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Tour Overview & Experience
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Rush Peak remains one of the absolute highlights of trekking in the Hunza and Nagar region, offering a distant glimpse of K2 on a fine day. Following the fast-running streams from Hopper Valley to Rush Lake, you will ascend the ridge behind the lake. This ridge offers superb views down into the Hispar Gorge and a magnificent panorama of Golden Peak, Malubiting, and Miar in Hunza; Ultar and Passu peaks in Nagar; and the towering mountains to the north of the Hispar. On a clear day, you can even see K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum IV. Nowhere else in the Karakoram can one get such magnificent views on such a short trek.
Rush Lake is a stunning turquoise lake situated on a ridge between the Hispar Valley and the Barpu Glacier. The trek offers an incredible panoramic view, especially from the 5,098m Rush Peak, where a 360° view encompasses almost all the main peaks in the Hunza and Nagar regions. The distant eastward views of K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum IV, combined with views to the northeast in the Hispar Muztagh massif—which includes peaks like Lupgar Sar, Momhil Sar, Trivor, Mulungutti Sar, and Distaghil Sar—add to the magnificence of this relatively short trek. It is pure indulgence in the marvel of nature and a totally awe-inspiring mountain panorama.
A Trek for Everyone
Rush Lake is considered the best trekking route in Hunza Valley for beginners and is equally fascinating for experienced trekkers, as one can climb Rush Peak (5,098m) above the lake. The trek starts from Hopper Valley, located across the Hunza River. Hopper is a marvelous village with irrigated terraced fields, known for its fruit orchards and the production of potato seeds.
Rush Phari, a sparkling land, is one of the most recommended treks in the mighty Karakoram for those who have a passion for a trekking experience with lifelong excitement. It involves trekking on glaciers through villages to get a look at the real life of those living in the footsteps of glaciers. During the trek, you will come across the junction point of two famous glaciers, Barpu and Bualtar. Local legends talk about the gender of these glaciers—male and female—and their meetings, which give birth to new glaciers.
The Rush Lake trek has a lot to offer, but the incredible lake and the view from Rush Peak are truly unparalleled, surrounded by countless 7,000m peaks and a glimpse of K2 in the far distance.
Rush Peak (5,098m)
Rush Peak is a mountain in the Karakoram range in the Nagar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. While not a high peak by local standards, it is noteworthy as a remote trekking destination. It can be reached via the Nagar and Hopper Valleys, accessing the Hopper (Bualtar) Glacier and Barpu Glacier.
Rush Peak is relatively easy to climb in the summer months; ascents have been made by amateur climbers without proper mountaineering gear. During winter, access is difficult due to heavy snow. From the top, it provides stunning views of Miar Peak, Miar Glacier, and Phuparash Peak. On a clear day, you can look east and see some of the world’s highest mountains, including K2 and Broad Peak. At the mountain’s base lies one of the world’s highest alpine lakes, Rush Lake at 4,694m.
“Along the ancient Silk Road, every fortress, stone bazaar, and welcoming mountain hearth tells centuries of timeless history and vibrant living heritage.”
Tour Highlights
- Rush Lake (4,660m) – Camp beside this pristine alpine lake with views of Rakaposhi
- Rush Peak (5,098m) – Summit this accessible peak for panoramic views of the Karakoram
- Barpu & Hopper Glaciers – Trek across dramatic glacial terrain
- Rakaposhi (7,788m) – Marvel at the "Shining Wall" from multiple viewpoints
- Karimabad – Explore Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and the old Hunza bazaar
- Attabad Lake – Enjoy a boat ride on this stunning turquoise lake
- Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) – Stand at the highest paved border crossing in the world
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge – Visit one of the most iconic bridges in Pakistan
- Passu White Glacier – Witness the dramatic Passu Cones and glacier viewpoints
Day-by-Day Itinerary (15 Days)
Arrival Islamabad
You will be greeted by the team of Hunza Adventure Tours at Islamabad International Airport, then transferred along with your luggage to a centrally located hotel in Islamabad. Overnight stay in Islamabad. Altitude: 540m | Meals: Dinner
Islamabad – Gilgit – Karimabad (By Air)
Early in the morning, drive to the airport to take the flight to Gilgit (weather permitting). Upon arrival in Gilgit, drive to Karimabad. En route, stop at the Rakaposhi Viewpoint for magnificent views of the 7,788m peak. Arrive in Karimabad and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Karimabad, Hunza Valley. Altitude: 2,500m | Flight: 1 hour + Drive: 2-3 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: If the flight is cancelled, the journey will be made by road via the Karakoram Highway (13-14 hours).
