A great and much appreciated effort brothers. I had an idea about Shonter valley and the pass but I certainly didn't know it to have that much of glaciated fronts and crossing it would prove to be this tough. All of the photos of Shonter valley I have seen thus far depict lush green meadows and there hasn't been a single hint of glaciated planes other than the smaller ones sliding down the mounts. What do locals say about it ? Does it remain like this throughout the year or maybe in the later months of July/August/September the Shonter Pass turns lush and greener as we experience with Babusar Pass ?
I have been planning to do this route this July (yes in ramzan) and that too alone. Other than Ramzan I don't stand a chance to get leaves from work and this remains to be the only option for me. I have sufficient experience of mountain trekking behind me but I would still ask your tips and guidelines regarding the equipment and safety precautions for this particular trek. Any good local contacts ? Total kharcha to be considered along the trek. Consider yourself alone on this route in the same conditions and make your recommendations to me. You can PM me as well for that or write here for everybody's good. I plan to leave in a week or so inshaallah.
Once again, a loud shout out for your wonderful trip and thanks for sharing your glaciated story
Faisal` .