14 Days Pamir Shimshal Pass Manglik Sar BC Trek Pakistan Asia

After three hours Jeep drive we will be in Kuk, opposite to Mulungudi glacier, with hot springs. We have a beautiful view of Dastagil Sar (7885m).

As we walk from Kuk, from here it is easy to descend to the main valley and an hour & half to the main village. Shimshal is one of the remotest areas of Karakoram.

900 years ago Shimshal Valley was discovered by a Sufi Saint he settled here and all Shimshali people are from his family. (7/8 hours, 3300m)

For the next two days, our walk would mostly be traverse through the really narrow gorge of Shimshal river. But our walk from the village for the first two hours today is in the open valley along the river.

Soon we leave the main valley and turn to the left to enter the gorge. Mostly the trek is safe, although in a few places you would need good balance on the narrow foot track. Enroute enjoy views of Kunianchish and Yazgildoom.

Furzin, a narrow camp along the side stream is known for its Birch trees. Overnight in Furzin. (5/6 hours)

This might be the hard part of the trek. We start from the camp with a steep ascent of 200 meters on the cliff facing the camp, traverse gradually for half an hour and then descend steeply to Shimshal river. We cross the river on footbridge and then walk for another hour to Pariyan camp for the cool breeze off the Maidur Nallah and fresh lunch.

After lunch we take up the last part of gorge walk, involving one and half hour’s ascend on a well maintained yet steep foot trek (pariyan) to the top, called Pariyan Sar, with fascinating views of our peak Manglik and many other summits. Here you enjoy the vista and take relaxing hour’s walk to the camp. Our camp Arbabparian is a shepherds settlement for winter, with plenty of fresh water. (4/5 hours)

Compared to last two days, it is a relaxing walk along the river with views of peaks soaring above 6,000 meters. In our way we will pass Ganj Dour Valley, leading north to China border with many pastures for the yaks and goats. This valley is known for its substantial population of blue sheep, Marcopolo sheep, Ibex and also few snow leopards and bears.

Shunjerab is the summer home of Shimshalis, with 60 houses and huge yards to house the animal & human population. People stay here in May & June and then proceed over Shimshal pass to Shuwart to spend the winter.

East from Shunjerab is Gulchi Washk (carpet of flowers), a 200 meters gradual ascent to bring us just under Manglik Sar. We walk in the wide open valley running east to west, with two lakes located just before the Shimshal Pass. In summer we find Yaks, goats and sheep who roam the green pastures.

In the afternoon one could walk over to Shuwart summer settlement, consisting of 60 houses. Inevitable we might get invited for dinner, a great chance to visit local houses and also to taste the energetic nomad food made from Yak’s cheese, butter and wheat flour. Camp overnight. (4/5 hours, 4735m)