Shimshal Pass Trek
For adventure lovers seeking something truly different, the Shimshal Pass Trek offers one of the most fascinating and demanding experiences in the northern mountains of Pakistan. Located deep within the rugged valley of Shimshal in Hunza District, this trek combines challenging trails, remote landscapes, and the unique lifestyle of one of the highest-living communities in the world.
The Unique Charm of Shimshal Pass
The Shimshal Pass Trek is not a typical mountain ascent. The route constantly shifts between steep climbs and gentle slopes, keeping trekkers engaged and tested at every step. It’s an expedition where both endurance and patience are equally important.
What makes Shimshal remarkable is its wildlife. This area is home to several rare species, including the wolves of Pakistan, locally known as Khush Gae. The valley is also home to snow leopards and Himalayan bears, which occasionally cause trouble for the locals who live and herd their animals here.
The World’s Highest Permanent Settlement
Shimshal is known as the highest permanent human settlement in the world, standing at around 4,500 meters above sea level. No other inhabited region in Pakistan exists at such an altitude. Unlike tourists who visit these heights for adventure, the resilient people of Shimshal live and work here year-round, taking care of their livestock in extreme conditions.
In the Shujrab area, herding is part of the daily routine. Thousands of goats are cared for by groups of locals on a rotation system — each group spends 8 to 10 days looking after the animals before being replaced by another. This rotation continues throughout the season, keeping their centuries-old pastoral system alive.
At Palmier Pastures, more than 1,500 yaks graze during the warmer months. These yaks form the backbone of Shimshal’s economy, providing meat, milk, and hides for the community.
Journey from Islamabad to Shimshal
The adventure begins in Islamabad, heading north through the Karakoram Highway to reach Hunza. From Hunza, a road branches off at Passu towards Shimshal Village, roughly a four-hour drive along a narrow and thrilling mountain track.
Most trekkers spend their first night in Shimshal Village before starting the hike. On the second day, the route leads to Pest Khurd Been, where trekkers camp overnight. From there, a nine-hour hike takes them to Arbab Prem — a tough yet scenic section of the journey. Donkeys carry most of the gear, but due to the difficult terrain, no load exceeds 20 kilograms, ensuring safety for both the porters and the animals.
From Arbab Prem, the trail continues to Shujrab, which usually takes another seven to eight hours of trekking. The path is demanding, but the ever-changing scenery keeps trekkers motivated.
Life in Shujrab and Palmier Pasture
After reaching Shujrab, trekkers often rest before heading further toward Shimshal Pass or Minglik Sar. Weather conditions are unpredictable — snow can fall at any time, even during summer. Many groups must wait for several days if conditions worsen, relying on the local community for supplies. Fresh goat or sheep can be bought from the locals, who often prepare simple yet delicious meals for visitors.
A few hours’ hike from Shujrab brings you to Palmier Pasture, a vast green meadow surrounded by snow-covered mountains. A crystal-clear stream flows through the grasslands, where thousands of yaks graze peacefully. The entire landscape feels alive — a blend of wilderness and human perseverance.
The people of Shimshal have adapted to this altitude in ways few others have. While most mountains in Pakistan are uninhabited, Shimshal Pass remains alive with families, livestock, and traditional stone houses — proof of the incredible resilience of the local community.
The Yaks of Shimshal – Strength of the Highlands
Yaks, or Yolks as they are locally called, are central to the Shimshal economy. Their meat, milk, and hides are valuable resources. The wool is used to make warm clothing and tents that help locals survive the long winters. Yaks are also uniquely suited to this altitude — they are the only herbivores in the world capable of living and working above 4,000 meters, thanks to their powerful lungs and thick coats.
Whenever a family decides to sell yaks, they move them down to Shimshal Village, where traders purchase the meat and hides. Every part of the animal is used — nothing goes to waste in this high-altitude lifestyle.
Shimshal Lake (Lupghar Lake or Lupe La Lake)
One of the main highlights of the Shimshal Pass Trek is the Shimshal Lake, also known as Lupe La Lake. It lies at an altitude of around 5,050 meters, making it one of the highest active lakes in Pakistan. The lake system includes three bodies of water — two small and one large — with Lupe La being the biggest and most prominent.
For most of the year, the lake remains frozen, except for one or two months when the surface melts, revealing crystal-clear blue water. Many confuse it with Rush Lake, which stays thawed for a longer period. However, Lupe La Lake is at a higher altitude and remains frozen for most of the year, adding to its raw, untouched beauty.
This lake also gives birth to the Shimshal River, which winds its way down the valley, nourishing the pastures and settlements along its path.
Minglik Sar Peak – The Challenge Above the Pass
At the highest point of the Shimshal Pass stands the Minglik Sar Peak, a towering mountain that tests even seasoned climbers. Unpredictable weather often delays or completely halts ascents. Many mountaineers spend days at the base of the peak, waiting for a clear window that sometimes never comes. Despite this, the experience of being surrounded by such vast landscapes makes the wait worthwhile.
Diversity and Beauty of Shimshal Pass
The Shimshal Pass Trek is unmatched in diversity. The lush green plains of Pamir Pasture, vast wetlands, and snow-covered peaks form a landscape that feels almost unreal. Unlike other high-altitude plateaus such as Deosai, Shimshal offers closer mountain views, larger yak herds, and an authentic cultural presence.
Every turn along the trek reveals something new — from grazing yaks and frozen lakes to the distant sound of streams echoing between the mountains. The combination of natural beauty and human endurance makes Shimshal Pass one of the most unique and awe-inspiring trekking destinations in Pakistan.
The Shimshal Pass Trek is not just about reaching a destination — it’s a journey into one of Pakistan’s most isolated and breathtaking regions. It tests strength, endurance, and adaptability while rewarding trekkers with unmatched beauty, wildlife encounters, and a deep appreciation for mountain life.
For anyone passionate about trekking, culture, and the wilderness, Shimshal Pass offers an unforgettable experience — a place where nature and tradition exist in perfect harmony.