FAQ's

Yes. Northern Pakistan — including Hunza Valley, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, and Gilgit-Baltistan — is one of the safest regions in the country for international tourists. The area has seen consistent growth in tourism since 2018, with thousands of trekkers visiting each summer season. Locals in the northern areas are renowned for their hospitality and warmth toward visitors. That said, we always recommend travelling with a reputable local operator who understands current conditions, permit requirements, and the safest routes. All North Nomads treks include satellite communication and comprehensive safety protocols.

The prime trekking season runs from June to September, with July and August being the most popular months. During this window, mountain passes are open, weather is generally stable at altitude, and the Karakoram Highway is fully accessible. For K2 Base Camp and other high-altitude treks above 4,000m, mid-June to mid-August offers the best conditions. Fairy Meadows and lower-altitude treks like Rakaposhi Base Camp can extend into early October. Winter treks are possible in some areas but require specialist planning.

Most nationalities can obtain a visa through Pakistan’s online e-visa portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk) or the traditional embassy route. In recent years, Pakistan has significantly simplified its visa process for tourists, with many nationalities now eligible for visa-on-arrival or a straightforward 30-day tourist e-visa. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days. We recommend applying at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. North Nomads provides a visa support letter to all confirmed trekkers if required by your local embassy.

It depends on the trek. Fairy Meadows and Rakaposhi Base Camp are moderate treks suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness who walks or hikes regularly. K2 Base Camp and Shimshal Pass are strenuous multi-day expeditions requiring strong cardiovascular fitness and prior trekking experience at altitude. As a general guide, if you can comfortably hike 6–8 hours over uneven terrain with a daypack, you’re ready for most of our moderate-rated treks. We provide a detailed fitness guide and suggested training plan with every booking.

All North Nomads treks begin with pickup from Islamabad International Airport. From there, travel to the northern areas is by road along the Karakoram Highway (KKH) or by a short domestic flight. The drive to Hunza takes approximately 14–16 hours (typically split over two days with an overnight stop in Chilas or Besham), while Skardu is around 20–24 hours by road or a stunning 1-hour flight over the Himalayas. Fairy Meadows is reached via the KKH to Raikot Bridge, followed by a jeep track and short hike. All transport is included in our packages.

Our all-inclusive packages cover airport pickup and drop-off in Islamabad, all internal transport (4×4 jeeps, domestic flights where applicable), accommodation (3–4 star hotels in cities, quality expedition tents on trek), all meals from Day 1 dinner to final day breakfast, experienced local guides, porters, camping equipment, trekking permits, and satellite communication devices. You only need to arrange your international flights to Islamabad, personal travel insurance, and any personal gear. A full packing list is provided after booking.

Altitudes vary significantly by trek. Fairy Meadows sits at around 3,300m, Rakaposhi Base Camp reaches approximately 3,600m, and K2 Base Camp tops out at roughly 5,150m. Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) can affect anyone above 2,500m regardless of fitness level. All North Nomads itineraries are designed with proper acclimatisation days built in — we never rush altitude gains. Our guides are trained to recognise early symptoms and carry pulse oximeters and first-aid supplies on every trek. We recommend discussing altitude medication such as Acetazolamide (Diamox) with your doctor before departure.

Both options work well. We run scheduled group departures throughout the season (maximum 12 trekkers) that solo travellers can join — it’s a great way to share the experience and keep costs down. We also offer private treks for individuals, couples, families, or custom groups at any size. Solo female travellers are welcome and well looked after — northern Pakistan is widely regarded as one of the most hospitable and respectful regions in Asia for women travelling independently.

Layering is essential. Days can be warm (15–25°C in valleys) while nights at altitude drop below freezing. Key items include a quality down jacket, waterproof shell, thermal base layers, sturdy trekking boots (broken in before the trip), a 40–60L daypack, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. We provide a comprehensive packing checklist after booking, and North Nomads supplies all group camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats, and cooking gear. If you’re missing any specialist items, good trekking gear is available at reasonable prices in Islamabad’s adventure markets.

You can book directly through our website by selecting your chosen trek and submitting an enquiry, or contact us via WhatsApp (+44 7919 857 889) or email (contact@northnomads.co) to discuss options. Once you’ve confirmed your trek, we require a 30% deposit to secure your place, with the remaining balance due 30 days before departure. We accept bank transfers and major payment methods. After booking, you’ll receive a detailed confirmation pack including your itinerary, packing list, fitness guide, visa support letter, and a direct line to your trek coordinator.