YAK SAFARI & TREK TO SHIMSHAL PAMIR PAKISTAN

YAK SAFARI & TREK TO SHIMSHAL PAMIR PAKISTAN
Day-01 Arrive ISB,
welcome reception at the air port. Transfer to hotel for fresh up. After lunch city tour of the twin cities Rawalpindi & Islamabad, federal capital of Pakistan. Overnight hotel.

Day-02 Drive Islamabad to Besham/ Narran
Today our journey starts from driving on the historic Grand Trunk Road. On our Taxila is situated 34 km from Islamabad, which is the former capital of Ghandhara Buddhist civilization. We visit the splendid site Museum and the archaeological site. After Taxila we will leave the GT road and turn north on the Karakoram highway. Pass through the lush green alpine landscape of Hazara and arrive at Sharkool and cool place situated on top of a hill. As we descend from Sharkool, we emerge on the bank of Indus river at Thakot. From here we enter the narrow rocky gorge of Indus. Overnight hotel. (300 km, 7/8 hours)

Day-03 Drive Besham – Hunza karimabad
Continue drive on Karakoram Highway to Gilgit. Building the KKH, was a joint venture between Pakistan army and Chinese engineers and it took 20 years & sacrifice of 850 lives to complete this 8th wonder of the world. In the afternoon we would have a fascinating view of Nanga Parbat (8,125 M) as we get closer to Gilgit. Overnight at hotel. (330 km, 10/11 hours)

Day-05 Hunza - Passu on KKH
Morning visit of the town. Gilgit at 1,600 M is the administrative capital of northern areas of Pakistan and a traditional staging post on historical Silk Route from Kashgar. From the bazaar we could walk to the suspension bridges over Gilgit & Ghizer rivers. Continue drive on the Karakoram Highway to the charming village of Passu in the heart of Karakoram Mountains. We have fascinating views of soaring peaks all around us, including Rakaposhi (7,788 M). Overnight in Passu Tourist Lodge, 2500 meters. (150, 4/5 hours)

Day 05 Passu - Shimshal
We will take jeeps from Passu. 2 hours drive in the narrow valley of Shimshal up to Waeenben. At Waeenben our bags will be shifted from jeeps on to the Yaks, our companions for next two weeks. After crossing two suspension bridges we will reach in Ziarat. This is the place where the famous Sufi Saint Shams-e-Tabrez had stayed for long time for meditation and fasting. The symbols are still kept on the rock. Shams-e-Tabrez had come from Tabrez, to preach Islam in the region. The followers of the Sufi saint visit this sacred place to cadge prayers. They put colorful flags on the rocks around. Three houses been constructed by the people of Shimshal here in Ziarat, as Ziarat is in their daily route up or down from the civilization. We will take lunch in Ziarat. Continue journey towards Kuk. It takes 3 hours to get in Kuk. Kuk is well known for its hot spring water. The visitors take bath and enjoy the view of Malangoti Glacier. When the weather is clear, the great Dastagir (7885m) can be seen on the head of the Malangoti glacier. Other peaks like Madhelsar, Shimshal white horn, Malangoti sar etc. can also be seen from this point. Overnight stay in Kuk. (2 hrs drive 5/6 hrs walk 2800)

Day 06 Hunza passu - Hunza - Shimshal
Four hours walk up to Shimshal. After crossing a suspension bridge we get in Kutdoor and we climb a small steep rocky patch. From the top two small villages of Shimshal Tangashsar and Farmanabad can be seen. We will reach in Farmanabad, where lives the famous climber of Pakistan Mr. Rajab Shah. Rajab Shah is the only Pakistani climber who have climbed all eight thousander meter peaks of Pakistan. A short tea break can be taken at Rajab’s house. An hours easy walk up to the center of the village. Arrive main Shimshal valley for overnight camping. ( 4/5 hrs Walk 3000 M)

Day 07 - Shimshal – Zartgarban
As todays track is steep and hard so we will take an early start. After crossing the Shimshal river, we will reach in Band-e-Sar and we’ll enter the narrow gorge of Tang, which goes up to Zartgarben. When we climb the steep up, we cross through a memorious gate and reach in Zartgarban. The plain land is charming and encircled with high mountains. Zartgarban is basically a summer pasture where villagers keep their animals for 5/6 months in summer. (6/7 hrs 3700 M)

Day - 08 Zartgarban – Targin
This might be the hard part of the trek. We start from the camp with a steep ascend of 200 meters on the cliff. This day we have to cross two passes. The first pass is Wayeen Sar (4800m), which takes two hours from Zartgarben to reach the top and one hour to descend in Yarzeen, the lunch place. After having lunch we will continue ascending to Shach Merk Pass (4500m), which takes three hours to reach the top. We make a small pause on the pass to make photos of the peaks in surrounding. Many peaks of the area can be seen from both high passes. We descend to the Targeen valley, which is the camping place tonight. We will pitch the tents up on the left bank of a small stream. (7/8 hrs 3400 M)

