Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi & Hunza — 14 Days

Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. A guide meets travelers and transfers them to a hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is flexible—time for rest after travel or a half- or full-day sightseeing tour of Islamabad's landmarks, which may include Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, the Government buildings on Constitution Avenue, Lok Virsa heritage museum, Saidpur village, or Daman-e-Koh viewpoint overlooking the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Departure after breakfast. A domestic flight departs for either Skardu or Gilgit, followed by a drive to Chilas; alternatively, travelers proceed by road across the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad (10–12 hours, 480 kilometers) or via Naran and Babusar Pass in the Kaghan Valley (9–11 hours, 400 kilometers). Chilas is a small bazaar town notable for its 1st-century BC petroglyphs visible from the roadside. Overnight at a hotel in Chilas.

From Chilas, the route continues to Raikot Bridge, where travelers transfer into 4x4 jeeps for the drive to Tatto village. From Tatto, a 3-hour trek ascends to Fairy Meadows at 3,300 meters. Overnight in trekking huts.

Full rest day at Fairy Meadows. An optional day hike visits Beyal and the base camp region of Nanga Parbat. Overnight in huts.

The trek descends from Fairy Meadows to Tatto Village over 3 hours, then 4x4 jeeps return to Raikot Bridge. An air-conditioned bus or car proceeds to Gilgit (1,500 meters), where sightseeing includes the bazaar and the Kargah Buddha sculptural site outside town. Optional overnight at Minapin instead. Overnight at a hotel.

An early start from Gilgit takes you north through the Karakoram landscape, with two significant stops before reaching Minapin. The first pause comes at Chalt, where the Indus River has carved through one of the world's most dramatic geological features—the continental collision point where the Indian and Eurasian plates meet. A short distance further north, Rakaposhi Viewpoint provides an unobstructed perspective of Rakaposhi Peak (7,788 meters), one of the range's most distinctive summits, rising sharply from the valley floor. Upon arrival at Minapin village (2,012 meters), you begin a day hike that visits the landscape surrounding this remote settlement. The trek follows the Minapin River through stands of juniper forest, following a well-established trail that leads to Bang-i-Das waterfall at its base. Beyond the waterfall, the path opens onto the green grasslands of Hapakun, where the terrain flattens into high meadow. From Hapakun, the northern aspects of Hachindar and Maiun peaks become visible across the valley. The cliffs above Minapin Glacier frequently host ibex, and keen observers may spot these wild mountain goats navigating the rocky terrain. The day hike totals approximately 3–4 hours of ascent and 2 hours of descent. Trek distance and pace can be adjusted according to your fitness level and preference, making this a flexible option within the itinerary. For those seeking a longer commitment to this region, multi-day extensions are available. A two-to-three-day option continues from Hapakun through verdant meadows to Tagaphari, also known as Rakaposhi Base Camp (3,261 meters). This extended trek traverses a rocky ridge above Minapin Glacier, with views of both Diran and Rakaposhi framing the landscape. Wildflower meadows and alpine bird life characterize the higher sections. From Tagaphari, a return descent takes 2–3 hours back to Minapin, from where you can continue by vehicle to Karimabad, the main town of Hunza Valley. Those choosing the extended option can visit Karimabad Bazaar in the afternoon before settling into a hotel overnight. Alternatively, the standard itinerary concludes with dinner and overnight accommodation in a guesthouse in Minapin itself, allowing for an early departure the following day or additional acclimatization time at altitude.

A short drive from Minapin brings you to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza Valley, a region of extraordinary character and history. The morning is spent exploring Karimabad Bazaar and Baltit Fort, the commanding structure that sits at the heart of Hunza's story. Baltit Fort was built more than 700 years ago by porters accompanying a Balti bride to the then-Mir of Hunza. Its design reflects Ladakhi construction traditions, with a maze of rooms gradually added over centuries to serve as both the administrative headquarters and residential seat of the Mirs—the ruling dynasty whose lineage lasted over 600 years. The fort's indigenous woodwork and strategic location on a prospect point provide sweeping views across Hunza and the neighboring valleys below. Following decades of neglect, the Aga Khan Foundation Cultural Board undertook careful reconstruction, restoring the fort to its original grandeur. Today it functions as a museum, housing a notable collection of artifacts and traditional musical instruments that offer insight into Hunza's cultural heritage. The valley itself warrants attention. Its terraced orchards yield abundant apricots, peaches, pears and grapes during summer months, while snow-capped peaks frame the landscape year-round. Hunza's fame extends beyond its scenery: the region is widely known for the longevity of its inhabitants, attributed to their simple lifestyle, natural diet, and the unpolluted mountain air. Tibetan traders once called this place "Shangri-La"—a description that feels apt when witnessing the convergence of greenery and mountains that defines the valley. Late in the afternoon, you drive to Duikar to watch the sunset from the viewpoint above Eagle's Nest hotel, a fitting conclusion to the day. Overnight accommodation is in Karimabad, Altit, or Duikar.

