In a remarkable feat of modern alpine exploration, renowned Pakistani mountaineer Abdul Joshi and his team successfully discovered and crossed the FN Pass — a previously undocumented high-altitude pass in the Karakoram. The expedition was accompanied by Farah and Nasir, who together made history by navigating this challenging and uncharted route.
The FN Pass lies in a remote and rugged section of the Shimshal region, known for its complex glacier systems and dramatic peaks. The team endured steep ice climbs, crevasses, and rapidly changing weather, showcasing exceptional teamwork, resilience, and alpine skill.
This crossing is not only a testament to Joshi’s leadership and vision but also highlights the rising presence of Pakistani climbers and explorers in the field of technical mountaineering and route discovery.
Marks the first known crossing of FN Pass
Pioneered by an all-Pakistani team, including a female explorer (Farah)
Adds a new route to the Karakoram alpine map, encouraging future exploration
Islamabad International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
FN Pass, newly explored by Abdul Joshi, Farah, and Nasir, is a high-altitude, technical glacial pass in the Shimshal region of the Karakoram. As a freshly charted route, it offers raw adventure, demanding terrain, and total remoteness — perfect for experienced mountaineers and alpine explorers.
Steep glaciated ascents and descents
Crevassed ice fields and hard-packed snow
Unstable weather, high winds, and sudden storms
Rugged moraine, rockfall zones, and exposed ridgelines
Strong glacier navigation and ice travel skills
Experience with ropework, crampons, and ice axes
High-altitude acclimatization (above 5,000m)
Ability to carry your own gear over multi-day alpine travel
Panoramic views of uncharted Karakoram valleys
Rare glimpses of unnamed peaks and hanging glaciers
Total isolation and wilderness — no marked trail
Occasional sightings of ibex, snow leopard tracks, and highland birds
No established route or rescue access
Rapid weather shifts, whiteouts, and glacier movement
Heavy loads and long days on mixed terrain
Self-sufficiency and solid expedition planning are critical
A first-ascent-style pass in one of the world’s last wild ranges
Offers exploratory value and new mapping opportunities
A legacy route pioneered by local Pakistani climbers
| Day | Activity | Altitude (m) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Islamabad | ~540 | Briefing and gear check |
| 2 | Fly/Drive to Gilgit or Skardu | ~2,200 | Flight preferred; road 2 days |
| 3 | Drive to Hunza – Passu/Shimshal | ~3,000 | Enter Karakoram Highway & Shimshal Valley |
| 4 | Trek to Ghar Sar | ~3,600 | Easy acclimatization day |
| 5 | Trek to Piryen Sar | ~3,900 | Gradual elevation gain |
| 6 | Trek to Shojarav | ~4,300 | Camp |
| 7 | Trek to Shimshal Pass (showort) | ~4,600 | Scenic view of Shimshal pass lake |
| 8-9 | Trek to Chikor | ~4,100 | Rest Day (Fixing Steel rope on Braldo river) |
| 10 | Trek to Wesm | ~3,900 | Crossing Braldo river and trek |
| 11 | Trek to Bakhtawar Camp | ~4,100 | Glacier begins |
| 12 | Trek to Karavan Camp | ~4,400 | Glacier walk |
| 13 | Trek to Braldu glacier | ~4,700 | Glacier walk |
| 14 | Trek to FN Base camp | ~4,800 | Glacier walk |
| 15 | Climb to FN High Camp | ~5,000 | Climbing glacier |
| 16 | Crossing FN Pass | ~5,400 | Crossing and technical descend |
| 17 | Trek to Nobande Sobande | ~4,600 | Onward glacier |
| 18 | Trek to Skinmang | ~4,000 | Onward glacier |
| 19 | Trek to Soq | ~3,500 | Glacier & Easy trek |
| 20 | Trek to Askole | ~3,000 | Easy trek |
| 21 | Drive to Skardu | ~2,400 | Debriefing & celebratio |
| 22 | Fly to Islamabad | ~540 | Flight preferred; road 2 days |
Accommodation: ✓
Transportation: ✓ Car with fuel and toll taxes.
Meals: ✓ Breakfast Lunch & dinner only in the hotel.
Our Team: ✓ Professional & licensed guides throughout the tour.
Visa:✓ Invitation letter for visa process.
Entry Tickets: ✓ All visiting areas entry tickets
20% Advance on date block & confirmation of
services. 80% cash on arrival.
06 Working days or less, 100% cancellation
charge.
07 to 10 working days – 50% or the equivalent of
the first two days’ charges.
12 working days or more – no cancellation
charges provided no commitment or advances
Personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions should be
carried by clients. Insect’s repellent, Sunburn lotion etc.
Following are recommended for nature trail
Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught using any kind of substance on buses or
during trip will be expelled from the trip on the spot. That person will not be eligible for any kind of refund.
• We reserve the right to cancel trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate by them.
• In such a case the registered participants will receive full refund.
• On adventure trip of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond the control of
organizers can result in a change of itinerary.
• It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the Leader of the
group and Guide will decide what the best alternative is, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group
• Smoking in the transport is strictly prohibited.
• Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card.
• Time management / punctuality is strictly recommended.
• Participants are advised to use Non-Slippery Shoes/Boot/Joggers/DMS. Participants must NOT wear Heel/Dress Shoes.
• On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air conditioned of the buses will be operational on on-off basis to keep the vehicles
from overheating.
• The Stunning Pakistan will not be responsible for any injury/damage/loss.
