Sonia Peak is located in the remote North Ghuzerav mountains north of Shimshal close to the Chapchingol Pass. It falls within the boundaries of the Khunjerab National Park which is adjacent to the Tashkorgan National Park in China.
Even by Pakistan’s standards the Ghuzerav mountains are under explored with numerous virgin peaks awaiting the intrepid climber. At the heart of the range is Sonia Peak, a beautiful pyramid of almost perfect symmetry. It is ideal for those looking for a technically easy climb in the outback of Pakistan’s wilderness and is no more than an Alpine PD grade. Whilst the peak is relatively close to the KKH few people choose to climb mountains in the Karakoram range this far north.
Sonia Peak was found and name by Michael Beek of Germany in 1994, The peak’s name and climbing route was than first introduced in the first edition of the German trekking guide “Pakistan-Land-Geschichte-Kultur” in 1996.
Despite the mountain’s remoteness it has since been climbed many times with the most popular route approaching from Chapchingol Base Camp to the East. A less familiar ascent can alternatively be made from the north along an unnamed glacier which eventually leads to the KKH by way of a small river. The north ridge was first climbed by a Local Shimshali guide called Hasil Shah and reluctantly referred to as the “Hasil Route”. This north route is considered safer then the south face with quicker assess.
Highlights
- Remote wild expedition
- Trek remote Shimshal and optional Climb of Sonia Peak 6400m
- Explore the beautiful upper Shimshal valleys
- Experience the hospitality of Northern Pakistan
Grading
- Altitude range 3100-6400m
- Day temperature range 5C to 15C
- Night temperature range -15C to 5C
Date
- 17 Sep – 8th October , 24 days
- Start and end in Islamabad
Leader
Other Points
- Comprehensive gear list will be provided on booking
Day 0 – Travel from Home Country.
Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad, Relax, Recover.
Day 2 – Early start to drive to Gilgit on Karakorum high way. The drive via the Barbusar Pass is approximately 12 hours from Islamabad. On the we will make stop at Naran for Lunch. The Karakuram High way is 8th wonder of the World, it was constructed jointly by Chinese and Pakistani, and begun in the 1960s and finally finished in 1976. It is a link road between Pakistan and China, and is an engineering wonder. Dinner and overnight at local hotel.
Day 3 – Breakfast at hotel in Gilgit, drive by 4×4 Jeeps to Shimshal,5-6 hours drive, Shimshal is the heart of Gojal region of Hunza, Shimshal is famous for high Mountains, This is a good place to rest and meet with the extremely hospitable locals. overnight in Tents.
Day 4 – From Camp in Shimshal we start our Trek towards Zardgarben, In about 5-6 hours of trekking up hill and crossing mountain streams and scree slopes we will reach to Zardgarben, This is good place to acclimatize. Overnight in Tents.
Day 5 – Trek to Japarwashk, it takes about 4-5 hours, if we lucky, we will be able to see some Ibex on the way, this is a beautiful camp site with many flowers. overnight in Tents.
Day 6 – We start our Trek after breakfast at Japarwashk, today we will cross the Boesam Pir Pass (4900)m, The walk takes about 6-7 hours and goes through spectacular glacier country. We will be crossing some scree slopes and streams.the pass is non-technical and don’t need rope. Overnight in Tents.
Day 7 – We will follow the beautiful Boesam valley down to Wierben. here we are at the high meadows, where, during the summer, villagers bring their yaks to graze. overnight in Tents.
Day 8 – Traditional rest day for Porters, to acclimatize for next few days trekking. We can explore around campsite, overnight in Camp.
Day 9 – We continue our trek to Chapchingal Valley. After crossing the Ghujerab river on a Local made bridge, we enter the arid Chapchingal gorge. Here we have to cross and recross River a few times. Rope will be provided by our Staff to help us through this part of the Trek. This may takes 2-3 hours. overnight in Tents.
Day 10 – Today we have short stage to walk to Chapchingal Base Camp about 3-4 hours, we reach our Camp at Chapchingal Base Camp for lunch. The afternoon we can explore around the campsite or do some skills practice ready for Sonia Peak Climb. overnight in Tents.
Day 11 -15 Today we will trek to Sonia Peak Base Camp, Only 2-3 hours walk to Sonia peak Base Camp from Chapchigal Base Camp, rest and prepare for the climb of Sonia Peak
– Next day early morning start climbing on Sonia Peak 6400m,It’s a snow mountain not so difficult to climb, basic climbing skills needed. The upper Part of the Peak is tricky and would require fix line and some jummaring ,Overnight in Tents.
– Spare Contingency day.
Day 16 – After breakfast trek back to Chapchingal Base Camp, just 2-3 hours, afternoon rest at Camp, we can also used this time as a contingency. overnight in Tents.
