Shimshal

Shimshal is an isolated village in the Gojal region of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is composed of several villages dotted along the banks of the Shimshal River, in a wide open valley at an altitude of 3,100 m.

Get in

Traveling to Shimshal is an adventure in and of itself. There is only one road in and out, linking the settlement with the Karakoram Highway about 5 km north of Passu. The road is 55 km long and is very much a 4x4 track. The road is only wide enough for one vehicle for most of its length, and there are many times where it traverses cliff sides with big drops to the valley below. As of 2019, some bridges have been destroyed by floods, meaning several small but potentially dangerous river crossings are required.

There is a police building at the start of the road, just after you leave the Karakoram Highway and cross over the suspension bridge over the Hunza river. Foreigners are required to sign in with the police here.

By bus

4x4 vehicles take people and goods between Passu and Shimshal daily. The journey takes roughly 2.5 hours.

By car

If you are self driving the Shimsal Valley Road, ensure that you are properly prepared and have the necessary skills.

By bicycle

Cycling the road is certain to be an adventure, however it is not suitable if you do not have a head for heights as many times you will be pedaling a few feet away from large drops. The road is very rocky and can be sandy in places. There are also not many water sources on the route and temperatures can get very hot in some of the rocky valleys.

See

• The scenery along the road to Shimshal is staggering and varied. Glaciers approach close to the road at some points.

Do

• There are endless hiking opportunities in the area. The locals are true mountain people, therefore guides are very knowledgeable and can take you on a variety of trips.
  • Yazghil glacier - Large glacier located a few hours walk up the Shimshal valley. You will pass shepherds' huts and can walk on the glacier.
  • Shimshal pass - Multi day trek to the legendary pass once used by Hunza raiders to attack silk road caravans.
  • Shimshal White Horn (Adver Sar) - Iconic pyramidal peak located just south of the Shimshal valley. Climbing it is a serious mountaineering challenge, but hikes towards base camp are possible.

Sleep

Accommodation is in the central Shimshal village.

• 1 Sifat Guesthouse. Traditional style guesthouse, excellent food and the owner can organize guides and vehicles. (updated May 2022)

• 2 Shimshal Tourist Lodge. (updated May 2022)

Go next

• Passu