Nangma Valley Trek: Granite Spires & Alpine Camps

Camp beneath towering granite spires and glimpse distant peaks like K6 and K7 each day

A 9-day trek from Islamabad into Nangma Valley, one of Pakistan's most dramatic granite trekking zones in the Hushe Valley area, with domestic flights to Skardu, an English-speaking guide, alpine camps, and cultural stops in Khaplu and Shigar. The itinerary balances moderate trekking beneath peaks like Amin Brakk and the Nangma Tower group with time to explore heritage sites and local communities, ideal for trekkers who want big-wall mountain scenery without committing to a full base camp expedition.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad

• Visit Faisal Mosque
• Check in Luxury Guest House
• Dinner at accommodation

Day 2: Scenic Flight to Skardu

• Transfer to Islamabad Airport
• Flight to Skardu with mountain views
• Check in 4-star Hotel
• Breakfast and dinner included

Day 3: Skardu to Khaplu – Cultural Immersion

• Drive along Indus and Shyok rivers
• Lunch in Yugo village with locals
• Explore Khaplu Palace and orchards
• Visit Chaqchan Mosque
• Check in Hotel
• Breakfast and dinner included

Day 4: Khaplu to Kanday – Trek to Mingulo Broq

• Drive to Kanday village
• Meet trekking crew
• Trek through alpine meadows
• Cross glacier streams
• Arrive Mingulo Broq campsite
• Breakfast and dinner included

Day 5: Mingulo Broq to Nangma Valley

• Trek deeper into Nangma Valley
• View granite spires Amin Brakk and Nangma Tower
• Arrive Nangma Valley campsite
• Evening bonfire with music and stories
• Breakfast and dinner included

Day 6: Nangma Valley Exploration Day

• Option A: Hike to Amin Brakk Base Camp
• Option B: Photography and bird watching
• Cultural exchange with porters and crew
• Breakfast and dinner included

Day 7: Trek to Kanday – Drive to Shigar

• Trek back to Kanday village
• Lunch with local family in Kanday
• Farewell trekking crew
• Drive to Shigar Valley
• Visit Shigar Fort heritage hotel
• Check in 4-star Hotel
• Breakfast and dinner included

Day 8: Skardu to Islamabad

• Transfer to Skardu Airport
• Flight to Islamabad
• Transfer to hotel
• Afternoon leisure or visit Lok Virsa Museum
• Check in Luxury Guest House
• Breakfast and dinner included

Day 9: Departure from Islamabad

• Morning at leisure
• Private transfer to Islamabad Airport
• Receive farewell cultural gift
• Breakfast included

The experience

The trek starts with a domestic flight from Islamabad to Skardu (one of the world's most spectacular commercial routes, weather permitting), where you'll see Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram giants from the air. Before heading into the valley, you spend two days exploring the region's cultural landscape: a scenic drive along the turquoise Indus and Shyok rivers takes you through Yugo village for an authentic Balti lunch with a local family, then to Khaplu, the former capital of the Chaqchan Dynasty. There you'll tour the restored Khaplu Palace, an Aga Khan Trust heritage site, and walk through its 700-year-old orchards and the 700-year-old Chaqchan Mosque.

The trek proper begins from Kanday village, the gateway to Nangma Valley. You trek through alpine meadows and across glacier streams, gaining altitude gradually over four days to reach the valley's main campsite, surrounded by towering granite spires. The centerpiece is a flexible exploration day where you choose between a guided hike toward Amin Brakk Base Camp to see the legendary 1,200-meter vertical granite wall that draws rock climbers worldwide, or a relaxed day of photography and bird watching with your local porters and crew. Evenings include traditional music and storytelling around a bonfire under the stars.

The return trek retraces your steps to Kanday, where you share a traditional Balti lunch with a local family before driving to Shigar Valley and the restored 17th-century Shigar Fort, now a heritage hotel. Your final days include a flight back to Islamabad, an optional visit to the Lok Virsa Heritage Museum, and a farewell dinner. An English-speaking tour leader accompanies you throughout. Local guides join at cultural sites. All domestic flights, national park permits, first aid, and transportation are included, along with pickup from your Islamabad hotel.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Islamabad.
• welcome and farewell dinners.
• evening visit to Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
• all domestic flights between Islamabad and Skardu.
• all national park entry and permit fees.
• English-speaking tour leader for the full 9 days.
• local guides at cultural sites.
• alpine camp accommodation during the trek.
• heritage hotel stays in Skardu, Khaplu, and Shigar.
• first aid kit.
• 24/7 on-ground support contact.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by North Nomads

Is this one for you?Choose this 9-day itinerary if you want granite peaks and alpine wilderness without the altitude commitment of a base camp expedition or the logistics of arranging your own flights and permits. The moderate pace and built-in cultural days in Khaplu and Shigar suit trekkers who want both mountain scenery and time to connect with local communities.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the granite peaks I'll see on the trek to Nangma Valley?

Amin Brakk and the Nangma Tower group dominate the valley's skyline. You'll also have distant views of K6 and K7. The most dramatic feature is the 1,200-meter vertical granite wall at Amin Brakk Base Camp, a legendary destination for rock climbers, which you can hike toward on the exploration day if you choose.

How does the Skardu flight work and what if the weather doesn't cooperate?

You fly from Islamabad to Skardu early on day two, weather permitting. The route is one of the world's most scenic commercial flights, with views of Nanga Parbat and the Karakoram range. If weather prevents the flight, the operator will arrange an alternative route to get you to Skardu.

What's included in the trek and what do I need to bring myself?

The trek includes all domestic flights, national park entry and permit fees, an English-speaking tour leader, local guides at cultural sites, alpine camp accommodation, all transportation, welcome and farewell dinners, and a first aid kit. You'll need to bring your own hiking boots, backpack, rain jacket, warm layers, and any personal trekking gear. The operator does not provide these.

Can I choose what I do on the exploration day in Nangma Valley?

Yes. You can either join a guided hike toward Amin Brakk Base Camp for close-up views of the granite wall, or spend a relaxed day photographing, bird watching, and spending time with your local porters and crew. Both options keep you in the valley campsite.

What's the physical fitness level needed for this trek?

The trek is rated moderate and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers. The itinerary includes gradual altitude gain through alpine terrain over four trekking days.

Do I need to arrange my own international flights and Pakistan visa?

International flights to and from Islamabad are not included and you'll arrange those separately. The operator provides a Letter of Invitation to support your Pakistan visa application. Visa fees are your responsibility. All domestic flights within Pakistan are included.