Shimshal Village (Gilgit Baltistan)

 

Shimshal is a largest village located in Hunza district in Gilgit-Baltistan on Pakistan China Border. It is the highest settlement in the Hunza district at the altitude of 10,170 feet above the sea level, and located at 210 KM from Gilgit City. Shimshal valley is scattered around the Shimshal River that is a tributary of the Hunza River.

From Passu at Karakorum Highway, jeep road turns right to access shimshal village. It has number of lush green meadows, where you can see yaks, goats, and sheep. While travelling toward Shimshal, you can get a beautiful veiw of Odver Sar, also called Shimshal Whitehorn.

Shimshal is one of the major attraction for tourists in the Gilgit-Baltistan. Distaghil Sar which is 7,885 meters high, is the highest mountain in Shimshal valley. Gigantic glaciers such as Malangudhi and Khurdopin give most fascinating views to tourists.

Shimshal is very beautiful village with number of snow capped peaks in the surrounding. One of those highest peak in area is the Shimshal Pamir, attracts number of tourists Pakistanis as well as foreigners.

Shimshal Pass above the Shimshal village, that leads to the valley of the Shimshal Braldu River. There is an annual festival at Shimshal Pass in the last week of July or beginning of August. Yak race, dancing and signing are common events in that festival.

About Gojal Upper Hunza

Gojal is the largest city in Baltistan next to Hunza, having a border with China and Afghanistan. It connects with China through the Khunjerab Pass and with Afghanistan through the Chapursan Valley. Gojal, also known as Upper Hunza, is the highest mountains area in the Karakoram and Pamir mountain ranges, at an average elevation of 4,000 meters.

Gojal is the largest district of the Gilgit-Baltistan and its the homeland of highest mountain valleys and hills. Shimshal valley is the largest and highest valley in the region, at the altitude of 10,170 feet above the sea level. Shimshal is the most favorite place for tourists. Distaghil Sar in the Karakorum Range, the seventh highest mountain in Pakistan, is the highest hill in the Shimshal Valley. Other prominent hills in the Shimshal Valley are Kunjut Sar, Trivor, Pumari Chhish, and Yukshin Gardan Sar. It is also known as the Valley of Mountaineers.

Gulmit is another most important tourist spot in the Upper Hunza at the altitude of 7,900 feet above the sea level. It has number of facilities like hotels and shops for tourists. There are number of beautiful lakes in the Gulmit valley.

Passu is situated on the Karakorum Highway in the Karakoram Range. It is the most dangerous place due landsliding and flood in rivers. It is also known the most ancient village in the region. Two gigantic glaciers, Batura and Passu Glacier, are also located in Passu. Batura Glacier, 56 km long, is the third longest glacier of Pakistan. Passu Cones, the most beautiful range of mountains, are also located in Passu. A magnificient and beautiful view of Passu Cones is clearly visible from the Karakoram Highway.

Shishkat is a beautiful place in the Gojal district that attracts number of tourists. Attabad Lake is also located in the Shishkat that is formed accidentally in 2010 due to massive landslide in the Hunza River.

Sost, the village on the Pakistan - China Border, is an important town in the Gojal. The importance of this town is due to the dry port which is the main hub of trade between China and Pakistan. The highest Khunjerab Pass, a gateway to China, is also located there. The Khunjerab Pass has its international importance, as it is a trade gateway between Pakistan and China.

The Karakoram Highway is the most wonderful adventure while traveling toward Khunjerab Pass from Hunza. One can see number of beautiful and attractive peaks and scenic valleys while traveling among the highest peaks in the Karakoram Range. One can also enjoyed the scenic views of the Hunza River that is fed by number of small rivers and streams in the region. Then finally, it merges with the Gilgit River in Gilgit.

Shimshal is famous for Mountaineers

Shimshal is famous for mountaineers and tour guides. More than twenty well known mountaineers from the Shimshal valley. It is also known as the Valley of Mountaineers. Rajab Shah and Aminullah Baig are most famous and also climbed all five peaks having more than eight thousand meters in Pakistan. Samina Baig, the first woman climber who conquered Mt. Everest, also belongs to Shimshal valley.