A 15-day high-altitude traverse of the Rupal and Diamer valleys via Mazino Pass (5,399 m), with glacier crossings and views of Nanga Parbat.
Max Altitude5,399 m
Total Duration15 Days
GradeStrenuous
Trekking Days07
Joining CityIslamabad
DeparturesOn Request
Around Nanga Parbat Trek via Mazino Pass
Traverse the dramatic Rupal and Diamer sides of Nanga Parbat on this 15-day route from Islamabad. Travel
through Astore to Tarashing, trek past Rupal Valley camps, cross the high Mazino Pass (5,399 m), and
descend through Loiba and Diamer Valley. This is a demanding high-altitude journey with glacier travel and
a steep, potentially technical pass descent; itinerary and route conditions require operator confirmation.
Highest point: Mazino Pass, 5,399 m (operator-supplied)
Accommodation: Hotels and camping
Difficulty: Strenuous
Departure dates: On request
This trek is a high-altitude expedition with glacier crossings and a
potentially technical pass descent. Confirm route conditions, itinerary details and safety arrangements
with the operator before booking.
15-Day Itinerary
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Islamabad
Day 2: Drive to Chilas
Day 3: Drive to Tarashing (2,900 m)
Day 4: Trek to Bazin (3,600 m)
Day 5: Trek to Shaigiri (3,700 m)
Day 6: Trek to Mazino Base (4,200 m)
Day 7: Rest day at Rupal Face Base Camp
Day 8: Trek to Mazino High Camp (4,724 m)
Day 9: Cross Mazino Pass (5,399 m)
Day 10: Trek to Lower Loiba (4,000 m)
Day 11: Trek to Kachal (3,000 m)
Day 12: Trek to Zangot via Diamer Base Camp
Day 13: Trek and drive to Chilas
Day 14: Drive to Islamabad
Day 15: International departure
D-1 Arrive in Islamabad
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Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, meet the Blue Sky team and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, explore Islamabad and Rawalpindi, depending on arrival time.
Stay: Hotel in Islamabad
D-2 Drive to Chilas
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Depart early by air-conditioned vehicle along the Karakoram Highway and the Indus River. Stop for lunch in Besham, then continue through the Indus gorge to Chilas.
Drive: approximately 12–13 hours | Stay: Hotel in Chilas
D-3 Drive to Tarashing (2,900 m)
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Continue through Astore Valley by minibus and jeep to the road-end village of Tarashing, the gateway to Rupal Valley.
Drive: approximately 7 hours | Stay: Camp
D-4 Trek to Bazin (3,600 m)
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Follow easy trails, cross Tarashing Glacier after approximately one hour and enter lower Rupal Valley, passing seasonal settlements en route to Bazin below the ice wall of Nanga Parbat.
Trek: approximately 4–5 hours | Stay: Camp
D-5 Trek to Shaigiri (3,700 m)
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Cross Bazin Glacier, then continue through juniper and willow woodland toward Rupal River and the Herrligkoffer base camp area. Camp at Shaigiri with views of Nanga Parbat’s south face.
Trek: approximately 5–6 hours | Stay: Camp
D-6 Trek to Mazino Base (4,200 m)
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Follow the lateral moraine of Rupal Glacier, with views of Nanga Parbat, Rupal Peak and Laila Peak. Camp near grassland and juniper trees.
Trek: approximately 4–5 hours | Stay: Camp
D-7 Rest day at Rupal Face Base Camp
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A free day to rest and explore the Rupal Face base camp area, subject to conditions and your guide’s assessment.
Activity: Rest and acclimatization | Stay: Camp
D-8 Trek to Mazino High Camp (4,724 m)
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Climb steeply over high-altitude terrain and walk on Mazino Glacier. Leave vegetation behind and establish camp near the base of the pass.
