Your North Nomads representative meets you at arrivals with a welcome sign. Transfer by private vehicle to your private guesthouse in central Islamabad. Check in and rest after your journey before the evening programme begins.

Faisal Mosque

Visit one of the largest mosques in the world, a striking example of modern Islamic architecture set against the Margalla Hills. Explore the main prayer hall and expansive marble courtyard, and take in the dramatic triangular design inspired by a Bedouin tent. Best visited in the golden hour before sunset for photography. Modest dress is required (coverings provided if needed).

Islamabad

Join the North Nomads team and fellow trekkers for a traditional Pakistani welcome dinner. This is your pre-trek briefing: meet your guide and support crew, review the day-by-day itinerary, go over safety procedures and altitude precautions, and ask any questions before the journey begins.

Karakoram Highway

Depart Islamabad at approximately 5:00 AM and travel north along one of the highest paved international roads in the world. The route follows the Indus River through dramatic gorges, passing Abbottabad, Besham, and the confluence point where three mighty mountain ranges meet: the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush. Stops for lunch and photography along the way. Arrive in Chilas by evening. No activities scheduled after arrival to allow rest after the long drive.

Gilgit-Baltistan

After breakfast, drive approximately one hour from Chilas to Raikot Bridge. This is the transfer point from the Karakoram Highway to the 4x4 jeep track, and where the mountain adventure truly begins. Board rugged local jeeps for the thrilling two-hour ascent to Tato Village along one of the most dramatic jeep tracks in the world.

Tattu

End of the jeep track and starting point for the trek to Fairy Meadows at 3,300m. Organize luggage, meet porters and horses for luggage support, and prepare for the 5 to 6 km forest trek ahead. The trail ascends through towering pine forests with increasingly spectacular views of Nanga Parbat’s north face.

Fairy Meadows

Arrive at one of Pakistan’s most iconic alpine landscapes, a lush green meadow at 3,300m surrounded by ancient pine forests with unobstructed views of Nanga Parbat’s massive north face (8,126m). Settle into your guesthouse or camp, explore the meadow, and enjoy dinner with mountain views. This is your base for two nights.

A scenic stop along the trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, offering closer views of the Raikot Glacier and the towering north face. Rest, refuel, and photograph the dramatic glacial landscape before continuing the ascent to Base Camp.

Nanga Parbat

The highlight of the expedition. Stand at 4,100m at the foot of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the world’s ninth-highest mountain. The Rupal Face rises over 4,500 meters directly above, one of the highest mountain faces on earth. Packed lunch at Base Camp with time for exploration and photography before the return trek.

Fairy Meadows

Return to Fairy Meadows after the Base Camp trek for your second and final night. World-class stargazing under some of the darkest skies in South Asia with virtually zero light pollution at 3,300m altitude.

Fairy Meadows

After a final sunrise over Nanga Parbat and breakfast, trek back down to Tato Village (2 to 3 hours). The descent offers different perspectives of the Nanga Parbat massif. From Tato, take the jeep back down to Raikot Bridge.

Babusar Pass

Cross one of Pakistan’s most spectacular high-altitude passes at 4,173m. Instead of returning the way you came, the route heads east over the pass, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows on both sides. Stop at the summit for photographs before descending into the lush Kaghan Valley.

Naran

Arrive in the popular resort town of Naran (2,400m), set along the Kunhar River in the heart of the Kaghan Valley. Evening at leisure to explore the town, visit the riverside bazaar, and rest after the mountain crossing. Overnight in hotel.

Saif-ul-Muluk Lake

Visit one of Pakistan’s most famous and photographed alpine lakes at 3,224m, surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. Access is by a short jeep ride from Naran (included). The turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains create a breathtaking scene. The lake is steeped in local folklore, the legendary love story of Prince Saif ul Malook. Explore the lakeshore and take photographs before the journey back to Islamabad.

Kaghan

The return drive to Islamabad passes through the beautiful Kaghan Valley, descending alongside the Kunhar River through terraced hillsides, pine forests, and small mountain villages. Scenic views throughout the drive south past Balakot and onto the motorway. Arrive in Islamabad by evening. Tour concludes at your hotel or Islamabad International Airport. Optional: extend your stay with a complimentary half-day city tour the following morning (Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, Pakistan Monument). Please mention at time of booking.