Trekking in Pakistan is among the best in the world and it’s home to three of the greatest mountain ranges — the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindukush. What sets it apart from other famous trekking destinations in Asia like Nepal, is the lack of tourists and travellers… for now! Pakistan remains a hugely underrated destination, where picturesque landscapes are untouched, local communities are excited to greet travellers, and paths remain unbeaten.
Whether you’re seeking an easy day hike through biodiverse valleys or a challenging multi-day trek into remote, glacier-filled wilderness, we’ve got you covered with an epic list of the best trekking in Pakistan.
K2 Base Camp Trek
Pakistan is home to K2, the second-highest mountain in the world, standing at a whopping 8,611m (28,251 ft) — just 238m (781 ft) shy of Mount Everest in Nepal — the world’s tallest mountain. For those less concerned with bragging rights and more interested in the experience, the K2 Base Camp Trek offers something truly exceptional — very few tourists. While over 30,000 people trek to Everest Base Camp annually, only around 1,500 journey to K2 Base Camp.
The trek spans 14 days, taking you across the Baltoro Glacier, the fifth-longest non-polar glacier in the world, and into the legendary ‘Throne Room of the Mountain Gods’. This aptly named spot unveils unmatched views of towering peaks, including K2 and several other 8,000m (26,247 ft) giants only worthy of the Gods.
Warm up for the K2 on: Pakistan: Hike the Karakoram Mountains
Nanga Parbat Basecamp
Known as the ‘Killer Mountain,’ Nanga Parbat is a formidable 8,126m (26,000 ft) peak, notorious for claiming the lives of 25% of climbers who dare to summit it. Fortunately, you don’t need to risk life and limb to experience this giant. The Nanga Parbat Base Camp trek sitting at 3,900m (12,800 ft) is a moderate 2 to 3-day hike offering jaw-dropping vistas without an adventure that lives up to the mountain’s ominous nickname.
Most trekkers base themselves in Fairy Meadows, a lush alpine grassland-turned-mini-village under the shadow of the world’s 9th highest mountain. True to its name, this magical meadow feels like something out of a storybook. But before all this, you need to brave a jeep ride along one of the world’s most dangerous roads. It’s an experience that’s more exhilarating than terrifying, if you can believe it.
Patundas Trek
Wedged between Batura and Passu Glaciers, Patundas Meadows sits at an impressive 4,200m (13,800 ft). While this might be the highest you’ve ever been, surrounded by towering 7,000m (23,000 ft) peaks at all compass points, you quickly feel humbled and pretty tiny. We all know the cliche ‘it’s about the journey, not the destination’. The Patundas Trek is about both. The panoramic views from the top are remarkable, but so is the experience of jumping and scrambling across a glacier while it’s groaning under your feet.
You need a local guide to navigate the glacier safely and to tackle tricky crevasses. This trek in Pakistan can be done in 2 to 3 days, depending on your pace and fitness level, with a total elevation gain of around 1,700m (5,600 ft). The most challenging section is the 800m (2,600 ft) ascent from Patundas Camp One to Patundas Meadows.
Explore Passu Glacier on: Pakistan: Karakoram Highway, Local Eats & Village Life
Avgarch Valley
Not all trekking in Pakistan needs multiple days of strain and sore muscles. The hike to Avgarch Valley can be completed in a day, yet is equally as rewarding as more challenging hikes.
Beginning in Jamalabad in Gojal, the 2.5-hour trail takes you towards the first settlement of Hunza, a small village still home to a few families. The scenery along the way is fantastic, and this area’s extra layer of history adds a surreal and significant element. Imagine what life was like there 700+ years ago!
Passu and Husseini Suspension Bridges
Safety when trekking in Pakistan can be a little lax, and that’s evident when you see Passu and Hussaini Suspension Bridges. In the shadow of the iconic spikey mountains known as Passu Cones, these bridges sway precariously over the raging Hunza River.
A short 2-hour circular hike takes you across both bridges and a pleasant walk beside the river. Be warned — if you’re afraid of heights, crossing either of these bridges isn’t for the faint-hearted. The gaps between the wooden planks are wide, and some shift unnervingly underfoot making it feel like a leap of faith.
Nangma Valley
The Yosemite of Pakistan, Nangma Valley, is a climber’s haven with challenging routes scaling famous rock walls on 5,000m+ (16,400 ft) mountains like Amin Brakk and Changi Tower. Scaling vertical cliff faces isn’t for everyone, and hiking offers an equally remarkable adventure for those wanting to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground.
