Trail Running in Pakistan: The World's Most Underrated Running Destination
Pakistan probably isn't the first country that comes to mind when you think about your next running holiday.
Maybe the Alps. The Dolomites. Madeira. The Pyrenees. Perhaps even the Himalayas.
But Pakistan?
For trail runners, that might be about to change.
Home to some of the highest mountains on Earth, Pakistan has the kind of landscapes that sound almost exaggerated on paper: enormous glaciers, turquoise lakes, ancient mountain villages, high-altitude valleys and trails beneath 8,000-metre peaks.
And while hiking, trekking and adventure tourism are becoming increasingly popular, Pakistan remains a remarkably underexplored destination for international runners.
That combination makes it one of the most exciting places in the world for a trail running adventure.
Contents:
Why Pakistan is becoming a destination for adventure travel
For years, Pakistan has sat slightly outside the mainstream adventure travel map.
Yet look at a map of the country and it becomes obvious just how much potential there is.
Pakistan is where the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush meet. In the north, the landscape changes dramatically from cities and plains into a world of enormous peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows and remote valleys.
The country is home to five of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, while Gilgit-Baltistan alone contains some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Asia.
And people are starting to take notice.
Tourism in northern Pakistan has been growing rapidly. In 2024, Gilgit-Baltistan recorded a 121% increase in international tourist arrivals, while local authorities have been investing in tourism infrastructure, promoting the region internationally and opening new opportunities for trekking and mountaineering.
In other words, Pakistan isn't exactly a secret anymore.
But it is still a long way from being overrun.
That is particularly exciting for trail runners.
A paradise for hikers and trail runners
Pakistan has always had a strong mountaineering and trekking culture.
But for a runner, the attraction is slightly different.
You don't necessarily need to climb K2 to experience the mountains.
You can run through pine forests. Follow ancient tracks between villages. Climb towards glaciers. Cross suspension bridges above roaring rivers. Run beside glacier-fed streams and through apricot orchards.
And when the terrain becomes too steep or the altitude too high? You walk.
That's one of the great things about trail running in Pakistan.
This isn't about chasing a personal best.
It's about moving through enormous landscapes under your own steam.
The official Gilgit-Baltistan tourism department actively promotes the region for hikers, trekkers, climbers and other adventure travellers, while new peaks and routes continue to be opened to tourism.
For runners used to spending their weekends on familiar UK trails, it offers something completely different.
Why Pakistan is so good for trail running
So what makes Pakistan such a compelling trail running destination?
The mountains
Obviously, the mountains are the headline.
The Karakoram is home to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery anywhere on the planet. Peaks rise thousands of metres above the valleys, creating a scale that is difficult to comprehend until you're standing there.
The variety
Pakistan isn't just about high peaks.
One day you can be running through forest. The next you're beside a glacier. Then you're crossing a suspension bridge or climbing above a remote mountain village.
The terrain constantly changes.
The lack of crowds
This might be one of the biggest attractions for experienced trail runners.
There are no endless lines of runners and hikers following the same famous European route.
Instead, you can spend hours in the mountains feeling as though you've stepped into a completely different world.
The culture
A running holiday isn't just about the running.
Pakistan offers an opportunity to experience local villages, traditional food, mountain hospitality and a culture that feels very different from home.
And then there's the chai. Lots of chai!
Running beneath some of the world's highest mountains
There are mountain destinations where the scenery is impressive.
And then there are places where the scenery almost makes running feel insignificant.
Northern Pakistan is one of them.
On our Pakistan trail running adventure, routes take us beneath Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi, two of the world's great mountain giants.
Nanga Parbat rises to 8,126 metres.
Rakaposhi reaches 7,788 metres.
But you don't need to be a mountaineer to experience them.
Our routes take runners into the landscapes surrounding these peaks, with trails and mountain paths leading towards base camps, alpine meadows and glacier views.
This is what makes a Pakistan running holiday so different from a traditional running holiday in Europe.
The mountains aren't simply scenery in the distance.
They surround you.
