South (Rupal Face) – Mazeno Pass – Diamir Face – Fairy Meadows
Overview
The Nanga Parbat Circuit Trek via Mazeno Pass is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking expeditions in Pakistan. This legendary route completely circles the world’s 9th highest mountain, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), offering unmatched views of its Rupal, Diamir, and Raikot Faces.
Starting from Islamabad, the journey follows the iconic Karakoram Highway to the remote village of Tarashing, gateway to the mighty Rupal Face, the highest mountain wall on Earth. The trek crosses lush alpine meadows, glacial valleys, historic base camps, and the formidable Mazeno Pass (5,399 m) — the highest trekking pass in the western Himalayas.
This expedition is designed for experienced trekkers seeking true wilderness, high-altitude adventure, and deep cultural encounters, concluding at the iconic Fairy Meadows beneath the Raikot Face of Nanga Parbat.
Trek Highlights
- Complete circuit of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m)
- Spectacular views of Rupal Face – the world’s highest mountain wall
- Crossing the legendary Mazeno Pass (5,399 m)
- Visit to Diamir & Raikot Base Camps
- Remote summer villages and shepherd pastures
- Ancient Buddhist rock carvings along the Indus River
- Alpine meadows, glaciers, forests, and high passes
- Professional local guides & high-altitude support team
Trek Itinerary
This 22-day Nanga Parbat Circuit Trek begins in Islamabad and follows the Karakoram Highway to Tarashing beneath the Rupal Face. The route crosses alpine meadows, glaciers, and remote base camps, including Herligkoffer, Diamir, and Raikot. The highlight is the crossing of the legendary Mazeno Pass (5,399 m), before descending to Fairy Meadows and returning to Islamabad via Babusar Pass.
Altitude: 500 m
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, and a panoramic view from Daman-e-Koh. Overnight at hotel.
Altitude: 1,265 m
Drive: 9–10 hours
Early morning departure via the Hazara Motorway and the legendary Karakoram Highway. Optional route via Babusar Pass (4,100 m) during summer months. En-route visit ancient Buddhist rock carvings at Shatial. Overnight in Chilas.
Altitude: 2,900 m
Drive: 7–8 hours
Drive along the Indus River with first dramatic views of Nanga Parbat. Leave the Karakoram Highway and enter the scenic Astore Valley, reaching the remote village of Tarashing, directly beneath the Rupal Face. Overnight in tents or basic lodge.
Altitude: 3,450 m
Trek: 5 hours
Begin trekking through glacier moraines, green pastures, and summer villages. Cross the Tarashing Glacier and camp near freshwater springs at Herligkoffer Base Camp, named after Dr. Karl Herrligkoffer. Overnight in tents.
Rest & Acclimatization Day
Free day to explore surroundings and acclimatize beneath the towering Rupal Face. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 3,700 m
Trek: 4–5 hours
A scenic walk through juniper and birch forests, passing seasonal settlements. Stunning views of Rupal Peak (5,484 m) and Laila Peak (5,600 m). Camp in grassy meadows with fresh spring water.
Altitude: 4,150 m
Trek: 3–4 hours
Trek along the Toshain Glacier moraine with continuous views of Nanga Parbat, Laila Peak, and Rupal Face. Camp in a high alpine meadow. Afternoon acclimatization walk. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 4,750 m
Trek: 4–5 hours
Gradual ascent across meadows and rocky terrain to Mazeno High Camp. Afternoon training session on crampons, harnesses, ropes, and safety techniques for the Mazeno Pass crossing. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 5,399 m (Mazeno Pass)
Trek: 8–10 hours
Early start to cross the legendary Mazeno Pass, the most challenging section of the trek. Steep descent onto the Loiba Glacier, using fixed ropes where necessary. Camp at Chatti, a beautiful grassy campsite. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 3,745 m
Trek: 8–9 hours
A demanding day over Sargalio Ban Pass (5,140 m) on unstable rocky terrain. Descend into a lush valley with juniper trees and streams. Camp at Sargalio Ban with breathtaking mountain views.
Altitude: 4,000 m
Trek: 5–6 hours
First full view of the Diamir Face of Nanga Parbat. Walk through Kutgali pasture, meeting local shepherd families. Continue to Diamir Base Camp. Overnight in tents.
Rest Day
Free day to explore the base camp and surroundings. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 3,100 m
Trek: 2 hours
Short descent through shepherd trails with stunning views of Nanga Parbat’s west face. Overnight at Kutgali.
Altitude: 4,400 m
Trek: 8–9 hours
Steep ascent to Karo Sagar Pass and onward to Karo Sagar camp, an old summer pasture. Challenging but non-technical terrain. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 2,600 m
Trek: 5–6 hours
Long descent into Patro Gah Valley reaching Chechi. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 3,500 m
Trek: 6–7 hours
Walk through forested terrain with views of Ganalo Peak (6,600 m). Relatively easy trekking day. Overnight at Gutum Sagar.
Altitude: 4,837 m (Jilipur Pass)
Trek: 8–9 hours
Ascend to Jilipur High Camp, cross Jilipur Pass, and descend to Beyal Camp. Optional ascent of Jilipur Peak requires an extra day. Overnight in tents.
Altitude: 3,970 m
Trek: 8–9 hours
Walk to Raikot (North Face) Base Camp, enjoying dramatic views of icefalls and surrounding peaks. Descend through forests and meadows to Fairy Meadows. Overnight in wooden huts.
Free Day
Relax and enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful mountain landscapes beneath Nanga Parbat.
Descend to Tato Village, jeep drive to Raikot Bridge, and continue to Chilas. Overnight in hotel.
Drive back to Islamabad via Babusar Pass. Overnight in hotel.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport. Have Safe Journey with unforgettable memories from Pakistan
Services Includes & Excludes
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)
Excludes
- 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)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This is a challenging high-altitude expedition designed for experienced trekkers with prior glacier and pass-crossing experience.
The highest point is Mazeno Pass (5,399 meters), one of the most demanding trekking passes in Pakistan.
Basic technical skills are required. You will use crampons, harness, rope, and ice axe, and full training is provided before the crossing.
The best time is June to September, when Mazeno Pass and high camps are accessible and safer.
Accommodation includes hotels in cities, tents during the trek, and wooden huts at Fairy Meadows.
Yes. Proper acclimatization days are included, and experienced guides monitor all trekkers closely.
This is the only trek that completely circles Nanga Parbat, covering its Rupal, Diamir, and Raikot Faces in one expedition.
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.