Top Trekking Trails in Pakistan

Trekking is a long-distance walk on foot that is usually adventurous. Instead, we will discuss some of Pakistan’s most popular trekking trails.

Trekking in Pakistan can take your breath away because there are so many incredible places to visit, from snow-capped peaks to lush green hilly terrains.

The prompt question of where to start as a beginner arises in one’s mind. Let me try to assist you, if you are ready to experience the most beautiful places of Pakistan.

The following question is, why should you go trekking in Pakistan?

Pakistan has five 8000-metre peaks and epic trails to suit all tastes and abilities. Travelling in Pakistan is rewarding in many ways, but the availability of trekking trails with breathtaking views is unparalleled. Pakistan has numerous lakes for sightseeing, a large number of glaciers to choose from and viewpoints that are easily accessible. The possibilities are limitless.

Though our country lacks in trekking infrastructure, it more than makes up for in sheer adventure. You will get to enjoy the mountains of Pakistan without the crowds because it’s still a solidly offbeat destination. Even during peak season, you can frequently enjoy the breathtaking scenery in peace and calmness.

We pick some of the best trekking trails in Pakistan. Let’s explore them together.

Rakaposhi Base Camp
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Days: 1-3
Region: Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan
Guide Needed: No

The route to Rakaposhi base camp is from Minapin, a picturesque village in Nagar District. At an elevation of 7,788 metres, it’s an excellent place. This trail is slightly steep but well marked. There’s no requirement of technical skills for reaching base camp. One can complete the round trip in one day if s/he starts early enough yet it’s not recommended by the experts. Hapakun is the first camp where tourists can spend the night. This is a  viewpoint of Rakaposhi and other peaks as well as the Minapin Glacier.

Nanga Parbat Base Camp
Difficulty: Easy/Hard
Days: 1-3
Region: Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan
Guide Needed: No

The journey to Fairy Meadows begins at the Raikot Bridge, which is an hour’s drive from Gilgit. You will then travel for 1.5 hours along the most terrifying rocky road of the world. Then you will embark on a well-marked 2-hour hike to arrive at the magnificent Fairy Meadows. Continue on for another 2.5 hours to Beyal Camp, where you can get a better view of Killer Mountain. Further three-hour hike will take you to Nanga Parbat Base Camp. Simply contact Adventure Planners prior to your trek so that we can arrange your backpack and other immunities.

K-2 Base Camp
Difficulty: Very Hard
Days: 10-12
Region: Hushe, Gilgit-Baltistan
Guide Needed: Yes
Permit Needed: Yes

The K-2 base camp trek is without a doubt the most difficult of all Pakistani hikes. Before leaving, foreign tourists needed permits and guides. Pakistanis, too, do not attempt this without the assistance of a guide or porter.

The journey to K-2 base camp is one of the greatest adventures in the world. You will start in the small village of Askole and spend the next few days trekking and camping on the Baltoro Glacier until you reach the Concordia campsite.

It takes about 7 days to get there. You can either return or opt for the trekking to Gondogoro La, at heights of over 5,600 metres.

Keep in mind that the K-2 trek can be freezing even in July, so bring your best quality gear. You will need campfires at the end of the day.

Snow Lake
Difficulty: Very Hard
Days: 10-14
Region: Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan
Guide Needed: Yes

The Snow Lake trek is one of Pakistan’s most challenging treks. Only experienced trekkers can embark on the adventure of a lifetime. In fact, this trek is even more difficult than the K-2 Base Camp trek. Trekking takes you across the Biafo Glacier, one of the world’s longest glaciers. Deep crevasses must be crossed once you reach altitudes above 5000 metres. As a result, proper mountaineering equipment such as crampons, helmets and ropes will be required.

This trek begins in Hispar village, Nagar or Askole, Skardu. July is the best month for trekking.

Margalla Hills Trails
Difficulty: Easy (Beginners)
Days: 1
Region: Islamabad, ICT
Guide Needed: No

If you are looking for a beginner trekking trail in Pakistan, see no further than the Margalla Hills in Islamabad. The lush hills are full of scenic viewpoints with well-marked paths. The trails are comparatively easy and suitable for people of all ages.

There are many trails to choose from, with multiple stopping points. Trails 3 and 5 are the most popular. Both are of about 5-6 kilometres round trip.

Trail 3 leads to that beautiful viewpoint from where you can see Faisal Mosque, Rawal Lake and some other tourist attractions. Margalla Hills trails are the best Pakistani hikes for beginners or families.

Haramosh /Kutwal Valley
Difficulty: Moderate
Days: 2-4
Region: Gilgit
Guide Needed: No

Haramosh is one of the most beautiful valley in Pakistan. It’s still unexplored by mass tourists. This trek is not suitable for families or unfit trekkers. Only experienced trekkers can reach over there.

To begin, you must travel to Dasu village, which is only accessible by jeep or motorcycle. The village is approximately 1.5 hours away from the main road. To reach the valley’s first official settlement, you must travel for at least 6 hours. If you want to camp at Kutwal Lake, plan on an 8-hour trek from Dasu. You can stay in Iskere, a small village halfway between Dasu and the valley. If you camp there, you can easily reach Kutwal Lake the next day.

Haramosh /Kutwal Valley
Difficulty: Moderate
Days: 2-4
Region: Gilgit
Guide Needed: No

Haramosh is one of the most beautiful valley in Pakistan. It’s still unexplored by mass tourists. This trek is not suitable for families or unfit trekkers. Only experienced trekkers can reach over there.

To begin, you must travel to Dasu village, which is only accessible by jeep or motorcycle. The village is approximately 1.5 hours away from the main road. To reach the valley’s first official settlement, you must travel for at least 6 hours. If you want to camp at Kutwal Lake, plan on an 8-hour trek from Dasu. You can stay in Iskere, a small village halfway between Dasu and the valley. If you camp there, you can easily reach Kutwal Lake the next day.

Haramosh /Kutwal Valley
Difficulty: Moderate
Days: 2-4
Region: Gilgit
Guide Needed: No

Haramosh is one of the most beautiful valley in Pakistan. It’s still unexplored by mass tourists. This trek is not suitable for families or unfit trekkers. Only experienced trekkers can reach over there.

To begin, you must travel to Dasu village, which is only accessible by jeep or motorcycle. The village is approximately 1.5 hours away from the main road. To reach the valley’s first official settlement, you must travel for at least 6 hours. If you want to camp at Kutwal Lake, plan on an 8-hour trek from Dasu. You can stay in Iskere, a small village halfway between Dasu and the valley. If you camp there, you can easily reach Kutwal Lake the next day.

Karambar Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Days: 2-3
Region: Broghil Valley, KPK
Guide Needed: No

Karamabar lake is located in the North of Yarkhun valley of KPK. It is also one of Pakistan’s highest lakes at 4,272 metres above sea level. You will have to reach Lashkargaz, which is the last village of the Broghil Valley, bordering with Wakhan Corridor. Jeeps can be hired from Chitral or Mastuj in tourist season.

A 7-8 hour trek awaits from Lashkargaz. The trek is relatively easy. Porters and/or horses can be hired for assistance.

This region of Pakistan is very safe. Check the current NOC (No Objection Certificate) requirements in Chitral town.