Pakistan · Trekking

13-Day Trekking Adventure in Shimshal Valley and Hunza from Islamabad

13 Days Round trip from Islamabad Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the iconic Hunza Valley with views of Rakaposhi and the Passu Cones
02 Trek to high-altitude passes including Shipodin (5,150 m), Abbas (5,300 m), and Boisam
03 Camp beside Lalik Jan Lake with stunning mountain panoramas
04 Visit historical viewpoints along the Old Silk Route and at the junction of three great mountain ranges
05 Experience local hospitality in Shimshal Valley, one of Pakistan's most isolated communities

Embark on a 13-day expedition from Islamabad to the remote Shimshal Valley, travelling along the majestic Karakoram Highway through Hunza Valley and Gilgit. Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes while trekking to high-altitude passes such as Shipodin, Abbas, and Boisam. This guided journey also includes cultural stops, a scenic flight to Gilgit if weather permits, and immersive nights in local valleys and mountain camps.

Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes while trekking to high-altitude passes such as Shipodin, Abbas, and Boisam.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 13 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Islamabad, Taxila, Gilgit, Hunza, Chilas, Naran, Shimshal

Languages English, French, Urdu

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport.
Drive to the hotel and check in.
Visit key sights in Islamabad if time permits.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Islamabad.
If your arrival is early in the morning, drive directly to Chilas for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Islamabad to Naran or Flight to Gilgit

Drive to Islamabad International Airport for a scenic 45-minute flight to Gilgit.
Please note that the flight is subject to weather conditions.
Drive to Naran if the flight is cancelled.
Proceed to Shimshal Valley if the flight is successful.
Enjoy lunch en route.
Arrive in Naran for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Naran to Hunza Valley via Babusar Pass

Eat breakfast and begin the drive to Hunza Valley.
Pass through Lulusar Lake, Babusar Pass, and the Karakoram Highway.
Stop at the junction point of the world's three highest mountain ranges.
Arrive in Gilgit for lunch.
Continue to Hunza Valley with stops at the Old Silk Route viewpoint and Rakaposhi viewpoint.
Reach Hunza Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Hunza to Shimshal Valley by Jeep

Eat breakfast and begin the jeep drive to Shimshal Valley.
Stop at the Passu Cones and Passu Glacier viewpoint.
Visit the Dastgil Sar Peak viewpoint (7,880 m).
Arrive in Shimshal Valley for lunch.
Spend free time exploring the area.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Shimshal.

Day 05

Trek to Shipodin Pass

Eat an early breakfast and begin the trek to Shipodin Pass (5,150 m).
Carry a packed lunch for the day.
The trek duration is approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Return to Shipodin camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 06

Shipodin to Abbas Pass and Japarphask

Eat an early breakfast and start the trek toward Abbas Pass (5,300 m).
The trek duration is approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Reach Japarphask and settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 07

Trek to Boisam Pass and Lakeside Camp

Eat breakfast and begin the trek to Boisam Pass.
Reach Boisam Pass by midday and have lunch.
Set up camp near Lalik Jan Lake with views of the surrounding peaks.
Establish the base for the Boisam Peak climb.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the camp.

Day 08

Climb Boisam Peak

Eat an early breakfast and begin the climb to Boisam Peak (5,840 m).
Trek back to the base camp after the summit attempt.
Have lunch and return to Shipodin for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 09

Shipodin Pass to Shimshal Valley

Eat breakfast and trek back to Shimshal Valley.
Stop for lunch en route.
Reach Shimshal for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10

Shimshal to Gilgit via Hunza

Eat breakfast and begin the drive to Gilgit.
Stop in Hunza Valley for lunch and short sightseeing.
Continue to Gilgit for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 11

Gilgit to Naran

Eat breakfast and drive back to Naran via the same scenic route.
Have lunch en route.
Reach Naran for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 12

Naran to Islamabad via Taxila

Eat breakfast and begin the drive back to Islamabad.
Stop in Taxila city for a historical visit.
Enjoy lunch en route.
Arrive in Islamabad for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 13

Departure from Islamabad

Eat breakfast and drive to Islamabad International Airport.
Board your flight to your home destination.

Where this trip takes you

Shimshal Valley high camps, Boisam Pass and Lalik Jan Lake, Passu Cones and Passu Glacier viewpoint

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Islamabad 7 cities · 13 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

04 nights in a 3-star hotel
Car with fuel and toll taxes
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided in the hotel
Professional and licensed guides throughout the tour
Invitation letter for the visa process
All visiting area entry tickets included

What's Not Included

Room service and additional ancillary services acquired from the hotel
Personal insurance of clients
Any personal medication
Evacuation and rescue charges if needed
Domestic air tickets
Any expense due to force majeure, natural calamities, acts of God, or situations beyond the control of Stunning Pakistan, their staff, and suppliers

What to bring

Insect repellent
Sunburn lotion
Warm clothing
Windproof jacket
Rain gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Hat or cap
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Small backpack
First aid kit
Camera for capturing scenic views

Know before you go

The use of drugs or any form of intoxication is strictly prohibited. Any participant caught using substances on buses or during the trip will be expelled immediately without eligibility for a refund.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate. In such cases, registered participants will receive a full refund.
On adventure trips, factors such as weather, local politics, transportation, or other unforeseen circumstances may lead to changes in the itinerary.
While changes are unlikely, if necessary, the group leader and guide will determine the best alternative in the best interests of the group.
Smoking is strictly prohibited in the transport.
Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card.
Time management and punctuality are strongly recommended.
Participants are advised to wear non-slippery shoes, boots, joggers, or DMS. Heels and dress shoes are not allowed.
On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air conditioning in the buses will be operated intermittently to prevent overheating.
Stunning Pakistan is not responsible for any injury, damage, or loss during the trip.

Logistics