Pakistan · Trekking

20-Day Shimshal Valley Trek with Sustainable Tourism Adventure

20 Days Round trip from Hunza Valley Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the Shimshali people in remote Shimshal Valley
  • 02 Trek through breathtaking landscapes, including high-altitude pastures and historical valleys
  • 03 Engage in daily activities with nomadic families, from livestock herding to traditional cooking
  • 04 Discover the legacy of Shimshal's mountaineering community with journeys to stunning peaks
  • 05 Participate in eco-friendly tourism initiatives while respecting the valley's unique ecosystem

Embark on a 20-day adventure through the breathtaking Shimshal Valley, combining challenging treks, stunning mountain landscapes, and deep cultural immersion. This journey includes hikes to Shimshal Pass and Minglik Peak, along with community training, eco-lodge construction, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Experience the rich cultural heritage of the region, document traditional practices, and help launch the "Nomad Life Shepherd" program to preserve local heritage and support eco-friendly tourism development.

Embark on a 20-day adventure through the breathtaking Shimshal Valley, combining challenging treks, stunning mountain landscapes, and deep cultural immersion.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 20 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Not included
Cities Hunza, Shimshal, Manglik Sar
Languages English, French, Urdu

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Drive from Hunza to Shimshal

  • Breakfast and pickup from the desired location.
  • Drive to Shimshal Valley.

Dinner and overnight stay at the guest house.

2
Day 02

Trek from Shimshal Valley to Gharsar

  • Breakfast and begin the trek towards Shimshal Pass.
  • Lunch at Korband.

  • Arrive at Gharsar, rest, dinner, and overnight stay in tents.

3
Day 03

Trek from Gharsar to Peryan Sar

  • Breakfast and enjoy the trek to Shimshal Pass.
  • Stop for lunch at Vuch Furzin.

  • Continue on the final 3-hour trek to Peryan Sar, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents with breathtaking views.

4
Day 04

Trek from Peryan Sar to Shujerab

  • Breakfast and start the trek to Shujerab, the first settlement of old Shimshal Valley.
  • Lunch at Volyo Dasht.

  • Arrive at Shujerab, rest, dinner, and overnight stay in tents.

5
Day 05

Reach Shimshal Pass and Visit Its Lakes

  • Breakfast and trek to Shimshal Pass.
  • Arrive at Shimshal Pass after 3 hours.

  • Enjoy free time for lunch and visit the lakes of Shimshal Pass.

Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

6
Day 06

Rest Day and Trek to Minglik High Camp

  • Breakfast and rest until 3 PM.
  • Dinner at the base camp, then trek to Minglik Peak High Camp.

  • Arrive at the high camp after a 2-hour trek, have a light dinner, and sleep early in tents.

7
Day 07

Summit Day and Return to Base Camp

  • Wake up at 2 AM for a porridge and cornflakes breakfast.
  • Begin the climb, aiming to summit by 9 AM.

  • Trek back to base camp and enjoy summit celebrations.

Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

8
Day 08

Trek Back to Peryan Sar

  • Breakfast and trek back to Peryan Sar.
  • Lunch en route.

  • Arrive at Peryan Sar, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

9
Day 09

Return Trek from Peryan Sar to Gharsar

  • Breakfast and trek back to Gharsar.
  • Lunch at Past Furzin.

  • Arrive at Gharsar, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

10
Day 10

Trek Back to Shimshal Valley

  • Breakfast and trek back to Shimshal Valley.
  • Arrive at Shimshal, have lunch, and enjoy free time.

Dinner and overnight stay at the guest house.

11
Day 11

Drive from Shimshal to Hunza

  • Breakfast and drive back to Hunza.
  • Drop off at the desired location.

12
Day 12

Community Training and Capacity Building

  • Begin community training sessions in Shimshal.
  • Focus on capacity building for local community members.

  • Discuss sustainable practices for eco-tourism.

13
Day 13

Eco-Lodge Construction Begins

  • Visit the site for eco-lodge construction.
  • Begin construction of eco-lodges with local labor.

  • Provide training on eco-friendly construction techniques.

