Rush Lake Trek: A Walk Above the Clouds

  • Northern Area, Pakistan
  • Duration: 13d - 12 nights
  • Language: English

Overview

The Rush Lake Trek is one of the most extraordinary trekking trails available in the Karakoram Range with regard to scenic, adventurous as well as mountainous vistas. The Rush Lake Trek is situated in the Nagar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan with final destinations at Rush Lake, which is the fourth highest alpine lake in the globe, standing at a proud 4,694 meters.

The adventure begins in Islamabad, a journey which takes people through the fabled Karakoram Highway to Hopper Valley, which is the entrance point of the trek. The participants thereafter trek past Hopper Glacier, Barpu Glacier, alpine meadows, as well as mountain ranges.

End route, you are treated to some stunning scenery, which includes vistas of famed summits such as Spantik (7027m), Ultar Sar, Lady Finger Peak, Diran Peak and Rakaposhi. Rush Lake is reflected in blue waters, making it a mesmerizing scene.

In addition to the natural scenery, the Rush Lake Trek provides a cultural immersion with the amiable people of Hunza Valley and the Nagar which brings together adventure with cultural experiences. This is a challenging yet doable trek that is best suited for adventurers who want to find peace at high altitudes with a full PTC (Physicians’ Trek Certification).

 


 

Highlights

  • Trek to Rush Lake, one of the world highest alpine lakes, which lies at 4,694 m
  • Optional ascent of Rush Peak 5,098 m for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
  • Cross the spectacular Hopper and Barpu Glaciers. This is a very unique Karakoram adventure
  • Explore the Scenic Hopper Valley and Nagar Valley
  • Camp at stunning alpine sites beneath star-filled night skies
  • Enjoy rest days and sightseeing in Hunza Valley, including ancient forts and viewpoints.
  • On the boundary of China and Pakistan, an epic overland journey takes center stage, passing along the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad to Gilgit Baltistan. The great Giants of Gilgit Baltistan.

 


 

What’s Included?

  • All domestic flights within Pakistan
  • (Weight allowance for carry-in luggage: 20 kg | Hand carry: 7 kg)
  • Road transfers for all transportation, such as airport pickups/drop offs
  • Hotel stays in Pakistan on a twin-sharing basis
  • Trekking camp stay in twin-sharing dome tents
  • Camping site charges and cost of crossing all bridges
  • Trekking arrangements, such as camping equipment, kitchen utensils, and other non-personal effects
  • All meals throughout the journey (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)
  • Fluid intake, such as drinking water with meals
  • Trekking snacks such as dry fruits, tea and coffee
  • Services of a licensed professional trekking guide (as required by the government)
  • All government permits, official papers
  • Rush lake nature trust fee (government charge)
  • Islamabad and Hunza sightseeing, inclusive of entrance fees
  • Skilled support staff such as cook, assistants
  • Porterage service for private luggage (maximum of 14 kg per passenger)
  • A primary first aid kit to be available throughout the trek

 

Services Not Included

  • International airfare for members.
  • Personal climbing or trekking gear.
  • Sleeping bags and all personal expenses, including telephone calls, fax, email charges, alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
  • Room service, gratuities for personal services and items of a purely personal nature.
  • Staff tips (a small bonus for local staff is recommended).
  • Mini-bar charges while staying in hotels or during travel.
  • Personal insurance for members.
  • Customs clearance charges (import or export of equipment).
  • Travel Insurance: It is strongly recommended that all travelers/trekkers obtain their own travel insurance covering trip cancellation, accidents, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal belongings.

What To Expect

1

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad

  • Arrival in Islamabad, then transfer to the hotel.
  • Welcome briefing and gear check.
  • Islamabad Overnight stay.
2

Day 2: Islamabad to Chilas

  • Early morning departure to Islamabad.
  • Run along Karakoram Highway with breathtaking views of the Indus River, Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi and other peaks that surround it.
  • Travel Time: 10–12 hours (460 km)
  • Overnight in hotel.
3

Chilas to Hunza – Hopper Valley

  • Drive from Chilas to Gilgit, and then towards Hunza Valley.
  • Proceed to Hopper Village, the starting point of the trek.
  • Enjoy the view of Diran Peak 7,266 m and Spantik 7,027 m.
  • Travel Time: 6–7 hours
  • Overnight: Guesthouse or camp at Hopper
4

Hopper to Bericho Kor trekking

  • Cross the Hopper Glacier for one of the most amazing and thrilling starts to any trek in the world.
  • Continue to Bericho Kor surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes.
  • Trek Time: 4–5 hours
  • Overnight: Bericho Kor Camping
5

Bericho Kor to Chidin Harai (4,200 m)

  • Gradual climb over rocky terrain and alpine meadows.
  • Enjoy the astounding vista of Miar Peak and Phuparash Peak.
  • Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Overnight: Chidin Harai camping
6

Chidin Harai to Rush Lake (4,694 m)

  • Final push towards Rush Lake, one of the world’s highest alpine lakes.
  • View the changing scenery of green meadows giving way to snowy ridges.
  • Panoramic views of Spantik, Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger Peak and Rakaposhi.
  • Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Overnight: Camp at Rush Lake
7

Rest & Explore Rush Lake

  • All day acclimatization, rest and exploration.
  • OPTIONAL: Hike to Rush Peak 5,098m for 360° Panorama views.
  • Relax at the lake, engage in some photo shooting and enjoy the reflection of sunrise or sunset.
  • Overnight: Camp at Rush Lake
8

Rush Lake to Phari Phari / Bericho Kor

  • Begin descending towards Bericho Kor or Phai Phari.
  • Scenic trek with views of Barpu Glacier and surrounding peaks.
  • Overnight: Camp
9

Bericho Kor to Hopper – Hunza (Karimabad)

  • Trek down to Hopper Village.
  • Zero Point drive to Karimabad.
  • All evening free for rest or short exploration.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad
10

Rest & Sightseeing in Hunza Valley

  • Full day for relaxation and local sightseeing.
  • Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint and Hunza Bazaar.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine and explore the culture of Hunza.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad
11

Hunza – Chilas

  • Drive back to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway.
  • Photo and Tea stops along the Indus River.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Chilas
12

Chilas to Islamabad

  • Early morning drive back to Islamabad.
  • Scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway with stops at viewpoints.
  • Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad
13

Departure

Map

  • Rush Lake is in Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, at an altitude of 4,694 meters, making it one of the highest alpine lakes in the world.

  • It is a moderate to challenging trek. No technical climbing, but long days, steep sections, and high altitude make it physically demanding.

  • Typically 7–9 days, depending on the route, acclimatization plan, and weather conditions.

  • The ideal season is June to September, when trails are mostly clear and weather is stable.

  • Yes. The trek goes above 4,600m, so proper acclimatization and slow pacing are essential to avoid altitude-related issues.

  • Experience is recommended but not mandatory. Fit beginners can attempt it with proper preparation and guidance.

  • A guide is strongly recommended for navigation and safety. Porters are optional but help reduce fatigue.

  • Accommodation is mainly camping in tents during the trek, with basic guesthouses available in nearby villages.

  • On clear days, you get panoramic views of Spantik (Golden Peak), Ultar Sar, Malubiting, and Rakaposhi.

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