Fast facts
Country Visited
Pakistan
Visas
Yes*
Vaccinations
Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information
Singles
A single supplement is not always possible on this trip. In many instances campsite size is limited and it will be necessary to share with another team member. This also applies to mountaineering expeditions. Single supplement in hotels is available. Please contact Shams Alpine Mountaineering & Trekking Pvt Ltd for specific detail, relevant to your trip.
Entry points
Hunza can be reached from Islamabad by plane to Gilgit city or else by road along the Karakoram Highway to Hunza. Another way is by road from Tashkurgan, China on the Karakoram Highway through Khunjerab National Park and the Old Silk Route to Hunza valley.
Leader
Discover the spectacular hidden Karakoram with English speaking,
world renowned Shimshali mountain guides
Adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you contact us with any concerns. We are happy to answer any questions.
Responsible travel
The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimize the impact of our presence.
Rakaposhi and Diran Base Camp Trek
Trip Duration: 11 days
Season: May – October
Grade: Easy entry level & exploratory trek
Activities: Trekking & exploring the traditional valleys and Tour from Gilgit to Hunza
Accommodation: 12days trip, 05 days trek, 07 or 08 nights hotel, 04 nights camping
Tour from Gilgit Airport to get to the Trek start at Minapin.
On your drive/tour from Gilgit to Karimabad, Hunza and onto Karimabad (along the KKH and a section of the ancient Silk Road) you will enjoy some of the most outstanding scenery in Northern Pakistan. The Gilgit River and terraces of farmland will be beside you as you drive north. You will stop and enjoy the views of the junction of the Western edge of the Himalayas with the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. You will stop at the base of Rakaposhi (7,788m) and gaze up the Ghulmet Glacier at the highest unbroken slope on earth 5,838m above you. You will explore beautiful Karimabad with its delicious apricots (in the right season) and the famous Baltit Fort. On the KKH drive through picturesque villages and farmland along the Hunza river to the village of Minapin where your trek will begin.
About this Trek and Tour
Hunza is one of the most popular destinations in Northern Pakistan known for its open and friendly people where tourists are welcomed and landscapes are spectacular. “The ultimate manifestation of mountain grandeur” is how Eric Shipton described it. It is an area of rich history with much for the trekker tourist to see and do. You can also explore for gems in the hills.
Rakaposhi 7,788m is most famous peak in the area, it is located in the Rakaposhi-Haramosh range which forms the south-western corner of the Karakoram and is part of the Lesser Karakoram. The mountain is extremely broad measuring almost 20km from East to West. It is the only peak on earth that drops directly, uninterrupted, for almost 6,000m from the summit to the base. The peak also holds significant value to Geologists as it is the prow of the Eurasian land mass with Nanga Parbat representing the prow of the Indian land mass.
In local Burushaski language Rakaposhi means “Shining Wall” (not to be confused with Gasherbrum I which also means “Shining Wall” in the local Balti language).
The base of this peak offers an excellent short trek from Minapin village to Rakaposhi Base Camp, known locally as Tagaphari, it is an ideal introduction to Karakoram trekking. Easily accessible from the KKH, the trek follows a good trail, offers sweeping vistas of Rakaposhi and Diran 7,266m and breathtaking views into the wide crevassed mass of gleaming ice that is the Minapin Glacier. This trek is the standard route to the base camps of both peaks. This is a short, safe and extremely scenic hike and is recommended for beginning trekkers.
Short Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Islamabad 600m – Hotel
Day 02 Fly to Gilgit 1,450m or (drive to Chilas) – Hotel
Day 03 Drive to Karimabad, Hunza 2,400m – Hotel
Day 04 Spare day for resting, exploring Karimabad, shopping, apricots & walnut cakes – Hotel
Day 05 Drive to Minapin Valley & Trek to Hapakun 2,800m – Camp
Day 06 Trek to Tagaphari 3,261m – Camp
Day 07 Trek to Diran Base camp 3,700m – Camp
Day 08 Trek back to Tagaphari 3,300m – Camp
Day 09 Walk down to Minapin and drive to Gilgit – Hotel
Day 10 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas – Hotel
Day 11 Day free in Islamabad or second day of drive to Islamabad – Hotel
Day 12 Departure from Islamabad to home – Hotel (optional depending on departure time).
Our Services Include
An experienced English speaking high altitude Guide.
Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner), cooking and eating utensils and mess tent.
Wages for guides, cook and porters.
Good quality accommodation in cities and towns in twin bed shared rooms. Single room supplement is available.
Internal Jeep transport by private vehicle.
Tented camps on shared basis while trekking.
Porters will carry your large pack – one waterproof kit bag per client, – weight not to exceed 15kgs.
Excess baggage will incur extra porter wage.
Camping Fees.
Safety equipment included and medical kit.
Invitation letter for travel to Pakistan to assist your visa application.
Our Service does not include
Bottled water, aerated drinks, alcohol, laundry and other items of personal nature
Meals except where indicated in the itinerary
Personal snacks, energy bars, energy gels, sweets
Personal gear, sleeping bags, ice axe, crampons, and harness
Personal phone calls and laundry
Tips
International airfares, Travel Insurance, Airport and departure taxes.
Single supplement
Medications, ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
Any other service not mentioned in this condition sheet.
Guides and porters
Our local guides and porters are all experienced, handpicked and trained by Shaheen Baig and Qudrat Ali (directors of Shams Alpine) to ensure that our clients have the best opportunity for success with comfort. A porter will carry your kit bag and you will be expected to carry your own day pack which should be large enough to carry all you will need throughout the day e.g. sunscreen, raincoat, water bottle, camera, spare long sleeved clothing, snow protection glasses, sun protection gloves, hat and scarves, snack food, etc.
