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14 Days · Moderate to Challenging · June to September

Rush Lake Trek: 4,694m High Above Nagar Valley

Trek over the Hopar and Barpu glaciers to Rush Lake, one of the highest alpine lakes in the world, with views of Spantik, Malubiting, Miar and on a clear day even K2. Guided by a team from Hopar Valley itself.

Duration

14 Days

Trek Grade

Moderate – Challenging

Max Altitude

4,694m (5,098m optional)

Best Season

June – September

Start & End

Islamabad

Tour Overview

One of the Highest Lakes in the World

Rush Lake sits at 4,694m below Rush Peak (5,098m) in Nagar Valley, making it one of the highest alpine lakes on earth. The Rush Lake trek is one of the most spectacular treks in the Karakoram, crossing two great glaciers and rewarding you with a panorama of giants: Spantik (the Golden Peak), Malubiting, Miar, Phuparash, Ultar Sar and, on a clear day, the summit of K2.

The trek starts from Hopar village, our home, and crosses the Bualtar (Hopar) Glacier to the pastures of Bericho Kor. From there we follow the moraine of the Barpu Glacier to Chidin Harai and climb to the lake. Apart from the glacier sections, most of the route is on grassy pastures where shepherds graze their herds in summer.

Our 14-day itinerary includes travel from Islamabad, a gradual ascent for acclimatization, an optional climb of Rush Peak and a return via Phahi Phari and Hamdar, finishing with a free day in Hunza.

Rush Lake high-altitude alpine lake in Pakistan

Tour Highlights

Day-by-Day Plan

Rush Lake Trek Itinerary

A 14-day trekking expedition with gradual acclimatization and a local Hopar team.

Day 1

Arrival in Islamabad

Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Trek briefing and gear check. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 2

Islamabad to Chilas

Drive to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. Overnight in Chilas.

Day 3

Chilas to Karimabad

Drive to Karimabad along the Hunza River. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 4

Hopar Village to Bericho Kor (3,300m)

Drive to Hopar village in Nagar, then cross the Hopar Glacier to the pastures of Bericho Kor. Overnight in tents.

Day 5

Bericho Kor to Chidin Harai (4,440m)

Follow the Barpu Glacier moraine to the high camp at Chidin Harai. Overnight in tents.

Day 6

Rush Lake (4,694m)

A steady climb to Rush Lake, surrounded by snowy peaks. Overnight in tents near the lake.

Day 7

Free Day or Rush Peak (5,098m)

Rest at the lake or, with good weather and fitness, climb Rush Peak for a sweeping Karakoram panorama. Overnight in tents.

Day 8

Trek to Phahi Phari (3,450m)

Descend to the meadows of Phahi Phari. Overnight in tents.

Day 9

Trek to Hamdar (3,300m)

Continue through shepherd pastures to Hamdar. Overnight in tents.

Day 10

Trek to Hopar and Drive to Karimabad

Trek down to Hopar village and drive to Karimabad. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 11

Free Day in Hunza

Rest and explore Karimabad, Baltit and Altit Forts. Overnight in Hunza.

Day 12

Hunza to Besham

Drive south on the Karakoram Highway. Overnight in Besham.

Day 13

Besham to Islamabad

Drive back to Islamabad. Overnight in Islamabad.

Day 14

Departure

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your international flight.

What’s Included

Not Included

Photo Gallery

Rush Lake Trek in Pictures

Rush Lake at 4,694m, Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan
Rush Lake trek trail in Nagar Valley
Rush Lake high-altitude alpine lake in Pakistan

Why Pakistan Tours and Treks

Travel with a Local Gilgit-Baltistan Team

Locally Owned

Born and raised in Nagar and Hunza, our team knows every valley, road and season.

English-Speaking Guides

Friendly local guides who share the history, culture and stories behind each place.

Fully Customizable

Change the dates, hotels, pace or route. Every private tour is planned around you.

Support Before and During

Quick replies on WhatsApp and email, from first question to final airport drop.

Good to Know

Rush Lake Trek FAQs

How difficult is the Rush Lake trek?

It is a moderate to challenging high-altitude trek. Walking days are 4 to 7 hours and include glacier crossings. Good fitness and some previous hiking experience are recommended.

How do you handle altitude on this trek?

The itinerary climbs gradually, with overnight stops at 3,300m and 4,440m before reaching the lake. Our guides monitor everyone and will descend with anyone showing signs of altitude sickness.

When is the best time for the Rush Lake trek?

June to September, when the pastures are open and the weather is most stable. The lake can remain partly frozen until early summer.

Is the Rush Peak climb technical?

No technical climbing gear is usually needed in summer, but it is a steep, high hike. It is optional and depends on weather and your fitness.

Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan?

Most international travelers need a Pakistan tourist visa, which can be applied for online through the official Pakistan Online Visa System. Once you book, we can share your confirmed itinerary and hotel details to support your application.

Is Gilgit-Baltistan safe for foreign tourists?

Gilgit-Baltistan is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful and welcoming regions of Pakistan and receives many international visitors every year. You travel with our local guide and an experienced driver throughout.

Trek to Rush Lake with a Hopar Team

Tell us your travel dates and group size. We will send a personalized itinerary and price within 24 hours.