Shimshal Valley - The Lost Valley of Hunza
Shimshal valley is the remotest valley of Gilgit Baltistan, located at an altitude of 3,100 meters making it the highest human settlement of the district with a total population of 2000 people.
It is located at a distance of 4 hours from Hunza valley and the journey consists of one of the most dangerous dirt roads in the world which is only suitable for trained drivers. In our beautiful Pakistan, Shimshal is home to high peaks like Distaghil Sar towering at 7885 meters, Mulungutti Glacier, Shimshal Whitehorn, and Shimshal Lake making it a point of interest for both mountaineers and other tourists looking to unwind in the calm of nature.
For years up until October 2003, Shimshal Valley was inaccessible by motor roads. It was in 1985 that a combined project was started in collaboration with the locals to connect the valley via a road with the Karakoram Highway. It took 18 years of combined efforts to construct the 56-kilometer-long road, which possesses the might that has humbled many egos.
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Why is Shimshal Valley Worth a Visit?
Straight away, Shimshal is not a casual, easy-to-reach destination. Getting to this valley – at the least – requires effort and going out of your way, and more than likely it’s going to require braving danger to some degree.
Shimshal is for adventurous visitors looking for epic treks, an escape from civilization, and plenty of peaceful places to relax in silence. Jagged peaks, vast landscapes, the potential to see exotic wildlife, and the risk of danger await. If any of that appeals to you and you want to get away. Hunza's often-stifling crowds, Shimshal is the place to be.
Climate/Weather Condition
It is typically cold in Shimshal Valley, the winters are particularly harsh with temperatures falling to -27 Degrees at night and -7 during the day.
The best time to visit Shimshal Valley is from May to August as the road remains covered with snow for most of the year.
How to get from Hunza to Shimshal Valley
Shimshal Valley can only be reached via a beautiful—if perilous—Jeep ride from the Hunza Valley. Because of its remote setting, only one or two Jeeps make this journey each day. Jeeps start in Aliabad, the main transport hub of the Hunza Valley, but can be boarded from any place along the way up to Passu.
There is no set timing for Jeeps, and supply depends on demand. It’s highly recommended to reserve a seat a day or two in advance. Most guesthouses in the Hunza Valley can help you arrange a seat on the next Jeep. The three to four-hour Jeep ride costs 500 Rs per person, assuming 10 people in a Jeep. If there are fewer people, the price goes up, but you can bargain a little on the price.
The drive into the valley is gorgeous, as you follow the narrow valley on a steep road eventually leading to the sprawled hamlet of Shimshal.
Technically foreigners need a permit to visit Shimshal, but at the time of writing the police checkpoint let foreign travelers through as long as they promise to only visit Shimshal and its direct surroundings.
If you wish to go on a multi-day trek—for instance to the Shimshal Pass—you require a permit that can only be arranged through a tour agency.
Things to do in Shimshal Valley
Several multi-day treks can be done in Shimshal. However, these require prior arrangement and, in most cases, prior permission. Contact a tour agency if you wish to do a multi-day trek in the Shimshal Valley.
There are also several day hikes in Shimshal Valley. Further down the valley are several glaciers. The first glacier, Yazghil Glacier, is about three hours’ walking from Shimshal. Trekking to the glacier requires no guide and can be done by inexperienced trekkers.
The walk is beautiful, and the view of the multiple peaks in the distance once reaching the glacier is a rewarding experience. To visit the other glaciers, you must cross Yazghil, something we only recommend doing with a local guide, or if you’re a trekker with ice climbing experience.
Mountaineer or not, Shimshal offers a great off-the-beaten-track experience. There are no cars and few motorbikes, the only background noises come from cattle and the nearby Shimshal River. It’s a great place to unwind with a book and a cup of local green tea—maybe I’ll see you there.
Where to stay in Shimshal Valley
Shimshal Valley has several guesthouses. All are basic and charge around 1,000 – 2,000 Rs per person per night. Food will cost another 200 – 300 Rs per meal.
If the cost seems steep, remember Shimshal is a remote valley. Amenities are basic and food is hard to make accessible in the valley.
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