The essentials of Northern Pakistan

Today, we set off to discover the forts of Altit and Baltit , perched in the villages of Altit and Karimabad, veritable eagle's nests offering breathtaking views over the Hunza Valley . These places bear witness to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.

For lunch, we will go to the Women's Pavilion , a local restaurant run by women who will introduce you to authentic and delicious dishes . From the terrace, the view of the majestic Rakaposhi (7,880 m) is breathtaking.

At the end of the day, we will admire the sunset from Eagle Nest , before returning to the hotel for dinner.

A day that combines culture, gastronomy and exceptional panoramas .

Aliabad's altitude: 2200m

Morning :

1. Hike to Lake Attabad , created in 2010 following a spectacular landslide that altered the course of the Hunza River. After approximately a 3-hour round trip , you'll be rewarded with an incredible panorama of turquoise waters surrounded by steep cliffs and snow-capped peaks. This is the perfect opportunity to take stunning photos and experience the power of nature in this remote valley.

The path is easy, it climbs nicely but there are no difficulties.

Afternoon :

1. continuation towards the viewpoint overlooking Lake Borith , famous for its beauty and tranquility, but above all a salt lake.

Next, we approach the Passu glacier , whose imposing ice walls rise above the valley, offering an impressive spectacle for mountain and geology enthusiasts.

Night :

1. in Passu , in a comfortable hotel at the foot of the Cones de Passu, an iconic 6000.

For dinner, we will enjoy a renowned local restaurant , where the yak burger , a house specialty, allows you to taste an authentic flavor of the region.

A stage that combines hiking, spectacular panoramas and cultural immersion , perfect for fully enjoying the magic of the Hunza Valley.

We leave Passu to take one of the most spectacular roads in Pakistan : the Shimshal Valley Road , famous for its breathtaking panoramas and its adventurous route along the mountainside, opened in 2003.

The road itself is an experience, between cliffs, rivers and wild valleys , offering a unique glimpse of the isolated landscapes of the Karakoram.

Around midday, we arrive in Shimshal , a legendary village and the birthplace of many high-altitude mountaineers. Here, the local culture and life in the high mountains are fully revealed.

You will discover an authentic way of life , in rhythm with the surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Night: a traditional guesthouse , simple but comfortable, to enjoy a well-deserved rest after this memorable day of driving.

This day is dedicated to discovering Shimshal, one of the most isolated villages in Pakistan and the birthplace of great mountaineers of the Karakoram.

Day: hike around the village or to the Yazghil glacier

Several walking options are available to us depending on the group's energy level:

1. a short hike to the viewpoints overlooking the village,
2. exploration of terraced fields and irrigation canals,
3. Hike to the Yazghil glacier (3 hours of walking)

An immersion into the heart of the daily mountain life of the Shimshalis.

Late afternoon: free time and relaxation

We will go to meet the villagers, and meet members of mountaineering families.

One of our guides who will accompany Alice is married to an exceptional mountaineer: she climbed K2 while five months pregnant. A remarkably down-to-earth woman, whose presence leaves no one unmoved.

Night: Shimshal, in a lodge or with a local family, for a second evening in the heart of this exceptional valley.

Altitude: 3000m

After a final stroll in the valley or a final moment of exchange with the inhabitants of Shimshal, we take off again by jeep along one of the most impressive roads in Pakistan.

Allow 3 to 4 hours for the journey through spectacular landscapes.

On the way, we stop in Passu to enjoy a delicious local burger—a well-deserved treat—then we head to the Hussaini suspension bridge . You can admire it from the viewpoint , and for those who wish, cross it : a fun and slightly dizzying experience, but completely safe and unforgettable.

We then head to Hunza for a relaxing late afternoon.

This quiet time will allow you to relax, enjoy the comforts of the valley, and prepare for tomorrow's adventure: the early morning departure for Rakaposh Base Camp.

Starting from the village of Minapin , in the heart of the Nagar valley. The trail climbs gradually, passing through orchards and pine forests, before joining a steeper path that rises above the valley.

It's a great warm-up, accessible to everyone, with a steady pace.

1. Distance : approximately 4 to 5 km
2. Elevation gain : +700 to +800 m
3. Duration : 3 to 4 hours of walking
4. Altitude of Hapakun camp : approx. 2,800–2,950 m

The team will set up camp at Hapakun , a small grassy plateau with a magnificent view of the valley and the first peaks of the Karakoram.

A simple and warm evening spent enjoying dinner prepared by the local team.

Night in a tent.

