Nanga Parbat Mazeno Pass Trek

Nanga Parbat (8125 m/26,813 ft) is the second highest mountain in Pakistan and 9th in the world. The huge massif has a series of ridges and pinnacles culminating at 8125m/26,813ft with the name of Nanga Parbat, which means ‘naked mountain’. The other given name which gained fame is Killer Mountain as the early disasters on this peak were drastic and once had the maximum number of causalities as compared to any other mountain in the world.

After a long struggle, it was finally conquered by a joint Austrian-German expedition when Hermann Buhl made the final ascent in a strenuous forty one hour solo ordeal without oxygen.

In the program we make a circle trip around the mountain and witness the beauty and culture of the surrounding areas. While trekking, we cross the maximum height of 5399 meters at Mazeno, a semi technical pass, which requires fixed ropes while making the descent on steep crevassed slopes.

Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad, City Tour 🚖

On arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed half‑day tour of Islamabad’s highlights—including the grand Faisal Mosque and scenic Daman‑e‑Koh viewpoint—before settling in for the night at a comfortable city hotel (500 m).

Day 2 – Islamabad → Chilas (via Karakoram Highway) 🛣️

Today’s drive along the stunning Karakoram Highway takes 10–12 hours via Besham or Babusar Pass, with dramatic mountain views and ever‑winding roads. Arrive in the riverside town of Chilas (~1,265 m) for your overnight hotel stay.

Day 3 – Chilas → Tato → Trek to Fairy Meadows 🌲

Leaving early, you drive towards Tato (about 3 hours), then trek approximately 3 hours up to Fairy Meadows (3,300 m), passing through dense pine forests. Overnight in alpine huts surrounded by meadows and mountains.

Day 4 – Day‑hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp & Back to Fairy Meadows 🏔️

Acclimatisation hike to Nanga Parbat’s Raikot Face Base Camp at ~3,900 m and return to Fairy Meadows. Enjoy panoramic views of the towering Nanga Parbat and its massive ice walls before spending another night in alpine huts.

Day 5 – Fairy Meadows → Tato → Tarashing Drive 🚙

After breakfast, descend to Tato and board a jeep for a scenic drive of about 7 hours to the mountain village of Tarashing (2,250 m). Overnight stay in a cozy hotel.

Day 6 – Tarashing → Herrligkoffer Base Camp Trek 🏕️

Begin trekking from Tarashing (≈2,900–3,000 m) through lush valleys up to Herrligkoffer Base Camp (~3,500 m) beneath Nanga Parbat’s imposing Rupal Face. Glacier views and pastoral terrain offer a perfect introduction to high‑altitude trekking. Overnight in tents.

Day 7 – Herrligkoffer BC → Shaigiri Base Camp 🌄

A 7–8‑hour trek through alpine pastures brings you to Shaigiri Base Camp (~3,650 m) with dramatic views of Shaigiri Peak (5,584 m) and the Rupal wall. Camp under the shadows of the immense southern face of Nanga Parbat.

Day 8 – Shaigiri BC → Mazeno Base Camp 🌿

Trek for about 4 hours across juniper and grassy terrain climbing gently to Mazeno Base Camp (~4,200 m), nestled near Toshain peaks. This camp introduces you to the ridge terrain leading to the pass. Overnight in tented camp.

Day 9 – Mazeno BC → Mazeno High Camp 🧗

Ascend steeply for 5–6 hours to Mazeno High Camp (~4,800 m) on the upper side of the glacier below the Mazeno Pass. Vegetation fades, and the terrain becomes stark glacier moraine. Camp on a cold, high‑alpine site.

Day 10 – High Camp → Cross Mazeno Pass → Upper Loiba 👣

This is the trek’s highlight: a long, strenuous day (8–9 hours) ascending to the Mazeno Pass (≈5,399 m), then descending steep, crevassed slopes—ropes and crampons recommended—to Upper Loiba (≈4,200 m). Rewarding alpine panorama at the summit. Overnight camping.

Day 11 – Upper Loiba → Lower Loiba Meadows 🌼

After a challenging day before, enjoy an easier 4–5‑hour descent through lush Loiba Meadows (~3,350 m) surrounded by shepherd huts and alpine pastures. Relax amidst flowering meadows and calm streams. Camp overnight.

Day 12 – Lower Loiba → Ser (via Jale/Kachal) 🌲

A scenic 6‑hour trek through pine and birch forests, crossing Kachal ridge (~3,400 m) to reach Ser (~2,900 m). Appreciate changing landscapes and views of distant Nanga Parbat. Camp for the night.

Day 13 – Ser → Kutgali / Jerdin (~3,100 m) 🍃

Continue trekking through gentle terrain (~6 hours) to the summer settlement of Kutgali/Jerdin (~3,100 m), where the locals graze livestock. Stunning mountain views, and spend the night under the stars.

Day 14 – Kutgali Day‑trip to Diamir Nanga Parbat Base Camp 🏔️

A day hike (≈4 hours) to Nanga Parbat’s Diamer face BC (~4,100 m), across flower‑covered meadows with vista of the Kinshofer Route up the summit. After exploring, return to camp in Kutgali for the night.

Day 15 – Kutgali → Raikot Bridge → Fairy Meadows

Trek from Kutgali to Raikot Bridge and then load into jeeps for an adventurous drive into the gorge toward Tato. A final 2‑hour trek brings you to Fairy Meadows (~3,300 m), where you relax in alpine huts.

Day 16 – Fairy Meadows → Beyal Camp 🌅

A gentle 1–1.5 hour trek through forest and along streams leads to Beyal Camp (~3,500 m)—a peaceful shepherd settlement with towering views of Nanga Parbat. Watch the Alpine glow light up the “Killer Mountain.” Overnight in tents.

Day 17 – Beyal → Base Camp Day‑hike and Return 🌄

Today’s optional excursion takes you up to the Raikot face Base Camp again (➕4 hours round trip), followed by a return to Beyal. Bask in sweeping views and reflect on your journey. Camp overnight in Beyal.

Day 18 – Beyal → Fairy Meadows → Raikot → Chilas → Islamabad ✈️

Descend from Beyal to Fairy Meadows, then trek to Tato. Board your jeep back to Raikot Bridge and drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas, finally returning to Islamabad for a hotel stay or airport transfer.

Day 19 – Departure from Islamabad ✈️

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your homeward flight. Conclude your 18‑night/19‑day journey filled with mountain magic, cultural insights, and alpine memories.