Trekking Expeditions

Shimshal Pass & Minglik Sar

Walk the Roof of the Karakoram

Trekkers crossing a Karakoram glacier below dark rock towers
In short. Shimshal Pass & Minglik Sar is 19 Days with XPITUDE in Pakistan. Grade: Very Challenging. Best season: July to August. Highest point: 6,050 m. Walk the Roof of the Karakoram.

Walk an ancient caravan route through a gorge so narrow it feels secret. Emerge onto high Pamir pastures where yak herders summer beside two glittering lakes.

Then, if you have the legs and the lungs, a midnight start for the 6,050 m summit of Minglik Sar. Remote, authentic and unforgettable.

Fast Facts

Duration
19 Days
Grade
Very Challenging
Max Altitude
6,050 m
Best Season
July to August
Stay
Hotels & camping
Departure
Islamabad

What the grades mean

Trip Highlights

  • Shimshal Pass and the Pamir lakes
  • Minglik Sar summit, 6,050 m
  • Wakhi yak herding culture
  • The Shimshal gorge
  • Views toward K2 and Distaghil Sar from the summit

Day by Day

  1. Day 1

    Drive Islamabad to Chilas.

  2. Day 2

    Continue to Karimabad, Hunza.

  3. Day 3

    Acclimatization day in Hunza.

  4. Day 4

    Drive via Passu along the dramatic Shimshal road to Shimshal village, about 3,000 m.

  5. Day 5

    Acclimatization hike and an afternoon with our Wakhi hosts.

  6. Day 6

    Trek through the Shimshal gorge to Past Furzin, about 3,365 m.

  7. Day 7

    Continue up the valley via Purien e Sar, camping above 4,000 m.

  8. Day 8

    Trek to Shuijerab, about 4,350 m.

  9. Day 9

    Cross onto Shimshal Pass, 4,735 m. Camp by the lakes.

  10. Day 10

    Rest day on the Pamir with the yak herders.

  11. Day 11

    Move to Minglik Sar base camp. Gear check and summit briefing.

  12. Day 12

    Summit attempt on Minglik Sar, 6,050 m, with a midnight start. Return to camp.

  13. Day 13

    Reserve summit or weather day.

  14. Day 14

    Descend to Shuijerab.

  15. Day 15

    Descend to Past Furzin.

  16. Day 16

    Return to Shimshal village.

  17. Day 17

    Drive to Karimabad.

  18. Day 18

    Drive to Chilas or Naran.

  19. Day 19

    Return to Islamabad.

What's Included

  • Local expedition team
  • Camping logistics
  • Scheduled meals
  • Group transport

What's Not Included

  • Technical climbing equipment
  • Personal gear
  • Insurance and emergency rescue
  • Unforeseen expenses

Important Information

  • Shimshal sits close to the Pakistan China border. Permit, security clearance and community fee requirements are confirmed at booking and may need several weeks.
  • The summit attempt uses qualified climbing support and is made only if conditions and acclimatization allow.
  • Trekkers who skip the summit can extend time on the Pamir.

Before you go

XPITUDE Says

Go remote. Come back with a story worth telling.

Enquire About Shimshal WhatsApp

Early enquiry recommended for permit lead time.