If you’re looking for a raw and remote destination that exemplifies the magic of Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan territory, look no further than Shimshal Valley.
Located deep in a valley off of one of the most dangerous roads in the world, it’s also known as the valley of mountaineers. Dozens of local legends – both women and men alike – have summited the world’s highest peaks from here, and kids get acquainted with pastures at an early age.
As beautiful as it is, Shimshal rarely makes it onto most travelers’ Pakistan trips, but those who do take the time to visit are in for some serious mountain magic. It’s a place that simultaneously feels like the end of the world and a world of its own.
I’ve visited many times now, and keep finding myself coming back again and again. To help you make the most of your Hunza trip, here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Shimshal Valley 🙂
Why Visit Shimshal Valley?
Sitting at just under 11,000 ft, Shimshal is as high as it is secluded. Snowcapped peaks and glaciers stretch on as far as the eye can see alongside a raging river and, of course, the bucolic village itself.
The Shimshal Valley road was only built (completely by locals themselves) in 2003, and the road is basically an attraction all on its own. While many say the Fairy Meadows road is the most dangerous in the world, it’s actually the death-defying canyon trail that leads to Shimshal that wins the prize. It’s definitely the craziest route you’ll encounter while backpacking Pakistan!
Photo: Will Hatton
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Once you make it past that, you’ll be welcomed by fields that turn lush green in summer, and an endless choice of some of the best treks in all of Pakistan.
But another reason to visit Shimshal is the people. Home to Wakhis, Shimshalis are 100% Ismaili Muslims and are known for their hospitality and perseverance. You’ll meet many inspiring locals here, and even some famous mountaineers.
It’s truly a multifaceted destination unlike any other.
The Best Way to Explore Northern Pakistan
Want to explore the most incredible mountains on the planet without the stress of arranging it all? A Pakistan tour is your best bet… accommodation, guides, motorbikes, tents, food, and transport are all included, you’ve just got to get yourself here!
The Broke Backpacker’s adventure tour company, Elsewheria, has two immersive adventures coming up that dive deep into Pakistan’s Karakoram with our local partners, and you’re invited! Think treks to basecamps, moto rides to the highest border crossing in the world, nights spent in local homes, and a bunch of new mates who share the same passion for adventure travel that you do. It’s the ultimate motorbike tour in Pakistan.
Best Time to Visit Shimshal
As one of the highest settlements in Hunza Valley, Shimshal Valley is absolutely a seasonal destination. It gets COLD come winter, and that comes with a vast set of challenges: very minimal electricity, frozen pipes, and no central heating.
That’s why the very best time to experience the valley is from May to October, with May being a personal favorite as the entire valley becomes awash with lush greenery. But if you’re looking to do any multi-day treks, July is your month.
Photo: Will Hatton
I did the Shimshal pass at the end of July, and it was the ideal season for it. Landslides are very common in peak summer, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind, especially if you’re heading in on your own two wheels.
October is also a lovely time to get a feel for Shimshal. It’s not too cold yet, but fall colors are in full swing!
How to Get to Shimshal
Considering the road is a true feat of engineering, getting to the valley is an adventure in and of itself, whether you’re traveling independently or with an adventure tour.
By Public Transport
The cheapest and easiest option for backpackers, shared jeeps head to Shimshal and back daily, though be warned, you will likely be very cozy as they pack them tight! Jeeps leave the Aliabad bazaar in Central Hunza around 1/2 PM daily, but be sure to check in with locals for the latest, as timings can change.
The ride takes about 4 hours, and you’ll pay more for the front seat. Tickets cost around $7 USD, though, like the timing, this too can fluctuate with inflation. The route back is similar, but instead of leaving at mid-day, jeeps tend to depart around 5-6 AM and will only leave when/if full.
By Private Transport
Private jeeps to the valley are pricey (like many things in Shimshal), though you may want or have to pay for the convenience. You can expect an entire vehicle to go for somewhere in the neighborhood of $50-$75 (each way) or even more, depending on where you want to go and when.
If you go this route, I recommend arranging your ride in Aliabad as you’ll get a better price than if you go with drivers from Shimshal. Shimshalis will ask for more money as they need to return, and as mentioned, the road is wild!
