Shimshal Minglik Sar and Chafchingol Pass Trek

The Shimshal Trekking

A soul‑stirring trek from Shimshal village to the Karakoram heights, crossing Minglik Sar and Chafchingol Pass with panoramic glacier vistas and high‑altitude meadows steeped in Wakhi culture.

Trek Menu

Overview

Trek Facts

Gallery

Trek locations on map

Itinerary

Overview

The Himalayas, the frozen peaks, the glaciers, and the wide grasslands are all little features of a small village of ‘Wakhi’ speaking people called Shimshal (3100m). Due to remoteness of the region, it is less frequently visited trek. Hence, its natural beauty is unspoiled and inspiring.

Shimshal is a home of mountains, Lupghar Sar, Yazghail Sar, Kanjut Sar and others are well known among mountaineers. However, Minglik Sar (5931m) is more popular as it is relatively an easy trekking peak and can be climbed in a day.

Some of the most popular treks including Pamir Pass, Chafchingol Pass, & Lukpe La etc. can be started in Shimshal. Chafchangol Pass (5150m) connects Mai Dur with Karakoram Highway. The high pass offers superb view of Gujerab mountain peaks & many other peaks in the central Karakoram.

Trek Facts

Trek Name: The Shimshal Trek (Minglik Sar & Chafchingol Pass Trek)
Trek Code: ATP-TR-06
Trekking Zone: Restricted Zone
Route: Islamabad-Gilgit-Hunza-Shimshal-Shimshal Pass-Chafchangol Pass-KKH-Hunza-Islamabad.
Best time: Early June to Mid-September
Maximum Elevation: 5151 meters/Minglik Sar (5931 meters)
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Trek Duration: 22 days/21 nights
Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking
Visa Sub Category: Trekking
Permit Requirement: A trekking permit is required as the trek falls in the restricted zone.

Gallery

Trek locations on map

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrival in Islamabad ✈️🏙️🛌

Welcome to Pakistan! Settle in and explore the twin cities.

Touch down in Islamabad. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a short rest before a gentle afternoon stroll through Rawalpindi and Islamabad bazaars. Gear check and group briefing in the evening. (≈500 m, hotel)

Day 2. Drive to Chilas via Babusar Pass 🚐⛰️🛣️

A thrilling drive through majestic Himalayan landscapes.

A long scenic drive (10–12 hours) over Babusar Pass at ~4,100 m. Marvel at sweeping Himalayan views en route, before descending to Chilas for overnight rest. (≈1,265 m, hotel)

Day 3. Journey to Passu (Hunza Valley) 🏔️🕌📸

Pass through dramatic gorges into the heart of Hunza.

Journey through the dramatic Karakoram Highway (~7 hours), passing along the Indus and Hunza rivers, arriving in beautiful Passu. Overnight in Hunza. (≈2,500 m, hotel)

Day 4. Jeep Ride to Shimshal Village 🚙🏞️🏡

Ride deep into the wild and warm hospitality of Shimshal.

A 3‑hour jeep ride into remote Shimshal Village. Immerse in the high‑altitude Wakhi culture and prepare your gear for trekking ahead. (≈3,100 m, hotel)

Day 5. Trek to Past Furzin 🎒🗻🌄

Your trekking adventure begins—into remote valleys.

Begin trekking following the Shimshal River, navigating a dramatic gorge to camp at Past Furzin. Soothing alpine views and the first night under the stars. (≈3,360 m, camp; 6–7 h)

Day 6. Trek to Wolo-e-Dasht 🥾🌿🐏

Walk through meadows and high-altitude grazing fields.

A long, scenic traverse via Purien-e-Sar brings you into high alpine terrain. Camp at Wolo-e-Dasht, surrounded by meadows and rising peaks. (≈4,180 m, camp; 7–8 h)

Day 7. Trek to Shimshal Pass ⛺🏕️🧭

Reach a legendary high pass with spectacular alpine views.

A challenging ascent to Shimshal Pass. Experience steep ridgelines and rarefied air at 4,730 m. Camp beside high alpine lakes or meadows. (≈4,730 m, camp; 6–7 h)

Day 8. Trek to Minglik Base Camp ❄️🎯🏔️

Approach the base of the mighty Minglik Sar.

Descend from the pass, then trek to Minglik Base Camp. Catch glimpses of towering Kanjut Sar, Yazghail and Lupghar Sar in the evening light. (≈4,850 m, camp)

Day 9. Rest/Explore Base Camp 😌📷🌞

A well-earned break to acclimatize or wander nearby.

Rest and acclimatize at Base Camp. Opportunity for exploring nearby terrain, short hikes, or simply relaxing amidst panoramic views. (camp)

Day 10. Summit Minglik Sar (Optional) 🏔️⚡⛏️

Challenge yourself on a 6,000 m peak—breathtaking summit views!

Early 2:30 AM start for the summit. Expect a 9–10 hour round‑trip climb to Minglik Sar (≈6,050 m). On a clear day, views extend across K2, Mustagh and Pamir ranges. Return to Base Camp. (≈5,931–6,050 m, camp)

Day 11. Second Acclimatization Day 💤☕📚

Relax, re-energize, and prepare for the next stage.

A second rest day at Base Camp offering either recovery or optional summit attempt, plus photo‑ops of the surrounding glaciers. (camp)

Day 12. Trek to Arbab Purien 🌄🏞️🐾

Descend into scenic solitude—wide valleys and silence.

Trek down to Arbab Purien via scenic terrain. A long descent across meadows and moraines leads to camp near shepherd huts. (≈3,950 m, camp)

Day 13. Trek to Maidur 🐐⛺🌬️

Cross grassy pastures dotted with yaks and sheep.

A steady trek through grazing lands and rising terrain to Maidur campsite, surrounded by dramatic peaks and pastures. (≈4,130 m, camp)

Day 14. Trek to Shapodin 🏕️🗺️🌌

A peaceful alpine setting awaits beyond rocky ridges.

Ascend gently into a wide glacial valley and set camp near Shapodin. A quiet evening beneath sweeping skies. (≈4,250 m, camp)

Day 15. Trek to Mandik Shalaq 🐾🌄🌾

Highland terrain filled with wild beauty and remote camps.

Trek across plateau-like terrain into Mandik Shalaq. Views of distant ridgelines and frequent yak pastures. (≈4,100 m, camp)

Day 16. Trek to Werben ⛺🍃⛰️

Cross serene alpine meadows to camp by glacier streams.

Gradual descent into Werben, through alpine meadows and along glacier-fed streams. Camp by a lush valley slope. (≈3,600 m, camp)

Day 17. Trek to Chafchingol Pass Base 🧗‍♂️🎒🏞️

Final approach to one of the region’s wildest passes.

Approach the Chafchingol region. Camp at its base, preparing for the high‑pass crossing and challenging terrain ahead. (≈4,100 m, camp)

Day 18. Cross Chafchingol Pass to Koksil ❄️🏔️🚶‍♂️

A challenging and exhilarating high pass crossing.

Early ascent to Chafchingol Pass (~5,100–5,150 m), crossing glaciated terrain and fording rivers. Descend into Ghujerab valley to camp at Koksil near the KKH. (≈5,150 m → ≈3,400 m, camp)

Day 19. Drive back to Hunza 🚐🛤️🏨

Return to civilization and a comfy bed in Hunza.

Descend from Koksil to the Karakoram Highway and drive back to Passu or Hunza for a comfortable hotel stay. Scenic views all the way. (≈2,500 m, hotel)