Arrival in Islamabad, Faisal Mosque & Welcome Dinner

Islamabad International Airport - Upon arrival, a North Nomads representative will greet you with a welcome sign. You will be transferred by private vehicle to your centrally located hotel in Islamabad. After checking in, take some time to relax before the evening activities commence.

Faisal Mosque - Visit one of the world’s largest mosques, a stunning example of contemporary Islamic architecture set against the backdrop of the Margalla Hills. Explore the main prayer hall and the vast marble courtyard. The mosque is best visited during the golden hour before sunset for photography. Modest attire is required, with coverings provided if necessary.

Islamabad - Join the North Nomads team and fellow trekkers for a traditional Pakistani welcome dinner. This serves as your pre-trek briefing: meet your guide and support crew, review the itinerary, discuss safety procedures and altitude precautions, and ask any questions before the adventure begins.

Islamabad to Chilas via Karakoram Highway

Karakoram Highway - Depart from Islamabad around 5:00 AM, traveling north along one of the highest paved international roads in the world. The route follows the Indus River through dramatic gorges, passing Abbottabad, Besham, and the confluence where the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges meet. There will be stops for lunch and photography along the way. Arrive in Chilas by evening. No activities are scheduled after arrival to allow for rest.

Chilas to Karimabad via Rakaposhi Viewpoint & Eagle’s Nest Sunset

Rakaposhi View Point - Stop at the renowned Rakaposhi Viewpoint on the Karakoram Highway between Gilgit and Karimabad. This is your first close-up view of Rakaposhi (7,788m), the mountain you will soon trek beneath. The peak towers directly above the highway, and the viewpoint offers one of the most accessible views of a 7,000m+ mountain anywhere in the world. Tea and snacks are available at the viewpoint.

Hunza Valley Sightseeing & Transfer to Minapin

Baltit Fort - Explore the 700-year-old Baltit Fort, the former royal residence of the Mirs of Hunza. The fort features Tibetan-influenced architecture resembling Lhasa’s Potala Palace and is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Enjoy a guided tour of the interior chambers, rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and the old town streets below.

Altit Fort - Visit the oldest monument in Gilgit-Baltistan, dating back approximately 1,100 years. Altit Fort is perched on dramatic cliffs above the Hunza River and has won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award. Walk through the adjacent Kha Basi Royal Gardens with their ancient apricot orchards and valley views.

Attabad Lake - Visit the breathtaking turquoise Attabad Lake, formed by a massive landslide in 2010. The lake stretches through deep mountain gorges and is accessed through tunnels carved into the mountainside. An optional boat ride across the lake is available at an additional cost. The first dramatic glimpse of the turquoise water through the KKH tunnels is unforgettable.

Minapin Village Trailhead, Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Trek Hapakun to Rakaposhi Base Camp (3,500m) & Ridge Exploration

Trek Down to Minapin & Drive to Chilas

Chilas to Islamabad (Return Journey)

Karakoram Highway - After breakfast, begin the return journey south along the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad. The return drive follows the Indus River gorges in reverse, offering different lighting and perspectives compared to Day 2. Stop for lunch en route. Arrive in Islamabad by evening. The tour concludes at your hotel or Islamabad International Airport. Optional: extend your stay with a complimentary half-day city tour the following morning (Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, Pakistan Monument). Please mention at the time of booking.

• Evening visit to Faisal Mosque, Islamabad
• Porter support for luggage on the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek
• First aid kit and basic safety equipment
• All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, mess tent, kitchen tent)
• Lunch
• Rakaposhi Base Camp guided trek with viewpoint ridge access
• Dinner
• Pre-trek briefing and route orientation
• Visit to Attabad Lake and Eagle’s Nest viewpoint (Duiker)
• Experienced English-speaking North Nomads guide
• Breakfast
• Islamabad airport pickup and all ground transportation (private vehicle)
• Drinking water and snacks during treks
• All entry fees for forts, national parks, and attractions
• Guided tour of Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, Karimabad

• International or domestic flights
• Travel insurance. Must cover high-altitude trekking up to 4,000m. Mandatory.
• Pakistan visa fees - Letter of Invitation provided
• Personal trekking gear (hiking boots, backpack, rain jacket, warm layers)
• Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional snacks, phone charging)
• Boat ride at Attabad Lake (optional, pay locally)

This 8-day journey blends the Rakaposhi Base Camp adventure with an extensive cultural tour of the Hunza Valley, featuring the 700-year-old Baltit Fort, the 1,100-year-old Altit Fort, the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, and a breathtaking sunset view from Eagle’s Nest over 11 snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram range. With small groups of 12 or fewer, participants can enjoy a personalized and leisurely mountain experience. The first evening includes a visit to Faisal Mosque, followed by a welcome dinner with the team. The trek ascends through walnut orchards and juniper forests, offering spectacular views of the Minapin Glacier and the Rakaposhi-Diran ridge at 3,500 meters. All meals, accommodations, transportation, and camping gear are provided from airport pickup to drop-off.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.