Intrepid Travel has been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025 for its Nangma Valley Trek in Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains. The honour spotlights not just the breathtaking beauty of Nangma Valley, but Intrepid’s mindful approach to travel—offering immersive, nature-based experiences that are grounded in local connection and cultural exchange.
Often called “the Yosemite of Pakistan,” Nangma Valley is a dramatic landscape of 3,300-foot granite spires, ancient glaciers, and lush alpine meadows. Located in Baltistan province, this trek offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most awe-inspiring corners of the world—without requiring the extreme technical skill needed to summit nearby K2, the world’s second-highest peak.
Leigh Barnes, President of Intrepid Travel, Americas said,"To have TIME recognize Nangma Valley is massive—not just for Intrepid, but for the future of responsible travel. This isn’t just about discovering new places—it’s about making sure travel supports local communities, preserves natural beauty, and offers an experience that stays with people long after they return home."
"When I trekked through Pakistan last year, I was completely blown away. The landscapes are just unreal—towering peaks, wide open valleys—but what really stayed with me was the generosity and spirit of the people we met along the way. Pakistan doesn’t get the attention it deserves as a premier travel destination, and we want to help change that. Not by sending in the crowds, but by offering a way to explore that’s mindful, that really honours the place and the people who call it home, " said Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Global Product at Intrepid Travel.
Part of Intrepid’s Larger Story
The Nangma Valley trek was among Intrepid’s 2025 ‘Not Hot List,’ which highlights 10 lesser-known destinations deserving of tourists' attention —offering new experiences, growing infrastructure, and embracing sustainable tourism.
With Pakistan easing visa restrictions and increasing accessibility to the Karakoram Mountains, Nangma Valley is emerging as a premier destination for travelers seeking raw, natural beauty, world-class trekking, and deep cultural connection—without the crowds of traditional hiking circuits.
Launched in 2024, the 10-day trek takes travelers deep into the rarely visited Nangma Valley—a dramatic, alpine corridor surrounded by towering granite peaks and high-altitude meadows. Starting in Islamabad and venturing into the Hushe Valley of Baltistan, the trip blends physical challenge with rich cultural exchange, including homestays and community visits. The fully supported experience includes local guides, porters, cooks, and gear, creating fairly paid work for trekking communities—many of whom might otherwise take on more dangerous climbs for the same wages.
