We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Samiya, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Samiya lives in Pakistan, and submitted the following report about Shimshal. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English, Urdu, Punjabi, Wakhi
Reasons to Visit Shimshal
My philosophy about solo travel is that you must travel solo because you're paying for what truly matters: access to extraordinary life. It's marvelous to feel nature closely, and I believe that great things never come from within your comfort zone.
I traveled all the way from Karachi to Shimshal Hunza, and after this tiring journey I slipped in the local house there and rested. Shimshal Valley lies east of Hunza, tucked amid rugged mountains, glaciers, and high passes, making it the most remote inhabited area of the Karakorum Range. Its upper valleys are ideal for trekkers and mountaineers, but like many other parts of the Karakorum, this region has not yet been properly explored.
I woke up early and had my breakfast, and afterward got prepared to go up in the mountains. It’s a 4-hour trek from Shimshal Valley. It also emphasizes the astounding height base of the Zartghurban at approximately 3,600 feet. Zartghurban offers extraordinary snow and a lot of space to strengthen your abilities. The beautifully positioned campsite is the perfect place to stay surrounded by nature and lovely views of the mountains.
For more, see Solo Travel Pakistan: Hunza, Lahore & Islamabad.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)