Rakaposhi Base Camp, Diran Peak Base Camp and Kacheli Lake - 11 Days

 

Duration

11 Days

Group Size

4-8 People

Season

Summer & Autumn

Overview

About Expedition

This adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Karakoram Range, offering a thrilling exploration of Rakaposhi, Diran Peak, and the serene Kacheli Lake. Over 11 days, you will trek through lush valleys, across glaciers, and to awe-inspiring high-altitude campsites. From the bustling city of Islamabad to the remote alpine meadows of Minapin and beyond, this journey combines cultural discovery with breathtaking natural beauty. Each day brings a new challenge and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the majesty of Pakistan’s northern landscapes.

Why This Tour?

Iconic Peaks: Get up close to two of Pakistan’s most iconic mountains—Rakaposhi (7,788m) and Diran Peak (7,266m).

Diverse Terrain: Experience everything from alpine meadows and lush forests to rugged glaciers and high-altitude lakes.

Authentic Culture: Explore local villages like Minapin and Gilgit, engage with hospitable communities, and visit ancient cultural sites.

Tailored Comfort: Enjoy a range of accommodation options—from premium hotels in major cities to immersive camping experiences in the wilderness.

Unforgettable Memories: Capture breathtaking views, trek across glaciers, and witness the serenity of Kacheli Lake, a hidden gem at 4,000m.

Itinerary

Day 01: Islamabad

  • Arrival at the Islamabad International Airport
  • Pick up from the Islamabad Airport by our Guide and Driver
  • Drive to Hotel and Check In
  • Rest at the Hotel
  • Meet our team and briefing about the adventure a head
  • Prepare yourself for the adventure a head
  • Night Stay in Islamabad

 

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 02: Islamabad to Chilas

  • Departure for Chilas (Distance: ~460 km, Drive Time: ~10-11 hours)
  • Drive on Hazara Motorway
  • Pass through Abbottabad (scenic hill station), Mansehra, and Besham
  • Visit Naran (seasonal via Babusar Pass, stunning alpine views) or continue via KKH past Dasu and Kohistan (rugged landscapes, Indus River)
  • Small stops on the way 
  • Arrival and check-in at hotel in Chilas
  • Night stay in Chilas

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Shangrila Hotel Chilas
  • Luxury: Shangrila Hotel Chilas
  • Standard: Indus Lodges Chilas

Day 03: Chilas to Minapin Village

  • Departure for Minapin Village (Distance: ~205 km, Drive Time: ~5-6 hours)
  • Drive on Karakoram Highway (KKH)
  • Pass through Gilgit (bustling town), Junction Point near Jaglot (where Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush meet), and Rakaposhi Viewpoint (first glimpse of Rakaposhi)
  • Small stops on the way (e.g., Junction Point for photos)
  • Arrival and check-in at guesthouse in Minapin
  • Night stay in Minapin

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Roomy Ushu Thang
  • Luxury: Roomy Ushu Thang
  • Standard: Cherry Garden Minapin

Day 04: Trek from Minapin to Hapakun Campsite

  • Departure for Hapakun (Distance: ~5.8 km, Trek Time: 3-4 hours)
  • Trek begins at Minapin Village, cross Minapin River footbridge
  • Pass through juniper trees, apricot groves, and steep switchbacks
  • Arrival at Hapakun meadow (views of Hachindar and Maiun peaks)
  • Set up camp at Hapakun
  • Night stay in tents at Hapakun

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 05: Trek from Hapakun to Rakaposhi Base Camp (Tagaphari)

  • Departure for Rakaposhi Base Camp (Distance: ~3 km, Trek Time: 2-3 hours)
  • Trek through pine forest, reach ridge with Minapin Glacier views
  • Pass meadows with wildflowers, ascend to Tagaphari
  • Arrival at Rakaposhi Base Camp (stunning views of Rakaposhi and Diran)
  • Set up camp at Tagaphari
  • Night stay in tents at Tagaphari

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 06: Trek from Rakaposhi Base Camp to Diran Peak Base Camp

  • Departure for Diran Peak Base Camp (Distance: ~3-4 km one way, Trek Time: 3-4 hours one way)
  • Trek across Minapin Glacier (navigate moraine and crevasses, caution advised)
  • Pass glacial terrain with views of Diran Peak and surrounding ridges
  • Arrival at Diran Peak Base Camp (~3,650m-3,700m, panoramic mountain vistas)
  • Enjoy your time at Diran Peak Base Camp
  • Night stay in tents at Diran Peak Base Camp

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 07: Trek from Rakaposhi Base Camp to Kacheli Lake

  • Departure for Kacheli Lake (Distance: ~5-6 km one way from Diran Base Camp area, Trek Time: 3-4 hours one way)
  • Trek via Diran Base Camp route, continue upward through rocky terrain
  • Arrival at Kacheli Lake (~4,000m, serene high-altitude lake with Rakaposhi and Diran reflections)
  • Night stay in tents at Tagaphari

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 08: Trek Back to Minapin and Drive to Gilgit City

