This 21-day trekking and cultural adventure offers a complete circuit around Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the ninth-highest mountain in the world, combined with immersive cultural tours of Peshawar, Swat Valley, and Hunza. The journey includes approximately 10 nights of camping during the trek and 10 nights in comfortable hotels across major destinations.
The expedition begins in Islamabad, from where we travel along the historic Grand Trunk Road to the ancient city of Peshawar, followed by exploration of the lush and fertile Swat Valley. Crossing the scenic Shangla Pass, where the Hindu Kush meets the Karakoram ranges, we enter the high mountain region to commence a challenging 10-day round trek around the mighty Nanga Parbat massif.
Known as the “Killer Mountain,” Nanga Parbat is one of the most dramatic peaks in the Himalayas, first climbed by Hermann Buhl in 1953. The mountain presents three immense faces—each with distinct landscapes of glaciers, high passes, alpine meadows, and rugged rock formations. This round trek provides the rare opportunity to witness all three legendary faces of Nanga Parbat, making it one of the most spectacular trekking experiences in Pakistan. The trek is strenuous, involving high-altitude walking and sections requiring basic crampon use and rope assistance.
After completing the trek, the journey continues to the breathtaking Hunza Valley, where travelers enjoy several days exploring historic forts, scenic viewpoints, and the warm hospitality of the local communities before returning to Islamabad to conclude the expedition.
This program is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a demanding high-altitude adventure combined with rich cultural exploration across northern Pakistan.
Arrival and full-day exploration of Pakistan’s capital. Visit Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, Constitution Avenue, Lok Virsa Museum, and Shakar Parian Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive along the historic Grand Trunk Road. En route, visit the ancient city of Taxila (Gandhara Civilization), including Sirkap ruins, Julian Monastery, and the museum. Continue to Peshawar, visiting Kissa Khawani Bazaar, Mahabat Khan Mosque, and Peshawar Museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Cross Malakand Pass into the lush Swat Valley. Visit the Takht-e-Bhai Buddhist ruins and the Swat Museum. Arrive in Mingora/Saidu Sharif for an overnight stay.
Cross scenic Shangla Pass between the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges. Join the legendary Karakoram Highway, driving along the Indus River gorge to Chilas. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to Jaglot and continue by 4×4 jeep to Trashing in the Rupal Valley. Meet trekking staff and prepare for the expedition. Overnight camping.
Cross the Trashing Glacier and enter the beautiful lower Rupal Valley. Gradual ascent to Bazin beneath the immense East Face of Nanga Parbat. Overnight camp. (4–5 hrs)
Cross Bazin Glacier and trek through juniper forests along the Rupal River. Pass Herligkoffer Base Camp and continue to Shaigiri. Overnight camp. (5–6 hrs)
Rest day or optional climb to Rupal Peak (5,580m).
Follow the lateral moraine of Rupal Glacier toward the Mazeno Pass base camp. (4–5 hrs)
Steep ascent to Mazeno Glacier high camp. Alpine terrain. (5–6 hrs)
Early start. Cross the dramatic Mazeno Pass using rope, crampons, and an ice axe where required. Descend to Upper Loiba (4,300m). (7–8 hrs)
Descend into lush Loiba Meadows with shepherd huts and alpine scenery. (3–4 hrs)
Easy trek through pine forests and across the Airil River to Kachal settlement. (4–5 hrs)
Trek to the legendary Diamer Face Base Camp, the route of Reinhold Messner (1979). Return and camp at Zangot. (6–7 hrs)
Descend to the Diamer River and transfer by jeep to Gilgit. Overnight at the hotel.
Visit the Kargah Buddha and the Rakaposhi viewpoint en route to Hunza. Overnight at the hotel.
Visit Altit & Baltit Forts, local bazaars, and enjoy views of Rakaposhi, Ultar, Diran & Golden Peak. Overnight at the hotel.
Explore Gulmit, Borit Lake, Passu Cones, suspension bridges, and drive to Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved border crossing in the world. Return to Hunza.
Scenic drive along the Hunza and Indus rivers to Chilas. Overnight at the hotel.
Full-day drive on the Karakoram Highway back to Islamabad. Overnight at the hotel.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the departure flight.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
Accommodation:
Twin-sharing standard hotel rooms in towns.
2-person dome tents during the trek.
Meals:
Half board at hotels (breakfast + dinner).
Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee).
Transportation:
Air-conditioned transport along the Karakoram Highway.
Soft-top 4×4 jeeps to/from the trek head and trek end.
Camping Facilities:
2-person dome tents with mattresses.
Dining tent with folding table & chairs.
Kitchen tent with full kitchenette and staff.
Toilet tent.
