15 Epic Places to Go Trekking in Pakistan (2022)
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Loading... - Chetana Rishi
- 27 Jun 2022
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The mountains of Pakistan are not just some of the highest in the world, but they’re undoubtedly the most beautiful. From snowcapped record-breakers to lush, rolling hills: there’s a trail in Pakistan for absolutely everyone.
But as amazing as Pakistan’s trekking places are, getting an idea of where to start can be a bit overwhelming as a beginner, even if you have plenty of experience elsewhere.
…so allow me to help you get started.
I first got acquainted with hiking in Pakistan back in 2019, and since then have spent more than 16 months of my life in this magical and misunderstood land. I’ve since logged hundreds of miles in these mountains, and now quite literally live in the mountainous Shangri La of Hunza Valley.
Ready to experience the most beautiful places of Pakistan for yourself? Let’s dive right in: these are the absolute BEST places to go trekking in Pakistan, with some must-know info, too.
Why Go Trekking in Pakistan?
Pakistan is truly a trekkers paradise. Forget Nepal, forget Peru: it’s Pakistan that will blow your mind and keep your bucket list full for ages.
The South Asian nation is home to 5 of the world’s 8000 m peaks, and it has THOUSANDS of epic trails for all preferences and ability levels.
Traveling in Pakistan is incredible for many reasons, but the sheer variety of hikes available is definitely in the top three.
Looking to see a bright blue alpine lake? Pakistan has plenty of those. Want to cross a glacier? There are only a few thousand to choose from. Seeking a viewpoint you can reach in an hour? Your options are endless.
What the country lacks in trekking infrastructure, it makes up for in raw adventure. As it’s still a solidly offbeat destination, you’ll get to enjoy the mountains of Pakistan without the crowds. Even in peak season, you can often enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery in peace and quiet.
On top of all that, Pakistan is simply amazing from top to bottom.
From the historical places of Lahore, to remote mountainous locales that lie along the Afghan border like Chapursan Valley does, you’ll never be bored here.
And there’s always something to see or do before or after your epic expedition.
15 AMAZING Treks in Pakistan
Without further ado– here are 15 of the BEST places to go hiking in Pakistan, broken down by type!
The Best Overall Places to Go Trekking in Pakistan
Some trails are just a bit more special than others, and that’s ok! Let’s start off with a bang–trekking in Pakistan doesn’t get better than this.
1. Rakaposhi Basecamp
· Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
· Days: 1-3
· Region: Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan
· Guide Needed?: No
The route to Rakaposhi Basecamp might just be my absolute favorite place to go trekking in Pakistan. The route takes you from Minapin, a picturesque village in the Nagar District of Gilgit Baltistan, to the base camp of Rakaposhi Mountain. Which at 7788 m, makes for a damn good basecamp view.
The trail to Rakaposhi Basecamp is slightly steep but very well marked and requires 0 technical skills. If you start very early, you can complete the round trip journey in just one day, but I wouldn’t recommend that.
Rakaposhi is best trekked with at least one overnight – Hapakun is the first stunning camp that you can spend the night at. Once you reach the basecamp, not only will you be rewarded with epic views of Rakaposhi, but you’ll also get to see several other peaks and the Minapin Glacier too.
2. Fairy Meadows/Nanga Parbat Basecamp
· Difficulty: Easy/Hard
· Days: 1-3
· Region: Diamer, Gilgit Baltistan
· Guide Needed?: No
If you’ve read anything about Pakistan, then you’ve undoubtedly heard about the Fairy Meadows. It’s just about the most popular attraction in the country, and attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists each and every year.
Why?
First off, you not only get to traverse one of the most dangerous roads in the world. But more importantly, you’ll get up close and personal with Nanga Parbat–one of the most beautiful mountains in Pakistan and the 9th highest peak on the planet!
The journey to Fairy Meadows begins from the Raikot Bridge, which is about an hour from Gilgit. From there, you’ll coast along the terrifying rocky road for 1.5 hours before heading out on a well-marked 2-hour hike. You’ll then arrive in the magical land of Fairy Meadows!
Of course–this being a trek in Pakistan, there’s the option to take things up a notch. Continue onwards for 2.5 hours past Beyal Camp to see the Killer Mountain up close. If you really want to get acquainted with Pakistani trails, you can continue for ANOTHER 3+ hours to Nanga Parbat Basecamp. You’re gonna want a solid hiking backpack and tent for that though!
3. Patundas
· Difficulty: Moderate
· Days: 3-4
· Region: Gojal, Upper Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan
· Guide Needed?: Yes unless you have experience with glacier crossings
Man talk about VALUE. In just 3 days, the Patundas trek will take you across one of Pakistan’s glaciers and up to a stunning 4170 m meadow that overlooks one of Asia’s most stunning landmarks – the Passu Cones.
The trek to Patundas, as the meadow is locally known, begins from the Zero Point of Borith Lake near the villages of Hussaini and Ghulkin.
While other Pakistan hikes only require you to have basic camping gear, to cross the glacier safely, you’re going to want to have some quality crampons for this trek. The first time I ever used crampons was while heading to Patundas, and I’m always excited when the opportunity arises to use them.
Because of its icy dangers, you’re going to want to take a guide and perhaps some porters along for the trek, which you can arrange in the local villages or in Central Hunza.
Patundas essentially “opens” in mid-May, though you’d find camping extremely uncomfortable without quality outdoor gear.
This is why you should plan your trip for July – the optimal season where you can even find wildflowers scattered across the meadow. Read More…
