12 DAYS RAKAPOSHI AND DIRAN PEAK TREKKING

Day 1: Arrival IN ISLAMABAD

Your Guide will meet and welcome you at the airport, and then you will be moved to the hotel.

Day 2: ISLAMABAD TO CHILAS

Drive for Chilas utilizing Babusar Top, Kaghan Valley, lodging at Chilas.

Day 3: DRIVE TO MINAPIN- 7 hours

You will proceed along the Indus and Hunza Stream to Minapin. You will appreciate a marvelous perspective on Mount Rakaposhi. Minapin is a little, comfortable town and the beginning stage for both Rakaposhi and Diran Peaks.

Day 4: Journey TO TAGAFARI- 4 hours

A lofty path proceeds from Hapakun to Tagaphari. Moving delicately through the glade, the path leads to the breezy edge top, where Diran, Rakaposhi, and their interconnecting ice divider at long last come into full view.

Day 05: Tagafari to Rakaposhi BC

Trek to Rakaposhi BC.  A narrow field between the lateral moraine and Rakaposhi is generally referred to as Rakaposhi Base Camp.

Day 06: Tagafari to Rakaposhi BC

Trek to the Basecamp is an awesome walk. You will walk 3 hours to reach the foot of Diran (7270m). From Diran, journeying south-east up the valley towards the Icy mass carries you to the Ice sheet, close underneath Diran.

Day 07:  Rakaposhi to Hapakun

Descend to Hapakun for about 2 hrs for an overnight stay in camp.

Day 8: Hunza

Early in the morning, drive to Karimaba,d the capital of Hunza, after lunch visit Baltit and Altit forts, walk-in village, and explore the area. Evening drive to Duiker Viewpoint for sunset photography.

Day 9: Karimabad – Chilas

We will drive back to Gilgit, and then drive to Chilas via KKH

Day 10:  Islamabad

10 to 12-hour drive to reach Islamabad

Day 11:  Departure

Our staff will provide transfer and assistance at departure and say bon voyage for your onward journey.

What is the Rakaposhi & Diran Peak Base Camp Trek?
This trek leads to the base camps of two majestic Karakoram giants — Rakaposhi (7,788 m) and Diran Peak (7,266 m) — via alpine meadows and glacier moraines in the Hunza and Nagar Valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The trek off-shoots from the Minapin Valley, offering sweeping views of both peaks, lush green pastures, and glacier scenery.

How long is the trek?
Typical tour itineraries run about 13–14 days from Islamabad return, including travel, trekking, and return. The actual trekking portion to Rakaposhi Base Camp and optional Diran Base Camp spans several days with camping en route.

Where does the trek start?
The trek generally begins from Minapin Village (~2,000 m) in Nagar Valley (near Hunza), accessed by road from Gilgit or Karimabad via the Karakoram Highway.

What is the difficulty level of the trek?
This is considered one of the easier Himalayan/Karakoram treks in Pakistan — easy to moderate — suitable for fit walkers with basic multi-day trekking experience. Trails are generally clear with defined campsites, though the optional Diran Base Camp involves longer glacier travel on moraines.

What is the best time to do this trek?
The ideal trekking season is May to September when snow has melted, mountain views are clear, and the pastures are lush. Outside this period, snow and weather conditions can make it difficult or unsafe.

Do I need a guide?
A licensed local guide and support team (porters for gear) are recommended — especially for remote sections, glacier crossings to Diran Base Camp, and logistics. Tour operators usually handle this as part of the package.

What permits are required?
Trekking in these valleys doesn’t require the more stringent restricted permits needed for some high Karakoram regions, but local trekking registration/authorisation through a licensed tour operator is typical. Your operator will manage this.

What scenery and views can I expect?
Expect panoramic views of Rakaposhi and Diran peaks, the sweeping Minapin Glacier, alpine meadows, yak pastures, juniper forests, and rugged glacial moraine landscapes. Dawn and dusk alpenglow on the peaks are highlights for photographers.

What is the highest altitude reached?
Rakaposhi Base Camp (also called Tagaphari) sits around 3,200–3,300 m and Diran Base Camp is around 3,700 m — relatively moderate for the Karakoram, yet still at high altitude.

How long are the daily trekking sections?
Typical trekking days involve 3–6 hours of walking, depending on the camp to camp stage, terrain, and your pace.

Is the route technically difficult?
No technical climbing equipment is required for the basic Rakaposhi Base Camp trek. The optional portion to Diran Base Camp includes glacier moraine travel, which is manageable with a guide but requires careful footing.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Since the trek goes above 3,000 m, mild altitude effects (headache, fatigue) can occur. The itinerary typically includes gradual ascent and rest days to help with acclimatisation. Stay hydrated and communicate with your guide if symptoms arise.