Starting in the village of Kanday, explore the trail to Mingulo Broq, where you’ll spend the night at 3,500m (11,500 ft). The next day, follow glacial streams as wildflowers brush against your legs on the way to Nangma Valley at 3,950m (13,000 ft).
Amin Brakk
If the trek to Nangma Valley isn’t enough to satisfy your hunger for hiking in Pakistan, you can continue on to Amin Brakk Base Camp. This challenging 3-hour hike involves gaining around 600m (2,000 ft) of elevation, ultimately reaching the base camp at 4,500m (14,800 ft).
Though the climb is steep, the reward at the top is more than worth it. Standing at the foot of the towering 5,800m (19,000 ft) rock face of Amin Brakk, take a moment to imagine the thoughts racing through the minds of climbers attempting to scale this imposing giant.
Thallay Valley
The Thallay Valley Trek is one of the more accessible hikes in Baltistan and Pakistan, offering a glacier-free route through lush meadows and valleys teeming with vibrant flora. Winding through the stunning Shigar and Khaplu valleys, the trek is framed by the dramatic peaks of the Karakoram mountain range, culminating at the Thallay La Pass at 4,575m (15,000 ft).
The valley remains relatively untouched by tourism, preserving the local people’s unique way of life. Like most places in Pakistan, prepare yourself for welcoming hospitality and milky cups of chai (tea). Meeting the Balti people and trying their mouthwateringly good cuisine is a big part of this trek in Pakistan.
Tackle the Thallay Valley trek on: Pakistan: Lahore & Hiking the Karakoram Mountains
Haramosh Valley
Somehow, the beauty of Haramosh Valley has managed to escape the knowledge of most tourists trekking in Pakistan, which only adds to its serenity and exclusivity. Begin your escape from civilization at the last village, Dasu, where you’ll take a 1.5-hour jeep ride to the trailhead. Enveloped by the formidable mountains of the Karakoram Range, you’ll put one foot in front of the other for at least 6 hours before you reach camp for the night.
Wake up and head to the jewel of Haramosh Valley — Kutwal Lake at 3,310m (10,900 ft). The lake’s brilliant blue water contrasts perfectly with the lush greenery and the dark, snow-dusted mountains. The few who take on this trek claim it’s one of the best views in Pakistan.
Shimshal Pass
Starting in the remote village of Shimshal, known as the ‘Valley of Mountaineers’, is an experience in itself. Largely isolated from the outside world until 2003, a thrilling dirt road now connects it up. Today the Wakhi people’s way of life is still preserved to a degree, offering a fascinating glimpse into their unique culture.
From here, the challenging 8 to 12 day trek takes you to the Shimshal Pass at 4,735m (15,535 ft) — a high-altitude plateau with spectacular vistas of the Karakoram mountain range. Along the way, you’ll traverse teetering suspension bridges and steep trails while meeting nomadic shepherds tending to yaks and sheep.
Marsur Rock
Social media played a pivotal role in putting Pakistan on the global travel map, and Marsur Rock is the poster child. Mother Nature worked her magic on this one, placing this unsuspecting slab of rock in the perfect spot. Dare to shimmy your way across to get the perfect shot, and you’ll appear to be suspended thousands of metres above the magnificent Hussainabad Valley near Skardu City.
In 2 to 3 hours, you’ll gain around 800m (2,600 ft) in elevation before reaching this iconic spot. While the views on the way up may not be particularly dramatic, the real magic happens at the top. The surreal rock formation, resembling something straight out of The Lion King makes the trek well worth it.
Karambar Lake Trek
The Karambar Lake Trek is a moderately challenging adventure through lush valleys, across glacial streams, and deep into the wilderness of Pakistan — all leading to Karambar Lake, the 31st-highest lake in the world. Situated at 4,272m (14,000 ft), this 2-3 day out-and-back trek begins in the village of Lashkargaz in Chitral.
The highlight is the serene Karambar Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Visit in summer and this alpine landscape boasts unique biodiversity and comes alive with wildflowers, adding a burst of colour to the epic backdrop.
Is trekking in Pakistan safe?
Trekking in Pakistan is generally considered safe, especially if you stick to well-known trails like the ones above. It pays to join a group trip in Pakistan to traverse Pakistan’s mountains safely, not get lost, enjoy special moments with local people, and learn a bunch along the way!
