Mountains of Pakistan

Upon arriving at Islamabad International Airport, you'll be greeted by the Adventure On team and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, spend the day exploring Islamabad, a city that beautifully blends natural landscapes with modern infrastructure. Visit the Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia, nestled against the Margalla Hills, and then head to Daman-e-Koh for panoramic views of the city and its surrounding mountains. Explore the Pakistan Monument and take a leisurely walk around the Shakarparian Hills, where you can enjoy serene surroundings and more stunning vistas. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Pakistani dishes such as biryani and seekh kebabs. Afterward, return to your hotel for an overnight stay, resting up for your journey to Skardu the following day.

ACCOMMODATION: 5-Star Hotel Islamabad

 MEALS: (L,D)

After breakfast on Day 2, take an early morning flight to Skardu (included), a journey that is often considered one of the most stunning flights in the world, offering breathtaking views of the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range. 

Upon arrival in Skardu, check in at your hotel and then head out to explore the town. Start with a walk through the local Skardu Bazaar, where you can discover traditional Baltistani crafts, textiles, and unique souvenirs. 

Next, we will visit the nearby Organic Village on the Indus river banks, renowned for its sustainable farming practices and fresh, local produce. In the evening, enjoy some leisure time to relax at your hotel, gaze across the Indus River or, explore the city further. End the day with a delicious dinner at your hotel, and enjoy a restful night in Skardu.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel Skardu MEALS: (B,L,D)

On Day 3, after breakfast, embark on a scenic drive and arduous hike to Marsur Rock, an ancient site known for its historical carvings and serene surroundings. 

After a brutal 1000m climb, over 3hrs of hiking, make sure to take time to explore the rock, learning about its cultural significance while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. 

Next, head to Riverside Resort for a relaxing lunch, where you can savor delicious local dishes while soaking in the stunning views. Afterward, drive back to Skardu to unwind and relax. 

If you're up for it, take an optional evening hike to the Skardu Fort, which offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding valley. Conclude the day with a restful overnight stay at your hotel in Skardu.

DISTANCE: 10 km 

HIKE TIME: 5 hours

ALTITUDE GAIN: 990 meters MEALS: (B,L,D)

On Day 4, after breakfast, we begin our scenic drive to Raikot Bridge, passing through the famous Rondu Gorge along the Indus River, offering awe-inspiring views. 

From Raikot, we take a thrilling jeep ride that will take us up to the breathtaking Fairy Meadows. Upon arrival, at the end of the road, we don our packs and head into the wilderness. A tough 1000m climb over 3 hours to the small mountain village Fairy Meadows. 

Upon arriving we check into a local eco-lodge, where we'll set up camp and settle in. Afterward, take a short walk around the area to fully appreciate the stunning views of Nanga Parbat, one of the highest peaks in the world. In the evening, relax by a bonfire under the clear, starlit sky, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Fairy Meadows. We'll spend the night here, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

DISTANCE: 6 km 

HIKE TIME: 4 hours 

ALTITUDE GAIN: 920 metres

ACCOMMODATION: Remote Camp, Fairy Meadows

MEALS: (B,L,D)

On Day 5, we begin the day with an early morning trek, embarking on a challenging but rewarding hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp. The trek offers stunning views as we approach the base camp, where we are treated to close-up views of Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world. After taking in the magnificent scenery, we enjoy a well-deserved lunch before beginning our descent back to Raikot Bridge. 

This trek is 400m of elevation gain, before a 20km 1500m descent to Tato where we will rejoin our jeeps and travel back to the Indus River Valley. 

From there, we transfer to the Gilgit Valley, making our way towards Gilgit. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel for a restful night, where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner to recharge for the next day's adventures.

DISTANCE: 22 km 

HIKE TIME: 6 hours 

ALTITUDE GAIN: 400 metres

ACCOMMODATION: Gilgit Serena Hotel

MEALS: (B,L,D)

Spend the day exploring the city and its surrounding attractions. Next, wander through the lively Gilgit Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional Baltistani crafts and local souvenirs. Don't miss the historic Shah Farid Mausoleum and the iconic Gilgit Bridge, both of which provide a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture.

