Destination: Pakistan

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Highway Trailblazers

THREE WEEKS / GILGIT TO KARIMABAD

Follow the best of Pakistan’s dramatic trekking routes.



Pakistan’s Karakoram and Hindukush offer some of the planet’s most dramatic trekking. The treks in the Trekking chapter can be strung together in several combinations – see p000 for further itineraries. This itinerary incorporates some of the best treks that are accessed from Gilgit and Karimabad, popular hubs on the KKH.

Gilgit is a great base for launching into Baltistan, Diamir and Nagyr, organising guides and for resting between treks. First head to Skardu to tackle the three-day, challenging route between Khaplu and Skardu which crosses snow-covered Thalle La, and drops into the spectacular Shigar Valley. Return to Skardu then Gilgit. From Gilgit organise transport to Astor and from there to Tarashing to start a five-day return trek to the base camp of Nanga Parbat’s awesome Rupal Face.

Again from Gilgit, head along the KKH towards Karimabad, another comfortable base for trekking. Minapin is easily accessed from the KKH coming north from Gilgit or south from Karimabad, and is the start of the trail to Rakaposhi Base Camp; a three-day return trek. From the top of Karimabad town you can take the short and steep track up to Ultar meadow where you can camp before returning the following morning.