Best Hikes in Pakistan: 5 Great Adventures

Best Hikes in Pakistan: 5 Great Adventures

We take a look at the best treks in Pakistan, from classic base camp trips to snowy high pass odysseys

Having just returned from hiking K2 Base Camp in Pakistan and really piqued my interest in the Karakoram, I thought I would explore some additional hiking routes for my next trip to this beautiful country.

With legendary peaks, panoramic passes and idyllic mountain meadows, Pakistan offers a wealth of excellent hiking opportunities that rival its Himalayan neighbors. Below we explore some of the best hikes in Pakistan.

Related articles:
K2 Base Camp Trekking: A Walk Among Giants in the Karakoram K2 Base Camp Gear List Tips for Trekking to K2 Base Camp Everest vs. K2 Base Camp: Which Trek is Right for You?

Best Hikes in Pakistan

All the treks listed below are in a safe part of Gilgit-Baltistan region. As with any trip, it's worth checking the FCO problem areas before flying.

1. Base Camp K2 and Gondogoro La

Duration: 14 days Difficulty: Very difficult Maximum altitude: 5,560m (18,241ft)

K2 Base Camp is Pakistan's flagship trek and one of the most famous in the world. At 8,611 m (28,251 ft), K2 is the second highest mountain in the world, one of only 14 eight-thousanders and a member of the seven second peaks.

Several variations are available, the most popular of which is a one-way out-and-back route. This route is easier as it avoids the high pass of Gondogoro La. It also offers more flexibility as it is possible to take a number of detours along the way, including to Trango Towers base camp, as well as options to stay overnight at K2 or Broad Peak base camps, or both.

alt=”best hikes in Pakistan – K2 base camp hike”>K2 seen from Concordia

I joined a K2 base camp trek combined with a technical crossing of the Gondogoro La Pass. For more information, see the following posts.

• K2 Base Camp Trek: Ein Spaziergang zwischen Riesen im Karakorum
• K2-Basislager-Ausrüstungsliste
• K2-Basislager-Trekkingführer

2. Schneesee and Hispar La

Duration: 13 daysDifficulty: HardMax. Altitude: 5,151m (16,900ft)

alt="Snow Lake on the Hispa La Trek">Lian Deng/ShutterstockThe Biafo and Hispar glaciers meet at Snow Lake

The hike to the huge ice basin Snow Lake (actually not a lake) begins in the village of Askole and briefly follows the route to K2 Base Camp. The path then breaks off along the Biafo Glacier for 65 km to the largest concentration of glacial ice outside Antarctica. Here, at 5,151 m, the Biafo and Hispar glaciers converge. Once you cross the pass, the trail continues along the Hispar Glacier to the village of Hispar.

Along the way, hikers will see a series of 7,000-meter peaks, including the infamous Baintha Brakk, also known as the Ogre. The rugged 7,285 m (23,901 ft) peak was the site of Doug Scott and Chris Bonington's epic descent in 1977, during which Scott broke both legs after their summit. Fortunately, both survived the grueling week-long return to base camp that followed.

3. Rakaposhi Base Camp

Duration: 3-4 daysDifficulty: MediumMax. Altitude: 4,000m (13,123ft)

alt="Sunrise on Rakaposhi Peak">Nattinee Sanchaisirikul/ShutterstockSunrise at Rakaposhi Peak

Rakaposhi Base Camp is a popular hiking trail that can be completed in just a day or two. However, hikers won't have the time to truly appreciate the magnificent scenery. Located in the Nagar Valley about 75 km north of Gilgit, the 7,788 m (25,551 ft) high Rakaposhi is the 27th highest mountain in the world.

The trek starts from Minapin village on Karakoram Highway. The path climbs through a sheltered valley over meadows, pine forests and pastoral pastures.

Rakaposhi means “snow-capped,” but the mountain is also known as Dumani, which translates to “mother of the mist.” The peak is an ultra-prominent peak – notable for its extraordinary climb over the surrounding terrain.

4. Rupal Face and Mazeno La

Duration: 6-9 days Difficulty: Moderate Altitude: 5,400m (17,717ft)

alt="The famous Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat can be seen on one of the best treks in Pakistan">Anthony Jackson/ShutterstockThe famous Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat

Trekkers circumnavigate Nanga Parbat on this stunning trail in the shadow of the mountain's infamous Rupal Face, which rises 4,600 m (15,090 ft) above. Trekkers have the option of either hiking up to Shaigiri Camp and returning the same way or continuing to Fairy Meadows via the Mazeno La Pass.

The return route is shorter, faster and easier, while the Mazeno La Pass offers a longer, more challenging option with a wider range of views. If hikers choose Mazeno La, the trail ends at the idyllic Fairy Meadows, where an extension to Nanga Parbat base camp can easily be added.

5. Nanga Parbat Base Camp

Duration: 2-3 daysDifficulty: MediumMax. Altitude: 4,000m (13,123ft)

>Witthawas_Siri/ShutterstockThe beauty of Nanga Parbat belies its danger

Nanga Parbat is an amazingly beautiful mountain. Surrounded by lush forests and glacial lakes, the mountain towers over the local terrain in all directions with tremendous vertical relief.

But don't let its beauty fool you: Nanga Parbat is notoriously dangerous. It was once known as the “Killer Mountain” and is the third most dangerous eight-thousander after Annapurna and K2. Before 1990, Nanga Parbat had a staggering mortality rate of 77%, meaning summiteers were more likely to die than survive.

The hike to base camp is not nearly as intimidating as it is at a relatively low elevation for an 8,000m peak and is easy to access. It begins at the spectacular Fairy Meadows, one of Pakistan's most popular tourist destinations, and can be completed as either an overnight or two-night trek.

Best hikes in Pakistan: the essentials

What: Explore the best treks in Pakistan.

Where: During the hikes, expect to camp in two-man tents and only have access to basic (if available) amenities. There are a number of accommodation options in Skardu and Gilgit. If you are visiting Fairy Meadows we recommend Fairy Meadows Cottages.

In Islamabad I stayed at the Ramada Islamabad. If you really want to feel looked after, the Islamabad Marriott is a great choice, rivaled only by the flamboyant Serena.

When: The best time for trekking in Pakistan is from mid-June to mid-September, with July and August being the optimal months. Trekking is still possible until then, but excessive snow remains on the passes and northern slopes until mid-June, so all passes above 3,000 m remain closed. Most passes will be closed until the end of September when heavy snow returns.

How: I joined Lost Horizon Treks and Tours on a K2 base camp and a Gondogoro La trek. Lost Horizons can organize all of the above hikes as well as bespoke itineraries.

For more information or bookings, contact Lost Horizons on +92 5811 455017 or +92 5811 457974. Alternatively, email info@losthorizontreks.com.

I flew direct from the UK to Islamabad in Pakistan with British Airways. Book via Skyscanner for the best prices.

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There are currently only a few current Pakistan travel guides available. We therefore recommend the waterproof Karakoram trekking map from TerraQuest in a scale of 1:175,000 for the K2 base camp trek.

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