We will regroup for an evening meal, where you can savor local delicacies and reflect on the day's adventures. Afterward, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Gilgit, resting and preparing for the journey ahead.

ACCOMMODATION: Gilgit Serena Hotel

MEALS: (B,L,D)

On Day 7, after breakfast, we drive to the picturesque Nagar Valley, known for its lush landscapes and dramatic views of Rakaposhi, the 27th highest mountain in the world. From Nagar, we begin a challenging 10 km trek towards Rakaposhi Base Camp, which involves a 1,500-meter climb over the course of 4–5 hours. 

Upon reaching the base camp, we set up our camp and take in the breathtaking views of Rakaposhi's towering peak and the surrounding glaciers. For those eager for more adventure, an optional short hike to a higher viewpoint offers even more stunning vistas of the Rakaposhi glacier and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. In the evening, we relax in this serene and tranquil environment at the foot of Rakaposhi (7,788 meters), taking in the beauty of our remote mountain surroundings. 

We will spend the night camping at Rakaposhi Base Camp, enjoying the quiet and the incredible natural beauty of this high-altitude location.

DISTANCE: 11 km 

HIKE TIME: 4-5 hours 

ALTITUDE GAIN: 1500 metres

ACCOMMODATION:  Rakaposhi Base Camp

MEALS: (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we’ll begin our climb across the glacier, making our way to Diran Base Camp, located at the foot of the majestic 7,200-meter Diran Peak. 

The trek takes about 5 hours round trip and involves crossing the glacier, offering stunning views and the thrilling experience of navigating over 30-meter deep crevasses. Unlike the more challenging glacier sections near Hakapun, this part is walkable, providing an exciting adventure for those looking to test their skills. 

The hike is both memorable and rewarding, with the beauty of the landscape making it well worth the effort. After completing the trek, we’ll return to Hakapun Camp at Rakaposhi Base Camp for a restful evening, surrounded by the tranquil mountain environment.

DISTANCE: 9 km 

HIKE TIME: 5-6 hours 

ALTITUDE GAIN: 600 metres

ACCOMMODATION:  Rakaposhi Base Camp

MEALS: (B,L,D)

After breakfast on Day 9, we begin the day with a morning exploration of Rakaposhi Base Camp and its surrounding glaciers, taking in the stunning views of the towering peaks and pristine landscapes. Following our exploration, we start the 1,500-meter descent back down to Nagar Valley, retracing our steps through the dramatic terrain. In the afternoon, we pause to rest and enjoy a delicious organic meal at Minapin, where we can unwind while overlooking the serene Hunza River. 

Later, we head to the Rakaposhi View Point Hotel, where we’ll spend the night in comfort, enjoying a peaceful evening with panoramic views of the mountains and reflecting on the adventure of the past days.

DISTANCE: 10 km 

HIKE TIME: 6 hours 

ALTITUDE LOSS: 1500 metres

ACCOMMODATION:  Rakaposhi View Hotel

MEALS: (B,L,D)

On Day 10, after breakfast, we depart from Rakaposhi View Hotel and drive a short distance up the Gilgit Valley, crossing the bridge at Passu Cones, one of the most stunning stretches of road with spectacular views. We then take a scenic jeep ride to Gilgit, enjoying the dramatic landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Gilgit, we check in to our hotel and take some time to rest and recharge. In the evening, you have the option to explore the local markets, offering a variety of traditional crafts and souvenirs, or simply relax at your hotel.

After an adventurous few days in the mountains, we spend the night in Gilgit, reflecting on the incredible journey.

OPTIONAL HIKE: Passu Ghar Hut is a stunning out and back hike to the White Glacier with incredible views over the Hunza Valley. A 2 hour 8, kilometre hike. 

ACCOMMODATION:  Gilgit Serena Hotel

MEALS: (B,L,D)

On Day 11, after breakfast, we transfer to Gilgit Airport for your flight (included) to Islamabad or onward travel. As you depart, you’ll carry with you the unforgettable memories of your incredible trek through Northern Pakistan, having witnessed stunning landscapes, serene alpine meadows, and the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range.

It’s the end of an adventure that has taken you through some of the most beautiful and remote regions of the world, leaving you with a sense of awe and appreciation for this spectacular part of the world.

MEALS: (B)