The Around Nanga Parbat trek is a captivating circular adventure in the Western Himalayan region of Pakistan. In recent times, it has gained popularity as a prime destination for mountaineering enthusiasts and trekkers from across the globe. This trek offers a comprehensive perspective to all lovers of mountains.
Despite its name, the Around Nanga Parbat trek does not completely encircle the Nanga Parbat peak. It begins on the southern side of Nanga Parbat from Tarashing in the Rupal Valley, taking a path that goes halfway around the mountain. The route initially heads west through the Rupal Valley and then turns northward to traverse the challenging Mazeno La pass. After crossing Mazeno La, the journey leads to the enchanting Fairy Meadows.
Nanga Parbat, standing at a formidable 8,126 meters, is the westernmost peak of the Himalayan range. It is one of Pakistan's five 8,000-meter peaks and ranks as the 9th highest peak in the world. This mountain massif extends over a staggering 20 kilometers, marked by a series of peaks and ridges. Its strikingly solitary and white presence can be seen from the south, spanning at least 100 kilometers. The name Nanga Parbat translates to "The Naked Mountain" and is also known as the "Killer Mountain" due to the formidable challenges it presents to climbers. Notably, the first ascent of Nanga Parbat was a solo climb made without supplemental oxygen in 1953 by the German mountaineer Hermann Buhl.
The south face of Nanga Parbat, known as the Rupal face, soars over 5,000 meters from the valley floor to the summit, offering trekkers breathtaking and up-close views. In contrast, the north Raikot face plunges over 7,000 meters from the summit to the Indus River, creating one of the world's deepest and most dramatic gorges.
Access to the Rupal Valley, situated on the south side of Nanga Parbat, is gained via the Astore Valley, which branches off from the Karakoram Highway at Jaglot, located 60 kilometers south of Gilgit. The Rupal Valley offers shorter and relatively easier treks while still providing incredible views.
| Days | Activities |
| 1 | Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Welcome by GATP company guide and transfer to Hotel. First we will have lunch and proceed for sightseeing trip will take you to the twin cities of modern capital Islamabad and the old city Rawalpindi. Overnight will be in hotel |
| 2 | We take today drive to Tarishing Astore, having an overnight at Chilas, shadowing by the Nanga Parbat peak. Early morning drive to Chilas by Air Conditioned coach on KKH and along the Indus River. We will have lunch at Besham. From here we drive through the deep Indus gorge. Arrive Chilas in 12-13 hours. Overnight in hotel |
| 3 | Early morning drive to Tarashing, the road end village in the mini bus and jeeps through the valley of Astore. Tarashing, the start of Rupal Valley is gives the typical Himalayan impression. Overnight and meals in camp |
| 4 | Early we start our trek on easy trails and after one hour we will cross the Tarashing Glacier and enter into the lower Rupal Valley with big summer settlements before reach our camping spot Bazin, just under the solid ice wall of east face of Nanga Parbat. Overnight and meals in camp. |
| 5 | We start trek on Bazin Glacier which takes about two hours to cross. After the glacier the trek becomes pleasant through the juniper and willow trees. The trek continues up to the Rupal River, Herligkoffer base camp to Shaigiri where we will camp. The place offers captivating views of the southern face of Nanga Parbat. At Shaigiri porters slaughter a goat and arrange campfire. |
| 6 | Following the the lateral moraine of Rupal Glacier. Today have fascinating views of Nanga Parbat, Rupal and Laila Peaks. The camp is pleasant with grass and Juniper trees. |
| 7 | Free day at Rupal face Basecamp |
| 8 | Trek to Mazino High Camp (4724 m) 5/6 hrs (Today’s trek is relatively hard due to the steep ascending and the Mazino glacier walking. We also leave behind the vegetation and camp at high altitude just near to the base of the pass.) |
| 9 | The climax of the trek today will be the crossing of the Mazino Pass (5399m). We will start ascending very early morning. The climb is gradual and less difficult than the other side of the pass which requires basic climbing and safety measures and tools. After crossing the pass Loiba glacier starts and we will camp here at upper Loiba for overnight |
| 10 | Trek down from upper Loiba to Lower Loiba which is also called as Loiba Meadows. Today we have easy walk through the lush green meadows and trees. Overnight camp is surrounded by shepherds huts |
| 11 | Today the trek is very easy through pine and birch trees and will cross the river to enter the Kachal summer settlements. We have stunning views of Nanga Parbat all the way. Overnight camp at Kachal |
| 12 | Today we trek down to Zangot but enroute we will have an excursion trek to to Diamer Base camp, from where the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner climbed Nanga Parbat in 1979. Overnight at Zangot |
| 13 | Today a warmer having steep descend to Diamer river to arrive Dimroi from where jeeps takes us to Chilas, the central town of Diamer District. Overnight in hotel. |
| 14 | Drive to Islamabad |
| 15 | onward to your destination |
