We have an exciting programme for anyone who always wanted to start mountaineering, but doesn’t know where to begin. For your training you’re going straight to the fascinating Hunza Valley, situated in the north of Pakistan. This trip can also be taken by anyone who is into hiking and camping in the mountains as you will be able to get to some very unique places with the help of our experienced local staff who will make sure the pace is right and everything runs safe and smooth.

The ex-princely state of Hunza is the most-sought after region in Pakistan as it has several peaks crossing the 7.000 meters. A few famous peaks are the: Ultar Sar 7,388 m, Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 m, Diran peak 7,266 m, Spantik 7,027m, Ghenta Peak 7,090 m, Hunza Peak 6,270 m, Darmyani Peak 6,090 m, and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 m and many more. The most famous mountain is probably the Rakaposhi with 7,778 m.

Your trip will start in Karimabad, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. We will fly from Islamabad to Gilgit, but if the flight gets canceled, we will drive. It is important to also have two buffer days in the end in case of canceled return flights where we’d have to drive back.

Karimabad is an amiable little town nestled in between the mountains off the Hunza Valley and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan. It is famous for its perfectly preserved Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, which both have magnificent views over the Hunza valley and the surrounding mountains. Relics from the time of Mirs, who used to rule Hunza. The town used to be called Baltit, but has been named Karimabad in honor of Prince Karim Aga Khan, the current imam of the Shia Ismaili Nizari community. The town is going to be our starting point for our trekking and as you will have some free time, you can visit the forts, the Hunza river and the turquoise waters of the Attabad Lake, which is less than half hour away from Karimabad.

Karimabad was a popular stopover for people traveling from the Hindu Kush Region to Kashmir and is famous for producing fruits such as apple, apricot, mulberry, cherries and walnuts. Since the construction of the Karakoram Highway tourism has slowly been increasing, although at the time it’s mostly locals who come to discover the north. Closeby we find the snow-clad peaks of the Rakaposhi Mountain and the most dangerous mountain in Pakistan: the Diran. 

Our first stop will be Rakaposhi base camp. The Rakaposhi is a 7,788 meter high mountain in Pakistan’s Karakoram, the 27th peak in all of the world and first climbed by Mike Banks and Tom Patey. We find the Rakaposhi on the south-side of the Karakoram mountains and it is connected to the Diran Peak in the east. The mountain is visible from a far and there is a great viewpoint on the way from Gilgit to Karimabad. The mountain is home to many endangered animals such as the marco polo sheep, bears, wolves and the elusive snow leopard. 

Our trek will start in the village of Minapin, in the Nagar Valley, neighboring Hunza. We will drive the famous Karakoram Highway to get to our starting point. On the first day we will walk to Rakaposhi Base camp at 3.500 m altitude. It’s an easy walk and accessible to most people. The first milestone is Hapakun and you will cross forest while zigzagging the mountains. You will soon get your first glance of the Minapin Glacier and the trail will become steeper. Once you’re out of the forest you will be able to see the mighty Rakaposhi. We will take our time to admire the mesmerizing views of the mountains and the Minapin Glacier connecting the Rakaposhi and Diran. After overnighting in Rakaposhi base camp, we will go towards Diran Peak Base camp and cross the glacier. We will spend the next three days getting a comprehensive training in ice climbing, all on the Minapin Glacier. Your professional teacher will make sure that you get all the necessary skills and knowledge during these days so you’re ready for your future expeditions. The background couldn’t be more perfect. You will spend your course in one of the most beautiful parts of Pakistan. Everyday we will camp at the Diran Base Camp where you will have the chance to meet other climbers and exchange stories and make new friends. After your ice climbing course we will trek to Kacheli Lake at 4.700 meter altitude and then continue to Mir Shikari, 5.500 m high, after which we will go back to Diran and then Minapin. 

Below is a proposed itinerary.
There is the luxury option of using the best hotels where available, in which we always go for the outstanding Serena Hotels with the best service and facilities in all of Pakistan. The Serena Hotel in Karimabad for instance is beautifully located in an ancient fort with magnificent views.  We also offer a budget package using cheaper hotels where available choosing the best value for your money.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Fly to Gilgit. If the flight is canceled we’ll drive with overnight in Chilas.
Day 3: Free day in Karimabad which you can use to see the forts and the old historical center.
Day 4: Drive to Minapin Village and trek to Rakaposhi base camp.
Day 5: Trek to Diran Peak Base camp.
Day 6, 7, 8: Ice climbing training on Minapin Glacier.
Day 9: Kacheli Lake Trek 
Day 10: Climb Mir Shakari.
Day 11: Trek back to Minapin and hotel in Minapin.
Day 12: Drive to Gilgit and take the plane back to Islamabad.

Flights get easily canceled, so we need to calculate two extra days in which we can drive to Islamabad in case of bad flight weather. 

Included:
– Standard accommodation as per itinerary as per package
– Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (except in Islamabad)
– Transport (4WD and flights)
– English speaking professional climbing guide (certified) and supporting team (porters, cook, etc)
– Camping equipment: tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, mess tent, mattress, chairs, tables, etc
– Carrying 12 kg of members’ personal luggage by porters

Not included:
– Entrance fees at points of interest such as forts etc
– Medical kits
– Drinks
– Climbing equipment and extra luggage 

Price:
1 person: 6.495 usd
2 persons: 3.499 usd per person
3 persons: 3.199 usd per person
4 persons: 3.179 usd per person

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.