Day – 09 Targin - Arbab Parian
It takes more then three hours to reach in Puryen, place for our lunch today. We will follow the Maidoor river today and reach Puryen. After having lunch here we will cross a small bridge and we climb the high steep of Puryen Sar. We will cross through two wooden gates. These gates were built by the people of Shimshal to defend the village from the troops from China. In ancient time when there was no friendship between China and Pakistan and the area was disputed. In 1974 it was officialy announced by the govt. of China that this area is in Shimshal. After that there is complete peace in the area. When we reach on the top of Puryen Sar, we can see the Minglik Sar (6050m) in front of us. This is a trekking peak in the heart of the Pasture. Arrive Arbab Parian for overnight camping. This is a beautiful and colorful place with spring water. Nice place to take bath in the crystal clear water. ( 4/5 hrs 4150M)

Day - 10 Arbab Parian - Shimshal Pass
We will continue walking east in the direction of Manglik Sar and reach Shujerab. The last summer pasture before Shimshal Pass. From Shujerab a 200 meters gradual ascent will bring us just under Manglik Sar. Now we will be walking in the wide area of Shimshal Pass running east to west, with two lakes located just before the Shimshal Pass. In summer Yaks, goats and sheep roam around the green wide pastures of Shimshal Pass. We’ll pitch our tents near the two lakes of Shimshal Pass. In evening one can walk to Shuwart summer settlement at Shimshal Pass, consisting of 60 houses. We might get invited for dinner by the people settled there with their animals. That will be a great chance to visit local houses and also to taste the energetic nomad food made from Yak’s cheese, butter and wheat flour. Overnight camping at Shimshal Pass. (4/5 hours, 4735m)

Day 11 Shimshal Pass
A rest day after long trekking for personal activities.

Day - 12 Shuwart - Arbab Parian
We will follow the same track came through on our way to Shimshal Pass. But it will take us very short time because of continues descend. Back to Arbad Parian. Overnight camping. (5/6 hours)

Day - 13 Arbab Parian - Maidur
It is an easy down hill walk. We follow a stream flowing from Shuwart to Maidur. There are many summer settlements in Maidur Valley. We will pitch our tents at a small settlement having only two or three houses. It is a beautiful Valley and water is easily accessible here. Camp overnight. (4/5 hours 4500M)

Day - 14 Maidur - Shapodin
Today we take early morning start to cross Shapodin Pass (5150m). The climb up to pass is not technical and one can climb it with the help of walking poles only. Passu Peak (7478m) and Shispar Peak (7611m) are visible from the Pass. Water is easily available on the way. After crossing the Pass we will arrive at the camping place of Shapodin which is also a summer settlement. Camp overnight. (7/8 hours 5150 M)

Day 15 Shapodin - Shimshal
This would be an easy walk on the plain pasture up to Zartgarban. From Zartgarban we will continue our trek and descend down to the Shimshal village. Camp (4 /5 hours )

Day 16 Shimshal - Passu
In one long day we will reach Passu from Shimshal. 7/8 hours walk to reach the trek end and from there two hours in jeeps to Passu. Overnight stay in Passu trouist Lodge.

Day-17 Drive to Karimabad.
Short drive to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley. Here we have time to visit the Altit & Baltit forts and walk through the bazaar, shops are full of traditional woolen gowns, caps and ladies suites and lots of decoration pieces, which are prepared by the ladies of Hunza. View of the fascinating mountains arround Hunza, like Rakaposhi, Ultar Peak, Golden Peak and Lady finger increases the charm and attraction of the valley. People in both central and upper Hunza are very friendly and educated. ( 50 km 2250 M)

Day 18 Karimabad - Chilas
It takes three hours to reach Gilgit from Karimabad. Before having lunch we can visit the Kargah Nala where we can see the image of Buddha from 4th Century AD. After Lunch we will continue drive down to Chilas. A photo stop at the famous spot, where worlds three highest mountain ranges Himslayas, Karakoram & Hindukush are meeting and it is also the meeting point of the Indus river with Gilgit river. From here we can also view of Nanga Parbat. Overnight stay at hotel in Chilas. (230 km 6/7 hrs)

Day 19 Chilas - Islamabad .
This would be a long drive through the Indus gorge on the KKH. Lunch break in Besham. By evening we will reach Islamabad. Arrive and transfer to hotel.
(425 km 11/12 hrs)

Day 20 Departure
Transfer to airport for international departure flight.