A moderate and scenic trek in Nagar Valley taking you through forests, meadows, glaciers, and high-altitude viewpoints. Explore Rakaposhi Base Camp, Diran Base Camp, Kachely Glacier, Kachely Lake, and the culture of Hunza & Nagar before ending in Gilgit.
Overview
This combined trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp and Diran Base Camp is one of the most rewarding routes in the Nagar Valley. Starting from Minapin Village, the trail winds through lush meadows, pine forests, glacier moraines, and high-altitude grasslands.
You will visit Hapakun campsite, stand beneath the icy north face of Rakaposhi (7,788m), cross the rugged Kachely Glacier, and reach Diran Base Camp for incredible up-close views of Diran Peak (7,266m).
The journey ends with cultural exploration in Hunza, including Karimabad, ancient forts, Hopar Valley, Attabad Lake, and the iconic Passu Cones before departing from Gilgit.
This trek is ideal for beginners with good fitness and for nature lovers seeking a peaceful Himalayan adventure.
Highlights
- Trek to both Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camps
- Stunning views of 7,000m+ peaks
- Visit Kacheli Lake (optional)
- Cross the Minapin Glacier
- Camp at Hapakun and Tagaphari meadows
- Explore Hunza & Nagar culture
- Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort & Hoper Valley
- Scenic drive on the Karakoram Highway
Itinerary
Warm welcome upon arrival in Minapin Village via the Karakoram Highway.
Check-in at the guesthouse and enjoy a freshly made lunch.
Meet your guide for a short trek briefing and equipment check.
Walk around the village to explore the terraced farmlands.
Dinner and overnight stay in Minapin.
Starting point: Minapin
Ending point: Minapin
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Begin the trek through forest trails, meadows, and shepherd huts.
Arrive at Hapakun campsite beside a small waterfall.
Enjoy lunch and relax while admiring the valley views.
Dinner and overnight camping in Hapakun.
Starting point: Minapin
Trek duration: 2–3 hours
Ending point: Hapakun
Breakfast at Hapakun.
Follow the ascending trail with open views of Minapin Glacier.
Arrive at Rakaposhi Base Camp — the best viewpoint for the massive Rakaposhi north face.
Lunch at the campsite.
Explore Tagaphari meadow and nearby glacier viewpoints.
Dinner and overnight camping at Rakaposhi BC.
Starting point: Hapakun
Trek duration: 3–4 hours
Ending point: Rakaposhi Base Camp
Breakfast at RBC.
Begin crossing the rocky Kachely (Minapin) Glacier moraine — the most adventurous part of the trek.
Reach Diran Base Camp, surrounded by high glaciers and views of Diran Peak.
Lunch at the campsite.
Spend the afternoon exploring the glacier fields.
Dinner and overnight at Diran Base Camp.
Starting point: Rakaposhi BC
Trek duration: 2–3 hours
Ending point: Diran Base Camp
Breakfast at Diran BC.
Choose one of the following options:
Option A — Trek to Kachely Lake, a stunning turquoise alpine lake.
Option B — Explore Kachely Meadows for photography and peaceful walks.
Option C — Trek back to Rakaposhi Base Camp for another night.
Lunch outdoors.
Dinner and overnight at camp (Diran BC or Rakaposhi BC).
Starting point: Diran BC
Ending point: Diran BC or Rakaposhi BC
Breakfast at camp.
Descend to Hapakun and continue down to Minapin.
Arrive in Minapin Village and take a short rest.
Drive to Hunza (Karimabad).
Visit Altit Fort and Baltit Fort (time permitting).
Dinner and overnight stay in Karimabad.
Starting point: Diran BC / Rakaposhi BC
Trek duration: 5–6 hours
Ending point: Karimabad (Hunza)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Hopar Valley for views of Hopar Glacier.
Continue to Attabad Lake, Pak-China tunnels, and Passu Cones.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Drive back to Gilgit.
Dinner and overnight stay in Gilgit.
Starting point: Karimabad
Ending point: Gilgit
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Gilgit Airport for departure.
