Shimshal, a paradise, is located in the less accessible Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and is famous for its beauty and, most importantly, the inhabitants with outstanding climbing achievements. Shimshal Valley’s history is remarkable and renowned. Locally often called the ‘Valley of Mountaineers,’ Shimshal has given many world class climbers to Pakistan, which has earned repute for the valley at the international level in mountaineering.
Popularly referred to as ‘the Valley of Mountaineers,’ it ranks among the highest human-inhabited regions in the country, standing 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. Being situated in the Wakhi area, the Wakhi people have always populated the valley, and their diverse traditions, customs, and language are preserved even now. Shimshal was a closed village as there was no road to this village, and only a road was constructed in 2003. The unique aspect is that the people of the valley are farmers, herders, and climbers, many of the most accomplished climbers from Shimshal, Pakistan.
Shimshal is one of the isolated villages situated at about 3100 meters (10200 feet) in the Hindu Kush Mountain. The area is situated in the Karakoram growing range, encompassed by great heights such as Minglik Sar and Distaghil Sar. Getting to the valley is not a problem, and travellers only need to use a partly gravel Jeep track, which passes through stunning views and terrains. The travel to Shimshal is very interesting, involving suspension bridges and other mountainous tracks that symbolically depict the tenacity of its inhabitants.
The most suitable period for tourists wishing to have a feel of Shimshal Valley would be May to October. These are the months of the year when the climate is favorable, for instance, trekking, touring and other physical activities. The valley is full of flowers during May and June, while July to September is best for trekking and peak climbing. It is also possible to observe the golden autumn before the start of the winter in October.
Shimshal has also gained popularity over the past few years as an adventure tourism destination. The valley attracts seasonal trekkers and mountaineers from around the world due to the area’s natural beauty and, more especially, the steep climbs. Shimshal Pass Trek and other similar tours, such as tours to the high-altitude lakes, including Shimshal Lake, are among the must-go trips. As mountaineers discover this newfound destination, Shimshal becomes an ideal vantage point for climbers into rawer, ever-unexplored camps.
If such adventures interest you, Shimshal Valley has something to offer you. Some top things to do include:
