Shimshal Kuch Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration that takes place twice a year in the scenic Shimshal Valley of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. This festival is a significant event in the life of the local people, who are known for their unique culture and love for mountaineering. As a tour operator, Hunza Explorers is proud to offer visitors the opportunity to experience this festival with our experienced guides, who are all locals from Gilgit-Baltistan and have an intimate knowledge of the area and its traditions.
During the festival, the people of Shimshal bring their livestock to the high Pamir pastures, where they graze for five months. When they return to the village, it is a time of joy and celebration, as the shepherds are reunited with their families and their herds. The festival culminates in a goat sacrifice at the Shimshal Bridge, which is a way for the locals to express their gratitude to Allah for the safe return of their loved ones and livestock. The Shimshal Kuch Festival is a unique and vibrant celebration that offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Shimshal Valley.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Islamabad
Arrival at the airport in Islamabad, our guide and driver will meet you upon your arrival, after meeting and greetings drive to the hotel in Islamabad.
Day 02: Islamabad – Chilas
Drive to Chilas via Karakorum Highway OR Babusar Pass (via Naran valley) if the pass is open.En route we will make some short stops for photography and lunch. Arrive in Chilas and transfer to the hotel.
Day 03: Chilas – Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu
Drive to Passu/GulmitPassu, en route we will stop at viewpoint of the ninth highest of the world “Nanga Parbat 8126m”, junction point of three great mountain range (Karakorum, Himalaya & Hindu Kush), remaining of Old Silk Road at Chalt and at Rakaposhi viewpoint for lunch. After lunch we will drive to the hotel in Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu.
Day 04: Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu – Shimshal valley
Drive to Shimshal, toady we will drive on the narrow jeep track of Shimshal for 3 hours. Arrive in Shimshal and explore around.
Day 05: Shimmshal – Wuch Furzeen
We will start the trek toward Shimshal Pamir to join the people bring back the kuch to Shismhal, today we will walk for 6 – 7 hours to reach our first campsite at Wuch Furzeen, overnight in tent.
Day 06: Wuz Furzeen – Shuvzherav
Today we have another 6 – 7 hous trek to reach our 2nd campsite at Shuvizherav, overnight in tent.
Day 07: Shuvzherav – Shimshal Pass
Today we have another 3 to 4 hours trek to the pass, overnight in tent.
Day 08: Meeting the Kutch!
Today we will join the kutch and return back with them the next day. overnight in tent.
Day 09: Shimshal Pass – Arbob Puryen.
Trek down to Arbob Puryen with the Kutch, overnight in tent.
Day 10: Arbob Puryen – Shimshal village
Trek back to the Village (Shimshal) with kutch and enjoy the celebration of the arrival of Kutch in the village.
Day 11: Shimshal – Ghulkin/Gulmit.Passu
Drive back to Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu. Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Day 12: Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu
Day to explore around, today we will visit Passu glacier, Borith Lake, Passu suspension bridge, hike to Ondra Fort (Poygah), Gulmit House, explore Ghulkin and Gulmit villages.
Day 13: Ghulkin/Gulmit/Passu
Drive to Karimabad. en route we will stop at Attabad Lake, sacred rocks of Hunza, Ganish village. Arrive in Karimabad and transfer to the hotel.
Day 14: Karimabad
Day to explore central Hunza, today we will visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Royal garden, Karimabad local bazaar and in the evening we will drive to Duiker to see sunset and talk good photo of Hunza and Nagar Valley. Duiker offers the best view of central Hunza, Nagar and the beautiful snow-capped mountains on the surrounding of both valleys.
Day 15: Karimabad – Besham/Naran
Drive back to Besham via Karkorum Highway OR drive to Naran valley if the Pass is open. Arrive and transfer to the hotel
Day 16: Besham/Naran – Islamabad
Drive back to Islamabad, En route we will visit Taxila museum. Arrive in Islamabad and visit Faisal mosque, Pakistan monument and explore the local bazaar (market) of Islamabad. In the evening/night we will drive to the airport in Islamabad, our service ends here and fly to your destination.
