Rakaposhi and Rash Lake: 3 week camping and hiking trip in Northern Pakistan

Massive mountain peaks, coated with snow and connected by glaciers as far as the eye can see. Green lush valleys covered in blossoms and penetrated by fierce unforgiving rivers. Mighty forts looking over the fertile lands of once isolated princely states. The land of mythical creatures such as the snow leopard, pallas’ cat and fearless predators such as wolves and bears. Hunza Valley has long been a faraway land full of tales and legends, unreachable for the rest of the world and protected from outsiders by dangerous mountain cliffs. Since the opening of the Karakoram Highway it has slowly been discovered by outsiders, although most of the tourists are still Pakistani nationals.

Your Pakistan adventure will begin in Islamabad from which you will take a scenic flight over the snow-capped mountains of the north and then arrive in Gilgit (in case of canceled flights we drive for two days). From Gilgit it’s another beautiful drive to Karimabad, a beautiful small town in the heart of the Hunza Valley and home to the legendary Altit and Baltit Fort. You will have time to discover the forts as well as the old historical part of Karimabad near the Hunza River. Next on the agenda is Minapin Village from where we’ll trek all the way to the base camp of the legendary Rakaposhi Mountain. We will have one of the most beautiful treks in the north of Pakistan going to Diran Peak base camp, admiring the majestic Minapin glacier and visit Kacheli Lake before going back to Karimabad while driving on the famous Karakoram Highway. In Karimabad we will use our time to visit the remaining points of interests and you’ll have the chance to get to know everything about local culture and history.

Next on the agenda is the stunning Hoppar Valley, which is as beautiful as the Hunza Valley. We will trek to Bericho Kor (3.300 m), continue to Rash Lake (4.700 m) and then climb Rash Peak after which we’ll trek all the way to Phahi Phari (3.450 m), crossing two glaciers on our way to Hamdar and finally back to Hoppar after which we’ll be back in Karimabad. We will then go to the Ultar Meadow. Ultar is a dramatic mountain of 7.388 m high and is surrounded by glaciers and granite rock formations. The top is believed to once have been the home to a fairy queen living in a crystal palace. The trek is a beautiful day trip and in the evening we’ll stay in Karimabad again. The following day the famous Khunjerab Pass is on the menu, we will stop at Borith Lake and if you dare you can cross the Hussani Suspension Bridge. Not for the faint-hearted! On our last day we will visit Naltar Lake and the 800 year old Kargah Buddha and then drive to Islamabad through Besham. We’ll have two days of driving, but there is plenty to see and we’ll make enough stops to enjoy the landscape and discover little gems along the way. Once in Islamabad you’ll have a free day which can be used for PCR-testing and a buffer day in case of any delays.

The itinerary is based on midrange hotels, but can be upgraded to luxury hotels in which we try to use Serena as much as possible, which are still the best hotels in the country. Please, contact us for a quotation.

Included:
– Transport as described in the itinerary.
– Midrange accommodation throughout the whole stay.
– All meals during camping and trekking. Not in the hotels of Karimabad and Islamabad.
– Professional, government-licensed English speaking local guide.
– Porters and cook where needed with their salary, food, accommodation and insurance included.
– All camping and cooking equipment, although you can bring your own.
– All entrance fees and camping fees.

Not included:
– International flights
– Extra porters
– Sleeping bag
– Tips and gratuities
– Anything which is not mentioned in the costs

Day 1: arrival at Islamabad and transfer to hotel
Day 2: Flight to Gilgit (driving in case of cancelation)
Day 3: Free day in Karimabad to discover the town
Day 4: Drive to Minapin Village, Rakaposhi Base Camp
Day 5: Diran Peak Base camp, Minapin Glacier
Day 6: Kacheli Lake
Day 7: Back to Minapin and then Karimabad
Day 8: Rest day in Karimabad and visit to the forts.
Day 9: Hoppar Valley and Bericho Kor
Day 10: Rash Lake
Day 11: Rash Peak, Phahi Phari
Day 12: Trek to Hamdar and glacier crossing
Day 13: Back to Hoppar and overnight in Karimabad
Day 14: Ultar Meadow
Day 15: Khunjerab Pass, Borith Lake, Hussani suspension Bridge
Day 16: Naltar Lake, Gilgit overnight
Day 17: Besham
Day 18: Islamabad
Day 19: Free day in Islamabad
Day 20: Flight back home

Price:
1 person: 6.499 usd
2 persons: 3.799 usd per person
3 persons: 3.499 usd per person
4 persons: 3.149 usd per person
**Single supplement: 490 usd

Our mountain specialists:

Hailing from Karimabad, Hunza, Safdar speaks English and Spanish. Safdar is an expert mountaineer and guide for over three decades now. He has been working with many adventure groups and mountaineering expeditions from different countries. He is instrumental in exploring some new treks and climbing routes.
Born in Karimabad, Hunza, Mohammad speaks English. he is an expert mountaineer and guide for over two decades now. He has been working with many adventure groups and mountaineers from all over the world. He is a very tough campaigner and team player. 
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