Trek to Glaciers & Basecamps in Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains
Camp by 7000m mountains and discover the ancient cultures of Hunza Valley on this 10 day expertly guided tour.
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What You'll Experience
Treks to Basecamps
Camp in base camps like Rakaposhi and wake up next to mountain faces tower over 7000 metres
Iconic Peaks of Karakoram
Marvel at iconic peaks like Diran, Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger, Passu Cones and many more
Interact With The Local Culture
Explore Hunza’s vibrant local culture through village visits and share traditional meals with local families
Uncover Hunza's Unique Story
Uncover Hunza's story from ancient Silk Road kingdoms to modern sustainable communities with a certified local guide born and raised in this valley
Trek to Glaciers
Trek to the epic Passu and Minapin glaciers and witness the expansive views
Visit Local Initiatives
Visit local, women-led initiatives that preserve ancient carpet weaving traditions
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Dinner
Driving Duration
1 - 2 Hours
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the tour guide will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. After settling in, you’ll have free time to explore or relax. In the evening, we visit the Shah Faisal Mosque and a welcome dinner is hosted at the New Kabul restaurant in Islamabad.
Shah Faisal Mosque
Delicious flavours at New Kabul Restaurant
Hotel Room
Day 2: Islamabad – Gilgit – Upper Hunza (Passu)
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving Duration
3-4 Hours
Altitude
2400m
Begin with a scenic flight to Gilgit, offering views of Nanga Parbat. After landing, drive towards Passu village in Upper Hunza, stopping en route at the Rakaposhi viewpoint and the historic Silk Route viewpoint. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a host family in Nasirabad, the oldest village in Lower Hunza where you will have the opportunity to meet local elders, learn about their food and culture, and enjoy an authentic meal served in the traditional way. Arrive in Passu by evening.
Old silk route viewpoint
Village tour with a local family
Be welcomed into the home of a local family
Share a delicious meal with a local family
Day 3: Passu – Passu Glacier
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving
1 Hour
Hiking Distance
3-4 Hours (9Km)
Ascent / Descent
+90 m / -90 m
The day begins with a visit to Borith Lake, followed by a hike to the massive Passu Glacier. Enjoy lunch at Borith Lake before a scenic walk to the Passu Cones viewpoint, known for its unique, jagged peaks. Dinner will feature local specialties, including the unique Yak Burger.
Passu Cones
Golden poplar trees seen in Autumn
Passu Glacier
Rooms overlooking mountains
Day 4: Passu – Gulmit – Duikar – Karimabad
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
3 Km (2 Hours)
Ascent / Descent
+315 m / -315 m
Today, travel to Gulmit and hike Pakistan's highest and longest stairs to Ondra Fort for scenic views. Visit a community-based carpet center, followed by the Old House Museum. Enjoy lunch at Old House, a charming local restaurant run by a woman who serves delicious regional cuisine. After lunch, continue to Karimabad, stopping at Attabad Lake and the Haldikish sacred rock carvings. Then, visit the ancient Ganish settlement on a guided tour that will take you back in time. Ganish, the oldest village, was a key stop along the historic Silk Road and recognized with a UNESCO Heritage Award in 2002, showcasing its architectural and cultural significance. Continue the drive to Karimabad to visit the historic 800 years old Baltit Fort before reaching Duikar for a memorable sunset over the Hunza and Nagar valleys.
View from Ondra Fort
Women-run community-based carpet weaving centre
Savour a delicious local meal at the Old House Cafe
Vibrant turquoise water at Attabad Lake
Day 5: Karimabad – Ultar Sar Base Camp
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
10km (6-7 hours)
Ascent / Descent
+700 m / -700 m
Trek to Ultar Sar (3250 m), offering panoramic views of Hunza Valley and peaks like Ladyfinger, Spantik (Golden Peak), Diran and many more. After lunch at the base camp, we will retrace our steps along the same trail, allowing us to relish the spectacular vistas of Rakaposhi Peak and the entirety of the Hunza Valley as we descend.
Viewpoint with views of mountains on the hike up
Spectacular views of mountain peaks during the hike
Enjoying lunch at the campsite
Stunning views on the way down
Day 6: Karimabad – Minapin – Rakaposhi Base Camp
Accommodation
Full Service Camping
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
10 km (5-6 hours)
Ascent
+1380 m
Drive to Minapin, where we start the trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp (3450m). Standing at an impressive height of 7,788 meters (25,551 feet), Rakaposhi is a majestic peak and a symbol of natural beauty and wonder. In the local language, Rakaposhi is named Dumani ('Mother of Clouds'). Rakaposhi is known for its striking pyramid-shaped peak, towers above the surrounding landscape, dominating the skyline. It is the 12th-highest peak in Pakistan and the 27th-highest in the world. The trek begins gently and becomes steeper, providing vistas of Diran Peak and vast glacier fields.
