Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Rakaposhi Trek

Welcome to Islamabad! Today you will visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad, including the Faisal Mosque, the 5th largest mosque in the world. We will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum and the Pakistan Monument.

Islamabad replaced Karachi back in 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Situated against the lush backdrop of the Margalla Hills, it is a city where old and new collide. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings, but also dotted with traditional homes and mosques.

After lunch proceed to visit Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi is a lively, bustling city with the crowded streets and colorful bazaars, which should appeal to anyone with the desire to see the real Pakistan.

Drive to Chilas via Babusar Pass, a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,173m. The pass is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley and it connects the Kaghan Valley via the Thak Nala with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. It’s one of the most famous hair pinned roads in the world.

Drive from Chilas to Raikot Bridge, then Jeep transfer to Tato village and trek to Fairy Meadows. Fairy Meadow is a lush green plateau, offering a breathtaking view of majestic Nanga Parbat. Many people have called it the "Heaven on Earth" (a contrast to Nagna Parbat’s nickname, “Killer Mountain”). These lush green meadows and forests lie at the base of Nanga Parbat at the western edge of the Himalayan range in Pakistan. Fairy Meadows is a very peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy the mountain atmosphere and hospitality of the local people.

Today is a full day excursion to Nanga Parbat and back to Fairy Meadows. Here you have a close-up view of Ganalo Peak and panoramic views of other peaks, including Naga Parbat. An immense, dramatic peak rising far above its surrounding terrain, Nanga Parbat is also a notoriously difficult climb. Numerous mountaineering deaths in the mid and early 20th century lent it the nickname “Killer Mountain”. Along with K2, it has never been climbed in winter.

Trek down to Tato village and drive by Jeeps to Raikot bridge and then to Minapin. En-route, stop at various viewpoints for photography, including the junction point of three great mountain ranges, the Karakorum, Hindukush, and Himalayas.

The village of Minapin is above the true left bank of the Hunza River at the base of the Minapin glacier. Rakaposhi and Diran peak towers are above the head of the Minapin glacier. Minapin village is also the birthplace of Syed Yahya Shah, a veteran conservationist who is the first elected representative from Nagar valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

Trek to Hapakun today. The trail begins behind the Minapin village and crosses a bridge to the Minapin River’s true left bank. The steep path gives wide views of the Minapin Glacier and eventually of the entire Rakaposhi-Diran crestline. After five hours’ ascent, you reach the Hapakun huts.

Today is the trek to Rakaposhi base camp, then after lunch you can walk around Rakaposhi BC or walk towards Diran Peak base camp. Ascend a trail through forest with excellent views of Diran as you rise above the Minapin Glacier. There is lush green Tagaphari meadow and also summer huts with shepherds just overlooking the glacier’s ice fields; from Tagaphari you will walk up the ridge for great views of the Batura peaks, Shispar peak, and Ultar Peaks.

Take an excursion towards Diran peak base camp, then after lunch trek back to Hapakun. Overnight in tents.

Trek down to Minapin and drive to Karimabad, arrive and transfer to a hotel. Today you will have the opportunity to see, meet and interact with local people, while they are working in the fields. The people are cheerful and friendly.

This morning you will visit the famous Baltit Fort, recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to a fantastic standard. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Baltit Fort is a fort in the Hunza valley, near the town of Karimabad. Founded in the 8th century CE, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list since 2004.

In the past, the survival of the feudal regime of Hunza was ensured by the impressive fort. The foundations of the fort date back to 700 years ago, with rebuilds and alterations over the centuries. In the 16th century the local prince married a princess from Baltistan who brought master Balti craftsmen to renovate the building as part of her dowry.

Later you will visit the Royal Garden and Altit Fort and go for a walk along the water channels around town to absorb the local atmosphere and have a glimpse of the lifestyles of the local people.

Drive to Passu. En route visit Attabad Lake for a boat ride. Drive towards Pussu, visit Borith Lake, Gulkin village, Gulmit village, Passu Glacier, Passu village, Hussani village and the Hussani suspension bridge.

Gulmit was the second capital of Hunza kingdom in 960. It is one of the most important places of the Wakhi inhabitants, which is called Gojal or Upper Hunza. Borith Lake is a large brackish lake that attracts a number of migratory birds in February, June, September and November.

Drive to Naran via Babusar pass. On the way, stop at various viewpoints for photography and refreshment.

Drive from Naran to Islamabad, stopping at the Taxila museum and historical sites. Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around the Taxila museum. For over one thousand years, Taxila remained famous as a center of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30km around Taxila.

Taxila is one of the most important archeological sites in the world. It is a city that is very well known for having strong ties and being the center of Buddhism in the country. Many statues of Buddha depicting the various stages of his life have been excavated and are currently present both at the Taxila museum as well as various stupas in the city.

The tour ends with a transfer to the airport. Safe travels home!