18-Day Yak Safari in Shimshal Valley through Hunza and Shimshal Pamir

18 Days Round trip from Islamabad Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Ride on yak back through Shimshal Pamir
  • 02 Experience the rugged beauty of the Karakoram Mountains in Shimshal Valley
  • 03 Pass remote villages, traditional stone houses, and terraced fields
  • 04 Reach a maximum altitude of 4400 m
  • 05 Travel during the suitable period from the end of September to October

The yak is regarded as one of the world's most remarkable domestic animals, living in conditions of extreme harshness while providing a livelihood for mountain communities. Riding a yak through Shimshal Valley immerses you in the rugged beauty of the Karakoram Mountains, with stunning landscapes, remote villages, and a traditional way of life in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Hunza Valley. The journey lets you appreciate the slow pace of life in the mountains as you pass traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and shepherds tending their flocks. Along the way, you may also experience the renowned hospitality of Shimshal Valley through stays with local families and shared meals that offer insight into the region's rich cultural heritage.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 18 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Islamabad, Gilgit, Hunza, Chilas, Besham, Shimshal
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad

  • Arrival in Islamabad.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

2
Day 02

Fly to Gilgit or Drive to Chilas

  • Fly to Gilgit or drive to Chilas.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

3
Day 03

Drive to Karimabad, Hunza

  • Drive to Karimabad, Hunza.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

4
Day 04

Visit Altit and Baltit Forts

  • Visit Altit and Baltit Forts.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

5
Day 05

Jeep Drive to Shimshal Village

  • Jeep drive to Shimshal village.

  • Accommodation at a local guest house.

6
Day 06

Yak Riding from Shimshal to Zardgarben

  • Yak riding from Shimshal to Zardgarben (3810 m).

  • Overnight at camp.

7
Day 07

Continue to Purien-e-ben

  • Continue from Zardgarben to Purien-e-ben (3322 m).

  • Overnight at camp.

8
Day 08

Ride to Shuijerab

  • Reach Shuijerab (4080 m).

  • Overnight at camp.

9
Day 09

Ride to Shuwerth

  • Reach Shuwerth (4420 m).

  • Overnight at camp.

10
Day 10

Free Day in Pamir

  • Free day in Pamir.

11
Day 11

Ride Back to Purien-e-ben

  • Ride back to Purien-e-ben.

  • Overnight at camp.

12
Day 12

Return to Zardgarben

  • Travel from Purien-e-ben to Zardgarben.

  • Overnight at camp.

13
Day 13

Return to Shimshal

  • Travel from Zardgarben to Shimshal.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

14
Day 14

Drive to Passu

  • Drive to Passu.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

15
Day 15

Drive to Gilgit

  • Drive to Gilgit.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

16
Day 16

Fly to Islamabad or Drive to Besham

  • Fly to Islamabad or drive to Besham.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

17
Day 17

Besham or Islamabad to Islamabad

  • Drive from Besham or continue in Islamabad to Islamabad.

  • Overnight at the hotel.

18
Day 18

Departure from Islamabad

  • Departure from Islamabad.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Islamabad 6 cities · 18 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation

  • Hotel accommodation

  • Hotel meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

  • English-speaking local guide

  • Entry fees for museums, forts, and tourist resorts

  • Toll taxes and parking fees

What's Not Included

  • International flight tickets

  • Personal refreshments

  • Medical kit and any medicine

  • Single supplement

Know before you go

  • Maximum altitude: 4400 m.

  • Suitable period: end of September to October.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arrival hall at Islamabad International Airport, just outside the international arrival gates.
Tour start
Islamabad
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 18 days finish where they began, in Islamabad.

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