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WILD KARAKORAM
Nanga Parbat, 8,126 m
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TrekDiamer, Karakoram Highway

Nanga Parbat, 8,126 m

The ninth highest mountain on earth, climbed from the Diamir side after a three day walk in from the Karakoram Highway, with a full month on the mountain.

43 days from Islamabad, 5 of them on foot, reaching 8,126 m. Late June to end of July, in groups of 4 to 10. Graded extreme.

Nanga Parbat is the western anchor of the Himalaya, a mountain that rises more than 7,000 metres above the Indus and has drawn climbers for over a century. This expedition goes in from the Diamir side, starting with the long drive up the Karakoram Highway to Chilas and a short walk through Zangot and Kutgali to base camp at 4,000 metres. The climbing period is four weeks long and includes spare days so the team can wait for the best weather windows. The summer departure leaves in late June and a winter departure runs from late December. The walk out retraces the path to the Highway, and you finish in Islamabad.

Day by day

  1. 1

    Arrive Islamabad

    Flights normally land in the afternoon. Your guide meets you at the airport and takes you to the hotel, and the rest of the day is for resting after the journey.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  2. 2

    Briefing in Islamabad

    The Ministry of Tourism briefing for the Nanga Parbat expedition takes place before you head north. The rest of the day is free to explore the city and enjoy a traditional Pakistani meal.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  3. 3

    Drive to Chilas

    A full day on the Karakoram Highway, through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Besham, Dasu and Sazin, with the land turning steadily drier and higher as the road follows the Indus. Chilas is a lively Diamer town beside the river, and the night is spent in a hotel.

    Night at Hotel, 1,265 m.

  4. 4

    Halala Bridge and Zangot

    From Chilas the road leaves the Highway for the Diamir valley as far as Halala Bridge. From here the walk begins, a gentle trail through the village fields to the camp at Zangot.

    3 hours on foot. Night at Zangot, 2,600 m.

  5. 5

    Trek to Kutgali

    The trail climbs through pine forest and meadow with the Diamir face of Nanga Parbat coming into view above the trees. Kutgali is a green alpine pasture and a lovely place to camp.

    5 hours on foot. Night at Kutgali, 3,100 m.

  6. 6

    Trek to Diamir base camp

    The last stretch crosses the meadows towards the foot of the great Diamir face. Base camp sits at 4,000 metres, and our crew have the kitchen and mess tent set up and ready.

    5 hours on foot. Night at Diamir base camp, 4,000 m.

  7. 7to 38

    Climbing period on Nanga Parbat

    High point

    Thirty two days are given to the mountain, enough for a full acclimatisation programme and a patient summit bid. The team establishes the high camps on the Diamir side, moves up and down in rotations to build strength at altitude, and rests in between at base camp. Spare days are built in so the team can wait for the best weather windows, and our base camp crew look after meals, communications and gear throughout. At 8,126 metres the summit is the ninth highest on earth and the view reaches across to the Karakoram.

    Night at High camps, 5,000 m.

  8. 39

    Back to Kutgali

    The team leaves base camp and walks down the same path to the meadows of Kutgali, a green and easy day after a month on the mountain.

    5 hours on foot. Night at Kutgali, 3,100 m.

  9. 40

    Zangot, Halala Bridge and Chilas

    Down through Zangot to Halala Bridge, where the vehicles wait to carry you back to Chilas. A hot meal and a proper bed in the hotel close the day.

    6 hours on foot. Night at Hotel, 1,265 m.

  10. 41

    Drive to Islamabad

    The Karakoram Highway runs south with short stops along the way, and in the evening you arrive in Islamabad for dinner and a night in the hotel.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  11. 42

    Debriefing in Islamabad

    The final documents are signed and the Ministry of Tourism debriefing completed. The remaining time is for exploring the city or resting.

    Night at Hotel, 540 m.

  12. 43

    Fly home

    Our staff take you to the airport for your flight home.

    540 m.

Questions people ask

When is the best time to go on Nanga Parbat?
Late June to end of July is the season for Nanga Parbat, when the route is open and our departures run. Winter expeditions also leave in late December for experienced climbers.
How hard is Nanga Parbat?
It is graded Extreme, reaching 8,126 m with 5 days on foot. Winter conditions, 10 hour days above 4,000 m, remote camps. Interview required before booking.
Where does Nanga Parbat start?
Nanga Parbat starts in Islamabad and runs 43 days in total. The last day ends in Islamabad for your flight home.
What is included in the price?
The price covers climbing permit and Ministry of Tourism fees; expedition guide, cook and base camp crew; private vehicles on the Karakoram Highway and jeeps to Halala Bridge; and porters and all camping and mess equipment. The full list of 6 items is under What we supply on this page.
How much does it cost, and when are the next dates?
Prices start at US$13,875 per person on the fixed departures. The next one runs 29 Dec 2026 to 9 Feb 2027. 2 dates are open in total.

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