Lunch stop on the way up to the base camp
Delicious local food for lunch
Stunning view of 3 glaciers meeting
Stunning views from Rakaposhi Base Camp
Day 7: Rakaposhi Base Camp – Diran Base Camp – Rakaposhi Base Camp
Accommodation
Full Service Camping
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
12 Km (7-8 Hours)
Ascent / Descent
+450 m / -450 m
Today, cross the Diran Glacier to reach Diran Base Camp, offering close-up views of the icy expanse of the Karakoram range. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed day with a shorter hike to a nearby viewpoint.
View of Diran Glacier
Hiking into Diran Glacier
Hiking on Diran Glacier
Lake at Diran Base Camp
Day 8: Rakaposhi Base Camp – Minapin – Gilgit
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hiking Distance
10 km (4-5 hours)
Descent
-1380 m
Driving Duration
2 Hours
After descending to Minapin, we visit a local family in Khanabad to have the opportunity to observe village life with a host family and actively engaging in the everyday activities of the local community. After a traditional lunch at Khanabad, drive to Gilgit for an overnight stay.
Tour of local village by local family
The local family will cook lunch for you in their home
Authentic home-cooked food
Hotel Room
Day 9: Gilgit – Islamabad
Accommodation
Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Driving
2-3 Hours
Take a scenic 1-hour flight from Gilgit to Islamabad. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant truck art workshops in Taxila and enjoy an authentic dining experience at Melody Food Street.
Scenic flight
Vibrant truck art
Truck art workshops
Hotel Room
Day 10: Departure from Islamabad
Meals Included
Breakfast
Driving
1 Hour
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the Hunza Valley and Karakoram.
Your Travel Itinerary
Illustrated Map Of Your Journey
3450
METRES MAX
ELEVATION
5
DAYS OF
TREKKING
54
KILOMETRES
IN TOTAL
2935
METRES OF
ELEVATION GAIN
Accommodation
All your accommodation throughout the trip is fully covered (7 nights in hotels, 2 nights camping)
Meals
All meals from Day 1 dinner through Day 10 breakfast, featuring local cuisine and dietary accommodations
Transportation
All internal flights, ground transportation, and airport transfers throughout the journey
Local Guide
Certified local adventure guide throughout the journey
Entry Fees
All trekking permits, national park entry fees, and local access charges
Luggage Transport
You'll have an allowance of 15kg carried for you on camping days. We'll arrange storage and logistics of any extra baggage you may have.
International Flights
International flights to/from Pakistan
Travel Insurance
Personal travel insurance (mandatory) - must include high altitude and trekking coverage
Personal Equipment
Personal trekking gear like sleeping bags, trekking poles etc.
Tips
Tips for guide and support staff
External Activities/Meals
Any activities or meals not specified in the itinerary
What's Included
Next Departures
10th October 2025
5th June 2026
3rd July 2026
31st July 2026
21st August 2026
18th September 2026
9th October 2026
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The best time to trek in the Hunza Valley is from May to October, when weather conditions are most favorable and mountain passes are accessible. The peak season runs from June to September, offering the most stable weather, clear mountain views, and comfortable temperatures for trekking.
May-June: Spring season with blooming apricot blossoms, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
July-August: Peak summer with warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours, and the most reliable weather conditions. Ideal for first-time trekkers.
September-October: Autumn offers crisp, clear days with spectacular mountain visibility and beautiful fall colors, though temperatures begin to drop at higher altitudes.
Winter months (November-April) are not suitable for this trek due to heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and inaccessible high-altitude routes. Our specific tour runs during the optimal trekking season to ensure you experience the Hunza Valley at its most spectacular while maintaining safe trekking conditions throughout your journey.
Previous trekking experience is beneficial but not essential for this adventure.
While this trek is classified as Moderate to Challenging (4/5 physical rating), we welcome both experienced trekkers and enthusiastic beginners who are in good physical condition.
What matters most is your fitness level and determination. You should be comfortable walking for several hours with a daypack, able to handle steep and uneven terrain, and prepared for the physical demands of high-altitude hiking. If you regularly engage in hiking, walking, or other cardiovascular activities, you'll likely adapt well to the trekking portions.