Trek: approximately 5–6 hours | Stay: High camp
D-9 Cross Mazino Pass (5,399 m)
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Start very early for the crossing of Mazino Pass. The ascent is gradual, while the descent toward Loiba Glacier is steeper and requires appropriate climbing equipment, rope systems and guide-led safety measures. Camp at Upper Loiba.
Trek: approximately 7–8 hours | Highest point: 5,399 m | Stay: Camp at Upper Loiba
D-10 Trek to Lower Loiba (4,000 m)
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Descend from Upper Loiba to Loiba Meadows through green pasture and trees. Camp near seasonal shepherd settlements.
Trek: approximately 3–4 hours | Stay: Camp
D-11 Trek to Kachal (3,000 m)
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Continue through pine and birch woodland, cross the river and reach Kachal’s summer settlements. Enjoy views of Nanga Parbat along the way.
Trek: approximately 4–5 hours | Stay: Camp
D-12 Trek to Zangot via Diamer Base Camp
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Follow the route toward Zangot, with an excursion toward Diamer Base Camp, subject to conditions and available time. Camp at Zangot.
Trek: approximately 6–7 hours | Reported elevation: 4,200 m — verify | Stay: Camp
D-13 Trek and drive to Chilas
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Descend steeply toward the Diamer River and continue to Dimroi, where jeeps transfer the group to Chilas.
Trek: approximately 6–7 hours | Jeep drive: approximately 4 hours | Stay: Hotel in Chilas
D-14 Drive to Islamabad
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Return along the Karakoram Highway beside the Indus River, stopping for lunch in Besham before reaching Islamabad.
Drive: approximately 12 hours | Stay: Hotel in Islamabad
D-15 International departure
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Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your international departure flight.
Activity: Airport transfer
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Professional English-speaking mountain guide (government requirement; confirm current rule)
Pakistan visa supporting documents
Airport transfers for domestic and international flights
Internal flights and associated transfers (confirm applicability; this itinerary is overland)
All land transport in the itinerary
Accommodation as described
All meals and applicable permit fees
All staff, porters and cooks
Wages and basic kit for guide, sirdar, porter cook and assistants
Insurance for field staff and low-altitude porters, excluding helicopter rescue
Porterage at airports and hotels; tolls and parking
Staff wages and kit arranged by operator
Full trekking service, including food and group equipment; personal equipment excluded
Staff Wages, Equipment and Insurance: Staff insurance, fair wages in line with regional porter welfare guidelines, and food and lodging for mountain staff and porters.
Certified Guide: A licensed, government-registered English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Personal travel insurance
Pakistan visa fees
Tips for local guides and support staff
Miscellaneous personal expenses
Islamabad lunch and dinner
Confirm the internal-flight inclusion: this itinerary is entirely overland.
Staff insurance does not replace personal travel insurance.
Map is regional, not a navigation aid. Verify Mazino Pass conditions,
elevations, route access and technical safety arrangements with the operator.
Nanga Parbat Base Camp Gallery
Photographs of the Rupal Valley, Mazino Pass and Diamer side of Nanga
Parbat, when supplied.
Trip photographs will be added once approved Nanga Parbat images are supplied.
Prepare for Mazino Pass
Equipment and experience
High-altitude trekking experience, suitable cold-weather layers, sturdy boots and glacier-travel
equipment as specified by your qualified guide. Confirm rope, harness, crampon and ice-axe requirements
with the operator.
Safety and logistics
The 5,399 m Mazino Pass crossing includes glacier travel and a potentially technical descent. The route,
weather window, acclimatization plan, rescue arrangements and required technical experience must be
assessed by the operator before departure. Obtain personal travel insurance that covers high-altitude
trekking and evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the Fairy Meadows base camp trek?
No. This is a separate 15-day traverse via Rupal Valley, Mazino Pass and Diamer Valley.
Does the route require technical skills?
The supplied itinerary specifies basic climbing and safety equipment on the Mazino Pass
descent. Confirm technical requirements with the guide.
Are flights part of the route?
The supplied itinerary travels by road; the listed internal-flight inclusion requires
operator confirmation.
