The north of Pakistan mainly the Karakoram range is known for its rugged terrain, and known for legendary technical peaks and mountain passes or long challenging treks like the Hispar la trek, K2 basecamp trek, and Gondogoro la, but there are many treks for newbies or the beginners some of these treks are day hikes not so steep and friendly which don’t require any special cardio or trekking equipment, These treks are beginner-friendly and great for experiencing Pakistan’s natural beauty without demanding extensive physical effort.
1. Fairy Meadows Trek
The Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek also called Fairy Meadows is one of the most scenic and adventurous treks in Pakistan, offering breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat 8,126 meters, the ninth-highest mountain in the world and the westernmost peak of the Himalayas. Known as the “Killer Mountain” due to its mountaineering history, this trek provides an incredible experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Trek through the lush green plateau of Fairy Meadows, a place of legendary beauty that offers one of the most iconic views of Nanga Parbat. It is one of the easiest and most accessible 8 thousander meter peak basecamp treks in the world, also the amazing adventurous jeep ride to the Last Valley where trek is one of the most adventurous jeep rides in the world
Spend time camping in Fairy Meadows, surrounded by thick pine forests and a serene ambiance. Whether you choose the Fairy Meadows route or the Rupal Face trek, the Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable experience, ideal for anyone looking to explore the wild beauty of Pakistan’s Himalayan frontier.
2.Ondra Poygah Gulmit
The newly defined trek of Ondra Poygah is easy in the peaceful Gulmit valley. It’s a 2-hour easy trek with a stone paved path built by the local people of Gulmit. The location also has historic importance Ondra is the name of a hill, and also the name of an ancient fort, while Poygah in the local Wakhi languages means “stair” or “step”. The Ondra Poygah, thus, is the name given to the steps built by the local community to connect Gulmit village to the Ondra fort. Around 2,000 steps will be constructed, covering a trail of around 3,500 meters
3. Baskochi meadows
The Baskochi meadow trek is famous for its aerial view of Attababad Lake. It’s more of a hike than a trek. If you are not a pro trekker you just need an hour hike and enjoy the serenity this is a hike you can do easily just after the second Attabad tunnel on the right side before the Famree resort you ascend with a defined path to the Baskochi meadow it takes around less than 2 hours to reach to Baskochi meadows the hike up to the meadow is steep but not long, also when you are hiking you get to enjoy the aerial view of the famous attached lake and in the distance the Passu cones, the trek doesn’t require any special footwear, solid pair of shoes and a jacket if you planning to stay for the sunset which you should because the sunset surreal from the top of the meadows
4. Rakaposhi basecamp
One of the well-known treks, Rakaposhi base camp also called Tagafari in the local language, is the most well-known trek in Hunza Nagar. It is a one-day trek from Minapin Valley in Nagar. The trek is best if you are a newbie in trekking. It has an amazing view of Rakaposhi glacier if you are at the feet of the majestic mountain Rakaposhi. You can extend the trek up to 03 days if you continue the trek to Diran Base Camp and traverse to Kho Viewpoint. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful treks in Hunza Valley.
Usually, we offer the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek as a 02 Day trek. On day 01, you stay in Hapakun Camp while on the second day, you trek to the base camp of Rakaposhi and return to Minapin.
5. Ulter peak basecamp trek
considered one of the most challenging mountains in the Karakoram due to its steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and technical climbing routes. But trekking to the basecamp is one of the easiest basecamp treks in the Karakoram range, It is 4-hour trek from the town of Baltit the tourism center of Hunza trek to Ultar peak is a bit steep in the beginning but once you are on the water channel close to queen victoria memorial the path is well defined and simple, the meadow is lush green with the view of Ultar glacier and Ultar peak but also the basecamp of lady finger peak is not far away from the meadow, the trek requires trekking shoes a good jacket and if you are planning to stay a night you a tent, there is a hut there but mostly it is occupied with some shepherds or trekkers
Haramosh valley
6. Duiker Eagles Nest View Point Trek
A 3-hour hike from Karimabad is one of the easy hikes toward the beautiful Duikar valley. this trek offers a view of all of central Hunza it is a beginner trek for the ones who are tired of mainstream sightseeing this is the best trek to start with and have a different perspective of Hunza, with a view of the golden peak in the front this trek offers almost every mountain Hunza has to offer, it is bit steep, to begin with, but with a view of central Hunza Rakaposhi in the full frame you never get tired
7. Qaqlasht Meadows Trek
The Qaqlasht Meadows Trek is a serene and picturesque journey through the lush high-altitude plains of Qaqlasht, located in the Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Known for its sprawling green meadows, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. It is a beginner-friendly trek ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape. With the view of the beautiful Booni town and peaks of Hindukush like Booni Zoom, it takes only 2 hours from the main Booni to reach Qaqlasht, the trek is most recommended in April when the meadow is lush green
Kutwal Lake, Haramosh
The Kutwal Lake Trek is a stunning adventure that takes you to the serene Kutwal Lake in the Haramosh Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Surrounded by towering peaks, including Haramosh Peak (7,409 meters) and Laila Peak, the lake offers breathtaking views, making it a paradise for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers. It is also the basecamp of Haramosh Peak,
The trek is comparatively a bit difficult from the other treks I have mentioned, it takes around 5 to 6 to reach Kutwal Lake, the trek starts from Sassi village which is an hour jeep ride from the main KKH, an hour’s drive from Gilgit, the trek requires good pair of trekking shoes, poles, warm jacket, sleeping bag, and a tent, also depends on which season you are trekking, the trek is accessible to go from April to October
About the author
Salim khan is a trekking guide/travel/adventure photographer and travel writer from Hunza Pakistan. He has been hiking and climbing in the Himalayas for the past 8 years and has captured and compiled many stories along the way on these adventures. his photographs, articles, and photo essays have been featured on several big platforms such as Worldnomads, Everyday Pakistan, Dawndotcom, Geomorphic Landscapes, Pamir Times, etc
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