Where do trekkers sleep along the route?
Camping is used along the trekking route (Hapakun, Tagaphari/Rakaposhi Base Camp, potentially Diran Base Camp). Before and after the trek you usually stay in hotels or guesthouses in Gilgit, Karimabad, or Minapin.

Are meals included?
Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are commonly included during trekking and travel days as part of tour packages. Confirm specific inclusions when booking.

What weather should I expect?
Summer weather in the valleys is generally stable, but afternoons can bring clouds or light showers. Nights are cool even in summer at higher camps. Snow and unstable weather outside the May–September window are possible.

Is the trek suitable for beginners?
Yes — this trek is widely regarded as one of the easiest Karakoram base camp treks, making it suitable for trekkers with good fitness and basic multi-day hiking experience.

What gear should I bring?
Essentials include good trekking boots, layered clothing for variable temperatures, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF), water bottle, trekking poles, headlamp, and a warm sleeping bag for camping.

Is mobile phone signal available?
Mobile coverage is limited to lower valleys and villages; signal is often absent at higher camps. Operators may use satellite phones or radios for emergencies.

Can I hike to Diran Peak Base Camp?
Yes — many itineraries include an optional trek to Diran Base Camp by crossing the Katchelly Glacier; this can be done as a long day return or with an overnight at Diran Camp.

What cultural experiences are included?
The route takes you through Minapin Village and Hunza/Nagar valleys, where you can experience local Balti hospitality, village lifestyles, and traditional mountain culture.

Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes — travel and trekking insurance that covers medical evacuation and high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended.

What makes this trek special?
This trek combines spectacular mountain viewpoints, glacier proximity, easy-to-moderate terrain, and cultural immersion — making it ideal for both first-time trekkers and seasoned hikers who want a shorter Karakoram base camp experience.

Services Included

• Liaison with the Ministry of Tourism in Islamabad for the climbing permit process, providing the appointed Liaison officer’s measurements for his prescribed kit.
• Process during import/export permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
• Clearance of cargo before the arrival of the team and its storage.
• Assistance upon arrival/departure.
• Official Briefing/Debriefing.
• Hotel accommodation in Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Chilas.
• All meals during the trek and at B.C. as per the itinerary.
• Porterage of 75 kg per person of expedition equipment and high altitude food, etc., to the B.C., and 50 kg per person on return from B.C.
• Road transfers between the airport/hotel and within the city as per the itinerary.
• Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess, kitchen, and toilet tent with tables/field stools and camping ground fees.
• Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel, and related community gear.
• Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, cook, and assistant(s).
• Insurance for our field staff and low-altitude porters (except for helicopter rescue).
• Porterage at airports, hotels, toll taxes, and parking fees, etc.
• Mail handling/forwarding to B.C./overseas except for postage charges.
• Reconfirmation of air tickets.
• Hiring of HAPs, mail runner(s), and any other crew as per requirement. (Wages and kit to be arranged by the team).

Services not Included

• International & domestic airfare, airport tax, and excess baggage charges.
• High altitude porters/any crew above B.C.
• Helicopter emergency rescue fees (refundable if not used)
• High altitude tents, sleeping bags, personal and climbing equipment of any kind beyond base camp, including high altitude food and oxygen.
• Medications, ground evacuations, and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
• Room services, laundry, beverages, phone/communication bills, and items of a personal nature.
• Insurance liability of member (s) and other under force majeure conditions.
• Climbing Permit, Pollution and Environmental fee, or any other payment required to be paid to Pakistan’s Government.
• Clearing agent charges.
• Members climb gears
• Member’s personal insurance
• High altitude food
• High altitude porter
• Any other service not mentioned in the above list

Budget-Friendly Tour and Trekking

All our tours and treks are budget-friendly, without compromising comfort or service quality. At Visit in Pakistan, we take pride in delivering reliable service, which is why many clients choose to travel with us again. Moreover, our premium services are equally appreciated by corporate groups, business travelers, and high-profile clients. From affordable adventures to luxury experiences, our Five 8,000 m Base Camp Trek is a perfect example of the quality we offer.

Experienced Local Team for Your Journey

Our certified mountain guides and porters are born and raised in Baltistan. Therefore, they know every rock, glacier, and trail. With decades of experience, they make your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable.

Tailor-Made Itineraries

We customize each itinerary to match your schedule, budget, and interests. From flight bookings to basecamp logistics, our team manages everything. As a result, you can focus entirely on enjoying the TREK and tour experience.

Safety and 24/7 Backup Support

Your safety and comfort come first. In addition, we provide full backup support, including rescue coordination, reliable transportation, and on-ground communication. This ensures peace of mind throughout your adventure.