Rush Lake Trek

Hoper Valley, Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

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Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

Undertake an unforgettable alpine journey through the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan with the Rush Lake Trek, a truly majestic experience nestled in the Nagar Valley. Towering at an elevation of 4,694 meters (15,400 feet), Rush Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in Pakistan and all of South Asia. This spectacular trek begins in the enchanting Hoper Valley, a glacial basin carved by centuries of ice and time, in the Nagar District. Surrounded by mighty snowcapped peaks, the trail ascends through dramatic landscapes, glacier crossings, alpine meadows, and breathtaking vantage points.

Rush Lake, locally known as Rushphari, rests just below Rush Peak (5,098 m), offering trekkers panoramic views that few places on earth can rival. From its serene, icy shores, on clear days you can catch a rare glimpse of the world’s second-highest peak, K2, shimmering on the horizon. But that’s just the beginning. The surrounding amphitheater of giants includes Spantik (Golden Peak) at 7,027 m, Miar Peak, Ultar Peak, Diran, and the magnificent Rakaposhi at 7,788 m — all glowing in golden hues at dawn and dusk.

The trek is as rewarding as it is challenging. The descent to Phaiphari, and the icy traverse across the Barpu Glacier to reach Hamdar Camp, adds a thrilling dimension to the journey. From Hamdar, the view of the sprawling glacier and the luminous face of Golden Peak is absolutely awe-inspiring.

What makes the Rush Lake Trek truly special is that it delivers a complete high-altitude experience in a relatively short duration. Ideal for both seasoned hikers and passionate explorers seeking their first alpine adventure, this trek offers a window into the raw, untouched beauty of Nagar and Hunza.

Whether you’re chasing Himalayan vistas, seeking solitude among the clouds, or aiming to challenge yourself — Rush Lake is a journey you’ll never forget. Now’s the time to answer the mountains’ call.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the capital city of Islamabad and the scenic beauty of Hunza Valley.
Encounter avid international travelers along the trek.
Marvel at the views of towering Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi and Passu Cones, along the Karakorum Highway.
Enjoy the magnificent views of mountains including Rush Peak, Golden Peak, and Mair Peak surrounded by Rush Lake.
Experience the enigmatic beauty of the Karakorum Highway bearing several unmatched landmarks.
Meet the local people of Hoper Valley preserving the distinct culture of the region.

Itinerary

Arrival in Islamabad, meet & greet, transfer to a hotel for overnight stay.

Drive to Chilas via KKH or Babusar Pass-through Naran Road. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Drive from Chilas to Hunza along the Karakorum Highway while exploring the key attractions en route. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Drive from Hunza to Hoper Valley and trek to Baricho Kor campsite adjecent to Barpu Glacier. Food and overnight stay in tents.

A steep trek from Baricho Kor to Chidin Harai yet very much rewarding. The uphill hike provides several magnificent views of Barpu Glacier, Hamdar Peak and glacier, and distant views of Hoper valley and Hunza Valley overshadowed by snow-crowned peaks. Food and overnight stay in tents.

A short trek of about 2 hours leads to Rush Lake campsite. Explore the site and surroundings that provides jaw-dropping views of snow-crowned mountains guarding Hunza and Nagar Valleys. On a clear day, K2 and Broad Peak can be spotted from this point. Food and overnight stay in tents.

Descend to Phai Phari campsite from the other side of the Rush Lake and camp at Phai Phari campsite located on the route to Golden Peak. Enjoy the views of the mountains and glaciers. Food and overnight stay in tents.

Trek from Phai Phari to Haamdar by crossing the junction of Barpu Glacier and Haamdar Glacier. Your return journey leads from the other side of the glacier. Enjoy the beautiful campsite adjacent to shepherd houses providing magnificent views. Food and overnight stay in tents.

Trek down to the Hoper Valley by crossing the glacier and drive to Hunza Valley. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a leisure evening at Karimabad. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Explore Hunza Valley. Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, SHIQAM local women carpenters' workshop, Duikar sunrise point, and the local market in Karimabad. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Proceed for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass. Enjoy the scenic views of mountains, glaciers, and valleys of upper Hunza, and also the journey through Khunjerab National Park. One can spot heard of the Markhor in the national Park. Return to the hotel in Hunza for overnight stay.

Drive from Hunza to Chilas/Naran and proceed to your hotel for check in and overnight stay.

Drive from Chilas/Naran to Islamabad and check into a hotel upon arrival in Islamabad.

Explore Islamabad by visiting key attractions of the city including museums, key landmarks, Margalla Hills, and shopping centers. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Drive to Islamabad airport and fly homeland. End of services.

Included/Exclude

All domestic flights and ground transportation including airport transfers.
All accommodation (hotel) on a twin sharing basis during the tour
All accommodation (dome tents) on a twin sharing basis during trekking
Single supplement as per demand or for single female participant
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and coffee/green tea/hot water during treks
Professional tour guide and support staff
Personal insurance of all support staff.
Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
Basic First Aid Kit
Visa assistance

Visa fee
Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
International flight tickets
Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for staff
Personal or miscellaneous expenses
Anything not listed under “Services Included”

Tour's Location

Hoper Valley, Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

FAQs

The Rush Lake Trek is a moderate hike through the pastures of Hoper Valley to an alpine lake surrounded by snow-crowned peaks. While the trail is easy, the campsites are spaced out, requiring good stamina. However, the stunning beauty of the mountains, glaciers and valleys keeps you energized throughout the journey.

Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.

