Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive Islamabad – Besham/Narran

   • Meet the tour guide upon your arrival in Islamabad.
   • Drive on the Karakoram Highway to Narran/Besham in an air-conditioned transport.

   Overnight stay in a hotel (260/150 km, 6/7 hours).

2. Day 2: Narran/Besham - Hunza Karimabad

   • Head for an exciting drive on KKH, through the gorge of the Indus and Hunza rivers, and to upper Hunza with your local tour guide.
   • En route, visit the meeting point of the world's three greatest mountain ranges, Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram.
   • Enjoy fascinating views of Nanga Parbat (8,125 m) and Rakaposhi (7,788 m).

   Overnight stay in a hotel (500/530 km, 8/9 hours).

3. Day 3: Hunza - Shimshal Valley

   • Start the day with a short ride on soft top 4x4 jeeps from Passu village towards Shimshal Valley. The jeep track passes through the narrow gorge of the Shimshal river.
   • Arrive at the ‘traveller's hut’ of Ziarat for overnight camping after 3 hours of relatively easy walking by the river. Some 600 years ago, a Sufi Saint (Shah Shams) from central Asia arrived here and resided for several nights, preaching Islam. From Ziarat, you can see Karoon Peak. Fresh spring water for drinking and washing will be in Kuk, opposite to Mulungudi glacier. You'll have a beautiful view of Dastagir Sar (7885m) from here. As you walk away from Kuk, cross the river on another footbridge.
   • Climb a gradually ascending hill and finally emerge on the starting point of the Shimshal Valley. Shimshal is one of the remotest areas of Karakoram. Shimshal Valley was discovered 900 years ago by a Sufi Saint. 

   GH/Camp overnight. (4/5 hours, 3300m)

4. Day 4: Shimshal - Furzin

   • Leave the main valley and turn left to enter the gorge. Mostly the trek is safe, although you would need good balance to walk on the narrow foot track. En route, enjoy views of Kunianchish and Yazgildoom peaks, both above 7000m.
   • Arrive at Furzin, a narrow camp along the side stream known for its Birch trees.

   Overnight stay at Furzin. (5/6 hours)

5. Day 5: Pasth Furzin - Arbab Parian

   • 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 the Shimshal river.
   • Cross the river on a footbridge and then walk for another hour to Pariyan camp for a cool breeze off the Maidur Nallah and fresh lunch with your local tour guide.
   • After lunch, take up the last part of the gorge walk, involving one and half hours ascend on a well-maintained yet steep foot trek (Pariyan) to the top, called Pariyan Sar, with fascinating views of the Manglik Peak and many other summits.
   • Enjoy the vista and take a relaxing walk to the camp Arbab Parian, a shepherd's settlement for winter, with plenty of freshwaters. (4/5 hours)

6. Day 6: Arbab Parian – Khunjerab

   • Take a relaxing walk along the river with views of peaks soaring above 6,000 meters.
   • Pass the 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, Marco Polo sheep, Ibex, and also a few snow leopards and bears. 

   Overnight stay in camp (4/5 hours).

7. Day 7: Khunjerab – Manglik Sar Base Camp

   • Start the tour east of Khunjerab to Gulchi Washk (carpet of flowers), a 200 meters gradual ascent, to bring us just under Manglik Sar.
   • Take a walk in a wide-open valley running east to west, with two lakes located just before the Shimshal Pass. In summer, you can find yaks, goats and sheep who roam the green pastures.
   • Build your camp after 2/3 hours walk, just under the main ridge of Manglik Sar.
   • Walk over to the Shuhart summer settlement, consisting of 60 houses. Inevitably you 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 stay (4/5 hours, 4,735 m).

8. Day 8: Base Camp Exploration Day

   • Spend time at the base camp and rest. The day is for acclimatization purposes and to explore the area as well as visit some local houses.
   • Explore the Shuwart Glacier here.
   • Stay at the camp for the night.

9. Day 9: Ascend Manglik Sar

   • Attempt trekking to the peak of Manglik Sar (6050m), just north of your camp. As you start in the soft morning light, for the first few hours, you will ascend gradually on the main ridge leading to the summit.
   • Leave the ridge and head toward the eternal snow of the peak. 
   • Enjoy a fascinating view of the valley from the top. On a clear day, one can see K2's broad peak.
   • Descend down to base camp (9/10 hours excursion).

10. Day 10: Return to the Base Camp

    • Trek to Shimshal Pamir. You can also climb the Manglik Sar (6050 m) or the other two peaks around. For those who do not want to make the summit, there is an option to trek around or to Shuhart. It is an easy trekking peak which does not require technical things. It is a one-day climb normally with 1500 m ascent and 1500 m descent.
    • Try two other peaks nearby, Kuz Sar and Lup Zhui Sar.
    • Enjoy the local music and dances around the well-arranged campfire.

    Overnight stay at the camp.

11. Day 11: Shimshal Pass, Shuhart - Arbab Parian/Parian Sar

    • Retrace your steps back to Shuhart.

    Overnight stay at the camp.

12. Day 12: Parian Sar/Arbab Parian – Shimshal

    • Take an easy walk along a lake flowing from Shuhart to Shimshal.

    Overnight stay at the camp.

13. Day 13: Karimabad – Besham/Narran

    • Take an early morning drive towards Besham via the Karakoram Highway. Enjoy lunch in Dassu.
    • Continue to Besham/Narran.

    Overnight stay at a motel.

14. Day 14: Return to Islamabad

    • Drive towards the federal capital after breakfast.
    • Enjoy sightseeing in Islamabad while on a drive for the rest of the day.