Northern areas of Pakistan compressed between the high peaks of Hindukush and Karakorum on the north and those of Western Himalaya on the south is the mysterious far-off land preserving the hoary human traditions in association with mountain fairies and cover an expanse of about 27,188 square miles.

Here the three important mountain ranges of central Asia, namely the north-western Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Hindukush rendezvous with each other. Out of these three, major part of the Karakorum Range lies within Pakistan and forms a link between the N.W Himalaya in the east and the Hindukush and Pamir in the west and north-west respectively. The Pamir knot occupies a spectacular position with respect to the central Asian Mountain system. In the regional geographical set-up, the Karakorum, the Hindukush and the N.W. Himalaya emanate from the Pamir mass lying on the north, from where the majority of the mountain ranges of the Central Asia branch off to east and west.

Geographically, climatically and biologically Northern Areas present primarily a land of trans-Himalaya Character, where cis-Himalayan features, monsoon rain and seasons of the plain are almost totally absent. Its major parts lie within the watershed of Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakorum.
The land lies amidst towering mountains, snow-caped peaks and narrow gorges opening their face to the valleys with heights varying between 300 feet and 28750 feet above sea level. The valleys have awesome sceneries, the beauty, peaceful atmosphere and friendly people make the visitors home. The lengthy glaciers spreading over a distance more then 60 km the siachen the highest battle field in the world. Hispar Biafo, Batura and Concordia.

Gilgit:
Gilgit is the headquarter of Gilgit Baltistan with six districts. Gilgit is the center from where roads are branched off to Skardu, Ghizer, Punial, Yasin, Astore, Hunza /Nagar and to Khunjerab Pass. Gilgit is the gate way of Northern area.

Hunza/Gojal
Hunza is not a name of specific town; it is a name of a region where a series of valleys lying up to Khunjerab and Shimshal in the North West Pamir.and the dividing point of central Asia.
Hunza region has been defined and expressed in different ways. The expression of writers, visitors, adventurists, scientists, photographers and other nature lovers have depicts that the lofty landscape heart touching scenes and culture of Hunza region is a complete heaven on earth surface. The famous Hunza River stretches approximately to a length of 200km, covering a large number of valleys up to the finishing line, Khunjrave pass. Batura glacier the second longest glacier in Pakistan, Rakaposhi and Deran Peak in the front, Ultar peak, and Ultar meadow and lady finger in the back ground makes it magnificent, Altit and Baltit forts are the testimony of the greatness of the region and dwellers a century back.
Karakorum highway the eighth wonder of the world and clustered valleys along Hunza, Khunjerab River and Shimshal valleys are full of unique culture events and rare stories of olden civilization. Amazing life style in the mountain areas, heart melting site scenes. Borith lak, Shisper peak, Passu Peak have excellent view, while traveling through Karakorum high way.
Sost links Pakistan with china, the gate way to China as well as to central Asian countries. Sost dry port is now playing vital role in business dealing between two neighbor countries, and now broading its function by merging central Asian countries, which is expected to increase the trade volume many folds in the near future.
Kilik and mentika has its wonderful importance another border with china and links Chipurson valley.
Chipurson is very rare tourist visited valley; it has magnificent importance in the Gilgit /Hunza/Gojal history .the story of Baba Ghundi(Holy Saint) ,Dam Bursting of a lack(Kumper Dior) and killing of crocodile by Another (Holy saint) are the true stories of the valley. The sits of the events are still portraying the unbelievable stories of the valley, few decades back. Chipurson links Afghanistan Pamir with Pakistan through Irshad pass.

Baltistan

Skardu
The Skardu valley was the bed of a glacial lake some decades back, blocked by the moraines at the point where Gilgit road opens its face. The loose ends of this lake are even today seen at Satpara and Kachura.
Who does not know about Skardu, it is location, geographical importance, wild life and incomparable landscape, in precise Skardu is famous for its scenic beauty, a series of colossal mountains, snippy passes, extensive glaciers and breathtaking lacks. The peaks ranging from 5000m to 8000m, such as the most known Godwin Osten K2, GII, GI, and Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Liala Peak, and Tango tower are the other face of the nature.
Kurpercho Fort is the symbol of History of Skardu, giant built canal is another sight to view and enjoy the glorious tale of Kings Daughter and Giant, who wanted to marry with the king’s daughter according to local tale.

