Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek (Diran Base camp included)
We organize Rakaposhi base camp trek starting and ending in Islamabad for foreign tourists. This trek route is located in the region of Minapin Village in the Nagar Valley of Northern Areas…
- 13 Days
- Moderate
- June – September
At a glance
Overview
We organize Rakaposhi base camp trek starting and ending in Islamabad for foreign tourists. This trek route is located in the region of Minapin Village in the Nagar Valley of Northern Areas Gilgit-Baltistan. This trek has very easy access from Karakorum Highway (KKH). It is one of the easiest treks in the Karakorum that suits to all level of physical fitness and age. It gives all the taste of walking, including crossing the glacier.
This is one of the shortest and easiest treks leading to above 7000M Karakoram peaks base camps with sweeping view from Rakaposhi to Diran. The Minapin Glacier sweeps down from the 16 km long fluted snowy ridge that connects the Rakaposhi and Diran. The excellent short and easy trek from Minapin to Rakaposhi Base Camp, also known Tagaphari is ideal introduction of Karakorum trekking that is very soft adventure in the Karakorum Mountains.
It takes two to three hours from Minapin Village to Hapakun, a very pleasant and clean camp-site. The local community of porters are tourist friendly and very hardworking. It is considered better to start trekking in the morning to avoid the heat of sun. From Hapakun to Rakaposhi Base Camp it takes between 3-4 hrs of slow walking. There are also fixed camping sites for spending the nights and have access to clean water.
For Diran Base Camp one has to cross the Katchelly Glacier that takes 2-3 hrs on the moraine to go. It is optional to go and returnback in one day taking 6-7 hrs. One can go and can spend the night there and return to Tagaphari in the morning. Another option is to stay in Tagaphari and explore around Rakaposhi Base Camp.
Itinerary
13 stages over 13 days, starting and finishing in Islamabad. Routes can be shortened, extended or privately dated.
Arrival to Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the evening. Visit of largest mosque in Asia and old local Bazaar. Short briefing about Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek
Drive to Chilas (10-12 hrs) via Naran and Babusar Pass or on the Karakuram Highway. Overnight at hotel in Chilas
Continue from Chilas to Karimabad-Hunza via Gilgit. Overnight at hotel
Full day to trek to the Ultar Meadow and back to Karimabad, walk around and evening drive to Minapin village ( 2000 M). Overnight in the tents or hotel
Trek from Minapin to Hapakun 2800M (3 hours, 5.8 km and 800m ascent) It takes maximum 3 hours to reach the grassy meadows of Hapakun (2800 M) from Diran Guest house situated at Minapin Village.
Hapakun to Tagaphari 3300M (2-3 hours, 3km, 450m ascent) – a steep trail continues from Hapakun to Rakaposhi Base Camp, also known as Tagaphari. The trail eases off and contours the rocky slope for 30 minutes to a verdant bowl. You can have the view of Diran Peak, Rakaposhi and their interconnecting ice wall and finally come into full view. After reaching Tagaphari can climb the ridge to have nice view of Hunza Valley and mountains. Rakaposhi base camp trek is one of the best adventures in Pakistan. Overnight in the tent.
Trek to cross the glacier to Diran Base Camp 3700 M and takes around 3-4 hrs to walk on moraine and Glacier. Overnight in the tent
In the morning trek to Katchelly Lake 4000 M and back to camp then cross the Glacier to Tagaphari. Overnight in the tent
Trek back to Minapin 3-4 hrs then drive to Karimabad. Overnight at hotel
Day free for the local visits, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort. Overnight at hotel
What’s included
Included
- All ground transport in Pakistan as per itinerary
- Experienced native English-speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation on the road sections
- Full camping equipment and kitchen crew on trek
- All meals during the trekking / climbing period
- Porters for group and personal equipment (within weight limit)
- Trekking / climbing permits and national park fees
- Government liaison officer where required
Not included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Personal travel and high-altitude rescue insurance
- Personal climbing and trekking equipment
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Any expenses of a personal nature
These are the standard inclusions for our trekking programmes and are confirmed in writing on your final itinerary before any payment is taken.
Questions about this trip
This is graded moderate. You should be comfortable walking for several hours a day, on rough ground, across 13 Days. Porters carry the main loads; you carry a light daypack. If you tell us your recent hill days we will give you an honest answer.
The reliable window is June – September. Outside that, conditions on the route make it either unsafe or not worth the money. We can run private departures on any dates inside that window.
4 – 12 people. Smaller and private groups are available and often cost less per head than you would expect — ask us for a quote on your own dates.
Because the honest number depends on group size, dates, hotel standard and how much of the route you cover. We quote one all-in figure for your actual group rather than a headline price that grows later.
