General
Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek (2024-25)
Welcome to the Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek, a thrilling experience across Northern Pakistan’s Karakorum Mountains. This journey takes you to the breathtaking base camps of two of the region’s most famous peaks, Rakaposhi and Diran, providing an experience that blends natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a taste of high-altitude hiking. This adventure begins in the tranquil Minapin Village in the Nagar Valley and is suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels, providing it an excellent introduction to the grandeur of the Karakorum.
Dates & Cost – Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek
Summers are ideal for the Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Pakistan. The months mentioned below are ideal for trekking in the Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year that operate until October. Our dates and costs are noticeable below.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2024 | 02-Jul-2024 | US$ 1,700 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2025 | 02-Jul-2025 | US$ 1,700 | Available | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
Holiday Information
Inclusions for both International & local trekkers
- All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- All camping site fees and bridge fees
- All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
- All meals in Pakistan, except those specifically mentioned under "What's Not Included" section.
- Snacks, including dry fruits and tea/coffee, during the trek
- Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Waste Management Fee (USD 150) for Central Karakoram National Park (mandatory)
- Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porterage -personal luggage (14kgs)
- Storage service for baggage in Skardu (for leaving a bag behind before going on the trek)
- First aid medicine kit (basic)
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Exclusions for both International & local trekkers
- International Airfare & Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be provided)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- All Hotel/Restaurant Meals (5 Lunches & 6 Dinners) (Price range per meal US $4 to $9)
- Government Permit Fee of USD 300 for Gilgit Baltistan Council's GB Adventure (increased in 2024) - View Document
- Bottled water & beverages (e.g., 1.5L bottled water costs approximately USD 0.30)
- Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additionalUSD 67 per night
- Excess or additional weight/baggage during the trek:USD 11 per kg
- Storage service for baggage in Islamabad:USD 18 per bag/piece
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
- Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
- Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
Itinerary – Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek
The itinerary for the Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek is noticeable below.
Day 02: Drive to Chilas
On this Day
Today, we go off on a picturesque journey to Chilas, which will take around 10-12 hours. We have two options: go through Naran and Babusar Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and lakes along the way, or take the Karakoram Highway, which is recognized for its amazing vistas and challenging terrain. When we get in Chilas, we will check into our hotel and spend the night relaxing and planning for our next excursions.
Day 03: Drive to Hunza via Gilgit
On this Day
Today we continue our journey from Chilas to Karimabad in Hunza, passing via Gilgit on the route. The drive will provide beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers. When we arrive in Karimabad, we will check into our hotel and spend the night before seeing the Hunza Valley's natural beauty and rich culture.
Day 04: Minapin Village
On this Day
Full day to trek to the Ultar Meadow and back to Karimabad, walk around, and evening drive to Minapin village ( 2000 M). Overnight in the tents or hotel
Day 05: Trek to Hapakun
On this Day
Trek from Minapin to Hapakun 2800M (3 hours, 5.8 km and 800m ascent) It takes a maximum of 3 hours to reach the grassy meadows of Hapakun (2800 M) from Diran Guest House situated at Minapin Village.
Day 06: Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek
On this Day
Hapakun to Tagaphari 3300M (2-3 hours, 3km, 450m ascent) – a steep trail that continues from Hapakun to Rakaposhi Base Camp, also known as Tagaphari. The trail eases off and contours the rocky slope for 30 minutes to a verdant bowl. You can have a view of Diran Peak, Rakaposhi, and their interconnecting ice wall and finally come into full view. After reaching Tagaphari can climb the ridge to have a nice view of Hunza Valley and the mountains. Rakaposhi base camp trek is one of the best adventures in Pakistan. Overnight in the tent.
Day 07: Diran Base Camp Trek
On this Day
Trek to cross the glacier to Diran Base Camp 3700 M and takes around 3-4 hrs to walk on Moraine and Glacier. Overnight in the tent
Day 08: Return to Taghaphari
On this Day
In the morning trek to Katchelly Lake 4000 M and back to camp then cross the Glacier to Tagaphari. Overnight in the tent
Day 09: Trek back to Minapin
On this Day
Trek back to Minapin for 3-4 hrs then drive to Karimabad. Overnight at hotel
Day 10: Karimabad, Hunza Valley
On this Day
Day free for the local visits, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort. Overnight at hotel
Day 11: Drive to Chilas
On this Day
Drive to Chilas on Karakorum Highway. Overnight at hotel
Day 12: Return to Islamabad
On this Day
Continue to Islamabad. Overnight at hotel
Day 13: Fly to home country
On this Day
Departure from Islamabad (drop at the airport)
Why Register Now?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost us less than peak-season.
2: Limited Space in Peak Months: The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. We have restricted one group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
3. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: We appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change according to the late deposit schedule above. The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals
The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 100,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable in all cases too.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.
As Featured In:
Photo Gallery – Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek
Overview – Rakaposhi & Diran Base Camp Trek
The Rakaposhi & Diran BC Trek provides an unforgettable hiking experience in Northern Pakistan’s breathtaking Karakorum Mountains. The voyage begins in Islamabad and proceeds to the scenic Minapin Village in the Nagar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is easily accessible via the Karakorum Highway. This walk is well-known for its accessibility, making it appropriate for trekkers of all ages and fitness levels. The journey starts with a trek from Minapin to Hapakun, a lovely and tidy campground that takes around 2-3 hours. This first stage of the journey is distinguished by its breathtaking natural beauty and the warm hospitality of the native porters, who are renowned for their kindness and dedication.
Trekkers leave Hapakun and travel 3-4 hours to the Rakaposhi Base Camp, also known as Tagaphari. This section of the walk provides stunning views of the Minapin Glacier, which flows down from the fluted snowy ridge that connects Rakaposhi and Diran, producing a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene. The Rakaposhi Base Camp offers permanent camping spots with access to clean water, making it a comfortable place to spend the night while being surrounded by the majestic towering peaks.
For those seeking more excitement, the hike to Diran Base Camp includes crossing the Katchelly Glacier. This tough but rewarding extension lasts roughly 2-3 hours on the glacier’s moraine, with the option of returning to Tagaphari the same day or spending the night at Diran Base Camp before returning. This section of the walk provides a better perspective of the Diran peak and a deeper immersion into the rocky beauty of the Karakorum range.
The Rakaposhi & Diran BC Trek is the ideal combination of adventure and natural beauty, providing trekkers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain ranges. Whether participants choose a day walk or a longer adventure, they will be rewarded with stunning vistas, cultural encounters with the local people, and the peaceful experience of hiking through some of the most pristine landscapes in the Karakorum Mountains.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
