A Pakistan travel guide to Shimshal Valley, one of Pakistan’s most remote and magical hamlets. Includes info on how to get to Shimshal Valley, where to stay in Shimshal Valley, and what to do there!
Shimshal Valley wasn’t a part of my plans.
True to my often sporadic travel tendencies, I ended up there on a whim, and what I discovered will absolutely have me heading back for more.
Shimshal is a remote valley within Hunza, and at over 10,000 feet it’s the highest valley in the district. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Shimshal, and the treacherous yet stunning road begins by taking a turn near the famous village of Passu.
Fun fact: The road wasn’t even completed until 2003, beforehand locals had to walk for days to reach the KKH!
The landscape is magnificent, and nothing like anything else I’ve seen in Pakistan. Shimshal has long been famous for its treks and mountaineers. Every summer trekking enthusiasts make their way to Shimshal to get up into its truly iconic mountains.
One such trek is the legendary Shimshal Pass, though that’s just one of the many adventurous opportunities Hunza’s largest locale holds.
But as is common in remote regions, updated information on the interwebs is scarce. So let me be your guide! Even if you’re not up for a stay in the mountains, you should definitely venture to Shimshal. Its peace and beauty are simply unparalleled, and it feels so different from its neighboring valleys.
Whether you plan to lace up your hiking shoes or not, read on for everything you need to know about Pakistan’s magical Shimshal Valley!
Why Visit Shimshal Valley?
Shimshal is undoubtedly the most remote place in Hunza Valley.
While the majority of the region enjoys a paved highway, Shimshal is only accessible via one of the most dangerous roads in the entire world.
And trust me–that is not an overstatement!
But Shimshal’s remoteness is EXACTLY why you should visit–the valley is still free from the perils of mass tourism, and few “selfie tourists” make it out here.
It’s a glimpse into what the rest of Hunza was like before capitalism took over–only basic backpacker-friendly guesthouses exist here, and there’s not many things to do other than trekking.
It’s beautiful, peaceful, and overall a true escape from the world. If you can manage the terrifying jeep ride, an entire world of hidden mountains and trails will be yours to explore.
Shimshal Valley Weather – When to Visit?
Shimshal is one of the most remote places in Hunza Valley and sits at over 10,000 feet– so you can imagine it has a pretty harsh climate.
In general, summer is the best time to visit Pakistan to explore the mountains, and Shimshal is no exception.
Shimshal Valley weather is best enjoyed in May – September, though I visited in late April and enjoyed sunny and mostly warm days.
Nights, however, were just a bit too cold to be fully comfy. All I know is how thankful I am for Pamiri-style homes and stoves, that’s for sure!
Prime summer weather in Shimshal is from June – early September. This is also the best window to visit if you’re looking to do one of the many treks in the valley.
Yes, Shimshal is a trekking paradise!
How to Get to Shimshal Valley from Hunza
Perhaps one of the most important pieces of info in this Shimshal Valley guide is of course–how to reach the remote hamlet. Exploring remote areas is one of my personal reasons to travel and Shimshal checks every box.
If you have your own motorbike, be prepared for a rough (yet stunning) road, and note that 4x4s or clunky Soviet-style vans are definitely going to have an easier time getting there than a regular vehicle.
As for public transport, a jeep or two a day plys the perilous road to Shimshal Valley. Jeeps load up in Aliabad in Central Hunza and can pick up anywhere onwards until Passu, the last village on the KKH before you’ll make the turn onto the 4-5 hour long scenic route to sprawling Shimshal.
Most guesthouses/ hotels will be able to call and book a seat for you. Expect to pay 400-500 PKR for a seat, and a bit more if you want to book the front seat.
You can also TRY hitchhiking from the KKH to Shimshal, though I recommend starting early and trying to do so in peak season. A visit to Shimshal will add at least three days to your Pakistan itinerary.
Read Next: The Best Places to Visit in Lahore
Where to Stay in Shimshal Valley
I highly recommend the Shimshal Embassy Guesthouse & Camping Site. Not only does it serve some of the most genuinely fresh and delicious food I’ve ever tasted, but it’s also affordable and located nearby the starting point to many of the best things to do in Shimshal.
The owner and his family are friendly and hospitable– you’ll undoubtedly feel at home! The large yard makes a perfect place to pitch a tent, and you’ll find a heaping of cute farm animals wandering around at any given time of day.
For the large traditional room with (comfy) mattresses and pillows provided, expect to pay 800 PKR which can be split between quite a few people–the room is big. A shared bathroom is located right next door (heading outside is not needed!).
For a private room, 2000-3000 PKR is the standard which includes an attached bathroom. Keep in mind that Shimshal Valley is a remote village, so don’t expect hot or even running water all the time– as is sometimes common when backpacking Pakistan.
The folks at Shimshal Embassy were kind enough to boil us some water when the water heating device they had wasn’t working, but overall it was a trip of very quick “showers.”
