Full Board
Easy
March to September
12 Days
Tucked deep within the Hushe region of Ghanche District in Baltistan, the Nangma Valley Trek is one of Pakistan’s most rewarding and visually spectacular trekking experiences. Far less crowded than the Baltoro Glacier corridor, this hidden gem of the Karakoram offers trekkers an intimate encounter with dramatic granite spires, pristine alpine meadows, glistening glaciers, and the warm hospitality of the Balti people — all within a manageable 12-day itinerary.
The Nangma Valley sits close to Skardu and is accessed via the charming town of Khaplu. Beginning at Kanday Village, the trail winds through fertile fields and traditional settlements before ascending into a landscape dominated by some of the most jaw-dropping rock formations in the world — including the legendary Amin Brakk (also known as the Great Tower), K6, K7, and a host of lesser-known but equally magnificent peaks such as Changi Tower, Grey Tower, King and Son Peak, Brak Zang Peak, and Nawaz Brakk. For climbers and photographers, this valley is already revered globally. For trekkers, it remains beautifully uncrowded.
At Karakoram Treks, we have designed our Nangma Valley Trek itinerary to deliver the ideal balance of acclimatisation, cultural immersion, and mountain adventure. Starting and finishing in Islamabad, with a scenic flight to and from Skardu, this is a fully guided, all-inclusive trek suitable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level and a love for wild mountain landscapes.
Trek Grade: Easy
The Nangma Valley Trek is graded Easy to Moderate and is accessible to trekkers with a basic level of fitness and some prior hill-walking experience. You do not need technical climbing skills or previous high-altitude experience to complete this trek. However, you should be comfortable with sustained walking on rough, uneven, and occasionally loose terrain over multiple consecutive days.
Trekkers spend approximately 2–3 days above 3,500 metres. The itinerary is carefully paced with gradual altitude gain to allow natural acclimatisation. A rest day in Skardu before the trek begins provides an important buffer for those arriving from sea level. Altitude sickness is uncommon on this route given the pacing, but trekkers should remain attentive to symptoms and communicate openly with the guide.
The daily hiking distances are moderate — ranging from 3.5 km to 9.5 km per day — with cumulative elevation gains that are well within the capacity of regular walkers who train appropriately beforehand.
Training Recommendation: Regular hill walking, cardiovascular exercise, and day-hike preparation over 6–8 weeks prior to departure will significantly enhance your enjoyment of the trek.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights & all ground transport | International airfare, visas & insurance |
| Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing) | Personal trekking gear & sleeping bags |
| Trekking permits & camping fees | Meals outside itinerary & extra hotel nights |
| Trek accommodation (twin-sharing tents) | Excess baggage charges |
| All meals during trekking days + snacks | Emergency evacuation & rescue costs |
| Licensed trekking guide & full support staff | Tips & gratuities |
| Porterage for personal luggage (fixed allowance) | Personal expenses outside of those specified |
| CKNP waste management fee | Early departure or trek withdrawal costs |
| Secure baggage storage in Skardu | Gear rental unless specified |
| Satellite phone (emergency use) & first-aid kit | Force majeure expenses |
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Our representative will meet you, transfer you to your hotel, and provide a full briefing on the trek ahead. Rest and recovery day. Optional afternoon sightseeing in Islamabad.
Board a spectacular 45-minute flight to Skardu with aerial views of Nanga Parbat, K2, and the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. Check into your hotel. Afternoon free to explore Skardu's historic forts, lakes, and bazaars including Kharpocho Fort and the Manthal Buddha Rock.
A full day to acclimatise and explore. Visit Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake), Upper Kachura Lake, or Sheosar Lake. Complete any last-minute gear shopping. Rest is equally encouraged.
Depart by jeep along the mighty Indus River, crossing the Shyok River to reach Khaplu. Explore this beautiful historic town — home to the 19th-century Khaplu Palace and the ancient Chaqchan Mosque — set against a stunning mountain backdrop.
After breakfast, drive to Kanday Village — the official trailhead of the Nangma Valley Trek. Begin your first day of trekking toward Mingulu Broq, a picturesque meadow framed by towering peaks. Cross wooden bridges over glacial streams, pass local shepherds, and arrive at camp amidst a setting of extraordinary natural beauty.
Hike deeper into the valley toward Nangma Valley Base Camp, where dramatic granite towers loom overhead. Take in the first views of the Great Tower (Amin Brakk), Grey Tower, Changi Tower, King and Son Peak, and Brak Zang Peak. Spend the evening at one of the most visually striking campsites in Pakistan.
The highest and most rewarding day of the trek. Hike from Nangma Base Camp to the foot of the legendary Amin Brakk — one of the most photographed rock towers in the world. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Drefekhar Peak, Kodra Peak, Nawaz Brakk, and the surrounding Karakoram giants. Descend back to Nangma Base Camp for the final night in the high valley.
Descend from the base camp through the valley's green meadows and past local shepherd settlements. Arrive at Kanday Village and experience genuine Balti hospitality with an overnight stay in a local guesthouse or camp.