Why Pakistan is still relatively unexplored
For a country with landscapes this spectacular, it's surprising that Pakistan isn't already one of the world's biggest adventure tourism destinations.
Part of the reason is simply perception.
Pakistan has often been viewed through the lens of geopolitics and security rather than its mountains, culture and outdoor opportunities.
And unlike countries such as Switzerland, France or Italy, Pakistan doesn't yet have the same established infrastructure for international adventure travellers.
That is changing.
Tourism authorities are investing in new infrastructure, digital tourism services and international promotion. Gilgit-Baltistan has also been increasingly showcased at major international tourism events, including World Travel Market London.
But for now, Pakistan still has that rare quality that experienced travellers are always looking for: It feels like an adventure!
Can you travel to Pakistan independently?
This is where things become more complicated.
Pakistan is not necessarily a destination where you simply arrive, download a trail map and head into the mountains alone.
Northern Pakistan is vast and remote. Roads can be challenging, weather can change quickly and some areas have specific travel restrictions, registration requirements or permits.
For a solo runner, these logistical challenges become even more important. A trail that looks straightforward on a map may involve difficult transport, altitude, river crossings, changing weather, local permissions or simply knowing which route is appropriate.
That's one reason a guided running holiday can make such a difference.
Why a guided running holiday makes sense
A good running holiday should give you the freedom to enjoy the adventure without having to organise every single detail yourself.
That's particularly true in a destination like Pakistan.
On a guided trail running holiday, you have experienced local guides who understand the terrain and local conditions. Transport is organised. Accommodation is arranged. Meals are taken care of. Your luggage can be moved between locations.
And most importantly, you're not travelling through remote mountain terrain alone.
You simply concentrate on running, hiking, exploring and enjoying the experience.
That's exactly how we've designed our Pakistan running trip at Run Weekends.
What is trail running in northern Pakistan actually like?
Don't expect flat, runnable trails from start to finish.
This is mountain running.
Some sections are beautifully runnable. Others are steep, rocky or simply too high to run comfortably.
On our Pakistan trail running adventure, we deliberately combine running and power hiking.
You'll run through pine forests and valleys, climb mountain paths, cross bridges and follow jeep tracks carved into dramatic mountainsides.
And as the altitude increases, the pace changes.
Sometimes the smartest thing you can do is slow down and walk.
That's part of the experience.
Over the course of the trip, our routes cover around 100km with approximately 5,000 metres of elevation gain, spread across nine guided run and hike days. Distances range from shorter trail runs to demanding mountain days.
This is not a race.
It's a trail running adventure.
Our Pakistan trail running adventure
At Run Weekends, we wanted to create a running holiday that felt genuinely different.
Not just another European trail running weekend.
Not just a sightseeing tour with a couple of runs added.
But a proper mountain adventure where running is the best way to experience the landscape.
Our 9-night Pakistan running holiday takes us through the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, travelling from Islamabad into the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan.
We'll move through remote valleys, mountain villages and alpine landscapes, staying in hotels, guesthouses, mountain lodges and camps along the way.
And because this is Run Weekends, we'll experience it together as a small group.
The Run Weekends Pakistan itinerary
Islamabad
The adventure begins in Pakistan's capital with an 8km shakeout run through the Margalla Hills.
It's a gentle introduction before we head north into the mountains.
Skardu
We then fly towards Skardu, with the journey itself offering extraordinary views across the Karakoram.
After arriving, we'll explore the trails beside the Indus River before heading deeper into the mountains.
Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat
From Skardu, we travel towards Fairy Meadows.
Here the landscape becomes truly spectacular.
We'll run towards Nanga Parbat Base Camp, covering around 20km and gaining approximately 1,000 metres.
It's a demanding day, with sections of running and hiking through alpine terrain beneath one of the world's highest mountains.
Hunza Valley
Next comes the legendary Hunza Valley.
We'll explore trails overlooking the valley before watching the sunset from Eagle's Nest, with the Karakoram peaks providing the backdrop.
Rakaposhi Base Camp
This is another big mountain day.
We'll climb from Minapin towards Rakaposhi Base Camp, gaining around 1,670 metres.
