Shimshal Pass and Chafchingol Pass Trek
Shimshal Valley is a top spot for adventure lovers, attracting visitors from all over. It features stunning mountains like Distaghil Sar (7,885 m), Shimshal White Horn (6,303 m), Minglik Sar (6,050 m), Lupghar Sar (7,200 m), Yazghail Sar (6,000 m), and Kunjut Sar, which are famous among climbers globally. The area is also home to impressive glaciers such as Malangudhi, Yazghail, Khurdopin (5,800 m), Braldu, Odver, and Ver Zharav, as well as key passes like Chafchingoal, Khurdopin, Mai Dur, Braldu, and Boi Sam. Shimshal is the largest village in the Hunza Valley and has beautiful pasturelands like Shimshal Pamir, Gujerav, Yazghail, and Loopghar, showcasing the area’s peaceful beauty. The lovely Shimshal Pamir Lake is a must-see, drawing tourists with its calm atmosphere and stunning views.
The trek that is frequently referred to as “Around Nanga Parbat” does not actually go “around” Nanga Parbat completely. Instead, it circumnavigates Nanga Parbat once, starting from Tarashing in the Rupal Valley on the southern side of the mountain. The path ascends the Rupal Valley to the west before turning north to cross the Mazeno La and arrive in Fairy Meadows.
With the help of Skardu Expeditions Tracks and Tours, you can showcase your abilities. Your landing in Islamabad marks the beginning of our 60-day K2 tour. All the preparations, such as airport pickup, briefings at the Ministry of Tourism, flying to Skardu, treks, acclimatisation, your arrival at the K2 base camp, and everything in between, will be handled by our incredibly passionate, committed, and experienced personnel.
One of five 8000-meter summits in Pakistan is Nanga Parbat (8125 m), the Great Himalayan range’s westernmost peak. This massive massif is made up of a 20 km long string of peaks and ridges. The name Nanga Parbat, which translates to “The Naked Mountain,” was given to it because of its lone, white look, which was visible from the south for at least 100 kilometres. Due to the challenges in reaching the peak, it is also known as the “Killer Mountain.” Herman Buhl, a German, made the first ascent in 1953, a nearly miraculous solo ascent without oxygen. Trekkers can see stunning up-close views on its cliff-like south face, known as the Rupal face, which rises almost 5000 metres from the valley floor to the summit.
The Astor Valley, which departs the KKH near Jaglot, 60 kilometres south of Gilgit, provides access to the Rupal Valley, which is located on the south side of Nanga Parbat. Incredible views can be found on short, simple treks in the Rupal Valley. Most of the population of Astor Valley are Sunni Muslims, although 25% of them are Shia Muslims and generally reside near the upper tributaries. The primary language is Shia, with Urdu serving as a second language for men. Few villagers are proficient in English.
| Day 01 | Arrive Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel |
| Day 02 | Islamabad – Chilas |
| Day 03 | Chilas – Karimabad Hunza Valley |
| Day 04 | Karimabad – Hopper – Attabad lake – Gulmit Hunza Valley |
| Day 05 | Gulmit – Shimshal Valley |
| Day 06 | Shimshal Valley |
| Day 07 | Shimshal – Zardgarben |
| Day 08 | Zardgarben – Jafervask |
| Day 09 | Jafervask – Perchodwashk |
| Day 10 |
Perchodwashk – War Ben |
| Day 11 | War Ben – Chafchingol base camp |
| Day 12 | Chafchingol base camp – Koksil |
| Day 13 | Koksil – Aurbab Peryain – Gulmit |
| Day 14 | Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley |
| Day 15 | Gulmit – Gilgit |
| Day 16 | Gilgit to Islmabad |
| Day 17 | Transfer to Islamabad airport for international flight |
Equipment List
Equipment List We are providing you with three lists for the Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list.
1 – Must Bring Items:
- First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
- Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
- Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
- Mittens or gloves
- Gloves (Thermal)
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
- Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
- Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
- Warm hat
- Warm jacket (down)
- Water bottles 1 liter (x2)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Antibacterial hand wash
- Shirts/T-shirts
- Socks
- Spare laces
- Underwear (normal and thermal)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Wash-bag and toiletries
- Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
- Baselayer – leggings (Thermal)
- Trekking Trousers
- Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
- Mountaineering equipment (See “List 2” below)
List 2 – Mountaineering Equipments:
- Crampons
- Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2.
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
- Climbing helmet
- Prusik loops X two (2) – (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
- Sling (120 cm)
List 3 – Optional:
- Buff or scarf
- Small padlock (for locking your bag)
- Camera
- Insect repellant
- Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
- Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
- Liner (for sleeping bag)
- Travel clothes
- Bottle for Pee