past Furzin.
π Camp β twin-sharing dome tent
Trek Past Furzin β Arbab Purien
β° 3,900m | π 12 km | β± 5β6 hours
Ascend gradually alongside riverbeds and scree slopes toward Arbab Purien, taking in views of surrounding granite spires.
π Camp β twin-sharing dome tent
Trek Arbab Purien β Shimshal Pass (Base Camp)
β° 4,735m | π 10 km | β± 4β5 hours
Trek up to the high alpine pastures of Shimshal Pass (4,735m) near the twin lakes. Establish Base Camp directly beneath Minglik Sar.
π Minglik Sar Base Camp / Shimshal Pass (4,735m)
Climbing Period β Acclimatization, High Camp & Summit Push
β° 4,735m β 6,050m | β± 5 days
Begins with camp setup and safety briefings. The team conducts acclimatization hikes around the Pamir lakes, sets up High Camp at ~5,300m, and monitors wind and snow conditions. During an early morning start, climbers traverse the 30Β°β35Β° snow slope to reach the 6,050m summit of Minglik Sar before descending back to Base Camp.
βΊ Base Camp / High Camp
Base Camp Pack-Up & Trek to Past Furzin
β° 3,500m | β± 6β7 hours
Disassemble camps according to leave-no-trace protocols. Trek down from Shimshal Pass to Past Furzin.
π Camp at Past Furzin
Trek Past Furzin β Shimshal Village
β° 3,100m | β± 5β6 hours
Complete the return trek to Shimshal Village. Celebrate with local Shimshali porters and mountain guides.
π Local Guest House / Camp, Shimshal
Drive Shimshal β Passu / Karimabad (Hunza)
β° 2,400m | β± 3β4 hours drive
Drive back through the Shimshal Gorge to the Karakoram Highway and proceed to Karimabad.
π Hotel in Karimabad / Passu
Drive Hunza β Gilgit / Chilas
β° 1,500m | β± 5β6 hours drive
Drive south along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit or Chilas.
π Hotel stay
Fly / Drive Gilgit β Islamabad
β° 540m | β± 45 min flight (or 10β12 hrs drive)
Morning flight to Islamabad (or overland drive via KKH/Babusar Pass).
π Grand Islamabad / Envoy Hotel or equivalent
International Departure
β± Breakfast included
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for homebound flights.
β Departure β transfer to airport
Affiliated with & Licence
