Rakaposhi and Diran Base Camp Trek with Hunza

About the Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek

Introduction as published on the Trekking page.

Key facts

Duration

14 days

Best time

Mid-May to September

Range / region

Karakoram

Highest point

4,000m

Zone

Open

Starts and ends

Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad

Tent nights in the itinerary

4

Who it suits

The programme itself recommends this trek for novice trekkers: the terrain is described as not too rugged and no specialised skills are needed. There are four tent nights and a highest point of 4,000 m.

• Best time in the programme: mid-May to September.
• Day 2 flies Islamabad to Gilgit if the flight operates; otherwise the itinerary drives via Chilas.
• Two rest days are built in: at Rakaposhi base camp and in Islamabad.

The walk from Minapin to Tagaphari

The trek starts at Minapin in Nagar and climbs through villages and pine forest towards Tagaphari, the meadow camp below the Rakaposhi north face. The programme describes the terrain as not too rugged and recommends the trek for novices, with four tent nights and a highest point of 4,000 m. It is a short, scenic way to stand close under a great mountain without a long expedition.

• Two rest days are built in: at Rakaposhi base camp and in Islamabad.
• The view opens up as you climb, from the valley to the snowfields and ice above Tagaphari.

Hunza, Nagar and the surrounding region

Rakaposhi stands at the meeting point of the Hunza and Nagar valleys, and the trek pairs the walk with time in Karimabad and a drive to the Khunjerab Pass. That makes it as much a Hunza holiday as a trek: you get the mountain experience and the villages, forts and viewpoints of the upper Hunza in one trip.

• Day 2 flies Islamabad to Gilgit if the flight operates; otherwise the itinerary drives via Chilas.
• Karimabad is the base for the sightseeing part of the trip.

Preparation, season and weather

Because the terrain is gentle by Karakoram standards, the main preparation is ordinary walking fitness and the right clothing rather than technical skill. The programme best time runs from mid-May to September, when the trail is clear and the base camp is accessible. Weather still changes fast below the mountain, so pack layers and expect the plan to stay flexible.

• No specialised climbing skill is needed for this trek, according to the programme.
• Cold nights and strong daytime sun both call for layers and sun protection.

How it compares to nearby treks

Rakaposhi base camp is the shortest and gentlest of the Hunza-Nagar treks, with a lower highest point and fewer tent nights than Rush Lake next door. If you want a first multi-day walk with a great mountain view, this is the lighter option; if you want a high alpine lake and are ready to sleep higher, Rush Lake is the natural next step.

• Fairy Meadows is the gentler, lower alternative on the Nanga Parbat side, with huts rather than tents.
• Rush Lake, across the valley, climbs to 4,694 m and suits a step up in altitude.

Camping and what to bring

The trek has four tent nights, with a rest day at base camp and hotel nights in Karimabad and Islamabad. Expect simple camp facilities, cold nights and warm, bright days, and pack so you can be comfortable in both.

• Bring a warm sleeping layer and a head torch for the camps.
• The meadow at Tagaphari is exposed, so a windproof layer helps even in summer.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 01: Islamabad

   Arrive at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

2. 02: Islamabad to Gilgit (By Air in case of flight has operated)

   Early morning breakfast and transfer to Airport fly to Gilgit (flights are subject to weather) and then onward drive for Minapin Nagar, if unable to fly we will depart for Chilas by road. Overnight stay at Chilas.

3. 03: Chilas to Minapin Nagar (in case of no flight)

   In case the flight has operated, we will visit Gilgit Bazaar and after lunch, we will drive to Minapin. In case of no flight, the day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Minapin. Overnight stay in hotel at Minapin

4. 04: Mianpin to Hapakun

   After breakfast, Trek to Hapakun. Today, we will leave the last inhabited village of Minapin. We will rely on our local team for the remaining portion of our journey, who will carry our food and equipment and sustain our Trek. (Tent)

5. 05: Hapakun to Tagaphari( Rakaposhi Base Camp)

   After breakfast, trek to Tagaphari (Rakaposhi base camp). Walk along the beautiful green meadows to Taghaphary, the second Summer pasture and green ablation valley, which provides magnificent views of Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, and Minapin glacier. Trek (Tent)

6. 06: Rest day at Rakaposhi Base Camp

   Full day excursion to Diran peak base camp, walk through the Minapin Glacier and explore the area, after lunch at Diran base camp trek back Through the same glacier to taghaphari. (Tent)

7. 07: Tagaphari to Hapakun

   After breakfast, we will trek back to Hapakun. (Tent)

8. 08: Hapakun to Minapin (Nagar)

   After breakfast, we will trek back to Minapin Nagar. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and overnight stay in Nagar.

9. 09: Minapin to Karimabad Hunza

   Early in the morning, drive to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, after lunch visit Baltit and Altit forts, walk in the village, and explore the area. The evening goes to Duiker Viewpoint for sunset photography. On Arrival, Transfer to hotel, overnight stay in Karimabad Hunza

10. 10: Drive to Khunjurab Pass and back to Gulmit

    After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass in route to visit Ataabad Lake and drive back to Gulmit. Overnight stay at Gulmit.

11. 11: Gulmit to Chilas

    After breakfast, we will drive for a full day on Karakoram Highway, enjoying fascinating views of Karakoram Peaks from a different angle, Overnight stay at Chilas

12. 12: Chilas to Islamabad

    After breakfast, we will drive via Babusar pass to Islamabad. We start early in the morning to cover the 12 hours-long drive. Short stay in Naran for lunch; we shall reach Islamabad by evening. Overnight stay at Islamabad.

13. 13: Rest day at Islamabad

    After breakfast, we will do a full day sightseeing of the twin city Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The rest of the time is reserved for shopping.

14. 14: Islamabad to Flight out

    Transfer to the Airport for flight back home.

Included and not included

As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.

Places on this route

Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:

• Hunza Valley
• Gilgit
• Nagar Valley
• Upper Hunza
• Khunjerab Pass
• Naran & Kaghan Valley
• Islamabad & Rawalpindi

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