Shimshal

Traveling to Shimshal is an adventure in and of itself. There is only one road in and out, linking the settlement with the Karakoram Highway about 5 km north of Passu. The road is 55 km long and is very much a 4x4 track. The road is only wide enough for one vehicle for most of its length, and there are many times where it traverses cliff sides with big drops to the valley below. As of 2019, some bridges have been destroyed by floods, meaning several small but potentially dangerous river crossings are required. There is a police building at the start of the road, just after you leave the Karakoram Highway and cross over the suspension bridge over the Hunza river. Foreigners are required to sign in with the police here. 4x4 vehicles take people and goods between Passu and Shimshal daily. The journey takes roughly 2.5 hours. If you are self driving the Shimsal Valley Road, ensure that you are properly prepared and have the necessary skills....