Nanga Parbat Rupal Face Trek
The World's Highest Mountain Face — 4,600m of Vertical Rock and Ice
From
¥4,550
10 Days
Duration
4,200m
Max Elevation
2–16 pax
Group Size
Astore Valley, Himalaya Range, Gilgit-Baltistan
Region
Overview
While Fairy Meadows offers the famous north-face view of Nanga Parbat, the Rupal Face on the mountain's south side is an entirely different experience — and arguably even more spectacular. Rising 4,600m from valley floor to summit, the Rupal Face is the world's highest mountain wall — dwarfing even the Himalayan giants. The 1970 first ascent of the Rupal Face by Reinhold and Günther Messner is one of mountaineering's most dramatic stories. The approach involves a 2-day drive into the Astore Valley followed by a trek through traditional Balti villages, lush meadows, and ultimately glacial moraines to Shaigiri Base Camp (3,900m) with the entire 4,600m wall towering above you.
Trip Highlights
Rupal Face — world's highest mountain wall (4,600m vertical rise)
Shaigiri Base Camp — overwhelming close-up of the south face
Historic Messner route — site of one of mountaineering's greatest epics
Tarishing and Rupal valleys — traditional Astore culture and architecture
Far fewer trekkers than Fairy Meadows — true wilderness experience
Nanga Parbat from both Rupal and Bazhin Glacier viewpoints
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Islamabad → Chilas
🏠 Hotel Chilas🍽️ Dinner
Islamabad → Chilas
Drive 8hrs via KKH along the Indus. Chilas — gateway to Astore.
2Chilas → Astore → Tarishing Village (2,700m)
🏠 Camp/Guesthouse Tarishing🍽️ All meals
Chilas → Astore → Tarishing Village (2,700m)
Drive to Astore (2hrs) then to Tarishing — last village. First views of Rupal Face.
3Tarishing → Shaigiri Meadows (3,500m)
🏠 Camp Shaigiri Meadows🍽️ All meals📏 16km⛰️ 3,500m
Tarishing → Shaigiri Meadows (3,500m)
Trek through lush meadows. Rupal Face grows with every step. Camp in high meadows.
4Shaigiri → Rupal Base Camp (3,900m)
🏠 Camp Rupal BC🍽️ All meals📏 8km⛰️ 3,900m
Shaigiri → Rupal Base Camp (3,900m)
Final approach to base camp. The Rupal Face fills the entire sky — one of the world's great mountain vistas.
5Base Camp Rest & Exploration
🏠 Camp Rupal BC🍽️ All meals
Base Camp Rest & Exploration
Explore the glacier moraine. Views of the Mazeno Ridge and Bazhin Glacier.
6Extension: Bazhin Glacier Viewpoint (4,200m)
🏠 Camp Rupal BC🍽️ All meals📏 8km⛰️ 4,200m
Extension: Bazhin Glacier Viewpoint (4,200m)
Optional — trek up moraine for even higher views of the face. True wilderness.
7Base Camp → Shaigiri Meadows
🏠 Camp Shaigiri🍽️ All meals📏 8km
Base Camp → Shaigiri Meadows
Begin descent.
8Shaigiri → Tarishing → Astore
🏠 Hotel Astore🍽️ All meals📏 16km
Shaigiri → Tarishing → Astore
Return trek to Tarishing, drive to Astore.
9Astore → Chilas → Islamabad
🏠 Hotel Islamabad🍽️ Breakfast, Dinner
Astore → Chilas → Islamabad
Long drive back via KKH. Arrive Islamabad evening.
10Departure Day
🏠 Hotel Islamabad🍽️ Breakfast
Departure Day
Transfer to airport. Farewell.
What's Included
- All transport Islamabad–Astore–Tarishing return
- Licensed DTS guide + assistant guide
- Cook and kitchen staff
- Porters at DTS rates
- Full camping equipment
- All meals on trek
- Permits (Nanga Parbat restricted zone)
- Islamabad hotel 1 night, Chilas/Astore hotel 1 night
- First aid kit
Not Included
- International airfares
- Pakistan visa
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips
⚠️ Requirements & Prerequisites
- •Good physical fitness — 6–8 hrs/day trekking
- •Prior trekking experience recommended
Best Season
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Rupal Face compare to Fairy Meadows?
Both access Nanga Parbat but from opposite sides. Fairy Meadows (north) is easier, more developed, and shows the Raikot Face. The Rupal Face trek is longer, more remote, and reveals the mountain's most dramatic side — the 4,600m wall. Serious trekkers prefer Rupal.
4 people booked this trip this month
Price Calculator
$625 USD · 4–5 persons
Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.
3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.
Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
Custom quote → info@wonderland-tours.com
Payment Methods
30% deposit to confirm. Balance due 30 days before departure.
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