Rush Lake Trek and Hunza Tour
A 15-day trip that walks from Hopar in Nagar across the Barpu Glacier pastures to Rush Lake at 4,694 m, with an optional ascent of Rush Peak, before returning to Karimabad.
About the Rush Lake Trek
This is a beautiful trek to Rush Lake at 4694 m with the ascent of Rush Peak (5200 m). Rush is one of the highest alpine lakes in Pakistan. It is located about 15 km north of Miar Peak and Spantik (Golden Peak) (which are in the Nagar Valley). Rush Lake and Rush Peak can be reached via Nagar, Hopar, Hopar Glacier (Bualtar Glacier), and Miar Glacier (which rises from the Mar and Phuparash) peaks. The trek to Rush Lake can be reached without a long and challenging climb. Yet Rush Peak is a high point on a broad ridge that can be easily reached. This ridge is almost 20km long and separates the glaciated valley of the Barpu from the steep-sided Hispar Valley. It starts near Nagar and rises gently southeastwards, culminating in a steep series.
Introduction as published on the Trekking page.
Key facts
- Duration
- 15 days
- Best time
- Mid-May to End-August
- Range / region
- Karakoram
- Highest point
- 4694 m
- Zone
- Open
- Starts and ends
- Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
- Tent nights in the itinerary
- 6
Who it suits
Rush Lake is reached without a long technical climb, according to the programme. Six tent nights and a rest day at the lake make it a good step up from a first trek.
- Best time in the programme: mid-May to the end of August.
- The programme describes Rush Peak (5,200 m) as reachable along a broad ridge from the lake.
- The trip includes a drive to the Khunjerab Pass on day 11.
The walk to Rush Lake via the Barpu Glacier
The trek starts from Hopar in Nagar and crosses the Barpu Glacier pastures on the way to Rush Lake, a high alpine lake at 4,694 m. From the lake there is an optional ascent of Rush Peak at around 5,200 m along a broad ridge. The route is a steady mountain walk rather than a technical climb, with six tent nights and a rest day at the lake.
- The lake sits high, so the climb is spread across several days rather than done in one push.
- The optional Rush Peak ascent follows a broad ridge, as described in the programme.
Altitude and acclimatisation
At 4,694 m the lake is one of the highest points on any of the shorter treks, and sleeping high is the main challenge. The itinerary spreads the ascent and includes a rest day at the lake, which is the right way to manage the altitude. Treat the rest day as essential rather than a day to skip.
- Best time in the programme: mid-May to the end of August.
- Drink plenty, keep the pace steady and tell your guide early about any symptoms.
Season, weather and camping
The trek runs in summer, when the trail and the Barpu crossing are at their most reliable. Weather above 4,000 m changes quickly, with cold nights, strong sun and the chance of cloud or snow even in season. Camping is the norm on this trek, so expect simple facilities and be ready for cold nights.
- The trip includes a drive to the Khunjerab Pass on day 11.
- Pack for sun, rain and cold in one day; mountain weather does not keep to a schedule.
How Rush Lake compares to nearby treks
Rush Lake is the higher, more demanding neighbour of Rakaposhi base camp, which stays lower and suits novices. If you have already slept high and want a proper alpine lake with an optional peak, Rush Lake is the natural next step; if you want the gentlest introduction to the region, Rakaposhi or Fairy Meadows fit better.
- Rush Lake climbs to 4,694 m, noticeably higher than Rakaposhi base camp.
- Fairy Meadows, on the Nanga Parbat side, is a lower, hut-based alternative.
Camping and what to bring
The trek has six tent nights and a rest day at the lake, with hotel nights at the ends in Karimabad and Islamabad. Nights above 4,000 m are cold even in summer, and the days are bright and exposed, so your comfort depends on layering and a good sleeping system.
- Bring a warm sleeping layer and a head torch for the high camps.
- Wind and sun are both strong at the lake; carry protection for each.
Day-by-day itinerary
01: Islamabad
Arrive at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
02: Islamabad to Gilgit (By Air in case of flight has operated)
Early morning breakfast and transfer to Airport fly to Gilgit (flights are subject to weather) and then onward drive for Hunza, if unable to fly we will depart for Gilgit by road with an overnight stay at Chilas.
03: Chilas to Karimabad (in case of no flight)
In case the flight has operated, we will visit Baltit Fort and Alti Fort Hunza. In case of no flight, the Day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Hunza. Overnight stay in a hotel at Hunza.
