Best time to go to Pakistan

Pakistan is home to the extremely rare snow leopard, with just a few hundred elusive beauties roaming in the Karakoram Mountains. Hiking adventures in these mountains aren’t elusive but they do stand out amongst some of the world’s greatest trekking adventures. They do also have a short season and, as all of our trips are privately-guided and adhere to strict responsible tourism policies, our dates are pretty much fixed by the experts. 

Best time to do the K2 Basecamp trek (5,117m)

This is a 19 day expedition to one of the world’s most iconic basecamps, in the shadow of K2, the earth’s second highest mountain at 8,611m. So that’s a whole heap of snow, meaning that you need the hottest month of the year to tackle it, which is August. This is when average temperatures are 30C in Skardu, the regional airport that you transfer to from Istanbul to head into the mountains. After that, they dip to around 25C at 3,000m, and then to single figures by the time you get to Concordia (4,691m) on day 10. It’s a good thing, however, that temperatures stay low, as this area is where glaciers coming down from K2 meet those from the Gasherbrums and Chogolisa.

With August clear skies you can also see views of some of the greatest peaks all around, but you may still encounter snow en route to basecamp. At night, temperatures can even drop as low as -10C but the advantage of these cold peaks is that they protect you from Asia’s monsoon’s season which can be felt elsewhere at this time of year, although you may get the odd storm or two. This is why we also build plenty of contingency days into our itineraries. 

K2. Sheer perfection.

Best time to do the Masherbrum Basecamp Trek (4,200m)

Queen Masherbrum, formerly known as K1, receives ramblers over a longer window, in June, July, August and September. This is because at 4,200m it’s significantly lower than K2 Basecamp and so trails are more accessible during summer months. As with K2, temperatures range between 23-30C during summer months at lower elevations. However, as soon as you get to Dumsum Valley and the glaciers, on day four, or elevations above 3,000m, temperatures dip to single figures. Especially in the earlier summer months. Throughout the season, temperatures can drop as low as -10C at higher elevations. So take your pick. 

Springtime in the Karakorams is when the apricots and almond trees blossom. 

Best time to go trekking at lower elevations

With places like the Hunza Valley or the Nangma Valley Trek, you have more seasons to play with, the former hosting adventurers between early April and the end of October, and the latter between June and September. The Hunza Valley holiday is a cultural tour, with little trekking but lots of sightseeing, and so some may want to avoid the extremely high temperatures of over 30C in July, August and September, with temperatures a more pleasant 15-25C between April and June. April is also when the air is crisp and the almond and apricot blossoms start to come out, and the pine, juniper and fir trees take on a refreshing post-snow scent. The Hunza Valley also gets a lot of tourists in July and August, so either side of these months will be less busy on the trails’ hotspots. 

The Nangma Valley is a cultural and trekking combination, with temperatures similar to the Hunza Valley. However, if you want to take up the optional trekking opportunities, you may choose to go during the slightly cooler months of June or September, but do be prepared to wrap up at night at higher altitudes. 

The Hoper Glacier in the Hunza Valley, at 2,800m.

Last but not least, the best time to go to Pakistan is whenever you can make it. It’s one of the world’s most underrated places in our view, where tourism was badly hit after 9/11 and yet where you will now receive the most extraordinary welcome. Before that tragic date, adventure tourism played a major role in Pakistan’s mountain regions, and we are happy to play a role in building that up again in a sustainable way. You may not see the snow leopard, of course, but your heart will skip a beat or two for many other reasons. For more information see all our Pakistan tours, or don’t hesitate to contact our adventure specialists for more information.