Starting point: Gilgit
Ending point: Gilgit Airport
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Accommodation on twin-sharing basis during trek and hotel stays
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trekking days
- Professional local trekking guide
- Porters for carrying camping equipment
- Camping gear including tents and sleeping mats
- Private transport from Minapin to Hunza and Gilgit
- Entry fees to forts and local sites
- Airport transfer in Gilgit
What’s Not Included
- Domestic or international flights
- Personal trekking equipment
- Personal snacks, drinks, and bottled water
- Tips for guide and porters
- Travel insurance
- Emergency rescue or evacuation
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Need to know
➔ The road journey between Gilgit and Besham is quite lengthy and the road
condition is not optimal.
➔ In the event that Babusar Top is open and the route through Naran-Kaghan valley
is taken, the road condition is improved.
➔ There are three hours set aside in the evening (6:00 pm-9:00 pm) and three hours
in the morning (7:00 am-10:00 am) for your convenience.
➔ In the North, many hotels do not have heaters, but you can request double
blankets if needed. Some hotels may also provide heating mattresses.
➔ There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Pakistan. However, if you are
taking medication for conditions like diabetes or heart problems, it is recommended
that you carry the necessary medicines in your carry-on luggage to ensure that you
have them with you in case your main luggage is delayed.
➔ During the spring and autumn seasons, the average daytime temperature in
Northern Pakistan is around 15-20 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature
is around 10-15 Celsius. In the summer, the average daytime temperature in
Northern Pakistan is around 20-30 Celsius, while the average nighttime temperature
is around 15-25 Celsius. In Islamabad, the average daytime temperature during
spring and autumn can be 25-30 Celsius, while the nighttime temperature is around
15-25 Celsius.
➔ Islamabad accepts credit cards such as Visa and Master Card, but it’s advisable
to carry cash in Pakistani Rupee while traveling outside the capital. The official
currency in Pakistan is Pakistani Rupees (PKR), and carrying a small amount of
cash can come in handy while buying snacks, fruits, drinks, or souvenirs on the way.
If you need to convert foreign currency, you can do so in Pakistan. However, it’s
important to note that any US dollars issued earlier than 1996-2009 will be
considered 15% less than their actual value. Also, torn, dirty, or stamped notes can
decrease their value by at least 10%. Therefore, it’s recommended to bring US
dollars issued after 2009 to avoid any inconvenience.
➔ When it comes to tipping, it is customary to give 4-5 USD per day to your local
guide and driver in Pakistan. However, you are free to give more based on the
quality of their service. Keep in mind that this amount may seem small to you, but it
is highly valued by the locals. As for tipping hotel and restaurant staff, it is
recommended to give at least 100 PKR directly to them if they have provided you
with any additional services that have made your stay more enjoyable. Other tipping
is at your discretion.
➔ Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the diverse and delicious
food that the region has to offer. We provide breakfast and dinner during the tour,
and the food menu is mostly similar to Indian cuisine. We offer a rotation of chicken,
beef, mutton, vegetables, rice, and soups every day. We also provide local and
Western breakfast options, along with tea. However, if you have a preference for
certain foods or get tired of the same menu every day, we recommend bringing your
comfort food such as sambal, canned food, or instant noodles.
➔ In the region, the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C (2
round pin) and type D (3 round pin) plugs are commonly used for electronic devices.
It is recommended to bring appropriate adapters for your devices if they are not
compatible with these plug types.
➔ You can find laundry facilities in many hotels and towns during the trip. However,
it’s recommended to plan ahead and choose a two-night stop to ensure you have
enough time to get your laundry done and returned to you in time.
➔ The guided tour will take you to the highest altitude of approximately 4793 meters
at the Khunjerab Pass – the border between Pakistan and China. The visit to this
place will be limited to a maximum of one hour for photography. The average
elevation in Northern Pakistan during the tour will be between 1000-2000 meters.
The highest altitude during a Trekking Tour, on the other hand, will depend on the
itinerary decided for the tour.
➔ We suggest bringing a small or medium-sized suitcase with wheels. For weight
restrictions, if you are flying with Thai Airways for your international flight, you are
allowed one checked bag of up to 25 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg. For
domestic flights with PIA Pakistan Airlines, you are allowed one checked bag
weighing up to 20 kg and a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg.
➔ It’s important to wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes with good support,
particularly if you’re planning to explore the Northern regions of Pakistan. If you’re
traveling during the spring, it’s advisable to bring along a windproof jacket, sweater,
jeans, rain jacket, scarf, cotton socks, and comfortable walking shoes. It’s also
recommended to pack some T-shirts with both long and short sleeves to protect
yourself from the strong UV rays, as well as lightweight cotton trousers.