04: Karimabad to Barpu Giram
Early morning breakfast and drive to Hopar Village and Trek Barpu Giram across Barpu Glacier. (Tent)
05: Barpu Giram to Gutenz
After breakfast, trek to Gutenz. During the trek, there are good views of Utar Lupghar, Momibiul, Trivor, and Bularung. All were towering above 7000m. Camp at Gutenz. (Tent)
06: Gutenz to Rush Lake
After breakfast, trek to Rush Lake. It is a day for tremendous views on all sides. Follow the grassy ridge through a small pass to the Rush Lake. (Tent)
07: Rest day at Rush Lake
Day free for the climb to Rush Peak (5094m), providing an all-round panorama of Golden Peak, Malubuting, Miar, Ultar, and Passu peaks. (Tent)
08: Rush Lake to Phari Phari
After breakfast, trek back to Phari Phari, with a Marvelous view of Golden Peak and Barpu Glacier. Continue a gentle through juniper and ash woods to the summer settlement of Chuku Tans. (Tent)
09: Phari Phari to Barpu Giram
After breakfast, trek back to Barpu Giram (3:4 hour along grassy meadows with forward views of Ultar and Golden Peak). (Tent)
10: Barpu Giram to Hunza Karimabad
After breakfast, trek back to Hopper Cross Barpu Glacier to Hoppar and drive by jeeps to Hunza Karimabad. Overnight in Hotel Karimabad.
11: Drive to Khunjurab Pass and back to Karimabad
After breakfast, we will drive for a day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (5000m) and drive back to Karimabad. Overnight stay at Karimabad.
12: Karimabad to Chilas
After breakfast, we will drive for a full day on Karakoram Highway, enjoying fascinating views of Karakoram Peaks from a different angle, Overnight stay at Chilas.
13: Chilas to Islamabad
After breakfast, we will drive via Babusar pass to Islamabad. We start early in the morning to cover the 12 hours-long drive. Short stay in Naran for lunch. By evening, we shall reach Islamabad. Overnight stay at Islamabad.
14: Rest day at Islamabad
After breakfast, we will do a full day of sightseeing in the twin city Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The rest of the time is reserved for shopping.
15: Islamabad to Flight out
Transfer to the Airport for flight back home.
Included and not included
Listed as included
- 02 nights hotel in Islamabad (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- 02 nights in Hotel Chilas (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- 03 nights in Hunza (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Pick up from group when arrive and drop to the airport when group Departure Air-condition van from Islamabad –to Islamabad
- Flight Tickets Islamabad-Gilgit
- Arrange transport on briefing and debriefing occasions
- Sightseeing the capital city of Islamabad
- Jeeps from Hunza – Hopper – Hunza
- Food (during the Trek (we will serve breakfast, lunch and Dinner)
- Carry on members’ personal equipment, foodstuff, camping crew, etc. All porters insurance
- 16 Kg porter facility for members’ gear. (Above 16 Kg will be separately charged from the member on the spot, as per Porter rate per Kg)
- Guide Cook and assist cook wages, camp food, and their transport.
- Mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent mattress, chairs, Tables
- Complete kitchen utensils (crockery)
- Tips for baggage handling at airports & hotels
- Fess: (CKNP, Bridge crossing, cable crossing, camping)
- International flights tickets re-confirmations
- Custom clearing assistance
Listed as not included
- Member international flight tickets
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees Members any climbing gears
- Member personal insurance
- Sleeping bag and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks,
- Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely personal nature
- Custom clearing charges (import and export of equipment)
- Any unforeseen expenses (like road block extra hotel stay or if members stay more days at Base Camp) will be paid according to the number of days bases.
As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.
Places on this route
Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:
Compare other treks
| Programme | Days | Best time | Highest point | Zone | Tent nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairy Meadows Trek & Hunza Tour | 12 | Mid-May to End of November | 3,300 m | Open | 0 |
| Laila Base Camp & Haramosh La Trek | 14 | July to Mid September | 4800m | Open | 8 |
| Rakaposhi/Diran BC Trek & Hunza Tour | 14 | Mid-May to September | 4,000m | Open | 4 |
| Spantik Base camp Trek | 15 | June to End-August | 4300m | Open | 6 |
| Mashabrum Base camp Trek | 16 | June to End-September | 4200m | Permitted | 6 |
| Nanga parbat Mazeno Pass Trek | 17 | June to End-August | 5390 m | Open | 11 |
| K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek | 18 | Late June to End-August | 5,150 m (K2 Base Camp) and the Gondogoro La crossing | Restricted (Permit Required) | 13 |
| K2 Base Camp Trek | 18 | Late June to Early September | 5,150 m (K2 Base Camp) | Restricted (Permit Required) | 9 |
| Snow Lake Trek | 21 | June to September | 5,151 m (Hispar La) | Open | 13 |
| Beautiful Hushe valley Trek | 25 | Mid-June to End-August | 5650m | Permitted | 15 |
| Great Karakoram Traverse | 32 | Mid-June to End-August | 5500m | Permit needed | 23 |
