Did you know Pakistan is home to some of the tallest and most stunning mountains in the world? With five of the world’s 14 highest peaks (all above 8,000 meters) and countless snow-covered giants, Pakistan is truly a paradise for mountain lovers, hikers, and adventurers. Whether you’re a climber or just love scenic views Pakistan has a point for you to visit! These mountains are a big part of what makes northern Pakistan so beautiful and special.
K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) – 8,611 meters
K2, also referred to as the King of Mountains, is the second-highest mountain in the world and the highest in Pakistan. Located in the Karakoram Range, it’s known for its stunning beauty and extreme difficulty. Only the bravest climbers attempt to reach its summit.
- Location: Gilgit-Baltistan (near the China border)
- Fun Fact: Often called the “Savage Mountain” because of how hard it is to climb
Nanga Parbat – 8,126 meters
Nanga Parbat, also referred as the Killer Mountain, is the ninth highest mountain in the world and the second highest in Pakistan. It stands alone near the Himalayas and looks massive and dangerous and it is! Many climbers have lost their lives trying to reach its top.
- Location: Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Fun Fact: The name means “Naked Mountain” in Sanskrit
Gasherbrum I – 8,080 meters
Also known as K5 or “Hidden Peak,” Gasherbrum I is the 11th highest mountain in the world. It’s part of the famous Karakoram range and lies close to K2. Its steep faces and snowy ridges attract experienced climbers.
- Location: Gilgit-Baltistan
- Fun Fact: The name “Gasherbrum” means “Beautiful Mountain” in Balti language
Broad Peak – 8,051 meters
Broad Peak is named after its wide summit that stretches over 1.5 kilometres. It’s the 12th highest mountain in the world and looks incredible from Concordia. This is the spot where many trekking routes begin.
- Location: Karakoram Range, near K2
- Fun Fact: It was first climbed in 1957 by an Austrian team
Gasherbrum II – 8,035 meters
Slightly lower than its sister peak, Gasherbrum II is the 13th highest mountain in the world. It’s considered one of the “easier” 8,000-meter peaks (though still extremely challenging!).
- Location: Karakoram Range
- Fun Fact: It was first climbed in 1956 by a team from Austria
Gasherbrum III – 7,952 meters
Though not as famous as the other Gasherbrum peaks, Gasherbrum III is still a huge and beautiful mountain, located between Gasherbrum II and IV. It’s technically difficult and rarely climbed mountain between giants
- Location: Karakoram Range
- Fun Fact: It was first climbed in 1975 by a Polish team
Gasherbrum IV – 7,925 meters
Known for its difficult climbing routes and sharp pyramid shape, Gasherbrum IV is often called “one of the most beautiful mountains in the world” by mountaineers.
- Location: Karakoram Range
- Fun Fact: The West Face is nicknamed the “Shining Wall” because of how sunlight hits it
Distaghil Sar – 7,885 meters
This peak is located in the Hispar Muztagh subrange of the Karakoram. It’s wide, snowy, and powerful, with three distinct summits. It’s not as well-known as K2, but just as majestic.
- Location: Gilgit-Baltistan
- Fun Fact: Its name means “above the inner ranch” in the local Wakhi language
Khunyang Chhish – 7,852 meters
This steep and icy peak is part of the Hispar Muztagh range. It’s extremely hard to climb, and only a few successful summits have ever been recorded.
- Location: Karakoram Range, Gilgit-Baltistan
- Fun Fact: It’s considered one of the toughest climbs under 8,000 meters
Masherbrum (K1) – 7,821 meters
Masherbrum was the first peak in the Karakoram to be mapped that’s why it was called K1. It stands proudly near Skardu and looks like something from a fantasy movie with its sharp, icy edges.
- Location: Baltistan
- Fun Fact: Locals call it “Queen of the Mountains.”
Pakistan’s mountains are not just tall, they’re some of the most spectacular, powerful, and mysterious in the world. Whether you’re standing at the foot of K2 or gazing at Nanga Parbat from Fairy Meadows, these peaks will leave you amazed.
