In a Glimpse
Rakaposhi, which means “Snow Covered” is a mountain in the Karakoram range in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. Rakaposhi is the world’s 27th highest peak with an elevation of 7788 meters, and a popular site amongst travelers for its impeccable beauty.
Also known as Dumani, meaning “mother of mist” or “mother of clouds” Rakaposhi adorns the immaculate Nagar valley in beautiful northern Pakistan.
Accessibility
To reach Rakaposhi base camp, first travel to Gilgit, either by flying from Islamabad or taking a long bus journey. From Gilgit, drive for about 2 hours to Minapin village. The trek to Rakaposhi base camp starts from Minapin, following a trail that passes through lush meadows and along the Minapin Glacier, leading up to the base camp in approximately 2 to 3 days.
Why is it famous?
Rakaposhi is famous for several reasons:
Prominent Peak: It is one of the most prominent peaks in the world, with a height of 7,788 meters (25,551 feet).
Stunning Beauty: Known for its stunning beauty, Rakaposhi is often referred to as “Mother of Mist” due to its frequent cloud cover.
Climbing Challenges: The mountain is renowned among climbers for its challenging routes.
Accessibility: Its base camp trek is relatively accessible, attracting trekkers who want to experience the grandeur of the Karakoram Range without the extreme difficulty of a high-altitude climb.
Major Attractions
The closest viewpoint of Rakaposhi in Gilgit town is named as “zero point of Rakaposhi”, which is a major tourist attraction.
As the only mountain in the world, soaring right from the cultivated field to an elevation of 7788 meters, Rakaposhi is the best natural attraction one could explore
Rakaposhi mountain range is dedicated as a community park by the inhabitants of Nagar and Bagrote valleys. The Rakaposhi mountain range hosts many endangered species including the snow leopard, wolf, brown bear, and Marco Polo sheep. There is always a fair chance of sighting these species as you explore the area.
Rakaposhi base camp trek
The Rakaposhi base camp trek typically takes about 2 to 3 days to complete, depending on your pace and starting point. The trek covers a distance of approximately 15-20 kilometers (9-12 miles) one way. However, it is a choice as to if you want to stretch your hike while enjoying the glacier and Diran base camp.
Rakaposhi is not easy to climb. It is considered a challenging and technical climb, even for experienced mountaineers. The mountain’s steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and potential for avalanches add to the difficulty.
The Rakaposhi base camp is one of the most epic camping spots in Pakistan. The surrounding hills give an amazing 360-degree view, which eases the hectic climb. You can trek here only from mid-May to September. Rakaposhi is famous for its avalanches, which are frequent during summer. However, one is safe at the base camp but constantly hears the thunders of those avalanches.
