Nanga Parbat, also known as Killer Mountain, is situated in the Dimer District of Gilgit Baltistan. The mountain rises directly above the Indus River. Nanga Parbat is the 9th highest mountain in the world and after K2 second highest one in Pakistan. The mountain is not a single peak but a culmination of 20 peaks. The giant Indus River separates Nanga Park from the Karakoram Range.
Ascending the Nanga Parbat has been an arduous task. Multiple failed attempts were made to ascend it including the first British expedition in 1895. However, Austrian climber Hermann Bhul made it in 1953. Nanga Parbat is the sole mountain, which is climbed in 4 seasons. Because harsh summer at its base camp and the minus 40-degree temperature at the summit of Nanga Parbat.
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Trekking Nanga Parbat provides the viewers a spectacular view of the mountains. Scenic Fairy Meadows, a dream destination of tourists, can be seen from Nanga Parbat. Similarly, the fantastic view of the Indus River and Karakoram Range from this mountain is a worthwhile experience. During Nanga Parbat Expedition, the climbers can have the opportunity of climbing the gigantic Himalayan Mountains. Towards Nanga Parbat Base Camp, the trek is replete with scenic beauty and serene greenery. Due to the aforementioned factors, tourists, trekkers, mountaineers, adventurists, climbers, and hikers come to this place in throngs.
Best time to visit Nanga Parbat Basecamp:
The base camp is packed during the summer season, as it is the perfect time to visit it. June, July, and August are the ideal months in this regard. The weather is usually pleasant during the summer season. Yet, in mountain areas, it is difficult to predict. Short-time snow storms could create problems at any time. However, above 4,000 meters, snowfall can occur at any time of the year. During the night, the temperature may reach minus 10 degrees at camps.
Route of the Nanga Parbat Expedition
This exemplary tourist destination takes 50 days to cover it.
Reaching at Islamabad
In case of foreign adventurists, they have to reach Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Majority of International flights lands at Islamabad International Airport. Local adventurists too have to reach Islamabad first. The stay at this city will provide some rest and comfort. A group briefing will be provided by the concerned expedition company. There may be some sightseeing of the city, as it is one of the most beautiful capitals of Pakistan.
Islamabad to Chilas/Narran
Nest day, the adventurists leave for the promising Northern Areas. Usually, the journey is covered by a minibus through famous Karakoram Highway. This 461 km route is covered in 8 to 9 hours while seeing the awesomely beautiful valleys and towns. Finally, the night stay is in Chillas. Here, a superb PTDC Hotel can be selected for accommodation.
Drive and Trek to Kachal
The next day after breakfast, the journey is started towards superb Fairy Meadows. The 4X4 jeeps drop the trekkers at a village named Tattu. A 2 to 3-hour hike takes the tourists to Fairy Meadows. There is a scenic campsite called Kachal, only a few kilometers distant from Fairy Meadows. Its calm and scenery are indescribable in words. Another astonishing campsite, Bayal, is located here. No accommodation is available here, trekkers have to do camping. The drive and trek to Kachal is almost 3400 m in total. It takes 8 hours to cover this route.
Trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp
The next day, the trekkers head towards the Base Camp of Nanga Parbat. The trekking trail after this campsite passes through an alpine forest, having ice blocks and snow on both sides. All this makes the trekking trail landscape extremely awesome. Again, camping is only a resort for accommodation. No hotels and motels are available here.
Climbing and Acclimatizing Periods
From this point, the climbing up to Nanga Parbat actually begins. This expedition period is almost 40-43 days. The staff of concerned companies guides the trekkers at the Base Camp. On the way, the climbers have great fun minimizing fatigue and tiresomeness. Bone fires are arranged at the camps. Delicious foods are cooked. This recreation is essential for climbing.
Trek to Kachal
After completing the climbing at Nanga Parbat, the tourists head back to Islamabad. On first day after climbing, the 46th, the trekking to Kachal starts.
Trek and drive to Chilas
On the 47th day, the journey toward Chillas is covered. After it, the tourists drive back to Islamabad. And from the capital city, the journey toward homes starts.
Here is a most important aspect the adventurists must keep in mind adventure traveling is not an easy task. It demands a certain mentality and aptitude. Unpredictable weather, local conditions, the uncertainty of the services and facilities, and last-minute changes in the route could be faced. In this case, only teamwork, participation, sincerity, patience, and a flexible attitude could help overcome the issues. The concerned company will inform and assist the adventurists to fix the problems.
Books, which can be helpful
- K2 Triumph and Tragedy. Jim Curran.
- In the Throne Room of the Mountain Gods. Galen Rowell.
- Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.
- Karakoram Highway. King.
Necessary Equipment during Nanga Parbat Expedition
Generally, a 15.5 kg packed weight limit is allowed during the expedition, including a sleeping bag and mattress. This is recommended by the porters. Extra weight is strictly prohibited. Before trekking, the weight is checked. The equipment list is provided and sent by the concerned company. Anything not required during the expedition can be deposited at the hotel in Islamabad or Skardu.
- To ascend the peaks above 6,500 meters, a trekking permit from the government is taken.
- Royalty Fees fixed by the Gilgit Baltistan government have to be deposited with the climbing permit. This fee is not refundable. The fees include trekking, and waste disposal charges. The Gb Government issues a notification and publishes the fee details in every climbing season.
- Government clearance is essential, which includes the details of all members. This can take some time.
- For helicopter rescue services, a bond of around 10,000 US Dollars has to be deposited in Askari or Civil Aviation. The bond is refundable, deducting the administration charges if services are not used.
- The Liaison officer appointed by the government goes with the expedition.
- Environment undertaking has to be given to the government. The liaison officer has to clarify the weather and climate of the mountains to be climbed.
- Expedition cargo and climbing gear. Base camp staff and high altitude porters.
- All the aforementioned equipment, licenses, and staff are provided by the concerned expedition company.
