Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek 8 Days

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport where your NorthNomads representative greets you with a traditional welcome. Private transfer to your luxury hotel in the diplomatic enclave.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely evening to rest and acclimatize. Pre-trek briefing with your tour leader over dinner at the guest house.

Depart Islamabad early morning for the legendary drive along the Karakoram Highway — one of the world’s most spectacular mountain roads. Pass through Abbottabad and descend into the Indus Valley at Besham, where the landscape transforms dramatically. Follow the mighty Indus River through deep gorges as the terrain shifts from green hills to rugged mountain desert. Arrive in Chilas by evening and settle into your hotel.

Wake to mountain views before continuing north through Gilgit. Stop at the famous Rakaposhi Viewpoint on the KKH — your first glimpse of the peak you’ll soon trek beneath. Continue through Hunza Valley to Karimabad, the heart of the region. After checking in, drive 20 minutes up winding roads to Eagle’s Nest viewpoint (2,935m) for a spectacular sunset over Rakaposhi, Lady Finger Peak, Ultar Sar, Golden Peak, and the entire Hunza Valley spread below.

Begin with a guided tour of Baltit Fort — a 700-year-old royal residence with Tibetan-influenced architecture resembling Lhasa’s Potala Palace. Descend through the old town to Altit Fort, the oldest monument in Gilgit-Baltistan (~1,100 years), perched on dramatic cliffs. Stroll through the peaceful Kha Basi Royal Gardens with their ancient apricot orchards.

After lunch, explore Karimabad’s bazaar for local crafts, dried fruits, and gemstones. Late afternoon, transfer to Minapin Village — the trailhead for tomorrow’s trek. Meet your trekking team and receive a full briefing. Evening at leisure to prepare gear.

The adventure begins! Start from Diran Guest House and follow an irrigation channel beneath ancient walnut trees. Cross the footbridge over Minapin River (2,103m) and begin ascending through switchbacks. The trail climbs steadily through open juniper forest, passing the shepherd settlement of Bang-i-das where a refreshing stream provides a perfect rest stop.

The final 90-minute section leads through increasingly dramatic terrain to Hapakun meadow — a beautiful tiered campsite beneath mature fir trees with your first dramatic views of the Rakaposhi-Diran massif. Your camp crew will have tents erected and hot tea waiting.

A shorter but steeper day brings you to the heart of the Karakoram. Climb dusty switchbacks through fir forest into a verdant bowl carpeted with wildflowers (July–August). Traverse juniper stands to reach a windy ridge revealing jaw-dropping views of the Rakaposhi-Diran ice wall — a vertical kilometer of hanging glaciers and seracs.

A 15-minute traverse above Minapin Glacier delivers you to Tagaphari meadow — Rakaposhi Base Camp. This level pasture with active shepherd camps in summer offers unobstructed views of Rakaposhi’s north face, Diran Peak (7,266m), and the vast Minapin Glacier system.

Afternoon free to explore the ridge systems, photograph the peaks, or simply absorb the immense scale of the mountains. Watch alpenglow paint Rakaposhi gold and pink as the sun sets behind you.

Rise early for sunrise over the peaks — the morning light on Rakaposhi’s ice walls is unforgettable. After breakfast, begin the descent through now-familiar terrain, appreciating new perspectives on the valley below.

Reach Minapin Village by early afternoon, where vehicles wait to transfer you back to Karimabad. Celebrate your successful trek with a hot shower and comfortable bed. Evening at leisure — perhaps revisit Eagle’s Nest for a final sunset or explore Karimabad’s cafes.

Explore the dramatic landscapes of Upper Hunza before beginning the return journey. Drive through the tunnels carved after the 2010 landslide to emerge at stunning Attabad Lake — turquoise waters beneath towering peaks. Optional boat ride available.

Continue to Passu for views of the cathedral-like Passu Cones (Tupopdan, 6,106m) and the iconic Passu Glacier. Walk across the thrilling Hussaini Suspension Bridge — rickety wooden planks spanning the Hunza River with Passu Cones as backdrop.

Return through Karimabad for lunch, then begin the scenic drive south along the Karakoram Highway. Pass through Gilgit and follow the Indus River as the sun sets over the mountains. Arrive in Chilas for overnight.

Final day follows the Karakoram Highway south through the dramatic Indus Gorge. Stop at key viewpoints including the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit rivers. The landscape gradually transforms from barren mountain desert to lush green hills as you approach Besham.

Continue through Abbottabad and descend to Islamabad, arriving by evening. Transfer to your hotel or airport for onward travel.

End of Services

Optional: Guests wishing to explore Islamabad can book an extra night. We offer a complimentary half-day city tour the following morning visiting Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, and Pakistan Monument before airport transfer.