Still many to explore in the beautiful Skardu and the vicinity, snow bear in Dusai plain, Satpara Lake ,Shangri-La Hotel ,Hushe Valley , khapulo Valley,shiger valley and Behind the scene until you visit to explore, the nature bestowed beauty of the area.

Shimshal

Geographical definition
Geographically Shimshal is surrounded by gigantic mountains, linked through lengthy gruffly glaciers, settlement between two alluvial deposits, in a narrow gorge which opens its mouth in to the valley. This beautiful valley spreads over 2700 sq kilometer area, bordering with China and The frontier valley of Pakistan.
Beautiful Yergatak Peak, in the head (east) (used as local calendared round the year for centuries), spreading Dut Sar in the bottom (west). Eye catching, heart touching Odver Sar (Shimshal white horn) in the south rises to the height of 6400m, and Zardgurbain Sar in the North adds to the beauty of the valley. The more links (mountainous passes) to Skardu through Khurdapin Pass (snow lake) Braldo to Askole and Chafchingul pass to Koksil (sost) to Khunjrave Pass and many, this region is extremely dashing views and taste to enjoy as well experience. It is within imagination until you visit to explore and ponder over the natural environment and purity in this part of region. The rare visit valley with dynamic dwellers has amazing approaches and living standards. This is not found yet other ways in the other regions in practical.

HISTORY
Shimshal is a remote valley located in the Northern Area’s( Gilgit,Hunza) of Pakistan, which segregates Pakistan and china (Sino Pakistan border), Shimshal is one of Pakistan’s few mountain population those have old, affluent history and unique culture, as old as the community. History goes 415 years back, when Momo Singh, a brush From Central Hunza (Baltit recent Karimabad) and member of Wazir Family. Mano Singh having high position in the politics, the king sent him to Sarikol as ambassador, later breaking of relation ship between Hunza and central Asia. He made his way out and fled with his Wakhi Wife Khadija, on his return from Sarikol unfavorable political conditions forced him to live in the upper Hunza Valley “Avegarch pasture” at the lower reaches of Qarun Pir. He built a small home and lived here for several years with his wife; till he found another way to Astom Sar (25km from Shimshal) then to Malangoti. Apparently he discovered Shimshal after along struggle and spending nomadic life in the lower reaches of Shimshal along Shimshal River. Reaching Shimshal he made a small hut supported by a big rock. During this period Mamo Singh had no children. In Shimshal he went to a gorge Called “Adver” to check possibility of water channel, he founds a hole covered its mouth by a slate as he removed the Slate from the mouth water gushed to the center of Shimshal. This channel was constructed earlier by the travelers who passed Shimshal and to China; this made Mamu Singh to construct a Village. At this time a Holy Man “Shams” astoundingly visit the small home of Mamu Singh and later Khadija gave birth to a son named him Sher. Sher grew up rapidly and became a fine hunter, in search of hunting he reached Shimshal pass “Showerth” here he met strangers with horses and a small yak. The strangers claimed that Showerth “Shimshal pass” is their territory and Sher Claimed it is his land. Finally both party reached to a decision to play a polo game and the winner will be the real owner of the land. Sher rides the small a yak and Chinese on horses. It was made indispensable for sher to drive the ball over Shimshal pass to Showerth, he will be titled winner and the land from Shimshal pass to Raskum will be his property and if the Chinese carry the ball to Shuijerab then sher must relinquish the land down to Hunza River. And Sher won the Game and got the entire land of Pamir to Raskum. In this way Mamu Singh (Forefather of the populace) discovered this valley and settled new life with his wife Khadija in this isolated valley, where human access was almost unfeasible. Since then population expanded to existing shimhsal.more then 200 households. The descendent of Mamo Singh and to Sher there is three main linage groups Ghazi Kator, Bakhtikator and Baqikator, Shimshal is first Wakhi speaking community in Hunza region. This community has 415 years old history but very different in nature from the rest of the world. The community source of income is livestock and farming, most of life basic necessities are met from livestock and agriculture products, in the recent years tourism is playing key role in the development and survival. The valley had cut off from the world for 396 years. Access to near by valleys was not viable for ever one, to eliminate this distance and hardships in the year 1985 Aga Kahn Rural Sport Programme (AKRSP) with collaboration of Canadian Government. Commenced a “Jeep able road” project. After along combating with this unfeasible mission. Shimshal Volunteers and Boy Scouts make it finished; the road Project accomplished in 18 years and inaugurated in 2003.which has now opened ways for the dwelling to access world in every field and particularly to acquire modern education, which they let pass due to constriction of easy access. This is an encapsulate from large history that can’t cover the whole history.