Portage:
13 kg per person during the trek.
Other Services:
Tips and portage at airports & hotels.
Entrance fees to sites and museums.
English-speaking mountain guide.
Domestic or international airfare and airport taxes.
Any expenses due to forced measures, flight cancellations, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, or other events beyond the control of Rock Valley Tours, their staff, and suppliers.
Personal expenses not mentioned under “Included,” such as souvenirs, snacks, phone/internet charges, or laundry.
Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
Optional activities or services not listed in the itinerary.
Travel or health insurance, including evacuation or rescue costs.
Luggage
Large Duffel Bag: Maximum 12.5 kg, with lock. Easier for porters to carry; avoid using a backpack.
Day Pack: For items you need during trekking, jeep rides, or bus travel (camera, jacket, water bottle, etc.).
Extra Carry-On: To store city clothes in the respective city.
Money Belt/Fanny Pack: For passport, travel documents, and cash.
Sleeping & Camping
Sleeping Bag: Rated 0 °F / -18 °C. Down bags are lightweight; synthetic bags perform better when wet. Waterproof shell or bivy recommended.
Camp Shoes: Jogging shoes or Tiva sandals, ideal for streams and campsite strolls.
Mattress/Close-Cell Matrices: We provide, but personal comfort items are optional.
Footwear
Trekking Boots: Medium-weight, fabric or fabric/leather combination. Well broken-in. Compatible with crampons.
Crampons: Required for certain high-altitude treks (e.g., Gondogoro La, Biafo-Hispar, Wartum Peak).
Thermal Socks: Cotton/wool blend for glaciers; synthetic/cotton for warmer sections.
Liner Socks: Thin, wickable material like polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, or Drylete.
Clothing
Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket & Pants: Warm, even when wet.
Rain Gear: A waterproof and windproof suit that fits over fleece layers.
Wicking Long Underwear: Tops and bottoms, two sets recommended.
Down Jacket/Parka: Essential for high-altitude or evening cold.
Shalwar Kameez (Women): Comfortable, loose-fitting for warm conditions and culturally appropriate.
Cotton/Wool Shirts & Trousers: Layering for trekking and evenings.
Gloves/Mittens & Ski Hat: Protect against cold and wind.
Brimmed Sun Hat: Protects from low morning sun.
Personal Gear
Sunglasses: High-quality UV protection.
Water Bottle: Durable screw-top recommended.
Headlamp & Extra Batteries/Bulbs
Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Skin Lotion
Toiletries & Laundry Soap
Swiss Army Knife / Multi-Tool
Nylon Cord / Clothesline
Personal Medical Kit
Pocket Sewing Kit
Lighter or Matches
Wristwatch
Optional Items
Extra sleeping mat for comfort.
Stuff sacks for used clothing.
Travel tissues or toilet paper.
Notebook and pen for journaling.
Snacks (energy bars, dried fruits, candy).
Camera, extra batteries, lenses, and cleaning supplies.
Lightweight sports gear (Frisbee, playing cards).
Water purification tablets.
Bathing suit (for rivers/lakes).
Tips
Pack one large duffel and one small day pack for convenience.
Wear durable, comfortable, and easily washable clothes.
Layer clothing to adjust to varying temperatures: warm days, cold nights.
Men can wear shorts after leaving populated areas; women should stick to loose, long clothing.
If you’re traveling to Pakistan, you’ll need a visa. Depending on your nationality, you can get it on arrival or apply online before your trip. You can also go to your local Pakistani embassy for a tourist visa. The length of stay varies: e-visas can be up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months), while visas on arrival are valid for 30 days. Make sure to check visa requirements with the authorities, as they might change.
In Pakistan, what you wear depends on when and where you’re going. In hot areas, wear light, loose clothes like a shirt and trousers. For cold places, bring warm clothes like a jacket and layers. When visiting mosques, cover your head, arms, legs, and shoulders. Dress modestly and avoid shorts. If you’re unsure, it’s best to dress conservatively.
June–September: Monsoon season with unpredictable rains, reaching over 45°C (113°F) in June. Floods can occur.
October/November: Post-monsoon season with decreasing temperatures and rainfall. Days are warm, nights cool.
December–February: Winter months with pleasant daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and colder nights, especially in the northern mountains where it snows.
March–May: Hot and dry season with temperatures in the mid-30s°C (95°F) in low-lying areas, getting hotter towards the north.
Although Pakistan has faced challenges in recent years, it’s now generally safe to visit as long as you stay in busy areas. Some people might worry about coming here, but trust us, there’s a lot to discover beyond what you see in the news. You can be confident that Rock Valley Tours wouldn’t take you anywhere unsafe.
