04 Aug 2025
Our Nanga Parbat Circuit trek was years in the making, spearheaded by one of our International Leaders, Ade Summers, who, alongside The Mountain Company's Managing Director, Roland Hunter, had long been intrigued by the idea of circumnavigating Nanga Parbat. Ade Summers led a reconnaissance trek in June 2022 to help design the trip. The success of the 2025 group was significantly supported by an exceptional Pakistani trek crew, including our Sirdar, Faqir, and guide, Ghani, plus our cook, Aslam.
The Nanga Parbat mountain stands at 8,126 meters (26,660 feet) above sea level, making it the ninth-highest mountain in the world. It is the westernmost anchor of the Himalayan range and is situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Nanga Parbat is derived from the Sanskrit words meaning "Naked Mountain," referring to the fact that snow doesn't cling to its steep sides.
Despite regional geopolitical events and unseasonal weather conditions, including heavy rains, flash flooding, and landslides that occurred after the group's safe departure, the trek proceeded without impact. These events underscore the adventurous nature of expeditions in Pakistan, requiring flexibility and an open mindset.
Ade Summers described the trek as "an amazing trek around Nanga Parbat. More than just a trek, but also a cultural experience, visiting remote valleys and remote villages. A great achievement to cross Mazeno Pass and visit the three mountain faces of Nanga Parbat. It is a hard but so rewarding trek." He noted the challenging descent of Mazeno La due to loose rocky scree in the absence of snow and unusually warm temperatures throughout the trip.
One of our trekkers, Matt, sums up his experience in his AITO Traveller Review:
“A first-rate trek around a magnificent mountain, seemingly little-visited by others. The Nanga Parbat Circuit affords fine views of all of the three major faces of this 8,000-metre peak, visiting the three Base Camps used by mountaineers ascending the peak (although only one of these sees much use nowadays as the other two faces are far more difficult to climb). We did not meet any other trekkers, which made for a far better experience.
The Mountain Company (TMC) offers impeccable customer service and plans its treks incredibly carefully. Acclimatization is taken very seriously, which adds a few days to the itinerary but leads to a far more enjoyable and safer experience for everyone in the party. The local guides and crew used in Pakistan were also magnificent, and were great company.”
In response to the 2025 experience, we will implement some itinerary changes for future Nanga Parbat Circuit treks to enhance safety and experience. The start date for the 2026 trek will shift to June 4th from June 18th, aiming for better snow conditions on Mazeno La and a safer crossing.
Furthermore, the itinerary will be adjusted to begin with a visit to Fairy Meadows, which will improve acclimatisation and create a more natural flow for the trek. The trek will now conclude at the village of Diamoroi, offering the opportunity for a direct drive over the Babusar Pass and an overnight stay in the cooler climate of Naran, avoiding the high temperatures of Chilas.
The Nanga Parbat Circuit trek is ideal for those seeking a remote adventure away from crowds, offering incredible mountain views and a unique cultural immersion with local villagers. The Mountain Company believes in diversifying tourism in Pakistan beyond the popular K2 Base Camp trek to showcase more of the Karakoram mountains' beauty and promote sustainable tourism.
The Mountain Company is planning to organise its next Nanga Parbat Circuit in June 2026. Interested individuals are encouraged to get in touch.
-ENDS-
Media: Roland Hunter | Managing Director| 01647433880 | roland@the mountaincompany.co.uk
About The Mountain Company
The Mountain Company is an award-winning team of holiday experts in the Himalayas and Karakoram. We organise treks, expeditions, and tours in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and India (Ladakh and Sikkim). Our passion is for exploring very remote regions, including sections of The Great Himalaya Trail.
Winners of AITO's Tour Operator of the Year in both 2018 (Gold) and 2015 (Bronze). We are members of AITO, ABTOT, and hold an ATOL license.
We have offices both in the UK and in Nepal, so during peak season, we offer unique on-the-ground support from Kathmandu.
Founded in 2004 and still managed today by Roland Hunter FRGS. Roland has led groups on most of our trips throughout the Himalayas and the Karakoram. He has also summited Mount Everest (8,848m) and Mount Makalu (8,463m).
Our website is at https://www.themountaincompany.co.uk/