Cultural
Originality found in this part of culture, the true custodian of Wakhi Culture from across the region. culture is preserved in its best tradition, till to date the visitors have new things to see in the surrounding , a number of research works have been carried out here to know the depth and uniqueness of this part of culture “Shimshal”. Shimshal has been remained isolated till 2003 .when jeep able road linked Shimshal with karakoram high way. Shimshal has culture which is the true face of all festivals that they celebrate round the year. These festivals have direct links with the survival and living standard. This portrays the exact faith, belief and respect to culture and Natural environment.

Resources
Shimshal has been affluent of natural resources; the territory expands to 2700sq kilometers, which is the largest in the northern areas. Breeding and herding cattle’s are the main sources of income, self grown crops in summer fulfils the requirement of food round the year. Wheat, burly, green peas are the main channeled grown crops. Vegetables are different in kinds, which they stock for winter in dry form. In Fruits, apple, Apricot, cheery are seasonal fruits. Some of them are stored for winter use in dry form
Natural environment of Shimshal is very pleasant and peaceful, dry high soaring mountains are predictable with hidden natural deposits, lack of education couldn’t make it explored yet. The exploration and research is highly demanding to extract the hidden deposits.
Wild animals are in plenty, Asian blue ship which is the rarest species in the world, has free movement in the suburbs of Shimshal, Ibex, snow leopard, bear, wolf, Fox and other wild animals and birds have gratis environment to grow with local cattle’s.
Carnivores and exaonovers are the same inhabitants in the mountain area of Shimshal; those have given complete protection through stewardship program by Shimshal Nature Trust, a local framed body for natural resource conservation.

Rare plants are also part of the environment which is the same expectation that could be used for different purpose after researching on the plants and flowers, in medicines and other, sourcing them out in organized channel.

Shimshal and Mountaineering (land of unmatched Climbers)

