A day-long trek from Fairy Meadows through forest, meadow and glacier moraine to the foot of the world's ninth-highest peak.
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Nanga Parbat, locally called Diamer, is the ninth-highest mountain in the world and one of the most dramatic peaks in Pakistan. Mountaineers know it as the Killer Mountain. Its huge Raikot face rises directly above the glaciers, and the base camp trek is the closest most travelers can get to it without climbing.
The route starts at Fairy Meadows, climbs through pine forest to Beyal Camp, then continues across the moraine of the Raikot and Chongra glaciers to the base camp. It is a real mountain trek, but it needs no technical skills or climbing gear, which makes it one of the most rewarding high treks in northern Pakistan for a reasonably fit traveler.
The quiet up there is broken only by wind and the distant rumble of avalanches. Whether you come for the views, the photography or the sense of achievement, Nanga Parbat Base Camp is a trip you will remember for years.
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
The base camp sits at the foot of the Raikot face on rocky, glacier-side ground, and is used by expedition teams in the climbing season. Around it you will see the Raikot Peak (about 7,070 m), Chongra peaks and the main Nanga Parbat massif, which rises to 8,126 m. There are few facilities here, so most trekkers come as a long day hike, or camp one night lower at Beyal.
Drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas, about 11 hours. Many groups break the journey with a night on the way.
Drive to Raikot Bridge (about 2 hours), then take a 4x4 jeep up a rough track to Tato village (about 15 km, 1 to 1.5 hours).
Trek about 5.5 km, 2 to 4 hours, through forest to Fairy Meadows at around 3,300 m. Stay at least one night here to adjust to the altitude.
A gentle forest trail leads to Beyal Camp (about 3,500 m) in 1 to 2 hours. Continue across the moraine, near the glacier, to reach the base camp in 4 to 5 hours.
April to May
Snow often covers the upper trail. Usually too early for most trekkers.
June to August
The main trekking season, with open trails and the best weather.
September to early October
Clear skies, fewer people and cold nights. One of the best times.
November to March
Heavy snow. Trail and camps closed. Not recommended.
Travel smart
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Spend a night at Fairy Meadows before going higher and learn the signs of altitude sickness: headache, nausea, dizziness.
The base camp day is long, so build stamina with walks and stair practice beforehand.
Wear proper trekking boots and carry trekking poles for the moraine.
Dress in layers, with a waterproof shell, gloves and a hat. Nights near the base camp are close to freezing even in summer, so carry a down jacket, thermals and a rated sleeping bag.
Start early, ideally at sunrise, so you return before afternoon weather.
Food at altitude is limited and expensive.
There are no ATMs beyond Chilas.
Expect no phone signal on the upper trail.
Go with a registered guide and tell someone your plan.
Check weather, trail and security conditions before traveling.
Carry out all rubbish and avoid plastic.
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Explore Nanga Parbat Base Camp in Gilgit-Baltistan and get directions easily.
Gilgit-Baltistan
About 5 to 6 hours one way from Fairy Meadows, or 4 to 5 hours from Beyal Camp.
Let us plan your trek while you take on the mountain.
