Overview
The Shah Jinali Pass trek in Pakistan’s Hindu Raj range is a captivating journey starting from Upper Chitral’s Turikho Valley, offering lush meadows and serene settlements. The trek includes challenging segments like crossing the Hoghost Bar Glacier and conquering the 4500m Thui Pass. The descent leads to Yasin Valley, followed by a drive to Gilgit.
The pass links Rich Gol’s northern tip to Yashkist in the Upper Yarkhun Valley, running parallel to the Afghan border. This relatively easy trek can be combined with other routes, creating a remarkable journey along Pakistan’s northern border. Shah Jinali trek is also an option for an east-to-west crossing of the Thui An.
Shah Jinali, or “Emperor Polo Ground,” in Rech Valley offers a vast expanse with wildflowers, birds, and free-roaming livestock. Two wooden bridges aid river crossings in this picturesque area during the summer.
itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport.
Half-day tour of Rawalpindi & Islamabad.
Overnight in Islamabad hotel. (Altitude: 500M)
Day 2: Islamabad to Bumburet Kailash
Depart for Bumburet Kailash (12-hour drive).
Overnight in Bumburet Kailash hotel. (Altitude: 1100M)
Day 3: Explore Kailash Culture
Explore the unique culture of Kailash.
Overnight in Bumburet Kailash hotel. (Altitude: 1650M)
Day 4: Chitral Preparation
Drive to Chitral (1.5 hours).
Preparations for trekking.
Overnight in Chitral hotel. (Altitude: 1500M)
Day 5: Chitral to Rua by Jeeps
Drive to Rua by jeeps (8 hours).
Set up tents for overnight stay. (Altitude: 2820M)
Day 6: Rua to Dershal Trek
Trek from Rua to Dershal (6-7 hours).
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 3300M)
Day 7: Dershal to Shah Ghari Trek
Trek from Dershal to Shah Ghari (3 hours).
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 3690M)
Day 8: Shah Ghari to Ishperu Dok
Trek from Shah Ghari to Ishperu Dok.
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 4000M)
Day 9: Ishperu Dok to Yashkist
Trek from Ishperu Dok to Yashkist.
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 2850M)
Day 10: Yashkist to Lasht
Trek from Yashkist to Lasht.
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 3000M)
Day 11: Lasht to Kishmanja
Trek from Lasht to Kishmanja.
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 3300M)
Day 12: Kishmanja to Chikar
Trek from Kishmanja to Chikar.
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 3700M)
Day 13: Chikar to Darkot Base Camp
Trek from Chikar to Darkot Base Camp.
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 4150M)
Day 14: Darkot Base Camp to Darkot Pass to Rawat
Trek from Darkot Base Camp to Darkot Pass (4575m) and then to Rawat.
Overnight in tents. (Altitude: 3600M)
Day 15: Drive to Karimabad Hunza
Drive to Karimabad Hunza (8-9 hours).
Overnight in hotel. (Altitude: 2400M)
Day 16: Free Day in Karimabad
Explore Karimabad at your leisure.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 17: Flight to Gilgit
Option for flight to Gilgit or drive to Besham/Naran.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 18: Free Day or Drive to Islamabad
Free day or drive from Naran to Islamabad.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 19: Departure
Homebound flight
Highlights
Islamabad – Bumburet – Kailash – Chitral – Rua – Darshal – Shah Gari – Ishperu Dok – Yashkist – Lasht – Kishmanja – Chikar – Darkot Base Camp – Darkot Pass – Rawat – Karimabad – Gilgit – Besham – Islamabad