“Experience the ultimate mountain journey from Rakaposhi Base Camp to the breathtaking Patundas Plateau in Upper Hunza.”
Trip Overview
The journey begins in Islamabad and follows the legendary Karakoram Highway, crossing deep gorges, rivers, and historic trade routes. The trek starts from Minapin village, ascending through forests and alpine meadows to Rakaposhi Base Camp. After completing the Rakaposhi section, the adventure continues into Upper Hunza, trekking from Borith Lake across the Passu Glacier to the spectacular Patundas Plateau.
This trek is ideal for fit trekkers with some prior hiking experience and rewards you with dramatic mountain scenery, traditional villages, and unforgettable camping experiences.
Trip Highlights
- Trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp with close views of the 7,788m peak
- Walk along the legendary Karakoram Highway
- Explore Minapin Village at the foot of Rakaposhi Glacier
- Cross the dramatic Passu Glacier
- Camp at the breathtaking Patundas Plateau (4,100m)
- Panoramic views of Passu Cones, Batura Peak, Shispar & Ultar
- Visit Hunza Valley, Baltit & Altit Forts
- Experience local culture and warm mountain hospitality
Itinerary
Rakaposhi Base Camp and Patundas Trek is one of the most scenic moderate trekking adventures in Upper Hunza Valley, Pakistan. This 14-day journey takes you from lush alpine villages to dramatic glaciers and high pastures, offering close-up views of Rakaposhi (7,788m), Passu Cones, Batura Massif, and the mighty Karakoram Range.
Designed for trekkers seeking a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, this trek combines the classic Rakaposhi Base Camp with the remote and stunning Patundas high pasture above Passu Glacier.
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Optional sightseeing of Islamabad, set against the scenic Margalla Hills, exploring key landmarks and pre-partition history.
Overnight: Hotel
- Altitude: 1,200 m
- Drive Time: 9–10 hours
Drive via Besham or Naran–Kaghan Valley (seasonal) along the Karakoram Highway, following the Indus River. En-route, enjoy views of Hazara and Kohistan regions and stop at ancient rock carvings near Chilas, dating back to 5000–1000 BC.
Overnight: Hotel in Chilas
- Altitude: 2,300 m
- Drive Time: 3–4 hours
Continue along the Karakoram Highway with stops at:
Nanga Parbat View Point
Junction of three mountain ranges (Karakoram, Himalaya & Hindukush)
Rakaposhi View Point & Old Silk Route
Arrive in Minapin Village, located at the snout of Rakaposhi Glacier.
Overnight: Hotel
- Altitude: 2,800 m
- Trek Time: 3 hours
Start trekking through fields and forests along Minapin Nullah. A zigzag trail leads to Hapakun campsite, offering stunning views of Rakaposhi, Ultar, and Shispar Peaks.
Overnight: Camp
- Altitude: 3,800 m
- Trek Time: 3–4 hours
A steady ascent leads to Tagha Phari, the Rakaposhi Base Camp, a wide grassy campsite surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.
Overnight: Camp
- Altitude: 2,900 m
- Trek: 4 hours | Drive: 2 hours
Descend to Minapin and drive to Upper Hunza via Attabad Lake, Gulmit, and Hussaini. Enjoy photo stops at Passu Cones, Shispar, and Ultar Peaks.
Overnight: Hotel at Borith Lake
- Altitude: 3,200 m
- Trek Time: 4 hours
Drive to the road head and begin trekking along the left side of Passu Glacier. Stunning views of Passu Cones, Batura, Shispar, and Ultar dominate the trail.
Overnight: Camp at Passughar
- Altitude: 3,500 m
- Trek Time: 4 hours
Cross the Passu Glacier, where ropes and crampons may be required depending on conditions. Reach Luzdhur, an old summer pasture with abandoned stone huts.
Overnight: Camp
- Altitude: 4,100 m
- Trek Time: 4 hours
A gradual climb leads to the breathtaking Patundas Plateau, offering panoramic views between Passu and Batura Glaciers. Optional short hikes and relaxation.
