General
Virjerab Pass: Shimshal to Askole via Nobande Sobande (2024-25) – 28 days
Virjerab Pass (Shimshal to Askole via Nobande Sobande) is a long duration trekking holiday in our extreme/challenging category treks in Shimshal Valley of Hunza region. It is a holiday in one of the isolated valleys for trekkers offered by Apricot Tours. Given below are the details of this holiday.
Brief Itinerary – Virjerab Pass (Shimshal to Askole via Nobande Sobande)
Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport (590m)
Day 02: Fly to Gilgit & Drive to Karimabad, Hunza
Day 03 Spend Free day in Karimabad – official documentation
Day 04: Drive to Shimshal village – Hotel
Day 05: Free Day in Shimshal Village (final logistics) – Hotel
Day 06: Trek begin to Chaghchagh – Camp
Day 07: Trek to Pasth Halga – Camp
Day 08: Trek to Maidiyat – camp (4,312m)
Day 09: Trek to Yukshdiyat Camp – camp (4,698m)
Day 10: Trek to Ayoub camp – Camp (4,822m)
Day 11: Trek to Virjerab base camp (east) – Camp (4,908m)
Day 12: Trek to Virjerab Pass high camp (5,600m) – Camp
Day 13: Trek over Virjerab Pass (5,985m) to Virjerab south BC
Day 14: Trek to Snow Lake
Day 15: Trek to Sim Gang Glacier – Camp
Day 16: Trek to Skam La Base Camp (West) – Camp
Day 17: Trek over Skam La Pass to Skam La Base Camp (East) – Camp
Day 18: Trek to Drenmang along Nobande Sobande Glacier
Day 19: Trek to Chinchang Beyanga
Day 20: Trek to Lami Duksa
Day 21: Rest day
Day 22: Trek to Panmah
Day 23: Trek to Jhola
Day 24: Contingency day in case of potential delays – hotel
Day 25: Drive to Skardu
Day 26: Fly Islamabad or drive to Chilas – Hotel
Day 27: Contingency day for flight cancellation
Day 28: Fly to home country
Map/Route – Virjerab Pass (Shimshal to Askole via Nobande Sobande)
Why start/begin from Shimshal Valley?
We highly recommend and plan the above trek from Shimshal Valley. There are many factors linked to a successful crossing of high mountain passes around Shimshal/SnowLake/Nobande-Sobande area. Based on facts and past experiences, we have the following observations:- The approach to the passes around Snow lake are better on the Shimshal side.
- Shimshal is the land of brave mountaineers and tough High Altitude Porters/Climbers (HAP/Cs). It is mostly Shimshalis who have explored new routes in the past and who like getting involved in challenging adventures first.
- Shimshalis are educated, reasonable and better understand the topics related to safety and security on the mountains.
- Shimshali climbers/guides are rated top in terms of communication and leadership in the mountains which is essential to this adventure.
Prices & Other Options – Virjerab Pass (Shimshal to Askole via Nobande Sobande)
Holiday Information – Shimshal to Askole via Nobande Sobande
- All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- All camping site fees and bridge fees
- All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
- Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Government paperwork
- Shimshal Nature Trust fees (government requirement)
- Islamabad and Hunza sightseeing including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters - personal luggage (14kgs) and mountaineering equipment (8kgs)
- First aid medicine kit (very basic)
- Personal travel insurance (suggestions only)
- Visa to Pakistan (five supporting documents will be offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Personal mountain equipment for crossing pass (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 67 per night
- Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 11 per kg
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
Why Register Early?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.
2. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
3. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 2 years.
6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 190
- 1st November: USD 290
- 1st January: USD 350
- 15th February: USD 400
- 1st March: USD 450
- 1st May: USD 490
Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 2 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.
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