Most visitors spend two or three nights at the meadow, but the wider Nanga Parbat region rewards a little extra time. The Raikot valley, the Indus gorge around Chilas and the Babusar Pass road are all part of the journey, and each has its own character. Here are some ideas from our team in Gilgit.
Go higher on foot
Fit walkers can continue past Beyal Camp to the base camp below the Rakhiot Face, a full but rewarding day. We run this as a guided trip, the Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek, with a cook, porters and a relaxed acclimatisation day built in.
Add the Karakoram Highway
From Raikot Bridge it is only a few hours to Gilgit and then to Karimabad. Our Hunza Valley guide explains what to see there, from Baltit Fort to Attabad Lake. Travellers heading east can follow the Indus to Skardu and the cold deserts of Baltistan instead.
See the viewpoint where three ranges meet
North of Jaglot, a short stop on the highway shows the meeting point of the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush, close to where the Gilgit River joins the Indus. It is an easy add-on to any drive in the region.
Photograph the mountain at its best
Nanga Parbat faces north towards the camps, so the summit catches the first and last light of the day. Be outside half an hour before sunrise with a warm jacket and a flask of tea, and stay out after sunset for the pink glow on the ice. On clear, moonless nights the Milky Way rises above the ridge; a small tripod and a wide lens are all you need. Mid-morning cloud often builds over the peak, so plan walks for the afternoon and keep the early hours for photography.
Eat like a local
Camp kitchens serve simple, hearty food: daal, rice, fresh chapati, vegetable curries and, in season, potatoes and apricots grown in the valley below. Ask your hosts for local butter tea or a bowl of chicken soup after a long walk. If you have dietary needs, tell our team in advance and we will make arrangements with the camp.
Travel light and responsibly
The jeep road and the trail are narrow, and the cabins have limited space, so pack a small bag and leave the rest in your vehicle. Carry your rubbish back down, use the toilets at the camps, and buy snacks and tea from local families rather than bringing everything from the city. Mobile signal is weak, so download offline maps before you leave Chilas.
Planning dates? Check the best time to visit Pakistan, our Pakistan visa guide and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation website.
