Surmo & Bara – Hidden Highland Villages of Tangir Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan!
Tucked deep into the rugged mountains of Tangir Valley, Sumro and Bara are remote, scenic, and deeply traditional villages that most travelers never hear about — but those who visit leave with unforgettable memories of tribal hospitality, untouched nature, and the raw rhythm of highland life.
These villages sit in the upper reaches of Tangir, offering a rare look into Gilgit-Baltistan’s tribal valleys untouched by tourism, where Shina language, self-reliant farming, and mountain survival define everyday life.
Why Visit Surmo & Bara?
Sumro and Bara offer a time capsule experience — a place where life is pure, quiet, and centered around survival and tradition. There’s no tourism here, no cafés, no internet. But what you’ll find is real humanity, epic natural beauty, and stories carved into the stones and faces of the people.
For those seeking real, raw, and remote Pakistan — Sumro and Bara are treasures waiting to be discovered.
Routes to Surmo & Bara
Location & Access
| Village | Location Details |
|---|---|
| Sumro | A mid-to-upper elevation village in Tangir Bala area, known for pine-covered ridges, shepherd life, and ancient wooden homes. |
| Bara | Located above Sumro, closer to highland pastures and seasonal grazing lands. Bara is one of the highest settled areas in Tangir, offering stunning views of the valley below. |
Distance & Access
From Chilas (KKH):
To Sumro: ~65 km (~3.5–4 hours by 4×4)
To Bara: ~75+ km (~4.5 hours), depending on road conditions
Only reachable by jeep/4×4 vehicle or trekking
Access via Tangir Road → Tangir Bala → Sumro → Bara
Roads are narrow, unpaved, and seasonal. Travel with local guidance is highly recommended.
What to Expect in Surmo & Bara
| Feature | Experience |
|---|---|
| 🏔️ Landscape | Terraced fields, high-altitude meadows, pine-covered slopes |
| 🧕 Culture | Purely tribal, with Shina-speaking inhabitants and strong clan ties |
| 🐐 Lifestyle | Livestock herding, wheat farming, woodcutting, and seasonal migration |
| 🕌 Mosques & Houses | Handmade wooden mosques, mud-stone homes, intricate woodwork |
| 🧭 Remoteness | No hotels, no mobile signal, no shops — complete isolation |
| 🫖 Hospitality | Guests are welcomed with open arms and served homegrown meals |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| May – August | Green landscapes, pastures open, mild temperatures |
| September – October | Autumn colors and harvest season |
| November – April | Harsh winters, blocked roads, isolation |
Things to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking | Trails between Sumro and Bara or up to summer pastures |
| 📷 Photography | Capture authentic village life, wooden structures, and terraced fields |
| 🌄 Camping | Safe in summer in flat pastures; locals may offer shelter |
| 🧓 Cultural Learning | Observe traditional lifestyles, crafts, and subsistence farming |
| 🐑 Join Herdsmen | Watch shepherds lead animals to summer grazing grounds |
Local Food
Try local dishes like:
Chapshuro (meat-filled bread)
Sharbat (dried apricot juice)
Trout Fish (fresh from local rivers)
Butter tea & organic yogurt
Must-know things!
- Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs: Warm Shawl/Lightweight Jacket.
- Gadgets & ChargersBook & Notepad.
- Mints, Sanitizer, Wet Wipes & Tissue paper.
- Toiletries.
- Snacks.
- Hiking boots/Sturdy Joggers.
- Cargo Pants/Hiking Trouser.
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock.
- Refillable Water Bottle.
- Snacking Bars/Dry Fruits.
Traveler Tips
Fuel Up in Gupis or Gilgit – no petrol stations in Golaghmuli
Mobile Network: Limited; only SCOM works in some areas
Permits: No NOC needed for Pakistani tourists. Foreigners might need NOC from Gilgit.
Weather Gear: Even in summer, nights are cold – bring layers
Altitude Sickness: Stay hydrated, ascend gradually