Explore the world with tourHQ
Pakistan · Trekking
The journey
Cross glaciers, high meadows, and lovely irrigated terraced fields on this 12-day Rush Lake trek, and take in spectacular views of the mighty Karakoram Mountains from one of the world's highest alpine lakes. Travel from Islamabad through Naran, Chilas, Gilgit, and Hunza, with breathtaking mountain panoramas along the way, including Rakaposhi, K2, Golden Peak, Miar Peak, and Ultar Peak. The journey also includes time in Karimabad to visit the historic Baltit Fort and Altit Fort and enjoy a bird's-eye view of Hunza and Nagar Valley.
Behold the best views of K2 Peak 8611, along with Snow Lake Trek, Golden Peak, Miar Peak, and Ultar Peak, from the summit.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Meet and greet your Pakistan tour guide at the airport and drive to the hotel for check-in.
If time permits, visit Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Chilas via KKH/Naran.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Naran Kaghan and Babusar Pass.
Lunch at Naran by the Kunhar riverside.
Arrive in Chilas for dinner and an overnight stay with views of the Indus River.
After breakfast, drive to Hunza along the Karakoram Highway and the Indus River.
Stop at the Nanga Parbat 8126 m viewpoint.
Continue to Gilgit and stop at the world's junction point of three mountain ranges: the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindukush.
Arrive in Gilgit city and, after lunch, proceed on a majestic drive to Hunza Valley.
On the way, stop at the Old Silk Route and at the Rakaposhi 7788 m viewpoint for a tea and pakora break.
Arrive in Hunza Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Hoper Valley.
Start the trek to Bericho Kor.
Cross the Hoper Glacier and Miar Glacier.
Pause for lunch en route.
Arrive at Bericho Kor for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, trek towards Rush Lake.
Lunch at Chidin Harai.
Arrive at Rush Lake for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, those who want to climb the 5098 m peak will leave for the climb.
Behold the best views of K2 Peak 8611, along with Snow Lake Trek, Golden Peak, Miar Peak, and Ultar Peak, from the summit.
Trek back to camp for lunch and free time.
After breakfast, trek down to Hamdar.
Stop for lunch en route.
Arrive at Hamdar for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, cross the Miar Glacier.
Arrive at Hoper for lunch and drive back to Karimabad.
Arrive in Karimabad for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, proceed for a gentle hike to the 700-year-old Baltit Fort.
Enjoy a guided tour of the fort and drive to another historic landmark, the 1000-year-old Altit Fort.
Stop for a lunch break at Khabasi cafe, run only by females.
Drive to Duiker for a bird's-eye view of Hunza and Nagar Valley, Golden Peak, Rush Lake, and Rakaposhi.
After sunset, drive back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive back to Naran via Babusar Pass.
Have lunch en route.
Arrive in Naran for dinner and an overnight stay.
Drive back to Islamabad after breakfast.
Take a break for lunch en route.
Arrive in Islamabad for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, prepare for your departure and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Where this trip takes you
Rush Lake, Hoper Glacier, Miar Glacier, Baltit Fort
The route
The fine print
Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
Airport transfers on the first and last day
All road transport in Pakistan
Hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin-sharing rooms)
Trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin-sharing tents)
Hotel meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Trekking meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipment, and tools)
Support staff (cook, assistant(s), etc.)
Porters for trekking equipment, kitchen supplies, tools, equipment, crockery, gas, and personal luggage
Travel insurance (recommendations only)
Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents offered)
International airfare
Personal equipment (list provided on registration or upon request)
Tips for guides, porters, staff, etc.
Miscellaneous expenses (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
Rush Lake Trek is a light adventure for first-timers in the Karakoram Range. Rush Lake is one of the world's highest alpine lakes, and it is Pakistan's highest lake at an altitude of over 4,700 meters.
For anyone who wants to have a first-time taste of Himalayan trekking, we recommend the Rush Lake trek in the heart of the Hunza Valley.
During this trek, you will cross glaciers, high meadows, and lovely irrigated terraced fields, and also have spectacular views of the mighty Karakoram Mountains from Rush Lake. The trip begins in Islamabad, from where we proceed towards Hunza. The first sight of the towering Rakaposhi (7788 m) takes one's breath away.
The views get better and better as we approach Karimabad, the capital of this unbelievably beautiful valley. If there is Shangri-La on earth, then this must be it. Our short trek starts across the valley and the Hunza River at a place called Hoper.
This is where the snout of the famous Barpu Glacier meets another glacier called Bualter. Hunzakuts (people from Hunza) believe that glaciers are either male or female. Each glacier exudes its own gender qualities, and when male and female glaciers meet, they give birth to a baby glacier. After four or five days of trekking, we will reach the beautiful Rush Lake.
We will have ample opportunity to rest in this awe-inspiring place and take in the fantastic mountain panoramas. Our return to Karimabad is via another route down the Barpu Glacier.
At Karimabad, you will have time to do some shopping and sightseeing in the bazaar of an ancient mountain kingdom. From here, you will drive back to Gilgit and onwards to Islamabad.
Except for one day, it is a green and moderate trek, recommended for first-time trekkers, following the northeast stream flank of the Barpu Glacier along a flat, fertile ablation valley, where large herds of goats and cattle graze among tamarisk and willow woods in the summertime.
In Karimabad, we will board 4×4 soft-top jeeps and turn towards the east for Nagar. Nagar was first settled in the fourteenth century by people from Baltistan, who came over the Hispar Pass (5150 meters).
Logistics
Your 12 days finish where they began, in Pakistan.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
Estimated room rates
When
Travellers
Total
—