Bid farewell to the porters and local crew as the jeeps begin the journey back to Skardu via Khaplu Valley, following the Shyok and Indus Rivers. Arrive in Skardu for a hot shower, comfortable bed, and a well-earned rest.
Take the morning flight back to Islamabad with spectacular aerial views of the Karakoram peaks once more. Upon arrival in Islamabad, check into the hotel. Free time for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation. Celebratory dinner in the evening.
Reserved for any weather-related flight delays. If flights operated on Day 10, this is a free day for sightseeing — Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, Taxila, or the Lok Virsa Museum. Optional shopping for handcrafted rugs and souvenirs.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your international flight home. End of an extraordinary Nangma Valley Trek adventure.
The Nangma Valley Trek is a scenic multi-day trekking route located in the Hushe region of Ghanche District, Baltistan, in northern Pakistan. Nestled within the Karakoram mountain range near Skardu, the valley begins at Kanday Village and extends deep into the mountains, providing access to world-class granite formations including Amin Brakk, K6, K7, Changi Tower, and Grey Tower. It is considered one of the finest and most underrated trekking destinations in Pakistan, offering spectacular high-altitude scenery without the crowds found on more famous routes like the K2 Base Camp trek.
The Nangma Valley Trek is graded Easy to Moderate, making it accessible to trekkers without technical mountaineering experience. You do need a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk for 3–5 hours per day on rough and uneven terrain. Prior hill-walking experience is beneficial. The maximum altitude reached is 4,450 metres at Amin Brakk Base Camp, and the itinerary is carefully paced to allow natural acclimatisation. We recommend 6–8 weeks of cardiovascular and hiking preparation before departure.
The best season for the Nangma Valley Trek is from March to September. During these summer months, the trail is snow-free, the alpine meadows are in full bloom, and weather conditions are generally stable and clear. Temperatures in the valley range from 5°C to 15°C during the day, dropping below 5°C at night. July and August offer the most reliable weather windows, though trekkers should always be prepared for sudden storms in mountainous environments.
The full itinerary for the Nangma Valley Trek with Karakoram Treks is 12 days, starting and finishing in Islamabad. This includes a scenic flight to Skardu, a rest and acclimatisation day, a cultural stopover in Khaplu, approximately 4 days of active trekking to and from Nangma Valley, and contingency time for weather-related delays. The actual trekking section spans Days 5 through 8, with the highest point reached on Day 7 at Amin Brakk Base Camp (4,450m).
The Nangma Valley Trek offers exceptional views of some of the most dramatic granite peaks and rock towers in the Karakoram range. Key highlights include Amin Brakk (the Great Tower), Grey Tower, Changi Tower, King and Son Peak, Brak Zang Peak, Drefekhar Peak, Kodra Peak, and Nawaz Brakk. The valley also provides access to the base areas of K6 and K7, making it a legendary destination for climbers and a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
Yes. Trekking in the Nangma Valley requires a trekking permit, a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and entry fees for Central Karakoram National Park. All required permits and documentation — including visa invitation letters — are arranged and included in the Karakoram Treks package. Trekkers should also hold a valid Pakistan tourist visa, which can be obtained as an e-visa through the official Government of Pakistan portal (visa.nadra.gov.pk) for over 150 nationalities at a fee of approximately $50.
To fully enjoy the Nangma Valley Trek, we recommend beginning a dedicated fitness programme at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Focus on cardiovascular exercise — running, cycling, swimming — combined with regular hill walks carrying a loaded backpack. Day hikes with 500–800m of elevation gain are the most trek-specific preparation. Strengthening your core, legs, and ankles will also reduce the risk of injury on rocky terrain. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
In Islamabad and Skardu, trekkers stay in comfortable 3-star hotels on a twin-share basis. On the trail, Karakoram Treks provides fully serviced camping with high-quality high-altitude sleeping tents, a mess tent, and kitchen facilities. All meals are included throughout the entire 12 days — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — with menus featuring Pakistani, continental, and vegetarian options. Typical trail meals include eggs, bread, and cereals for breakfast; sandwiches and dry fruit for lunch; and hot soups, curries, rice, lentils, and desserts for dinner. Vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
Skardu Airport, now upgraded to international status with GPS technology, has significantly fewer cancellations than in previous years. However, weather-related disruptions can occasionally occur. In such cases, trekkers travel overland via the Karakoram Highway — widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world — following the Indus River through dramatic mountain gorges. The 12-day itinerary includes a built-in contingency day to accommodate such scenarios, ensuring the experience is not compromised.
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all trekkers joining the Nangma Valley Trek. Your policy should cover trip cancellation, emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation from altitude, flight delays, and luggage loss. Inform your insurer of the trekking itinerary and the maximum altitude of 4,450 metres before purchasing. Reputable providers for high-altitude trekking include World Nomads (up to 6,000m), True Traveller Insurance (UK), Global Rescue (USA), and the Austrian Alpine Club (UK). Karakoram Treks can provide further guidance on suitable insurance options upon booking.
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