We resume the ascent in the early morning: the path becomes more alpine, zigzagging over moraines and high-altitude meadows before gradually arriving at the Taghafari plateau, the base camp of Rakaposhi.

1. Distance (round trip Hapakun → Base Camp) : 8 to 10 km
2. Total positive elevation gain : +500 to +600 m
3. Base camp altitude : approx. 3,400–3,500 m
4. Duration : 5 to 6 hours in total (ascent, lunch break, descent)

Upon arrival at Rakaposhi Base Camp , you will be facing the gigantic north face of Rakaposhi (7,788 m) and Diran Peak. It's a spectacular and very accessible setting for a base camp at this altitude.

We will sleep at Rakaposhi base camp to see an incredible starry sky with high peaks.

After a final awakening facing the hanging glaciers of Rakaposhi, we pack up camp and begin the descent towards the valley.

The trail first descends gently through the alpine pastures, then joins the pine forests before plunging down towards the Minapin orchards.

1. Distance : 12–15 km
2. Elevation gain : approximately 1,500 m
3. Duration : 7 hours

As we return to the valley, the landscapes change: the moraines disappear, villages reappear, terraced fields and silhouettes of inhabitants at work emerge.

Arriving in Minapin in the late morning or early afternoon, we enjoy a good hot meal and a well-deserved chai.

This is the end of our alpine interlude at the foot of Rakaposhi — simple, intense, and unforgettable.

We return to our favorite lodge in Aliabad.

In the morning, we take the 4x4 jeeps again to reach Raikot Bridge , the starting point of our ascent to Fairy Meadows.

The road is spectacular, winding and lined with impressive cliffs, already offering a taste of the Karakoram all the way to Tato.

From Raikot Bridge, we begin a 3-hour hike through pine forests and alpine meadows, until we reach Fairy Meadows . The trail is accessible but requires a steady pace, with some slight inclines.

Upon arrival at Fairy Meadows , we settled into our comfortable mountain hotel , with a direct view of the majestic Nanga Parbat .

The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the views and capture memories of this legendary place.

Night : hotel in Fairy Meadows

Walking time : 45 minutes

Altitude : 3,300 m

Elevation gain: 600m

After waking up to a view of the majestic Nanga Parbat , we begin our hike towards its base camp , the starting point for expeditions to the summit. The trail climbs gradually from Fairy Meadows (3,300 m) through alpine meadows and glacial moraines , offering incredible panoramas of the valley and the north face of the giant.

1. Distance : approximately 8–10 km
2. Elevation gain : 700–800 m
3. Base camp altitude : ~4,200 m

The hike is accessible to hikers in good physical condition, but the altitude starts to take its toll. Every step is rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks.

At base camp , you can admire Nanga Parbat up close: its imposing north face, hanging glaciers, and surrounding moraines create a breathtaking setting. Take a break for lunch and enjoy the surroundings, then set up your tents or camp, which will be prepared by our team.

We will return to the hotel for the night at an altitude of 3300m.

After a final awakening with views of Nanga Parbat , we take the 4x4 jeeps back to Skardu . The road crosses spectacular landscapes of the Karakoram: vertiginous cliffs, tumultuous rivers and deep valleys, offering a final glimpse of the mountains before returning to the town.

1. Travel time : 4–5 hours by jeep, depending on road conditions
2. Altitude of Skardu : 2,200 m

Upon arrival in Skardu, we'll check into our hotel to relax and enjoy a refreshing shower . In the afternoon, we'll set off for a stroll through old Skardu , exploring the bazaar and ancient alleyways, to stretch our legs and soak up the local atmosphere before dinner.

Night : hotel in Skardu

Highlights : spectacular 4x4 drive, exploring old Skardu, relaxing after days of trekking

We are taking an early morning flight from Skardu to Islamabad .

From the plane, the panoramas of the Karakoram and Nanga Parbat offer a final spectacular look at these majestic mountains.

Upon arrival in Islamabad , we will check into our hotel and have free time to relax . In the afternoon, we will enjoy a short tour of the city , including the Faisal Mosque and the Pakistan Monument , strolling through the narrow streets.

We will introduce you to a charming cafe , before joining a typical restaurant to share the end-of-stay meal .

Night : hotel in Islamabad

This day is free . Alice can offer you different activities: shopping , exploring the Rawalpindi bazaar or a relaxing moment with a massage .

We will accompany you and help you organize the day according to your wishes.

Depending on your flight schedule , we will drop you off at the international airport .

Return flights are often scheduled for the afternoon or evening .

Recommended airlines : Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Emirates.