Our certified local guides are experienced in supporting trekkers of all levels, and our small group sizes (4-12 people) ensure personalized attention and support throughout the journey.
We provide detailed pre-departure briefings and our team can offer guidance on physical preparation and training plans to help you get ready.
If you're new to trekking but excited about the challenge, this could be the perfect introduction to high-altitude adventure.
However, if you have concerns about the physical demands, we're happy to discuss the specific requirements in more detail to help you determine if this trek is right for you.
This tour requires a good level of physical fitness as it's classified as Moderate to Challenging (4/5 physical rating). You'll be trekking 54 kilometers over 5 days with a total elevation gain of 2,935 meters, reaching a maximum sleeping altitude of 3,450m at Rakaposhi Base Camp.
The trekking involves both gradual climbs and steep ascents, particularly at higher altitudes, with daily hikes ranging from 3-12 kilometers and lasting 2-8 hours. Key challenges include the 6-7 hour trek to Ultar Meadows (3,250m) and the demanding hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp (3,450m).
We strongly recommend preparing with regular walking, hiking, or strength training for at least 6-8 weeks before departure. You should be comfortable hiking for several hours with a daypack and be able to handle steep, uneven terrain at altitude. Previous trekking experience is beneficial but not essential if you have good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.
Our team is happy to provide more in-depth guidance for physical preparations and personalized training plans to help you get ready for this adventure. If you have any concerns about the physical demands feel free to contact us to discuss the specific requirements and preparation strategies in more detail.
We do recommend that you consult with your doctor before embarking on any physical activity, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
At Found Expeditions, your safety is our absolute priority throughout every stage of your adventure. We understand that mountain environments can present unexpected challenges, which is why we've developed comprehensive safety protocols refined through years of experience in the Karakoram region.
Our certified local guides are trained in wilderness first aid, high-altitude safety, and emergency response. We conduct thorough risk assessments for each activity and location, continuously monitoring weather and trail conditions to adjust plans as needed. We maintain direct communication with local authorities, carry satellite devices for remote areas, and ensure all equipment meets international safety standards.
We require mandatory travel insurance with high-altitude coverage, provide detailed pre-departure safety briefings, and maintain small group sizes (4-12 people) for personalized attention. Our proactive approach to safety management ensures you can focus on creating incredible memories with complete peace of mind.
Pakistan is a vast and diverse country, and our itinerary is thoughtfully designed with safety as a top priority. This trip does not travel through or visit regions currently advised against by the UK FCDO or other major travel advisories. We carefully monitor official guidance and work with an experienced local team to ensure all routes are not only safe but also insurable under standard travel policies.
Cancellations require written notification to our offices. Cancellation charges are:
More than 60 days before departure: Deposit only (30% of the total tour price)
More than 30 days before departure: 50% of total trip cost
30 days or less before departure: 100% of total trip cost
During this Hunza Valley adventure, you'll enjoy:
Two nights in Islamabad at a comfortable, centrally located hotel with modern amenities on the day of arrival and departure.
Two nights in Passu at a well-positioned hotel in the heart of Hunza Valley, offering breathtaking mountain views and comfortable accommodation.
Two nights in Karimabad at a centrally located hotel close to the local bazaar with amazing Hunza Valley vistas.
One night in Gilgit at a hotel with modern amenities
Two nights of fully supported camping at Rakaposhi Base Camp in Taghafari.
All hotel accommodation is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities, while camping features comfortable two-person alpine tents.
Solo travelers will be paired with another single client of the same gender, though single tents are available for an additional cost during the trek.
Additional hotel nights in Islamabad can be arranged, and in case of flight cancellations, tourist-class accommodation will be provided along the route. Single room supplements are available for hotel stays.
Yes, the trip leader will meet all clients arriving on day one at Islamabad Airport and arrange transfers to the group hotel. Similarly, transfers will be arranged for clients back to Islamabad Airport on the last day of the holiday.
You'll savor authentic local Hunzai dishes alongside Pakistani favorites, with some flexibility to customize meals depending on where you're staying. We encourage fully embracing the local culinary experience, as eating traditional foods is not only more sustainable but also deepens your cultural connection. Clean drinking water is provided and we discourage single-use plastics. Just let us know about any dietary needs and we'll take care of the rest.
Regional Airports at Gilgit are weather-dependent. Since high mountains surround the valleys, the planes do fly more than not, but cancellations can occur, and in these circumstances, we will travel by road.
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