14
Day 14

Document Local Culture and Heritage

  • Document local cultural practices and heritage.
  • Conduct interviews with local elders and community leaders.

  • Capture photos and video footage of traditional practices.

15
Day 15

Continue Infrastructure Development

  • Continue infrastructure development in Shimshal Valley.
  • Build necessary roads and trails for eco-lodges and tourism.

  • Ensure eco-friendly materials are used in all construction.

16
Day 16

Plan Marketing and Promotion

  • Begin developing a marketing strategy for the "Nomad Life Shepherd" program.
  • Design brochures, websites, and promotional materials.

  • Start creating an online presence on social media.

17
Day 17

Launch the Promotion Campaign

  • Launch the marketing campaign for the "Nomad Life Shepherd" program.
  • Reach out to potential tourists through online platforms and travel agencies.

  • Conduct promotional activities, including presentations and exhibitions.

18
Day 18

Community Collaboration and Promotion

  • Collaborate with local community members to promote eco-tourism.
  • Host workshops on how to attract tourists and engage in cultural exchanges.

  • Encourage local businesses to participate in the program.

19
Day 19

Final Evaluation and Adjustments

  • Conduct a final evaluation of the eco-lodge construction and infrastructure.
  • Assess the effectiveness of the marketing strategy and make adjustments.

  • Gather feedback from the community and tourists for improvements.

20
Day 20

Program Launch and Ongoing Management

  • Officially launch the "Nomad Life Shepherd" program.
  • Continue program management and provide ongoing support to the community.

  • Celebrate the successful completion of the project.

Shimshal Pass lakes, Minglik High Camp, Hunza Valley, Garelt

Where this trip takes you

Shimshal Pass lakes, Minglik High Camp, Hunza Valley, Garelt

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Hunza Valley 3 cities · 20 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Nomadic shepherds typically live in traditional local huts, tents, or stone huts.

  • Accommodation is basic and may not have modern amenities such as electricity or plumbing.

  • Accommodation is usually provided by the community or as part of the nomadic lifestyle.

  • Shepherds rely on locally sourced food, including dairy products and grains.

  • Access to clean drinking water may be limited, and shepherds often rely on natural sources.

  • Food expenses are minimal, and self-sufficiency is a key aspect of nomadic life.

What's Not Included

  • Accommodation in cities and villages typically includes hotels and guest houses.

  • Airfare for international and domestic flights is required.

  • Traditional clothing suitable for the harsh mountain environment is essential.

  • Woolen garments, heavy jackets, and sturdy footwear are typical.

  • Clothing costs can vary, but durable items are preferred for the challenging conditions.

  • Shepherds are responsible for tending to and herding livestock, such as yaks, sheep, and goats.

  • The acquisition and maintenance of livestock are integral to the nomadic lifestyle.

What to bring

  • Traditional clothing suitable for the harsh mountain environment is essential.

  • Woolen garments, heavy jackets, and sturdy footwear are typical.

  • Clothing costs can vary, but durable items are preferred for the challenging conditions.

  • Shepherds are responsible for tending to and herding livestock, such as yaks, sheep, and goats.

  • The acquisition and maintenance of livestock are integral to the nomadic lifestyle.

  • Essential tools include knives, ropes, and shearing equipment.

  • Traditional equipment may be used for activities like wool processing.

  • Minimal cost for tools, as many are passed down through generations.

  • Access to healthcare can be limited in remote areas.

  • It is important to have basic first aid knowledge and supplies.

  • Medical expenses may vary, so it is wise to have savings for emergencies.

Know before you go

  • Take proper care of your livestock, which may include goats, sheep, yaks, or other animals commonly found in the region. This includes providing them with food, water, and shelter.

  • Be mindful of the fragile ecosystem in the valley. Avoid overgrazing, and follow sustainable grazing practices to prevent environmental degradation.

  • Embrace the nomadic lifestyle, which typically involves moving your livestock from one grazing area to another based on the seasons. This can be physically demanding and may require you to live in temporary shelters or tents.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hunza, Hunza Nagar
Tour start
Hunza Valley, Garelt
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 20 days finish where they began, in Hunza Valley.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 3,500 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total