Field guides / Gilgit Division / Hunza / Distaghil Sar
Field guide · Mountains
Gilgit Division
Hunza District · Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Distaghil Sar
At 7,885 m the highest peak in the Shimshal region, approached through the remote Shimshal Valley and regarded as one of the most technically demanding 7,000 m objectives.
Distaghil Sar, at 7,885 m, is the highest point in the Hispar Muztagh and the dominant peak of the Shimshal region. First climbed in 1960 by Austrian climbers Günther Stärker and Diether Marchart, it involves crossing the remote Shimshal Valley and navigating complex glacier terrain. The mountain is rarely attempted, giving it a reputation as one of the most isolated 7,000 m objectives.
Why go
- ✦7,885 m, highest in Hispar Muztagh
- ✦Shimshal Valley approach
- ✦First climbed 1960 Austria
- ✦Marco Polo sheep habitat en route
Shimshal Valley
The road to Shimshal is itself one of Pakistan's great adventure drives, carved through sheer gorges with the Shimshal River rushing below. The village sits at 3,100 m, surrounded by yak pastures and among the highest permanent settlements in Pakistan.
Planning tip
When to go, June to September; Shimshal Valley road is accessible from late April.
Getting there, Drive the Karakoram Highway past Passu to the Shimshal junction, then follow the dramatic Shimshal gorge road, a narrow, unpaved track roughly 55-56 km long cut into cliffs, to Shimshal village.
Allow, 2-3 days to reach Shimshal from Passu; 4-5 more days to base camp.
