Shimshal Valley Jeep Safari
The Shimshal Valley Jeep Safari is a 7-day 4x4 trip in Upper Hunza, driving one of the most dramatic jeep roads in Pakistan to Shimshal, the remotest village in Hunza, with Passu, Attabad Lake and the Khunjerab Pass.
- Duration7 Days
- DifficultyEasy to moderate
- RoutePassu – Shimshal – Khunjerab
- Best SeasonMay – October
- Vehicle4x4 jeep
The Road to Shimshal
The jeep road to Shimshal, opened in 2003, clings to the walls of a deep gorge for more than 50 km from Passu. At the end lies Shimshal, a Wakhi village famous for its mountaineers and its summer pastures on the Pamir.
On this jeep safari we stay in Hunza and Passu, visit Attabad Lake and the Khunjerab Pass, then drive the Shimshal road and spend two nights in the village, meeting local families and walking in the fields and glaciers around it.
Trip Highlights
- One of the most dramatic jeep roads in Pakistan
- Two nights in Shimshal village
- Meet the mountaineers and families of Shimshal
- Attabad Lake and the Passu Cones
- The Khunjerab Pass on the Chinese border
- Baltit and Altit forts in Hunza
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel.
Overnight: HotelDay 2Fly to Gilgit, drive to Hunza
Fly to Gilgit and drive to Karimabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 3Khunjerab Pass
Drive past Attabad Lake to the Khunjerab Pass and back to Passu.
Overnight: HotelDay 4Passu to Shimshal
Drive the Shimshal road through the gorge to Shimshal village.
Overnight: GuesthouseDay 5Shimshal
A day in the village, with walks to the fields and glacier viewpoints.
Overnight: GuesthouseDay 6Back to Hunza, fly from Gilgit
Drive back to Passu and Gilgit, and fly to Islamabad.
Overnight: HotelDay 7Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Jeep tracks in the mountains and deserts change with weather and season; routes may be adjusted for safety. Your guide will always put safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Hotels in Islamabad, Hunza and Passu, guesthouse in Shimshal
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Gilgit–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Community fees in Shimshal
- Private 4x4 jeep (Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado or similar) with an experienced local driver
- English-speaking guide
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Shimshal Jeep Safari?
The Shimshal Jeep Safari is for travellers who want to reach a truly remote mountain community without trekking. The road itself is an adventure, and the welcome in Shimshal is warm.
Read our Hunza Valley guide for more.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance, or browse all our jeep safari tours in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Comfort
The Shimshal road is rough and narrow, with steep drops. It is safe with our experienced drivers, but not for nervous passengers.
Vehicles & Drivers
We use well-maintained 4x4 jeeps with experienced local drivers who know every track. A maximum of 3–4 passengers per jeep keeps you comfortable.
Permits & Safety
Foreigners register at checkpoints in Upper Hunza, which our guide handles.
When to Go
May to October is the best time; the Shimshal road can be closed by snow or landslides. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Tour
Message us with your preferred dates and group size, and our team will send you full details and a quote for your Shimshal jeep safari.