By Motorbike
If you’re a good rider and down for a real adventure, motorbiking the Shimshal Valley road is by far the most fun way to reach the region. But don’t underestimate it – driving on this road is NOT for beginners and features many shocking drop-offs (with no guard rails) of around 1000 ft.
Photo: Will Hatton
The entire track is off-road, and landslides are common during the summer months. This is not the place to learn how to ride a motorcycle in Pakistan, and should only be attempted by those with *significant* off-roading experience.
You should also be aware that aside from a small hut manned by a local near the beginning of the road, there are no gas stations, stores, or amenities whatsoever. Bring whatever you think you’ll need, including spare parts!
Where to Stay in Shimshal Valley
One of my favorite things about Shimshal is that every single accommodation is locally owned. No exploitative luxury hotels here! This also means you should leave any expectations for luxury back on the Karakoram Highway.
Only simple and authentic stays exist that match the crazy road trip it took to get here.
Photo: Will Hatton
Shimshal Embassy
I’ve stayed here a few times now, and it’s gotta be one of the best places to crash in the valley, especially if you plan to do any treks! The owner, Mirza, is super friendly and really makes you feel at home. He has 7 private rooms with attached bathrooms, and a traditional communal space for meals and sleeping if you prefer.
Add in a massive garden that’s right at the edge of the village (making it an ideal jumping off point for the Shimshal pass), and you’ve got yourself the perfect place to stay in the valley at a reasonable price!
Shimshal Tourist Lodge
If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale place to stay (for a remote valley that is), Shimshal Tourist Lodge is your best bet.
With enough rooms to fit large groups and a huge garden, it’s closer to a simple hotel than the other homestay-esque options in the valley.
Sifat Guesthouse
The cheapest option on this list, Sifat, is right next to Shimshal Embassy and offers simple yet welcoming accommodation with a friendly owner. Kind of like a homestay, it’s got a cute little garden and a cozy vibe.
Things to Do in Shimshal Valley
Shimshal is a place to slow down, recharge, and take a bit of a digital detox. Unlike other places in Hunza Valley, there aren’t really “attractions” per se – the village itself and its endless hikes are what you come here for!
Here’s what to add to your itinerary:
Explore the village
A must-do for any traveler who makes it here, the village stretches along for several miles and is broken up into a few different sections, giving you ample space to explore.
You could easily spend an entire day meandering about and chatting it up with locals. There’s even a viewpoint I recommend checking out that has an insane view over the entire valley. Just ask someone to point you in the right direction!
Do a day hike to Yazghil Glacier
In 2.5-3 hours from the village, you can trek to an incredible glacier that few Pakistan travelers even know exists.
After crossing a sandy, moon-like landscape, you’ll have a steep uphill that will bring you face-to-face with a pristine white glacier.
Photo: @intentionaldetours
Unlike others in the valley, Yazghil remains more protected from pollution and other human hazards, and has an aura you have to see to believe.
There’s a shepherd’s hut right before the big uphill with surprisingly varied cooking supplies. I even found both salt and sugar on my last visit!
Trek to the Shimshal Pass (Pamir)
The Shimshal Pass trek (locally known as Pamir) is genuinely one of the most underrated hikes on the planet, and one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
3-4 days of walking in seriously steep and rough terrain will lead you to a paradise of lush green meadows, lakes, a summer settlement, and dozens of yaks.
Photo: @intentionaldetours
This pass represents the old route to China – from Pamir, it would take another 6 days on foot to the border. Many Shimshalis used to spend summers up at the 15,400 ft pasture, and there’s even a village called Shuwert that’s complete with an Ismaili community center. These days, far fewer shepherds (some of whom are women) make the journey, though it’s not zero. You’ll need a local guide to head up, which can be easily arranged in the village.
FAQ About Visiting Shimshal Valley
Final Thoughts on Shimshal
After spending years in this insanely beautiful country, I think I’m pretty qualified to say Shimshal Valley is one of the most beautiful and rewarding places you can visit. From the ride in on one of the most dangerous roads in the world, to glacier hikes and a village vibe that feels like stepping back in time, it’s absolutely worth the trip.
But like many remote locales, Shimshal isn’t the easiest place to get to. And while I hope I’ve simplified it a bit with this post, you can always join our Elsewheria Northern Pakistan Adventure to experience the valley without any logistical headaches!
Photo: Will Hatton
