From the towering peaks of the Karakoram to lush alpine meadows in the north and desert canyons in the south, Pakistan is a world-class hiking destination that remains one of the best-kept secrets in adventure travel. Home to five of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, it’s a paradise for trekkers seeking jaw-dropping scenery, raw wilderness, and genuine cultural encounters.
I was blown away by the natural beauty of Pakistan during my visit and I can’t wait to go back and explore some more. So, whether you’re looking for short day hikes or multi-week high-altitude treks, here are the 10 best hikes in Pakistan every outdoor lover should add to their bucket list.
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1. Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp – Gilgit-Baltistan
- Distance: ~8 miles (13 km) round trip to base camp
- Duration: 1–2 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: June to September
This is arguably the most popular hike in Pakistan—and for good reason. From lush green meadows to a backdrop of Nanga Parbat (the world’s 9th highest mountain), the trail offers a surreal combination of alpine serenity and dramatic mountain views.
But the fun starts way before you even set foot on the trail, as access to the hike requires a thrilling ride in a Willy’s Jeep along narrow, winding roads cut into the towering cliffs. Hold on to your hats!
For more information on this hike, check out this guide to hiking Fairy Meadows.
✨ Camp under the stars at Fairy Meadows and take a day hike to the Nanga Parbat base camp for a full experience.
2. Passu Glacier & Passu Peak Viewpoint – Hunza Valley
- Distance: ~6 km round trip
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: May to October
A stunning half-day hike starting from Passu village, this route offers panoramic views of the Passu Glacier, Passu Cones, and the mighty Hunza River. It’s one of the best accessible hikes in the north.
✨ The landscape here is a photographer’s dream—bring your camera!
3. Margalla Hills Trails – Islamabad
- Distance: 2–8 km (varies by trail)
- Duration: 1–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best time: October to April
Located right behind Islamabad, the Margalla Hills National Park offers a network of trails (Trail 3 and Trail 5 are the most popular). These are perfect for day hikes, trail running, or sunset views over the city.
✨ Trail 5 leads to Pir Sohawa, where you can grab tea with a view at Monal Restaurant.
Follow my adventures to lesser travelled destinations over on social media!
4. Ratti Gali Lake Trek – Azad Jammu & Kashmir
- Distance: ~6 km hiking (jeep access before)
- Duration: Day trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: July to September
A hidden jewel in the Neelum Valley, the Ratti Gali Lake trek is relatively short and stunning. A 3 hour 4×4 jeep ride takes you to the base camp, from where a scenic uphill trail leads to the vibrant blue alpine lake at 3700m.
The hike typically takes around 1 hour one way and passes through forests, meadows and alongside streams and waterfalls.
✨ One of the easiest high-altitude lake hikes in Pakistan—great for beginners!
5. Rush Lake Trek – Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Distance: ~40 km round trip
- Duration: 4–6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Best time: July to September
This is a multi-day trek that visits one of the highest alpine lakes in the world (4,694m). Rush Lake offers views of Spantik, Ultar Sar, and Ladyfinger Peak. The trail passes through Hopper Glacier, Barpu Glacier, and beautiful summer pastures.
✨ A less-crowded alternative to the more famous base camp treks—perfect for solitude seekers.
6. K2 Base Camp Trek (Concordia) – Karakoram
- Distance: ~ dependant on route
- Duration: 12–15 days
- Difficulty: Very strenuous
- Best time: June to August
This is the crown jewel of trekking in Pakistan. Starting from Askole and hiking along the Baltoro Glacier, you’ll witness colossal peaks like K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum. The journey to Concordia (the “Throne Room of the Gods”) is an unforgettable adventure.
From Concordia amphitheater, trekkers have the option of making a round-trip push to K2 base camp in a day or to stop the night at Broad Peak base camp en route. Either way, you’ll find K2 base camp (5150m) is a much more modest affair compared to Everest Base camp and trekkers may even find they get the whole camp to themselves.
✨ A guided expedition is required—acclimatization and logistics are key.
7. Dunga Gali to Mushkpuri Top – Galiyat Region
- Distance: ~4 km one way
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours up
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: April to November
A fantastic beginner-friendly trail in the Galiyat area. You’ll walk through pine forests and open ridgelines to reach Mushkpuri Top (2,800m), offering panoramic views over Kashmir and the surrounding valleys.
✨ Family-friendly and great for a day hike from Murree or Nathia Gali.
8. Chitral Gol National Park Trails – Chitral
- Distance: Varies by route
- Duration: Day hikes
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best time: May to October
This lesser-explored park in the Hindu Kush range is full of wildlife and lush valleys. Trails lead through cedar forests, offering views of Tirich Mir, the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas and Karakoram.
✨ Home to snow leopards and markhor—pack the binoculars!
9. Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek – Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Distance: ~16–18 km round trip
- Duration: 1–2 days (or a full-day hike for experienced trekkers)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Best time: May to October
This stunning trek starts from the village of Minapin and leads you to the Rakaposhi Base Camp (Tagaphari), sitting at about 3,500 meters. The trail takes you through alpine forests, past glacial streams, and opens up to dramatic views of Rakaposhi (7,788m)—the 27th highest mountain in the world and the impressive Minapin glacier.
Unlike more remote base camps, this one is accessible in a single day if you’re fit and acclimatized.
For more information on this hike, check out this Rakaposhi Base Camp guide.
✨ Camp overnight at Tagaphari meadow to enjoy sunset and sunrise on the peak—an unforgettable experience.
10. Naltar Valley & Lakes Hike – Gilgit-Baltistan
- Distance: ~10 km depending on the route
- Duration: Day trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: May to September
Famous for its multi-colored lakes and thick pine forests, Naltar Valley offers various scenic hikes. You can drive close to the lakes and then explore trails that lead further into the forested mountains.
✨ A great place for a relaxed hiking + picnic combo.
Tips for Hiking in Pakistan
- 🧗♂️ Guides are recommended for multi-day or high-altitude hikes.
- 🗺️ Offline maps like Maps.me or Gaia GPS are helpful in remote areas.
- 💬 Basic Urdu phrases go a long way in connecting with locals.
- 🧳 Permits are required for some areas like K2 Base Camp—plan ahead.
- 🥾 Acclimatize slowly at higher altitudes to avoid altitude sickness.
Why Hike in Pakistan?
Pakistan is still a frontier for trekking tourism, meaning fewer crowds, raw beauty, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re walking in the shadow of 8,000-meter peaks or through cedar-scented forests, this country delivers unforgettable hiking experiences that rival anywhere in the world.
Consider booking a guided trip with a reputable company and check the political situation before you leave.
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