  • Departure for Islamabad (Flight Distance: ~320 km, Flight Time: ~1 hour; Drive Distance: ~600 km, Drive Time: ~12-14 hours if contingency)
  • Option 1: Morning flight from Gilgit Airport to Islamabad
  • Option 2 (if flight cancelled): Drive on KKH, pass Junction Point, Rakaposhi Viewpoint, and Chilas
  • Small stops on the way (e.g., Junction Point for photos if driving)
  • Arrival and check-in at hotel in Islamabad
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 09: Gilgit to Islamabad (Flight) or Contingency Day

  • Departure for Islamabad (Flight Distance: ~320 km, Flight Time: ~1 hour; Drive Distance: ~600 km, Drive Time: ~12-14 hours if contingency)
  • Option 1: Morning flight from Gilgit Airport to Islamabad
  • Option 2 (if flight cancelled): Drive on KKH, pass Junction Point, Rakaposhi Viewpoint, and Chilas
  • Small stops on the way (e.g., Junction Point for photos if driving)
  • Arrival and check-in at hotel in Islamabad
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 10: Islamabad City Tour

  • Departure for city tour (local travel within Islamabad)
  • Visit Faisal Mosque (largest in Pakistan), Daman-e-Koh (Margalla Hills viewpoint)
  • Explore Pakistan Monument (national heritage site), lunch at Monal Restaurant (scenic views)
  • Visit Saidpur Village (cultural heritage), stroll in F-7 Markaz
  • Return to hotel
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 11: Departure from Islamabad

  • Departure for Islamabad International Airport
  • Transfer to airport for flight home

Itinerary

Day 01: Islamabad

  • Arrival at the Islamabad International Airport
  • Pick up from the Islamabad Airport by our Guide and Driver
  • Drive to Hotel and Check In
  • Rest at the Hotel
  • Meet our team and briefing about the adventure a head
  • Prepare yourself for the adventure a head
  • Night Stay in Islamabad

 

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 02: Islamabad to Chilas

  • Departure for Chilas (Distance: ~460 km, Drive Time: ~10-11 hours)
  • Drive on Hazara Motorway
  • Pass through Abbottabad (scenic hill station), Mansehra, and Besham
  • Visit Naran (seasonal via Babusar Pass, stunning alpine views) or continue via KKH past Dasu and Kohistan (rugged landscapes, Indus River)
  • Small stops on the way 
  • Arrival and check-in at hotel in Chilas
  • Night stay in Chilas

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Shangrila Hotel Chilas
  • Luxury: Shangrila Hotel Chilas
  • Standard: Indus Lodges Chilas

Day 03: Chilas to Minapin Village

  • Departure for Minapin Village (Distance: ~205 km, Drive Time: ~5-6 hours)
  • Drive on Karakoram Highway (KKH)
  • Pass through Gilgit (bustling town), Junction Point near Jaglot (where Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush meet), and Rakaposhi Viewpoint (first glimpse of Rakaposhi)
  • Small stops on the way (e.g., Junction Point for photos)
  • Arrival and check-in at guesthouse in Minapin
  • Night stay in Minapin

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Roomy Ushu Thang
  • Luxury: Roomy Ushu Thang
  • Standard: Cherry Garden Minapin

Day 04: Trek from Minapin to Hapakun Campsite

  • Departure for Hapakun (Distance: ~5.8 km, Trek Time: 3-4 hours)
  • Trek begins at Minapin Village, cross Minapin River footbridge
  • Pass through juniper trees, apricot groves, and steep switchbacks
  • Arrival at Hapakun meadow (views of Hachindar and Maiun peaks)
  • Set up camp at Hapakun
  • Night stay in tents at Hapakun

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 05: Trek from Hapakun to Rakaposhi Base Camp (Tagaphari)

  • Departure for Rakaposhi Base Camp (Distance: ~3 km, Trek Time: 2-3 hours)
  • Trek through pine forest, reach ridge with Minapin Glacier views
  • Pass meadows with wildflowers, ascend to Tagaphari
  • Arrival at Rakaposhi Base Camp (stunning views of Rakaposhi and Diran)
  • Set up camp at Tagaphari
  • Night stay in tents at Tagaphari

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 06: Trek from Rakaposhi Base Camp to Diran Peak Base Camp

  • Departure for Diran Peak Base Camp (Distance: ~3-4 km one way, Trek Time: 3-4 hours one way)
  • Trek across Minapin Glacier (navigate moraine and crevasses, caution advised)
  • Pass glacial terrain with views of Diran Peak and surrounding ridges
  • Arrival at Diran Peak Base Camp (~3,650m-3,700m, panoramic mountain vistas)
  • Enjoy your time at Diran Peak Base Camp
  • Night stay in tents at Diran Peak Base Camp

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 07: Trek from Rakaposhi Base Camp to Kacheli Lake

  • Departure for Kacheli Lake (Distance: ~5-6 km one way from Diran Base Camp area, Trek Time: 3-4 hours one way)
  • Trek via Diran Base Camp route, continue upward through rocky terrain
  • Arrival at Kacheli Lake (~4,000m, serene high-altitude lake with Rakaposhi and Diran reflections)
  • Night stay in tents at Tagaphari

