Short, steep and disproportionate in reward. Meadow camps under a 7,788 metre face that rises almost six vertical kilometres above the valley floor.
5 days from Karimabad, 3 of them on foot, reaching 3,500 m. April to October, in groups of 2 to 14. Graded moderate.
Rakaposhi has one of the largest uninterrupted vertical rises on earth, and the walk to its southern base camp takes two days. You climb through Minapin's apricot terraces into summer pasture, and camp on grass at Hapakun and Tagafari with the whole face above you. It is the trek we send people on when they have a week, not a month.
1
A short drive across the Hunza river brings you to Minapin, a village of apricot terraces and old stone houses at the foot of Rakaposhi. The walk begins through the fields, with the mountain above you and the villagers going about their day. Camp is in the village, where the evening is a gentle start.
Night at Minapin, 2,000 m.
2
The trail climbs steadily through pine and birch forest onto the first summer pasture at Hapakun. It is a rewarding walk of about five hours, with views of the Minapin glacier opening up as you gain height. Camp is a meadow campsite under the face of Rakaposhi.
5 hours on foot. Night at Hapakun, 2,980 m.
3
A shorter walk brings you to Tagafari base camp, a meadow at the edge of the glacier with Rakaposhi and Diran both in full view. The face above you rises almost six vertical kilometres from the valley floor. The afternoon is free to rest, take photographs and watch the light change on the ice.
3 hours on foot. Night at Tagafari, 3,500 m.
4
A morning exploring the moraine of the Minapin glacier gives close views of the ice and the peaks around it. In the afternoon you walk down through the forest to Minapin, with the whole valley spread below you. The descent is relaxed and the village welcomes you back with tea.
6 hours on foot. Night at Minapin, 2,000 m.
5
A short transfer returns you to Karimabad, with time for a stop at a viewpoint or Baltit Fort on the way if you wish. The morning is relaxed and the road is a pleasant ride beside the river. The trek ends with your guides and a farewell tea.
2,450 m.
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