Places to Visit in Shimshal Valley
Here’s a quick look at some of the best places to visit in Shimshal…
Take a Day Trip to the Yazghil Glacier
Lynette Hoad and Ollie Lindsey, two epic long-term travelers and teachers! Follow them on Instagram at: @ollieandlynette.ontheworld and check out their blog Ollie And Lynette On The World.
A walk to the Yazghil Glacier is the perfect one-day trip from Shimshal that will give you a taste of its rugged beauty without the need for a guide or permit. Though if you prefer a guide, one can easily be arranged by your guesthouse.
Yazghil is about 3 hours trekking distance from the edge of the village and is one of the best things to see in Hunza. Seeing glaciers up close is always a treat in Pakistan, but to see one in such a far-out untouched setting is something else altogether.
But avoid going ON the glacier without a local guide, unless you have some notable mountaineering experience.
Read Next: The Best Places to Visit in Swat Valley
Explore The Village
Shimshal is a vast, sprawling village, and perhaps one of the most authentic places to travel within Hunza.
Seriously, the length of it is surprising! From remote neighborhoods to a “central” town area, spending a take just wandering around Shimshal with no aim or direction is absolutely a good idea.
If you’re a yak lover like me, you can definitely expect to get your fix while in Shimshal. Thousands of them live in the high-altitude pastures above the valley yet some always seemed to be out and about around the village.
Trek the Shimshal Pass
The Shimshal Pass (also known as Pamir) is one of the best places to visit in Shimshal Valley, but not without a bit of struggle, that is.
The pass takes you through grasslands, magnificent snow-capped mountains, and of course, hundreds if not thousands of yaks. At over 4700 m above sea level (15,419 feet!), this high-altitude trek takes about 7 days (roundtrip) once you begin from Shimshal Valley.
This trek is a photographer/videographer’s dream. You’re definitely going to want something to remember it by– getting one of the cheaper GoPro alternatives is undoubtedly the best way to do so.
I did this trek in July 2022 and it was the hardest and most rewarding hike of my life! While the trail is easy to follow and non-technical, do NOT underestimate the nearly 5000 FEET of altitude gain.
That means 7000+ feet if coming from Central Hunza!
Also–don’t forget that supporting local economies is super important, especially in remote regions like Shimshal. If you do plan to trek, make sure you hire Shimshali guides and porters–no one knows these lands better than they do!
Read Next: 16 Epic Historical Places in Pakistan
Life and Culture in Shimshal
Shimshal is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan to see village life. Since the road to connect Shimshal with the rest of Pakistan was only created in 2003, Shimshali culture is still vibrant and its traditions enduring.
For centuries, Shimshalis lived sustainably and to this day grow some of the most delicious and organic food in all of Pakistan!
Shimshalis are Ismaili, which is one of the most liberal sects of Islam. Women still herd animals, and you’ll have opportunities to meet them easily.
Shimshalis are friendly and peaceful people, the entire vibe of the valley is calm AF and a true breath of fresh air!
Read Next: Exploring Yarkhun Valley in Upper Chitral
Is Shimshal Valley Safe?
Shimshal Valley is definitely in the running for one of the safest places in Pakistan, if not the world! The region exudes peace and has plenty of things for nature lovers to do.
At the time of writing (2023) foreigners do NOT need a NOC or trekking permits to explore Shimshal. You’ll pass by a police checkpoint shortly after leaving the KKH, but this is just for registration purposes.
However, if you DO want to do one of the epic multi-day treks in Shimshal Valley, you’ll need a local guide.
Guides can be arranged on arrival in the valley, which in my opinion is the best way to do it. Shimshal is known for its mountaineers, and no one knows this area better than they do!
Map of Shimshal Valley
What to Pack for Shimshal Valley
| Image | Item | Price Range | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Anker Portable Power Bank | $$ | Buy On Amazon |
  | Foam Earplugs | $ | Buy On Amazon |
  | Eye Mask | $ | Buy On Amazon |
  | Trekking Poles | $$ | Buy On Amazon |
  | Headlamp | $ | Buy On Amazon |
Read Next: How to trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp
Shimshal Valley Travel Guide: Wrap Up
Now that you know (and have seen) just how epic Shimshal really is, what are you waiting for?
From some of Pakistan’s most stunning treks, to pristine white glaciers and yaks galore, Shimshal is a place of peace and beauty: the ideal spot to relax, unwind and soak in the best of Gilgit-Baltistan.
And if you’re looking to continue the offbeat adventures in Hunza, Chapursan Valley is the ideal place to go next ;)
Did you make it Hunza’s highest settlement? Let me know how it was!
Samantha is the founder of Intentional Detours. Originally from the USA, she’s been backpacking the world since 2017, and is passionate about slow, adventure travel that puts local communities first. She has visited 19 countries and has been living in the Karakoram Mountains of Asia’s Hunza Valley since 2021. She’s super passionate about helping people get off the beaten path anywhere (on a budget of course), and her travel writing has been published in the likes of BBC Travel, CNBC, Business Insider, and more.
