Day 27 of our #pakistanadventure started bright and early with a breakfast of paratha, eggs, and sweet green tea. Fueled up, we set off for our final Pakistan basecamp: Nanga Parbat. The first two hours of hiking were relaxed, taking us through serene woods. When we reached the first viewpoint, we were completely in awe of the towering mountain before us.
We’d been told this was an “easy” hike, but soon realised that was far from the truth. The path became a narrow, tricky trail along the side of a glacier. After two hours, we paused in a meadow for a snack, already feeling the challenge. We underestimated the mountain! Though not a 12-hour Karakorum trek, it was still tough.
The last stretch was a steep uphill climb, but we made it—5 basecamps in Pakistan DONE!
However, as our excitement faded, we felt a bit of an anticlimax. Unlike other basecamps, Nanga Parbat’s had just a single hut and a memorial. No climbers, no bustling camp. We found out it was out of season and this route had become less popular, even in peak times, due to increased danger on the mountain. We couldn’t celebrate with fellow adventurers like at previous camps.
As we took in the majestic view and snapped photos, we were treated to a simple but delicious lunch of dal, bread, and rice. Finally, other hikers arrived, some locals, some from Europe. We had a fun chat with a Pakistani hiker and his Afghan friend, who was convinced we were on some secret drug to power through the hike so easily!
After a good rest and laugh, we made our way back down the mountain, which took just 2.5 hours. Exhausted but elated, we returned to our cottage, reflecting on the thrill of conquering one of the most dangerous mountains in the world.
Family Russell-Smith Travel 