Rakaposhi

Rakaposhi

Rakaposhi, the 7,788-metre peak above the Hunza and Nagar valleys, is one of the Karakoram's most striking mountains, and the Rakaposhi base camp trek from Minapin brings you to its glaciers in one long day or two easier ones. You can also admire it from the roadside viewpoint at Ghulmet on the Karakoram Highway.

Why visit Rakaposhi

Rakaposhi means "shining wall" in Burushaski, and its other name, Dumani, means "mother of mist". Its northern side drops about 5,900 metres in only 11 km to the Hunza River, one of the greatest rises over local terrain of any mountain on earth. At 7,788 metres it ranks 27th in the world. Mike Banks and Tom Patey made the first ascent in 1958.

Rakaposhi View Point

Most travellers first see the mountain from Rakaposhi View Point near Ghulmet in Nagar, known locally as Zero Point, on the Karakoram Highway between Gilgit and Karimabad. The whole face fills the view from the roadside, and it makes a natural break on the drive into Hunza. It is the best place to see Rakaposhi if you are not trekking.

Rakaposhi base camp trek

The trek starts in Minapin village in Nagar at around 2,000 metres. The path climbs through forest above the Minapin Glacier to Hapakun, a common overnight stop, then continues to the base camp meadow at Tagaphari, at roughly 3,300 to 3,500 metres. From there you look across the glacier to the ice walls of Rakaposhi and to its neighbour, Diran.

Fit walkers can make the return trip in one long day of eight hours or more. Splitting it over two days, with a night at Hapakun, gives time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the views.

Best time to visit Rakaposhi base camp

  • Late May and June: the trail opens as the snow clears and the meadows turn green.
  • July and August: the warmest and most popular trekking months.
  • September to early October: quieter paths and colder nights at the end of the season.
  • Winter: the base camp is under snow, but the viewpoint on the highway can be visited all year.

Rakaposhi tours

Our 12D 11N The Karakoram Crown Rakaposhi Hunza Skardu brings Rakaposhi together with Hunza and Skardu. For more active trips in the north, browse our adventure tours, or explore neighbouring Hunza.

Plan your trip to Rakaposhi

Choose a tour above, or tell us your dates and we will arrange transport to Minapin, a local guide for the trek and stays in Hunza or Nagar either side.