This trek is not as physically demanding as other strenuous treks. a little prior walking practice should work.

The maximum altitude on the trek is Rush Lake situated at 4694m (15000 ft) above the sea level

There is a detailed list of must-carry and optional equipment’s which covers the required equipment and baggage to carry. If you have previous trekking experience, you may select your personal requirement.

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Hiking backpack and sticks
● Head-torch/flashlight with extra batteries
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Glows and warm pairs of socks
● Warm cap, hat, and scarf (to avoid scorching sun)
● Full sleeves shirt
● Waterproof trousers and raincoat
● Trekking shoes and flip-flops
● Trekking poles (optional)
● Warm layers of clothing
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)
● Binoculars (optional)

We are a Member Company of Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and helicopter rescue plan is part of the program we offer.

For any rescue mission we are required to deposit advance payment in favor of PATO out of which a small percentage is non-refundable (will be discussed at the time of confirmation) while rest is refundable (in case service was not availed). This entire amount is required to be paid by the client in advance. If there is any insurance policy on part of the client that can cover the impending bill, that needs to be submitted.

We do. We can organize customized tours/treks for solo trekkers and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 12. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.

The maximum size of our groups is 20 persons. The average size of our groups is 10 members.

During this trek, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. The ingredients for the food will be procured in Pakistan. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches will be consumed during lunch breaks on the trek with options include canned/tinned meals (meat, fish), pickles, crackers, chapatti, pate, cheese etc. Weather has a very important role in deciding our lunch menu for the day; the participants will begin the lunch with consuming or end it with tea or coffee, juice, soup etc.

The dinner will always be served in the mess tent and the participants will gather to eat the food freshly prepared by the cooks travelling with our group. The first few days of the trekking, fresh vegetables will be served in food if they are fresh and healthy. All the participants who are vegetarian, they must communicate with our office and inform us on advance basis if they need a vegetarian food plan during the trek.

During the trek, Iodized water will be available for the participants throughout the mornings, while taking breaks and camping. Everyone will be consuming spring water every time its available otherwise if we run out of options for the participants may drink glacier water that possibly have silt. The kitchen containers which are very large in size are used to keep the water storage and it is also helpful in settling down the silt particles at the bottom. If any participants have any issue with odor of iodine, they may bring their own supplies of bi-carbonated soda. Traditional methods are effective and work very well for everyone there is no harm in the experimentation of new methods.

While few nights will be spent in the capital city of Islamabad and along the Karakorum Highway, the rest of the nights will consist of camping in tents between the magnificent mountains. The accommodation arrangement is Islamabad is of standard hotels while our hotels selected in Chilas and Passu and Hunza are the best available. Rooms at our provided hotels will be on twin sharing basis with en-suite amenities.
At the time of camping, the participants will be sharing a tent fit for two persons. If any participant is coming alone on this trek, he/she will be accommodated with one of the other members for tent and room sharing. For strangers and solo trekkers, first preference will be given to same gender stays. Nevertheless, a participant can opt for separate tent of hotel rooms as he/she likes, however additional cost will be incurred for making separate arrangement. Any participants seeking separate accommodation must inform our office in advance.

During the trekking days, our guide will wake up the participants for coffee or a warm cup of tea which we be followed by a decent breakfast inside the mess tent. There will be plenty time before the breakfast to pack the bags. After the breakfast the camps will be closed, and the porters will get back to their work handling supplies and luggage ahead of the participants to reach at the lunch site and make preparation for meals. Porters will repeat the process as they will follow ‘trek earlier’ approach in order to prepare dinner for the participants. Standard trek duration before the lunch will be between 3-4 hours.
Generally, one hour is required for the lunch which makes it a very good time to gain your strength back, relax, write and read etc.
Trekking after the lunch will be shorter as compared to trek before the lunch. Once you arrive at the next camp site, the camps will already be setup or in progress. Upon arrival to the camp the participants will be served a hot beverage and dinner will be served when it’s prepared. Participants can rest, read, write, socialize, film and photograph upon reaching a camp. Temperature decreases at night normally; participants can get comfortable in their sleeping bags and get a good sleep before next day.

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the trekking holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require keeping your devices function as long as possible.

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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Rush Lake Trek

Duration

Languages

Overview

HIGHLIGHTS

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Islamabad

Day 2 - Islamabad to Chilas

Day 3 - Chilas to Hunza

Day 4 - Drive to Hoper and trek to Baricho Kor

Day 5 - Baricho Kor to Chidin Harai

Day 6 - Trek to Rush Lake

Day 7 - Trek to Phai Phari

Day 8 - Phai Phari to Haamdar

Day 9 - Haamdar to Hunza

Day 10 - Hunza Sightseeing

Day 11 - Khunjerab Pass day excursion

Day 12 - Hunza to Chilas/Naran

Day 13 - Chilas/Naran to Islamabad

Day 14 - Islamabad Sightseeing

Day 15 - Fly homeland

Included/Exclude

Tour's Location

FAQs

Who is the Rush Lake Trek suitable for?

How do I register for this trek?

How to prepare for this trek?

What is the maximum altitude on the trek?

What clothes or equipment's should I bring on the trek?

What are the rescue plans in case of emergency?

How do I pay for the rescue?

Do you organize treks for private groups?

What is the minimum/maximum size of your groups?

What types of meals should I expect?

What is the accommodation like?

What is a typical day like?

How and where can I apply for Pakistani visa?

Do I need batteries and accessories on the trek?

How much to tip porters?

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