Overnight: Camp
- Altitude: 4,100 m → 3,500 m
- Trek Time: 3–5 hours
Descend about 1,100 m to Mulunghil on the Batura Glacier, surrounded by massive peaks and hanging glaciers.
Overnight: Camp
- Altitude: 2,500 m
- Trek: 4–5 hours | Drive: 1–2 hours
Trek along the lateral moraine of Batura Glacier to Passu. Drive to Karimabad, Hunza. Optional visits to Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and sunset at Eagle’s Nest.
Overnight: Hotel
Drive back along the Karakoram Highway to Naran (summer) or Besham.
Overnight: Hotel
Drive to Islamabad via Hazara Motorway. Visit Taxila Buddhist archaeological sites en-route.
Overnight: Hotel
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight.
Have a safe journey and unforgettable memories with Trips Nomad Adventure.
Services Included and Excluded
Includes
- All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodation (twin sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation (twin sharing dome tent)
- All camping site fees and bridge fees
- All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
- Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Government paperwork
- All National Parks fees (government requirement)
- All sightseeing during the trip including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters - personal luggage (14kgs)
- First aid medicine kit (very basic)
Excluded
- Personal travel insurance (suggestions only)
- Visa to Pakistan (five supporting documents will be offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipment (e.g., trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 67 per night
- Additional trek weight/baggage @ of recent porters’ rate.
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
The Essentials
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PASSPORT AND VISA
Participants of all nationalities are required to have a valid passport with six months remaining validity and a visa for Pakistan. Visas must be applied online at https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/
The main category is MOUNTAINEERING & TREKKING and the sub-category is TREKKING. You will need a letter of invitation (LOI) which our office will provide along with the requisite documents like Trips Nomad Adventure (TNA) license copy and National Identity Card of the issuing authority.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND A VISA FOR PAKISTAN.
TREKKING PERMIT
Some Treks in Pakistan fall in the restricted areas, a trekking permit is required and the security clearance process usually takes 30-45 days. It is high recommended to apply at least 60 days in advance to delays. Your application for visa is linked with the application for the trekking permit.
PERSONAL INSURANCE
As the trip is of strenuous nature, it is a mandatory requirement to have an insurance policy for accidents, medical and helicopter evacuation covering at least $ 30,000. We recommend you insure with SafetyWing Travel Insurance that their benefits and coverages are amazing for travelers around the world. The best is they provide online services without hastles.
DRESS
In the cities like Islamabad, there is no problem if you are in western dress but in remote regions including Skardu, you will need to have a full dress (covering your body)
LOCAL CREW
The local crew includes a licensed guide, cook, assistant cook, porter’s Sirdar, and porters. Our guides and cooks are well-experienced, strong, supportive and friendly. They performed their duties with full dedication to facilitate our valued clients.
GROUP JOINING INSTRUCTIONS
The tour starts and ends in Islamabad. TNA, guide or representative will be at the airport to pick the clients with the welcome signboard of TNA. We can also make reservations for pre and post nights if anyone arriving early or departing late.
BOOKING & DEPOSITS
The trip can be reserved upon as an initial deposit of 50% one month before arrival. The initial deposit shall not be refunded but can be transferred for a future trip.
FINAL PAYMENT
We accept full trip cost before the commencement of the tour. The payments are only accepted in cash/bank transfers in bank account. We don’t accept payments through credit cards. Please do not accept any invoice which is not generated by Trips Nomad Adventure and sent through official email ID.
1) Cancellations must be notified in writing to Trips Nomad Adventure or the agent through which the trip is booked. Cancellation charges shall be levied as follows:
- Cancellation before 30 days or more-After a deduction of the 10%, the remaining amount will be refunded. If the deposit is retained with the consent of our client no cancellation charges will be applied. The full amount will be adjusted with a future trip.
- Cancellation within 2 weeks before departure –50 % of the package offer
- Cancellation within one week of departure or no show –Loss of full payment
2) There shall be no refunds if you leave the trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily or involuntarily, after the trip has begun. No refunds shall be made for any meals, accommodation or services not utilized