Stay Options:

  • Camping

Day 08: Trek Back to Minapin and Drive to Gilgit City

  • Departure for Islamabad (Flight Distance: ~320 km, Flight Time: ~1 hour; Drive Distance: ~600 km, Drive Time: ~12-14 hours if contingency)
  • Option 1: Morning flight from Gilgit Airport to Islamabad
  • Option 2 (if flight cancelled): Drive on KKH, pass Junction Point, Rakaposhi Viewpoint, and Chilas
  • Small stops on the way (e.g., Junction Point for photos if driving)
  • Arrival and check-in at hotel in Islamabad
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 09: Gilgit to Islamabad (Flight) or Contingency Day

  • Departure for Islamabad (Flight Distance: ~320 km, Flight Time: ~1 hour; Drive Distance: ~600 km, Drive Time: ~12-14 hours if contingency)
  • Option 1: Morning flight from Gilgit Airport to Islamabad
  • Option 2 (if flight cancelled): Drive on KKH, pass Junction Point, Rakaposhi Viewpoint, and Chilas
  • Small stops on the way (e.g., Junction Point for photos if driving)
  • Arrival and check-in at hotel in Islamabad
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 10: Islamabad City Tour

  • Departure for city tour (local travel within Islamabad)
  • Visit Faisal Mosque (largest in Pakistan), Daman-e-Koh (Margalla Hills viewpoint)
  • Explore Pakistan Monument (national heritage site), lunch at Monal Restaurant (scenic views)
  • Visit Saidpur Village (cultural heritage), stroll in F-7 Markaz
  • Return to hotel
  • Night stay in Islamabad

Stay Options:

  • Premium: Islamabad Serena Hotel
  • Luxury: Roomy Signature Hotel
  • Standard: Grand Islamabad Hotel

Day 11: Departure from Islamabad

  • Departure for Islamabad International Airport
  • Transfer to airport for flight home

Packing List

Clothing

Trekking Pants – 2-pairs (quick-dry)
T-Shirts – 3-4 (breathable, moisture-wicking)
Jacket – Fleece or down for warmth
Waterproof Jacket & Pants – Wind and rain protection
Warm Hat & Sun Hat – For cold and sun protection
Gloves – Lightweight + insulated gloves
Socks – 3-4 pairs (warm and comfortable)

Footwear

Trekking Boots – Waterproof and comfortable
Camp Shoes – For use at campsites

Backpacks & Sleeping Gear

Backpack – 50-65L for carrying essentials
Daypack – 15-25L for daily use
Sleeping Bag – Rated for -5°C to -10°C

Trekking Essentials

Trekking Poles – Helps with balance and knee strain
Sunglasses – UV protection
Water Bottles – 2-3L capacity
Headlamp – With extra batteries

Personal Items

Sunscreen & Lip Balm – For sun protection
Basic Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wipes
Towel – Lightweight and quick-dry

First Aid & Medications
Personal Medications – If needed

Key Information

  • Total Trekking Distance: ~17.6 km (Minapin to Rakaposhi Base Camp and back).
  • Highest Altitude: 4,693m (Khunjerab Pass).
  • Best Season: Mid-May to October.
  • Difficulty: Trek—beginner to medium; travel—moderate due to long drives.

Clothing

Trekking Pants – 2-pairs (quick-dry)
T-Shirts – 3-4 (breathable, moisture-wicking)
Jacket – Fleece or down for warmth
Waterproof Jacket & Pants – Wind and rain protection
Warm Hat & Sun Hat – For cold and sun protection
Gloves – Lightweight + insulated gloves
Socks – 3-4 pairs (warm and comfortable)

Footwear

Trekking Boots – Waterproof and comfortable
Camp Shoes – For use at campsites

Backpacks & Sleeping Gear

Backpack – 50-65L for carrying essentials
Daypack – 15-25L for daily use
Sleeping Bag – Rated for -5°C to -10°C

Trekking Essentials

Trekking Poles – Helps with balance and knee strain
Sunglasses – UV protection
Water Bottles – 2-3L capacity
Headlamp – With extra batteries

Personal Items

Sunscreen & Lip Balm – For sun protection
Basic Toiletries – Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wipes
Towel – Lightweight and quick-dry

First Aid & Medications
Personal Medications – If needed

FAQs

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How difficult is this trek?

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What is the total duration of the trek?

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What is the maximum altitude we will reach?

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What is the best time for this trek?

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What kind of accommodation is provided?

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What is the temperature like during the trek?

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Is prior trekking experience necessary?

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What should I pack for this trek?

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Are porters and guides available?

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Will there be mobile network coverage?

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What are the food options during the trek?

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How do we manage altitude sickness?

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Can I charge my phone or camera during the trek?

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Is travel insurance necessary?

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What is the booking process?

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TOUR EXLCUSION/INCLUSION

01

What You Get?

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02

What You Don’t?

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Location

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