Morning walk along traditional water channels to observe local life and meet residents. After lunch, visit to Ganish village, one of the oldest settlements on the Karakoram Highway, originally a single cluster that has expanded into seven distinct dwelling groups. Ganish was strategically located where the Silk Road split toward Uighur China (Xinjiang); the Aga Khan Cultural Service restored three key structures: Pharee (a historic water pond), Sawab Ha (a 400-year-old house of benediction—UNESCO Heritage Award winner in 2009—featuring two rooms with carved wooden elements), and Jataq (a communal open space). The settlement also includes restored mosques. Altit Fort, visible from the village, served as a defensive position and winter residence of the Mirs. Overnight in Karimabad, Altit, or Duikar.

Today traces a route across the Nagar Valley to Hoper Glacier, offering a perspective on this region from the opposite side of the river to Hunza. The valley provides opportunity to meet Nagar's residents and understand the area's distinct character. A walk toward Hoper Glacier extends about 1 hour each way, allowing closer approach to the glacier itself. Nagar holds deep historical significance. An independent principality for 1,200 years, it was ruled by successive Tham (Chiefs) until 1974. During the British campaign of 1889–1892, the region saw conflict at Nilt (Jangir-e-Laye), where the Tham Azur Khan fought but was ultimately defeated due to lack of weapons and exiled to Kashmir. Earlier, before the kingdoms divided, Nagar and Hunza were collectively known as Buroshall, with their capital at Capal Dongs. Following the reign of Miyor Khan, his sons split the territory, establishing the river as a border: Muglot became king of Nagar, and Kirkis became king of Hunza. From Nagar, the route returns to the main Karakoram Highway and travels northward toward Gulmit and Passu in Upper Hunza. Along the way, a stop at the sacred carved rocks near Haldeikish offers encounter with one of the region's most significant archaeological sites. Archaeologist A. H. Dani called these rocks "the guest book of the Silk Route"—a fitting description, as they record 2,000 years of travelers' passages along the road to and from China. The inscriptions span multiple scripts: Kharoshthi, Brahmi, Gupta, Sogdian, and Tibetan. Rock carvings near Ganish village feature human and animal figures, evidence of the area's Buddhist heritage. The route continues past Attabad Lake, formed by a catastrophic 2010 landslide that destroyed an entire village and swept away the main road. For several years afterward, travelers crossed by boat. A newly constructed highway now traverses the area, allowing uninterrupted passage. Gulmit, located at approximately 2,703 meters (8,871 feet), serves as Gojal's largest settlement and sits halfway between Gilgit and the Khunjerab Pass, some 35 kilometers from Hunza proper. The town once functioned as the summer capital of the former Hunza state and remains a picturesque base. The settlement offers fine walks along irrigation channels that characterize the area. Kamaris, the highest village nearby, provides striking views back toward the distinctive Passu spires. For those interested in fortifications and archaeology, Andra Fort—situated on a dramatic mount above old Gulmit—presents ruins of a collective defense structure built during the late 17th century, when Hunza-Nagar conflicts were frequent. The ruins speak to the strategic importance of the location and offer dramatic views; reaching the site requires approximately 30 minutes from Kamaris. Overnight remains in Gulmit or Passu.

