Diran Peak Expedition (7,266 m)
The Diran Peak Expedition is a 30-day climb of Diran (7,266 m), the elegant snow pyramid above the Nagar Valley, also known as Minapin Peak, from a base camp above the Minapin Glacier opposite Rakaposhi.
- Duration30 Days
- DifficultyHard
- Summit7,266 m
- Best SeasonJune – August
- Base Campapprox. 4,000 m
The Snow Pyramid Above Nagar
Diran (7,266 m), also called Minapin Peak, is the beautiful white pyramid that rises east of Rakaposhi above the Nagar Valley. Seen from the Karakoram Highway and from Hunza, it looks like a perfect snow cone, but its long ridges and crevassed slopes make it a serious objective.
The Diran Peak Expedition starts in the village of Minapin and follows the Minapin Glacier to base camp, close to the meadows of the Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek. Road access from Gilgit and Hunza makes the logistics simple, and we provide permits, a full base camp team and support for the climb.
Trip Highlights
- Climb Diran (7,266 m), also called Minapin Peak
- Approach via Minapin village and the Minapin Glacier
- Base camp opposite Rakaposhi (7,788 m)
- Easy road access from Gilgit and Hunza
- Peak royalty, permit, liaison officer and briefings arranged by TGA
- Experienced climbing guide available on request
Itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Islamabad
Our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Gear check and welcome dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 2–3Briefing and fly to Gilgit
Expedition briefing in Islamabad, then fly to Gilgit and drive to Hunza (or drive the Karakoram Highway if flights are cancelled).
Overnight: HotelDay 4Drive to Minapin (approx. 2,000 m)
A short drive to Minapin in the Nagar Valley and preparation with porters.
Overnight: CampDay 5–6Trek to Diran Base Camp
Walk up through Hapakun and Tagaphari beside the Minapin Glacier to base camp (approx. 4,000 m).
Overnight: CampDay 7–25Acclimatisation and summit push
Rotations to higher camps on the glacier and the ridge, then a summit attempt in the first good weather window.
Overnight: CampDay 26Reserve day
An extra day for bad weather.
Overnight: CampDay 27Trek out to Minapin
Walk back down to Minapin and drive to Hunza.
Overnight: HotelDay 28–29Fly to Islamabad
Drive to Gilgit and fly to Islamabad for the debriefing. Celebration dinner.
Overnight: HotelDay 30Depart
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home.
Overnight: —Expedition schedules depend on weather, snow conditions and acclimatisation. Summit decisions are always made with safety first.
What's Included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Islamabad
- Hotels in Islamabad and Hunza
- Domestic flights Islamabad–Gilgit–Islamabad, or road transport if flights are cancelled
- Private vehicle Gilgit–Hunza–Minapin and back
- Peak royalty, climbing permit and liaison officer fees
- Base camp services: dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents, cook and kitchen staff
- All meals on the approach trek and at base camp
- Porters to carry expedition and personal gear to base camp and back
- Experienced expedition manager and English-speaking guide on the approach
- Satellite phone at base camp for emergencies
- Letter of invitation (LOI) for your Pakistan visa
Not Included
- International flights to and from Pakistan
- Pakistan visa fee
- Rescue and high-altitude travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Personal climbing guide (available on request)
- Summit bonus and tips for staff
- Extra nights or costs caused by flight cancellations, landslides or early return
- Anything not listed under "Included"
Moments from the Trail
Why Choose the Diran Peak Expedition?
The Diran Peak Expedition is a strong choice for climbers who want a 7,000 m peak with easy access and a beautiful setting. The base camp area is green, the views of Rakaposhi are superb, and Hunza is only a short drive away.
Diran is more serious than Spantik, with crevassed slopes and avalanche risk on the upper mountain, so it suits climbers with solid glacier experience. Non-climbing friends can walk to nearby meadows on our Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek.
Before you travel, read our Pakistan visa guide and our advice on travel insurance; helicopter rescue cover is mandatory. Browse all our mountain expeditions in Pakistan.
Plan the rest of your trip
Good to Know
Experience
You should have climbed a 6,000 m peak and be confident with crevasse rescue, crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes.
Acclimatisation
We plan rotations to the higher camps before the summit attempt, with rest days at base camp in between.
Permits & Royalty
Every expedition needs a climbing permit from the Gilgit-Baltistan government, a peak royalty fee and, for most peaks, a liaison officer. Our team handles the application, briefing and debriefing in Islamabad or Skardu.
When to Go
June to August is the Diran climbing season, with the most stable weather usually in July. Read our guide to the best time to visit Pakistan.
Reserve Your Place on the Expedition
Tell us your experience, your plans and your preferred season, and our team will send you a full logistics package and quote for Diran.