Shimshal is one of the most famed mountainous valley in the north-eastern of Hunza region, situated at 3000m above sea level. Surrounded by snow covered peaks, fenced by various glaciers such as Khurdapin, verjarab, Yazghal Malangoti and Braldo glacier. Interlinked by assorted passes such as Braldo, Khurdapin, chafchingul, Mustagh, Maidour, Sherlik, Qarun, Ghdmez, Shipodeen Shimshal Pass and many more. a large number of alpine pastures,Yazghal,Loupgar, Gojrave,Maidour,Khurdapin,Momhil the most famous Shimshal Pamir.the peaks standing up to 7885m Dastagir Sar,the 9th highest in Pakistan, and many more above 7000m.shimshalis have been considered the most fearless and brave people for mountaineering in the world, being the inhabitants of mountain, mountaineering is part of their natural environment, mountaineering they have inherited from their predecessors, early history portrays that the inhabitants used to climb mountains for hunting , for fire woods And wood for construction of houses, to acquire these life basic requirements which were associated to mountains, people used to climb mountains from time to time. gradually these activities broaden its shape and turned in to modern climbing, in history it is very clear that Shimshali’s had never used technical instruments for climbing, they used local made apparatuses for climbing,” from rope to other essential mountaineering gears” modern mountaineering merged in Shimshal history, in the year 1890.when Young Husband an American official visited Shimshal traveling from china, later colonel Schaumburg 1936 “ discovered Khurdapin pass and Braldo pass” taking Shimshali’s assistance and Shepton 1938 same British Army personnel trekked through Shimshal, drawing the map of the region. Both had used Shimshali’s as porter and route guide. Since then modern equipment by and by came in to use. Today Shimshalis are well equipped well aware and fine experience of modern mountaineering. The have believed and appreciate that these people have their complete supremacy in mountaineering, Pakistan top most climbers are hailing from this remote valley. Sub, Yousuf khan and Hav, Mohd Ullah are the first Pakistani technical climbers, started their career with Pakistan Army in the year 1985(Mr.Mohd Ullah is the first Pakistani who reached to the top of Nanga Parbat twice) both of them were awarded Tamghai Basalt for there great achievement in mountaineering, this insigma is a long lasting and first ever achievement in the northern area’s Gojal , then another break through by Mr. Rajab shah who became the first Pakistani to summit all five 8000m peak in Pakistan in 1998 and Government Of Pakistan honored him as “ Crown of Karakorum and conferred upon him presidential award of “pride of performance” Mr. Mehruban shah has also awarded the pride of performance for his great contribution in Mountaineering. Mr. Mirza Ali is the first youngest climber for reaching to the top of Minglik Sar, 6050m peak in the record age of 16. With king school and college expedition in 1998, Mr. Hasil shah an astounding climber, organized first private Pakistani expedition to a 6335 m peak engaging all top climbers of Shimshal. Mr.Ali Mussa a strenuous and renowned mountaineer and skier organized a ski expedition for the first time in the history as private managed ski expedition to Shimshal pass in 2001.
Mr. Qudrat Ali a valiant and young climber, who has summited four out of five 8000m peaks in Pakistan and one 8000m peak in Nepal. On the occasion of YEAR OF MOUNTAINNERING, in 2006 for the first time in Pakistan history instigated first Pakistani expedition with his friend Mr.Shaheen Baig “K2 Summitor” to K2.the same year first Pakistani “belongs to Shimshal” girl along her two brothers, Farzana Faisal reached to the summit of 6050m peak, and became first women climber of Pakistan, shimshalis are amazing mountaineers. In the 60years history of Pakistan out of 6 K2 summitors 3 are shimshalis.

The remarkable climbing record holder of the history of Pakistan is Mr.Darbar Karim, paralyzed of Left side of body, completed his reach to the summit of Minglik Sar in the Age of 25 on 28th of June 2008.this has been an outstanding record in the history of Pakistan by this young disabled men.
Gradually a large number of shimshalis have made incredible reputation in mountaineering history, today every foreign expedition without Shimshal high altitude porters, impossible to make their ascent successful. Shimshalis are genuine climbers and their presence in all category and class of expeditions are realistic and success promising, till to date more the 26 shimshalis have successfully made their reach to the summit of various 8000m peaks in Pakistan and Nepal. The average summiteers of all 8000m in Pakistan are 1 % four 8000m 5 % and three 8000m 29 % two 8000m 65% and less then 8000m is many. The only resistance of Shimshali climbers to reveal their capabilities, is lack of education, 98% of Shimshali climbers are illiterate, therefore they couldn’t make any platform to make this industry poplar and progressive in Pakistan, Government has never been keen to develop this industry or make any strategy in practical, to attract foreign climbers, to make this industry a well developed as well as progressive and reliable source of foreign exchange and provide opportunity for every willing climber domestically and foreign. We at Karakoram Expedition & Tours have strong policies to implement to boast adventurism in the country and give opportunity to learn this adventurous sport. Therefore we welcome every one to come and join our veteran team of mountaineers and find our unmatched service available all the time. We challenge! if you find the like climbers else where in the world.

Lakes in Northern Area’s
1> Zaraba lake in Shigar –Baltistan
2> Phoroq lake in Skardu
3> Bara Lake in Gngche
4> Byarsa lake Gultari
5> Borith lake Upper Hunza
6> Rama lake Astore
7> Kromber Lake in Kormber pass
8> Shimshal pass lake upper Hunza /Shimshal