This day balances high-altitude natural wonders with cultural exploration in one of Hunza's most distinctive valleys. Begin with a morning visit to Passu Glacier, where the ice presents the characteristic white, deeply creased appearance of an active glacier—a striking contrast to the rock-covered glaciers common elsewhere in the region. Seven peaks above 7,500 meters rise behind it in a jagged line; several remain unclimbed and are marked by number rather than name on maps. Multiple hiking options thread through this landscape: routes between the glacier and lake, or longer walks from Gulmit village toward Borith Lake, Kamaris village, and Andra Fort, depending on fitness and available time. Borith Lake, one of Gilgit Baltistan's highest lakes, sits in a landscape dominated by mountains, glaciers, meadows, and wetlands. The lake formed from glacial melt and has no outlet; the nearby Ghulkin and Passu glaciers cause measurable seasonal fluctuations in its water level. Silence and clear air characterize the setting. From Upper Borith, views extend across the water to Passu Glacier and village, while Ultar peak (6,735 meters) and Borit Sar dominate the far shore. The lake hosts thousands of migratory birds during spring and autumn seasons (February to June and September to November), offering both visual spectacle and educational observation. The afternoon turns toward Gulmit's cultural sites. Gulmit Museum occupies a local house and holds a unique collection of Hunza history: traditional wooden bowls and spoons, farm implements, woolen coats, embroidered hats, shawls, and a mix of the Last Supper. The Old Gulmit House stands at the north end of the polo ground, a former summer residence of the Mir of Hunza and once used as his winter base. During the British expedition to Hunza, officers were hosted here for a feast; today the building operates as a carpet-weaving training center for women, preserving traditional craft skills. The polo grounds themselves remain a focal point of village life. Depending on time and interest, you may also visit Passu or Ghulkin village, each offering their own perspective on valley settlement and mountain culture. Overnight accommodation is in Gulmit or Passu.

Drive north to Sost, then onward to Khunjerab Pass at 4,733 meters—the highest paved border crossing in the world. The pass marks the Pakistan-China border and the continental watershed; water on the Pakistani side flows to the Indian Ocean, while Chinese-side water enters the Taklimakan Desert (literally, 'If you go in you don't come out'). Signage marks the transition: red characters announce 'China drive right'; green letters read 'Pakistan drive left.' The Khunjerab region encompasses four historic passes (Kilik, Mintaka, Khunjerab, and Shimshal), all crossed for thousands of years by traders and travelers. Scenery differs markedly between the two sides. Sost, the last Pakistani village on the Karakoram Highway at 2,700 meters and 206 kilometers from Gilgit, houses the Pakistani immigration and customs post. The area around the pass comprises a national park where Marco Polo sheep (ovis ammon poli), Siberian ibex, and occasionally snow leopard can be observed. Return to Gilgit in late afternoon. Optional alternative: skip Khunjerab Pass and arrange a different day activity such as a day hike in the Gulmit or Passu area, a boat ride on Attabad Lake, or sightseeing in villages en route to Gilgit.

Early departure to catch a domestic flight from Gilgit (or Skardu) to Islamabad. If the flight is cancelled or overland travel is preferred, the journey takes a full driving day, or can be split over two days with an overnight stop. Upon arrival in Islamabad, the afternoon remains flexible. Rest at your leisure, or pursue optional sightseeing. The Lok Virsa Folk & Heritage Museum offers insight into Pakistan's living traditions. Saidpur village—a restored Mughal settlement—provides atmosphere and local craftsmanship, provided you have not yet visited on Day 1. For those drawn to deeper history, Taxila warrants consideration. Taxila dates to the Gandhara period and contains the ruins of Takṣaśilā, an important Hindu and Buddhist center that remains religiously and historically significant. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Taxila comprises multiple archaeological locations spanning centuries of settlement and trade. Historically, Takṣaśilā occupied a position of strategic importance, lying at the crossroads of three major ancient routes. The Uttarāpatha—the northern road, later formalized as the Grand Trunk Road—connected Gandhara in the west to Magadha and its capital Pāṭaliputra in the Ganges valley to the east. A northwestern route linked through Bactria, Kāpiśa, and Puṣkalāvatī. The third was the Indus River route, ascending from Kashmir and Central Asia through Śrinagara, Mansehra, and the Haripur valley before crossing the Khunjerab Pass toward the Silk Road to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. That same Khunjerab Pass—traversed in antiquity—now forms part of the modern Karakoram Highway.

A flexible day accommodating potential flight delays or changes in travel plans. If the domestic flight on Day 12 was cancelled, travel by road can be split over this day, driving from Gilgit to Besham or Naran and completing the journey to Islamabad the following day. Alternatively, if already in Islamabad, the day can be spent at leisure or dedicated to additional sightseeing: visits to Rawalpindi, Taxila (if not completed on Day 12), or Rohtas Fort are available.

Depending on your flight departure time, we'll adjust the final morning accordingly. If time allows, enjoy a half- or full-day of sightseeing in and around Islamabad. Otherwise, a simple airport transfer will see you off. End of our services—we hope you've had a great trip.