Nangma Valley Trek: Karakoram Peaks & K6 Base Camp Adventure

Summary

Rugged trails from Skardu to Amin Brak base camp with local stories

You’ll feel the chill mountain air before sunrise, trek rocky trails beneath Karakoram giants like K6, share warm meals around campfires with locals, and sleep under stars brighter than anywhere else. Expect laughter on rough jeep rides from Skardu to Kanday—and moments of real quiet in Nangma Valley that stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

It was the clink of enamel mugs at dawn that got me out of my tent in Nangma Valley. The air smelled like cold stone and woodsmoke, and I could hear someone—maybe Ali from Kanday—laughing as he tried to teach us the word for “mountain” in Balti. I still can’t say it right. We’d started in Skardu after a bumpy jeep ride that left dust everywhere (my backpack still smells faintly of diesel), but somehow that felt like part of the deal. The Karakoram peaks just towered over us, sharp and unreal, especially when the clouds moved fast and low.

Our guide, Karim, had this way of pointing out things I’d have missed—a flash of blue wildflowers near Mingulo Broq, or how glacier water tasted sweeter if you cupped it in your hands instead of a bottle. The trek from Kanday to Amin Brak base camp wasn’t easy; there were moments my legs burned and I wondered why I signed up for this. But then you catch sight of K6’s summit through the mist (it’s huge, honestly intimidating), and it all makes sense again. Lunches were simple—flatbread, salty cheese—but nothing ever tasted so good as when you’re sitting on a rock with new friends and wind stinging your cheeks.

One afternoon we just sat quietly by a stream in Nangma Valley while clouds slid past Amin Brak’s face. Someone played music on their phone (bad signal but enough for a song or two), and for a minute nobody talked. It’s strange how quickly you start feeling at home out here—even when your socks are always damp and your hair smells like campfire. On rest days we took too many photos, tried to capture that weird green light bouncing off the glaciers. Never really works on camera though.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much—especially not during those long jeep rides back toward Skardu when everyone was tired but somehow giddy. If you’re thinking about a Nangma Valley Trek from Skardu or planning a day trip near K6 base camp, just know it’s not tidy or easy or always comfortable. But I still think about that view at sunrise over Kolpin Peak, how quiet everything felt except for our little group breathing in the cold air together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Islamabad and transfer

• Receive at Islamabad International Airport
• Transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Travel to Skardu by air or drive

• Fly to Skardu Airport
• Transfer to hotel in Skardu
• If flight cancelled, drive to Chilas

Day 3 — Rest and explore Skardu city

• Explore Skardu city

Day 4 — Drive from Skardu to Kanday

• Jeep journey to Kanday village

Day 5 — Trek from Kanday to Mingulo Broq

• Trek from Kanday to Mingulo Broq

Day 6 — Trek to Amin Brak base camp

• Trek from Mingulo Broq to Amin Brak base camp

Day 7 — Trek to K6 base and return

• Trek to K6 base camp
• Return to Nangma Valley

Day 8 — Rest day in Nangma Valley

• Rest and enjoy nature
• Take pictures and videos

Day 9 — Trek down and drive to Skardu

• Trek back to Kanday village
• Drive to Skardu

Day 10 — Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas

• Fly to Islamabad if flight available
• If flight cancelled, drive to Chilas

Day 11 — Rest day and sightseeing in Islamabad

• Visit Pakistan Monument
• Visit Faisal Masjid
• Visit Daman-e-Koh

Day 12 — Departure from Islamabad

• Fly to home country

Top questions

How do I get to Nangma Valley from Islamabad?

You’ll fly from Islamabad to Skardu (weather permitting). If flights are canceled due to weather, there’s an overland drive via Chilas before reaching Skardu.

Is the Nangma Valley Trek suitable for beginners?

The trek is suitable for most fitness levels but involves several days of hiking (up to 5-6 hours per day) on uneven terrain with camping overnight.

What is included in the Nangma Valley Trek package?

The package includes airport pickup/drop-off, flights or ground transfers between Islamabad and Skardu (as needed), accommodation (hotels/camping), meals during trekking days, and local guides.

When is the best time for the Nangma Valley Trek?

The trekking season is typically late spring through early autumn when weather conditions are more stable in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Are service animals or infants allowed on this trek?

Service animals are allowed; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized seats provided by request.

How difficult is the trek to Amin Brak base camp?

The trek involves moderate difficulty—expect 3-5 hour hikes each day with some steep sections but no technical climbing required.

What kind of accommodation should I expect?

You’ll stay in hotels in Islamabad and Skardu; during trekking days, accommodation is camping-style tents set up by staff.

Do I need special permits for Nangma Valley Trek?

No special permits are mentioned; logistics are handled by your tour operator as part of the booking process.

What’s included

Your journey includes airport pickup at Islamabad International Airport, all domestic flights or ground transfers between cities depending on weather conditions, hotel stays in Islamabad and Skardu plus full camping setup during trekking nights—including meals prepared along the route—and guidance from experienced local staff throughout your adventure before returning safely at trip’s end.