General
Shounter Pass Trek – Astore to Kashmir (10 Days from Islamabad) (2026-27)
The Shounter Pass Trek from Astore to Kashmir offers an exciting adventure across Pakistan’s isolated northern mountains. The path begins in Astore Valley and continues through alpine meadows, glacial streams, rocky slopes, and solitary campgrounds. Moreover, trekkers traverse the high Shounter Pass before descending into the picturesque Neelum Valley. As a result, this hard trek is ideal for experienced hikers looking for dramatic scenery, cultural contacts, and a memorable wilderness crossing.
In addition to this trek, we also offer the following Astore Valley Tours & Short Treks, as shown in the table below.
Dates & Cost – Shounter Pass Trek – Astore to Kashmir
Summers are ideal for the trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your departure from and return to Islamabad. The months mentioned below are ideal for trekking in the Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate until October. Our dates and costs are listed below.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2026 | 29-Jun-2026 | US$ 1,300 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2027 | 29-Jun-2027 | US$ 1,300 | Available | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
Holiday Information
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
- All road transport in Pakistan
- Hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing rooms)
- Trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing tents)
- Hotel meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipments and tools)
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters for trekking equipments, kitchen (supplies, tools, equipments, crockery, gas) and personal luggage
- Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipments (list provided on registration or request)
- Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
Highlights
Shounter Pass Trek – Astore to Kashmir has a lot to offer. Given below are the main highlights of the trek:
- Explore Astore Valley before entering remote mountain trails.
- Travel through Rattu toward scenic Mir Malik.
- Trek across Guzair Valley beside alpine streams.
- Camp at Dangi Bian beneath rugged peaks.
- Acclimatize among high meadows before the crossing.
- Ascend toward Shounter Pass across rocky terrain.
- Cross Shounter Pass between Astore and Kashmir.
- Descend beside Shounter Waterfall into greener landscapes.
- Discover Shounter Lake surrounded by snowy mountains.
- Follow the Neelum Valley through Kel toward Muzaffarabad.
Itinerary – Shounter Pass Trek – Astore to Kashmir (10 Days)
The itinerary for the trek is shown below.
Day 02: Journey to Astore
On this Day
Leave Chilas and take the Karakoram Highway to Thalichi, where it changes into Astore Valley. Continue along the Astore River through rocky mountains, terraced towns, and varied alpine vistas. Arrive in Astore town and check into a motel. Use the remaining time to make final food purchases, fuel arrangements, porter coordination, and equipment inspection. The guide provides a thorough route briefing for Shounter Pass, including campsites, river crossings, altitude management, and emergency procedures.
Day 03: Astore to Mir Malik Gah via Rattu
On this Day
Travel from Astore to Gorikot and Rattu, then into the desolate upper valley toward Mir Malik Gah. The jeep trail runs alongside rivers, summer towns, grazing grounds, and sheer mountain walls. Depending on the road conditions, drive as far as the vehicle can safely travel, then walk with porters to Mir Malik. Set up a tent near the settlement and arrange loads for the trekking section. The gradual approach gives beneficial acclimatization while introducing the wild landscapes that connect Astore and Shounter.
Day 04: Trek to Dangi Bian
On this Day
Begin trekking from Mir Malik to Dangi Bian, following the broad Guzair Valley via meadows, streams, and seasonal shepherd communities. The trail is mainly gentle, but it contains uneven land, river channels, and eroded areas. The vistas of the mountains get more striking as the group approaches the higher plain. Reach Dangi Bian and set up camp on a decent level location near the water. The crew prepares meals while the trekkers rest, hydrate, and adjust to the changing altitude.
Day 05: Acclimatization at Dangi Bian
On this Day
Before climbing the pass, spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the area surrounding Dangi Bian. Take a steady climb into adjacent ridges and upper meadows, gaining elevation without carrying heavy adventure gear. Return to camp after admiring the views of Guzair Valley and the surrounding nameless peaks. The guide assesses each participant's altitude symptoms and determines the next stage. Equipment, crampons, ropes, and trekking poles are thoroughly examined because snow, loose rocks, and stream crossings may be encountered ahead.
Day 06: Trek to Shounter High Camp
On this Day
Leave Dangi Bian and head to the high camp beneath Shounter Pass. The trail ascends across open grazing country before entering steeper, rockier terrain formed by snowmelt and glacier activity. Follow the guidance across streams and unstable portions while keeping a steady pace. As the forest thins, expansive views emerge on the Astore side of the path. Make a high camp beneath the pass, secure tents against mountain winds, and prepare necessary supplies for the difficult traverse.
Day 07: Cross Shounter Pass
On this Day
Cross Shounter Pass, the expedition's highest and most challenging stage. Ascend via scree, rocks, snow patches, and steep slopes to the vast mountain saddle that connects Astore with Shounter Valley. After reaching the pass, take in the breathtaking vistas of both regions before carefully descending into Kashmir. Continue down the ancient track to the Shounter Waterfall and Hari Parbat Base Camp location. Set up a tent beside the stream to celebrate safely reaching the major crossing.
Day 08: Travel to Kel
On this Day
Descend through Shounter Valley, where the rugged high-altitude environment transforms into lush meadows and running streams. Continue toward Shounter Lake, Upper Domel, and the jeep-accessible trail that leads to Kel. Depending on the track conditions, shift to local jeeps for the final stretch down the valley. Reach Kel and check into a guesthouse for a restful stay.
Day 09: Drive to Muzaffarabad
On this Day
The Neelum Valley Road connects Kel and Muzaffarabad. The route runs along the Neelum River, passing through Sharda, Dowarian, Keran, Athmuqam, and several woodland communities surrounded by rugged mountains. While traveling across the valley, make stops at strategic vistas and riverfront sites. Arrive in Muzaffarabad and check into the hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Islamabad
On this Day
Depart Muzaffarabad for Islamabad, taking the road via Kohala and the green lower Himalayan foothills. Before arriving at the capital, the trip offers one more look at the Jhelum River, wooded slopes, and scattered mountain towns. After arriving in Islamabad, complete the Shounter Pass Trek and transfer to the agreed-upon drop-off spot. The voyage concludes with unforgettable experiences in rural Astore, high mountain camps, a dramatic pass crossing, and the breathtaking scenery of Kashmir's Neelum Valley.
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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Overview – Shounter Pass Trek – Astore to Kashmir
The Shounter Pass Trek from Astore to Kashmir provides a remote crossing between Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. The route begins in Astore and passes via Rattu, Mir Malik, the Guzair Valley, and high alpine camps. In addition, trekkers will meet lush meadows, flowing streams, rugged hills, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. The trail progressively ascends before reaching Shounter Pass, which is over 4,400 metres. As a result, appropriate acclimatization, knowledgeable guides, and dependable camping support remain critical. Furthermore, the crossing demonstrates the close geographical relationship between Astore and Kashmir. Clear mountain views and solitary settings make each step extremely enjoyable.
After crossing the pass, the environment shifts to greener Shounter Valley and Upper Neelum. Furthermore, the descent reveals glacier streams, seasonal communities, waterfalls, and distant snow-capped peaks. Before arriving at Muzaffarabad, the route often takes you through Upper Domel, Shounter Lake, and Kel. However, snow, river levels, and jeep-track conditions may all have an impact on the planned itinerary. As a result, trekkers should remain adaptable and carry appropriate kit for changing mountain weather. This hard trek is ideal for experienced hikers seeking wilderness, cultural contacts, and an exciting regional journey. Finally, the trek from Astore to Kashmir combines difficulty, scenery, and authentic discovery.
Website Last Updated: January 15, 2026
