Rakaposhi is the 25th highest mountain in the world, and one of the most gorgeous peaks in the Karakoram. Two main basecamps have been used in the past mainly by the Germans and British.
I prefer the basecamp referred to as Taghaphari by the locals mainly because of the panoramic views of the confluence zone between the Minapin and Hinarche Glaciers. This is one of the shortest and easiest treks leading to above 7000M Karakoram peaks base camps with a sweeping view from Rakaposhi to Diran. The Minapin Glacier sweeps down from the 16 km long fluted snowy ridge that connects the Rakaposhi and Diran.
The excellent short and easy trek from Minapin to Rakaposhi Base Camp, also known Tagaphari is the ideal introduction of Karakorum trekking that is a very soft adventure in the Karakorum Mountains. I could have posted a photo but I don’t want to ruin the best part of this trip for you.
As breathtaking as the view towards Rakaposhi and Diran is the view in the opposite direction of the Batura Mustagh. Most visitors to the basecamp do not fully realize that from the ridge, right before descending into basecamp, one can see eight 7000 meter peaks: Ultar I and II, Shisper, Sangemarmar Sar, Batura, Hachinder Chish, and Passu Sar. Very few places in the world offer this opportunity – so if you do this trek, be sure to have a super wide angle lens and if the view towards the north is cloudy, it may be worth spending a day or two around basecamp until it clears up.
Islamabad International Airport (Google Map)
Next day arrived Islamabad
Our journey will start from Islamabad through Karakoram highway you will explore lush green Naran and Kaghan valleys, Indus River, Junction point and Queen of Karakoram Rakaposhi.
Arrival to Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the evening. Visit of the largest mosque in Asia and old local Bazaar. Short briefing about Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek.
Drive to Chilas (10-12 hrs) via Naran and Babusar Pass or on the Karakuram Highway. Overnight at hotel in Chilas.
Continue from Chilas to Karimabad-Hunza via Gilgit. Overnight at the hotel.
Full day to trek to the Ultar Meadow and back to Karimabad, Drive to Minapin village ( 2000 M). Overnight in the tents or hotel.
Trek from Minapin to Hapakun 2800M (3 hours, 5.8 km and 800m ascent) It takes maximum 3 hours to reach the grassy meadows of Hapakun (2800 M) from Diran Guest house situated at Minapin Village.
Hapakun to Tagaphari 3300M (2-3 hours, 3km, 450m ascent) – a steep trail continues from Hapakun to Rakaposhi Base Camp, also known as Tagaphari. The trail eases off and contours the rocky slope for 30 minutes to a verdant bowl. You can have the view of Diran Peak, Rakaposhi and their interconnecting ice wall and finally come into full view. After reaching Tagaphari can climb the ridge to have nice view of Hunza Valley and mountains. Rakaposhi base camp trek is one of the best adventures in Pakistan. Overnight in the tent.
Trek to cross the glacier to Diran Base Camp 3700 M and takes around 3-4 hrs to walk on moraine and Glacier. Overnight in the tent.
In the morning trek to Katchelly Lake 4000 M and back to camp then cross the Glacier to Tagaphari. Overnight in the tent.
Trek back to Minapin 3-4 hrs then drives to Karimabad. Overnight at the hotel.
Day free for the local visits, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort. Overnight at the hotel.
Drive to Chilas on Karakorum Highway. Overnight at hotel.
Continue to Islamabad. Fly to Destination.