Day 17 – An early in the morning as we start trek towards Chapchingal Pass. This is a long tough day of about 8-9 hours, we ascend over scree slopes to the top of Chapchingal Pass which is often covered in snow and ice. The decent is difficult and ropes are fixed, after a long day we will reach our camp site at Kuksel Valley, Overnight in Tents
Day 18 – Final morning trekking to the Karakuram High 2-3 hours walking. We’ll meet our Jeeps or Van and Drive to Gulmit village 2-3 hours. overnight at Hotel in Gulmit.
Day 19 – Today we will continue our journey on the KKH, further drive to Karimabad. Transfer to hotel, afternoon Visit local bazaar, and some walk around Village, visit some local houses, meet local people from Hunza, see the real Culture of Hunzukuz, evening back to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 20 – Sight Seeing day in Karimabad. Early in the morning drive to Duiker, for sun rising on the top of some famous peaks in Hunza and Nagar Valleys, One of the best bird View of Hunza and Nagar from Duiker, open air breakfast at Eagle Nest hotel Duiker, Drive back to Karimabad, We will take you to the 700 years old Baltit Fort, The old residence of Mir of Hunza, Baltit on a rocky outcrop at the base of the Ultar Nala. You will also Visit the Altit Fort, which is 200 years older then Baltit Fort, Evening you can spend your time walking in Karimabad and enjoy view of Rakaposhi(7788m)Diran Peak(7266m)Golden Peak(7027m)Ultar Peak(7388m)Distagil Sar(7885m)etc. Evening Traditional Hunza Dinner with Hunza Culture Music, overnight at hotel.
Day 21 – After breakfast we drive to Gilgit about 2-3 hours drive, sightseeing at Gilgit. Visit Kargha. A small valley with several large rock carvings of Lord Buddah, It is not known exactly when the carvings were completed, But the workmanship is definitely that of a talented master, Afternoon back to hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 22 – Drive the KKH to Islamabad via Babusar Pass and the beautiful Karan Valley. Approximately 12 hours.
Day 23 – Islamabad preparation for International flight.
Day 24 EXTRA Day
Cost Not Included
What does Packages not Include?
► Travel insurance
► Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application)
► International flights (return tickets)
► Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
► Early Wind-up
► Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc at hotels)
► Souvenirs
► Things that is not mentioned above
Cost Included
► Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for the Tour)
► Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
► All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary)
► All road transport in Pakistan (according to itinerary above)
► All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to itinerary
► All meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at hotels
► All tour requirements on ground (including, support staff, (excluding personal) etc
► Government Permits, documentation.
Equipment List
Equipment List We are providing you with three lists for the Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list. List 1 – Must Bring Items:
- First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
- Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
- Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
- Mittens or gloves
- Gloves (Thermal)
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- Hiking boots
- Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
- Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
- Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
- Warm hat
- Warm jacket (down)
- Water bottles 1 liter (x2)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof over-trousers
- Antibacterial hand wash
- Shirts/T-shirts
- Small towel
- Socks
- Spare laces
- Underwear (normal and thermal)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Wash-bag and toiletries
- Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
- Baselayer – leggings (Thermal)
- Trekking Trousers
- Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
- Mountaineering equipment (See “List 2” below)
List 2 – Mountaineering Equipments:
- Crampons
- Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2.
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
- Climbing helmet
- Prusik loops X two (2) – (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
- Sling (120 cm)
List 3 – Optional:
- Buff or scarf
- Small padlock (for locking your bag)
- Camera
- Insect repellant
- Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
- Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
- Liner (for sleeping bag)
- Travel clothes
- Bottle for Pee
Minimum Group Participants and holiday Status The required number of participant bookings i.e. six (6) registrations are required to conduct the “Fixed departures”. Although we receive several guests for each fixed departure, we feel that it is important to mention it. You can make sure of the trip status on this page. Status “available” means we are registering guests and “guaranteed” means we have crossed the required number of participants and the trip will commence on the given dates. We will constantly be in touch with all our guests who register. We will timely guide you step by step regarding visa applications and flight reservations to Pakistan etc. Travel Documents & Visa In order to apply for visas to Pakistan, you generally need a passport expiring later than (6) months. For more reliable and updated information, we suggest you to contact the nearest Pakistani consulate or embassy in your country. We expect that you will take full responsibility for ensuring you have the right travel documents. Normally if you are visiting non-EU countries, you must check for 2 vacant pages in your travel document (passport) for every country you plan to travel. A tourist visa (visit visa) is required to come to Pakistan for trekking. People on work visas (already in Pakistan/abroad) require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) which normally takes up to 6 weeks. The requirements and fee for tourist visas to Pakistan is normally around 200 USD but for accurate information you should consult Pakistani consulates nearby. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need a Letter of Invitation from our company and sometimes a duplicate (copy) of the “government trekking permit” for the group, processed by us. We will help you with all necessary documents to obtain the visa once you register with us. For more information please write us at info@karakorumexpedition.com
