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Rakaposhi means “Shiny wall”, in the local language. It is the 27th highest mountain on the planet and is considered one of the most beautiful ones. Rakaposhi mountain glacier is 7,880 meters high, located in the Nagar Valley, Gilgit.
It is considered the most iconic of the Karakoram range which can be visible from the Karakoram highway. Hiking to Rakaposhi Base Camp is considered to be one of the best hikes you can do in Pakistan. Most of the tourists hike the Rakaposhi Base Camp along with a guide for 2 or 3 days, depending on the circumstances. However, you can do it all in one day independently.
The Rakaposhi mountain peak is 7,788 m high in the Karakoram mountain range located in the Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The second local name of Rakaposhi is “Dumani” which means “snow-covered”. It is due to the fact that you can see its peaks of its snow-covered peaks all the way from the Karakoram Highway route that passes through Nagar Valley. You can even see its majestic wall of snow all the way from Hunza Valley.
At 3,500 m, the Rakaposhi base camp is the perfect spot for any hikers to climb and feel the majestic mountain up close. Here is the guide to hiking the Rakaposhi Base Camp independently in one day:
The recommended time to hike the Rakaposhi is between May to October, the trails get clear of snow and you are more likely to have a nice clear day. During October Rakaposhi received heavy snowfall, making it difficult to hike. The weather in October can possibly be windy especially on the viewpoint ridge, the temperature may drop below zero at night.
Here are some necessary things to pack before the Rakaposhi base camp hike:
You can easily take a public van from Gilgit to Nagar Valley then to Pissan or Minapin villages. It will take around 2 hours and it 200 PKR cost.
You can also stay in any guest house in Pissan. There are many guesthouses in Minapin as well, which might be a bit costly for Pakistan standard. However, they do have working hot showers that you will appreciate after a long day hike. Most of the guesthouses also have a nice garden, you can eat lunch and dinner from their restaurant as well.
Length: 3 hrs one way
Difficulty: Fair
The trail begins straight from the Minapin village, you can ask more about it from the locals. The hike will take around 7 hours without breaks, so it is recommended for you start as early as possible. You need to head south along the road until you spot a bridge to a hydro plant. From here, you will have to follow a gravel way up to the mountain. The path is zig-zag at the beginning, however, it becomes level as you walk through a thick forest.
After the forest, you will be passing through a small local village, while the Minapin Glacier will be able to sight the Minapisn glacier on your left. After the continuous walk on the flat path through the forest for about one hour, you will keep hiking up to the hill until you arrive at the Hapakun campsite.
You will seeing a big white tent on a wide area of grass plain. You can relax here and refill your water from the stream.
Length: 2 hours Trekking
Difficulty: Hard
From the campsite, the trekking is all up with a steep climb that zigzags through the alpine forest until you are out of the forest. You will start to sight mighty Raka Poshi rising in the background as you came out of the forest.
Keep climbing up the trail till you reach a ridge where you will be able to get a panoramic view of the mountain range and the glacier below it.
The Minapin glacier is rated as probably one of the most beautiful glaciers. Its psychedelic patterns are just more majestic than other glaciers. You can spend some time there, take pictures of the glacier and the beautiful mountains behind it. The amazing view from the ridge makes the tour all worthwhile.
It should be around 12 PM by the time you arrive at the ridge. You can stay here for the next couple of hours, or continue forward to the base camp which is only 15 minutes away from the ridge. However, if you have not reached the ridge by 2 PM, it is recommended to turn back as you will likely be hiking in the dark on your way down. As already mentioned that the temperature can go below zero. If you want to camp then, it is recommended to camp for an overnight stay.
Getting back to Minapin from Rakaposhi, the trial is all down. So, it can take around 2 hrs to descend.
There you have it, you can hike from Minapin to Rakaposhi base camp, then get back in around 8 hours including 2 hours break at the top. Including plenty of time to get nice pictures of the beautiful Rakaposhi mountain and its psychedelic glacier.
The other main side to sight the highest peak of the Rakaposhi is via trekking from Pissan village, also known as the gateway to Rakaposhi. It will require 2 hours of trekking toward Rakaposhi after the Rakaposhi Cricket ground.
Additionally, you can visit the trending famous Rakaposhi Cricket Ground Gilgit.
Rakaposhi cricket ground is a natural lush green ground, located in Gilgit Pissan Village of Nagar Valley, with 11,500 feet (3,505 m) elevation. The Cricket ground is snow-covered from October to May.
There are two ways you can get to the Rakaposhi ground, either you can hike, it can take up to 2 hours. The other option is hiring a jeep, it will drop you off near the ground, still, some easy trekking will be required.
Here is the latest picture with a view of the mountains of Hunza Valley and Rakaposhi cricket ground. After 1 hour of trekking from Rakaposhi cricket ground, also known as the Natural Cricket stadium of Gilgit Baltistan.
The first recorded attempt to climb Rakaposhi was made by Albert F. Mummery and chilling in 1887. They reached a height of 6000 meters before being forced to turn back.
The peak of Rakaposhi is visible from the city of Gilgit, which is located about 30 km to the south. The mountain is also visible from the Hunza valley, which is about 100 km to the north. Rakaposhi has two main peaks, Rakaposhi proper and Diran. Rakaposhi proper is the higher of the two and is the focus of most climbing expeditions.
The north face of Rakaposhi is a massive wall of rock and ice, rising 6000 m from the Naltar valley floor. The wall has been the scene of a number of serious climbing accidents and has been the site of only a handful of successful ascents.
The south face of Rakaposhi is much less steep and is the route most often used for ascent. The south face route was first climbed in 1960 by a team of Indian climbers.
The summit of Rakaposhi provides grand views of the Karakoram mountain range, as well as the valleys of Nagar, Hunza, and Naltar.
Rakaposhi and its base camp is a popular destination for climbers and tourists alike. The mountain provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also home to a variety of flora and fauna.
As one of the most popular trekking destinations in Pakistan, Rakaposhi Basecamp attracts adventurers from all over the world. However, while exploring the natural beauty of the area, it’s crucial to take safety measures seriously to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some safety measures to follow at Rakaposhi Basecamp.
Before heading out for a trek, make sure you are adequately prepared. This includes packing appropriate clothing and gear, bringing enough food and water, and ensuring you have a first aid kit. Additionally, ensure that you have proper knowledge of the trail and any potential hazards you may encounter.
Trekking with an experienced guide can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Guides have extensive knowledge of the area and can identify potential hazards. They can also provide essential support and assistance if you run into any issues during your trek.
Staying hydrated is essential when trekking, particularly at high altitudes. Dehydration can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which can impact your ability to trek safely. Carry enough water with you, and if necessary, use water purification tablets or filters to purify water from streams and other natural sources.
Acclimatizing to high altitudes is essential to avoid altitude sickness, which can be fatal in severe cases. Start with shorter treks to higher elevations to help your body adjust to the altitude gradually. It’s also important to give yourself enough time to acclimatize before heading to higher elevations.
Weather can change quickly in mountainous areas, and sudden changes can lead to hazardous conditions. Monitor weather forecasts before trekking and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. If you encounter bad weather, it’s best to stay put and wait for it to pass rather than continuing your trek.
As a responsible traveler, it’s essential to follow environmental guidelines to minimize your impact on the environment. Avoid littering, use designated campsites, and be respectful of local customs and cultures.
