Shimshal Valley is one of Pakistan’s most thrilling destinations in the world. It is the country’s most dangerous road hidden deep in the Karakoram. Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, this valley is the easiest route to China and the gateway to Hunza and Chitral. It is famous for being home to the Shimshal Pass, which is one of the toughest roads in the Karakoram. One of the most famous people to travel was explorer Bill Ramsay.
History of Shimshal Valley Hunza
The Shimshal valley is a valley in the Gilgit district of Gilgit–Baltistan, a self-governing territory administered by Pakistan. The valley is a typical representative of the Himalayan Mountain valleys, with a relatively flat valley floor, surrounded by high mountains rising over 6,000 meters (20,000 ft) in height, including the famous K2. The Shimshal village is in the valley. The people of the valley follow a form of Kashmiri-Shia Islam, known as Shimshali.
It is the northernmost settlement in the Hunza Valley. It is nestled in the mountains overlooking the Hunza River. It lies at about 3200 meters above sea level. Shimshal has a population of about 2000 people. It is a small village but is a great tourist destination with scenic beauty.
It was chosen as a settlement by Mamu Singh, the ancestor of the Shimshal people, to get away from the overbearing rulers of Hunza, 700 years ago.
People language
The Wakhi language is spoken by the people of the Shimshal valley in Pakistan. The language is heavily influenced by Persian phrases because of the strong bond between the people of Shimshal and the people of Iran. The locals of the valley have often used the Wakhi language as a means of communication between the tribe’s people and the outside world.
Shimshal Valley – Worth Visiting
Shimshal is a small valley in the Himalayan mountains, which is located north of Hunza in Pakistan and south of China. It has a beautiful landscape and a variety of climate zones. It is located north of the Hunza Valley and south of the Chinese region of Xinjiang. Due to its location, Shimshal is often called the “Farther Hunza”. The Shimshalis are a unique people, and they have their own culture and customs. Shimshal is a remote valley accessible only by foot or horseback.
Places to Visit in Shimshal Valley
Shimshal is in the run for one of the safest places in Pakistan, if not the world! There are plenty of things to do, many of which are close to civilization whilst maintaining a feeling of seclusion. This is the perfect place for nature lovers, who would like to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Yazghil Glacier
Shimshal is a verdant valley hidden in the Chitral District of Pakistan. It is surrounded by lofty snow-capped mountains and forests. The most popular way to get to Shimshal is by road but the traffic can be a real hassle here. That is why many travelers choose to get to Shimshal via the mountainous trail via the Yazghil Glacier. There are two ways to reach Shimshal via the Yazghil Glacier – the easier way is via Astor Pass while the steeper route is via Chilim Pass.
Trek the Shimshal Pass
Shimshal is one of the most picturesque villages in the Hunza, about an eight-hour drive from Islamabad. It’s famous for its apples and hospitality. One of the main attractions of Shimshal is the Shimshal Pass which is 3,800 meters above sea level. It’s a dangerous climb in the winter, but in the summer it is bearable. The views from the top are spectacular. You can see the Jaglot fort which is a fifteen-minute walk away from Shimshal. You can also see the Neelum River and the famous Amin Brakk
Life and Culture in Shimshal
Shimshali is one of the oldest cultures in the world. And their culture is still vibrant and its traditions enduring. As part of the Dardic peoples, the Shimshali continue to live in the northern part of Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Conclusion
Shimshal Valley is one of Pakistan’s most thrilling destinations, famous for being the home of what might be the country’s most dangerous road hidden deep in the Karakoram Range. It’s a place so remote and its roads so high, that it’s even a challenge for Pakistan’s most intrepid travelers. The journey along the Shimshal Pass Road is so dangerous that Pakistan’s former President General (retd) Musharraf had to call in the army to complete the final stretch of the road. But for those who dare to travel it, it’s a journey that’s well worth the risk. The road was built in the 1960s by the Pakistan Army to connect Shimshal to the rest of the country. It was then upgraded in the 1980s, but even today the road is so dangerous that it’s best to travel it in the company of a local guide.