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Nangma Valley Big Wall Expedition: The Granite Giants | Alpine Karakoram | Alpine Karakoram Adventure

Featured Expedition

Nangma Valley Big Wall Expedition: The Granite Giants

Technical Big Wall Climbing in Pakistan's 'Yosemite of the East'

Featured Expedition

Nangma Valley Big Wall Expedition: The Granite Giants

Technical Big Wall Climbing in Pakistan's 'Yosemite of the East'

31 days

Technical Big Wall Climbing in Pakistan's 'Yosemite of the East'

A premier 31-day expedition targeting the iconic granite spires of Amin Brakk, Shingu Charpa, and Zang Brakk.

Trip Stats

OthersGilgit Baltistan

Difficulty

Technical

EasyModerateHardExtreme

Max Altitude

5,980 meters

Wind Speed

30-50 km/h

Temperature

-15°C to 5°C

Primary Targets

Amin Brakk (5,850m), Shingu Charpa (5,980m), Zang Brakk (4,800m)

Location

Nangma Valley, Baltistan, Pakistan

Duration

31 days

Base Camp Elevation

4,200 meters

Technical Grade

Extreme Technical Rock (Up to 7c+ / A5)

Best Season

July to August

Overview

The Nangma Valley, often revered as the 'Yosemite of the East,' is a cathedral of vertical granite located in the Kanday region of Baltistan. This valley features a dense concentration of needle spires, massive big walls, and technical rock towers rising aggressively from lush green pastures. Dominating the skyline is the colossal Amin Brakk (5,850m), a fortress of rock compared to El Capitan for its 1,000-meter vertical faces. Nearby stands Shingu Charpa (5,980m), famous for its aesthetic knife-edge North Ridge. Complementing these is Zang Brakk (4,800m), known for technical crack systems and 'adventure granite.' This expedition offers a unique juxtaposition of serene alpine pastures and savage vertical relief, rooted in the warm culture of the Balti people from Kanday village.

Trip Highlights

What makes this expedition special

World-class big wall climbing in the 'Yosemite of Pakistan'

Direct access to Amin Brakk's 1,000m vertical faces

Technical free climbing on Zang Brakk's adventure granite

Attempts on the legendary knife-edge North Ridge of Shingu Charpa

Base Camp situated in a stunning natural stone amphitheater

Cultural immersion in the hospitable Balti village of Kanday

Opportunity for first ascents on unclimbed lesser spires

Day by Day Itinerary

Airport transfer followed by expedition briefing, document verification, and gear review.

540 meters

Welcome Dinner

Hotel in Islamabad

Visit to the Ministry of Tourism for official permit processing and final preparations.

540 meters

Breakfast

Hotel in Islamabad

Spectacular 45-minute flight to Skardu (weather dependent) or road travel via KKH.

2,450 meters

Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel in Skardu

Final logistics, permit verification at Department of Tourism, and gear checks.

2,450 meters

Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel in Skardu

Jeep drive to the gateway of Nangma Valley. Organization of porter loads.

3,000 meters

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping at Kanday

Trek through summer pastures with views of distant granite spires.

3,400 meters

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping at Minguloo Broq

Ascent into the natural amphitheater of Nangma. Setup of base camp.

4,200 meters

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nangma Base Camp

Gear organization, scouting access routes, and traditional blessing ceremony.

4,200 meters

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nangma Base Camp

18 days of technical climbing on Amin Brakk, Shingu Charpa, and Zang Brakk.

5,980 meters

Expedition Rations

High Camps / Bivouacs

Packing and site restoration. Trek back down the valley to Kanday village.

3,000 meters

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Camping at Kanday

Return jeep drive and celebratory dinner in Skardu.

2,450 meters

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel in Skardu

Return flight or drive via Chilas if weather is poor.

540 meters

Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel in Islamabad

Recovery time, souvenir shopping, and final debriefing.

540 meters

Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Hotel in Islamabad

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for homebound flights.

540 meters

Breakfast

None

Note: The technical nature of rock climbing in the Nangma Valley demands significant flexibility. Weather in the Karakoram can shift rapidly, and actual duration on specific walls depends on chosen style and conditions. Flight cancellations between Islamabad and Skardu are common; road travel is the standard contingency.

What's Included

Included

11 items included

Professional airport transfers in Islamabad
Domestic flights Islamabad-Skardu-Islamabad (weather permitting)
All hotel and camping accommodations
All meals during the expedition
Jeep transportation (Skardu – Kanday – Skardu)
Processing of all permits and documentation
Porter support (75kg up, 50kg down)
Full Base Camp infrastructure and individual tents
Experienced Pakistani cook and kitchen staff
Solar power charging at Base Camp
All camping and road taxes

Not Included

8 items not included

International flights to/from Pakistan
Pakistan mountaineering visa fee
Mandatory high-altitude rescue insurance
Personal climbing equipment (ropes, rack, portaledges)
High-altitude food and gas canisters for the walls
Personal expenses and tips
Helicopter rescue and evacuation costs
Meals in Islamabad and Skardu beyond package

Alpine Karakoram Adventure offers customized support levels including Silver (Standard), Gold (Premium amenities), and Platinum (Private dedicated guide) packages.

31 days