The lower sections are runnable before the terrain becomes a sustained power hike.
At the top, we'll have views towards the Minapin Glacier and surrounding peaks before returning to camp for dinner around the fire.
Hussaini Bridge
Then comes one of the most recognisable sights of the trip: the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge.
We'll cross the bridge and follow trails towards Zarabad village, running through the green valley beneath the surrounding mountains.
It's the sort of route that reminds you why travelling somewhere like Pakistan on foot is so rewarding.
And plenty more
There are glacier-fed rivers, turquoise lakes, mountain passes, remote villages, jeep tracks, alpine meadows, campfires and countless moments when you'll probably stop running simply to look around.
Because sometimes the best part of a running holiday isn't the running.
It's where the running takes you.
Who is this Pakistan running holiday for?
The altitude, elevation gain and remote mountain terrain make this trip an adventure for runners who are comfortable with long days outdoors and steep climbs.
But you don't need to be an elite trail runner!
Our Pakistan trip is about moving together as a group, and plenty of the route involves hiking rather than running.
If you love trail running, mountain adventures and exploring places that feel genuinely different from home, this could be the running holiday for you.
It's particularly suited to runners looking for:
A once-in-a-lifetime running adventure
A small-group running holiday
A challenging trail running holiday
High-altitude mountain running
Running holidays abroad
Adventure running holidays
A running retreat with a difference
A unique alternative to the Alps or Pyrenees
A chance to explore Pakistan beyond the usual tourist route
Why Pakistan could be your next running adventure
There is something increasingly appealing about travelling somewhere before everyone else discovers it.
Pakistan is changing.
Tourism is growing. Adventure travel is becoming more established. New routes are opening. The country's incredible mountain landscapes are reaching a wider international audience.
But there is still a sense of discovery.
For trail runners, that matters.
Because the best running holidays aren't necessarily the ones with the biggest races, the most famous trails or the most luxurious hotels.
Sometimes they're the ones where you finish a run, look around and think:
"I can't believe we're here."
Pakistan is one of those places.
Book your Pakistan running holiday with Run Weekends
If you're looking for running holidays that go beyond the usual European destinations, our Pakistan trail running adventure is about as far from an ordinary running weekend as you can get.
Over 9 nights, we'll run and hike through the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges, travelling beneath some of the highest mountains on Earth and experiencing Pakistan with a small group of like-minded runners.
Expect big mountains.
Remote trails.
High-altitude adventure.
Local food.
Hot chai.
Campfires.
And a running holiday you'll be talking about for years.
Ready to run Pakistan?
Pakistan Trail Running FAQs
Is Pakistan good for trail running?
Absolutely. Northern Pakistan, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan, offers exceptional terrain for trail running, trekking and mountain adventures, with enormous peaks, alpine valleys, glaciers, forests and remote mountain paths.
Is Pakistan a good destination for a running holiday?
For experienced runners and adventurous travellers, Pakistan offers a very different type of running holiday. Rather than traditional road running or easy trails, expect mountain running, hiking, significant elevation gain and remote terrain.
Can I travel to Pakistan alone for a trail running holiday?
Independent travel is possible in parts of Pakistan, but travelling alone in remote mountain regions requires considerably more planning. The UK FCDO currently advises visitors to Gilgit-Baltistan to use reputable trekking agencies, obtain local security advice and not trek alone.
Do I have to run the whole route?
No. Our Pakistan trip combines trail running and power hiking. At altitude and on steep mountain terrain, walking is an important part of the adventure.
Is this a running retreat or a running holiday?
It's both in spirit: a small-group running holiday designed around adventure, exploration and shared experiences rather than racing. You'll spend your days running and hiking through the mountains and your evenings sharing meals, stories and experiences with the group.
Why book a Pakistan running holiday with Run Weekends?
Because we take care of the complicated logistics while you concentrate on the adventure. Our Pakistan trip includes experienced local guides, transport, luggage transfers, accommodation, meals and a carefully planned itinerary through some of northern Pakistan's most spectacular landscapes.
Comments