Hiking in the Fabled Shangri-La: Nanga Parbat, Hunza and Kaghan (14 Days)

We leave Chilas and shortly thereafter at Raikot Bridge (almost 75 minutes away), we board jeeps to take us on the steep and winding track towards Fairy Meadows. After 2 hours jeep drive to Tato, we begin our hike to Fairy Meadows. Tato to Fairy Meadow is approximately a 6 KM distance and 700 meter ascent, requiring 2-3 hours hiking through a beautiful pine forest. You can make a tea stop on the way to Fairy Meadows at a quaint stop called Midway Chai Khana. For those who find the hike challenging, horses/donkeys can be hired for the journey. Arrive Fairy Meadows and overnight stay in a tented camp.

Spending the day in Fairy Meadows, there is plenty of time for a trek through the forested foothills of Nanga Parbat to the base camp and back. This is not too strenuous, as one follows the contours of the land. A picnic lunch in the shadow of this great mountain is surely a sight to remember.

Today start early in the morning at 6 am to walk down to Tato, where Jeeps will be waiting to take you down to Raikot Bridge, where our air-conditioned vehicle is available to enable you to continue the drive to Gilgit. In the afternoon we will visit the Kargah Nullah, where there is an ancient rock carving of Buddha, as well as visit the bazaar filled with Chinese goods. If we are lucky, we may witness a local polo match.

This morning, begin a scenic drive northwards towards Hunza on the Karakorum Highway pausing at Rakaposhi view point known as Ghulmet having stunning views up the Ghulmet Glacier to the peak of Rakaposhi 7788meters. After having a snack, we will start the trek up to the Japanese base camp (maximum 4 hours to go up and 2 hours to descend to the Karakoram Highway).  Return in the late afternoon and continue the drive to Karimabad and check in to the comfortable hotel. 

The scenic hike starts right at the hotel. We shall climb the street winding through the old settlement of Baltit. We shall first visit the historical Baltit Fort, the strong hold of Ayashey Dynasty that ruled Hunza kingdom for more than a thousand years. Late we shall follow the Barbar water Chanel which leads us to the mouth of narrow Ultar canyon from where you glance at a very dramatic dimension of Baltit Fort perched on a glacial mound. Here we cross a small footbridge and climb steadily up a shepherd trail. This steady 45 minutes climb takes us to an exposed location from where one can get majestic views of Diran Peak (7273 m) Rakaposhi (7788 m) Ultar Peak (7388 m) & Golden Peak (7027 m). Once we climb to the Imamyari water channel, we shall take a thrilling stroll towards Ultar Canyon where one can admire the impressive network of irrigation channels, built through immense precipice on both sides of the canyon. Then we retrace our route for another 20 minutes before switching to the shepherd trail that leads us to Eagle’s Nest Hotel where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch while enjoying breathtaking views of lofty peaks all around you. Later in the afternoon, climb further up to the view point to capture stunning alpine scenery. Return with a drive downhill via a winding mountain road to Altit where we shall visit women’s cooperative workshop where they make impressive furniture. Another 10 minutes walk through the village will take us to Altit Fort. After visiting the Fort we shall walk back to the Hotel (45 minutes) via a jeep track to enjoy more of the stunning scenery. Overnight at the hotel.

After having breakfast, drive downwards towards Minapin. It takes maximum 3 hours hike to reach Hapakun (2800m) from Minapin village. Hike starts from the village along with a canal under shaded trees 15 minutes towards the Minapin River. The trail turns south into the canyon and crosses a footbridge over the river’s true left bank after 10 minutes. The trail continues through the juniper trees to a grassy-tiered meadow of Hapakun. From the meadow of Hapakun you can have a view of Hachindar and Maiun peaks above the Hunza River. Drive back to Karimabad for overnight and dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast rejoin the Karakorum Highway and drive to Gulmit, in Upper Hunza, along the banks of the newly, but tragically formed Attabad Lake, a significant addition to the natural beauty of Hunza. The road link has been recently restored by a 7.9 km long tunnel system. Gulmit is a peaceful and serene village that formerly served as winter capital of the Hunza Kingdom. Here one will walk through the village, visit a 900 year-old house, and see local women weaving carpets and making several other traditional handicrafts. After the visit drive to Gulkin village some 5 kms from Gulmit.  It is a good two and half hours trip to walk across the Glacier of Gulkin to Borit Lake, a large saltish glacial lake that attracts migratory birds. After a short rest at the lake you drive down to the Karakoram Highway and continue on to Passu Village. Enjoy fabulous views of Tupupdan Sar, Passu Peaks, Shispare and Boyohagur, all exceeding 7000 meters. Check in to the local Inn for overnight.

After having breakfast, drive to Khunjerab Pass, (4693 meters) is the highest paved international border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakurm Highway. Visit the Khunjerab National Park, was established in 1979   primarily as a means to protect the Marco Polo sheep (as well as Snow Leopards and Bharal) living in the area. After spending sometime on the pass, drive back to Passu. Overnight at the Inn.

After breakfast, proceed to Hoper Village in Nagar across the Hunza Valley, and enjoy the glacier walk on Buwaltar Glacier (2 hours), after lunch at “Hoper Hilton” return to the Karakoram Highway and proceed to Gilgit, en-route visit Ganish Heritage Village one of the oldest settlements of Hunza that has been very well preserved by Aga Khan Cultural and Heritage services. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning we will retrace our route on the KKH to Chilas, from where we will branch off to Babusar Pass (4173m) and the spectacular Kaghan Valley. We will pass alpine lakes before coming to the main town of Naran. After checking in to the hotel, we continue to Lake Saif ul muluk in local 4 x 4 jeeps. The lake is at height of 3200 meters and the shortest ride there take you through the top of the picturesque valley and the lake itself. Guarded by the Himalayas, the crystal clear waters of the lake mirror the azure sky and Malika Parbat, (Queen of Mountains), and gracefully captures the serene beauty that is so awe-inspiring. Return to Naran for overnight. we  and then continue on to Shogran an alpine meadow 2,362m high. This verdant forested valley is breath-taking. Overnight in Shogran.

After breakfast we drive south and then after a short distance transfer to local jeeps which will take us ona steep winding road northeast to Shogran. This alpine meadow 2,362m highand the views of this verdant forested valley is breath-taking. Overnight in Shogran.

From Shogran we will take local jeeps to the small lake at Siri, and from there continue on to Paya meadows. From here we can take a hike up to the top of Makra Peak (3885m) or just wander around the many trails near the Siri meadows. An option is also to hike back down to Shogran. Overnight in Shogran.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart on a 6-7 hour road journey for Islamabad. On the way we pass Balakot Village near the Kunhar river, which is the gateway to Kaghan. From here we continue through Mansehra, and join the newly built Hazar Motorway to Islamabad. Arrive Islamabad and transfer to your housing establishment.  

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