Karimabad – Hopper Valley – Shiskin (Trek Begins)
It is a hot walk today, so keep your water bottles full. First, we will cross the Hopper Glacier, then continue tracking along the lateral moraine for about an hour to arrive at Shiskin. Overnight camping at Shiskin. Altitude: 3,200m | Trek: 4-5 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shiskin – Barpu Giram
Today we will climb a stony and hot gully to reach the Barpu Glacier. Then, in one hour, we will cross the Barpu Glacier — the crossing is again a bit steep. Overnight camping at Barpu Giram. Altitude: 3,500m | Trek: 5-6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barpu Giram – Rush Lake
From Barpu Giram to Rush Lake, the trail is an easy zigzag path. At the top of this path, we will have extensive views of Hispar Gorge and high mountains like Lupghar, Momhil, Trivor, and Bullarang. Overnight camping at Rush Lake. Altitude: 4,100m | Trek: 5-6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rush Lake – Rush Peak – Rush Lake
Today, after an early breakfast, the peak ascent starts to get a good chance of clear skies and the best views of the distant peaks. With favorable conditions, we should reach the top in about 3-4 hours as the trail is easy for most of the way, ascending grass-covered slopes and passing along the shores of Rush Lake (4,660m). The tough section is only the final 150m climb of the summit cone, which needs to be climbed with care. (5-7 hours round trip). Overnight camping at Rush Lake. Altitude: 5,098m (Rush Peak) | Trek: 5-7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rush Lake – Rest Day
Today will be a rest day at Rush Lake to enjoy the sunrise and sunset views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight camping at Rush Lake. Altitude: 4,100m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rush Lake – Datchugan
Today the trek will be descending throughout, dropping more than 1,200 meters. The trek offers superb views of the Miar Glacier and the Rakaposhi (7,788m) range. Overnight at Datchugan. Altitude: 2,900m | Trek: 6-7 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Datchugan – Hamdar
After breakfast at camp, we will start our trek. First, we will cross the Miar Glacier with magnificent views of Miar Peak (6,824m) . Overnight camping at Hamdar. Altitude: 2,600m | Trek: 5-6 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hamdar – Karimabad (Trek Ends)
Hamdar to Hapakun takes one hour, with views of Golden, Chukutans, and Rash peaks. Arrive at Hapakun, another fertile meadow like Hamdar, then trek to Hopper. Arrive in Hopper Valley, then drive to Karimabad in Hunza Valley. Overnight stay in Karimabad. Altitude: 2,500m | Trek: 3-4 hours + Drive: 1 hour | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Karimabad – Attabad Lake – Gulmit
In the morning after breakfast, we will visit Baltit Fort, Karimabad local bazaar, Altit Fort, and Altit old village. After lunch, we will drive to Attabad Lake for boating, then continue driving to Gulmit. Arrive in Gulmit and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gulmit, Upper Hunza Valley. Altitude: 2,465m | Drive: 2-3 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gulmit – Borith Lake – Suspension Bridges
This day is very interesting. In the first half hour, we will drive to Hussaini Village to visit the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridges. Then we will drive up to Upper Borith to the viewpoint of the Passu White Glacier. After lunch, drive to Passu Village for a village visit to experience local life, then drive back to Gulmit. Overnight stay in Gulmit. Altitude: 2,465m | Drive: 1-2 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excursion – Khunjerab Pass
Full-day excursion to Khunjerab Pass (4,733m) — the border between Pakistan and China. In the olden days, there were few high passes leading from China suitable for travel. Today, Khunjerab Pass — the highest point in the world on the Karakoram Highway — provides an easy all-weather entry from Pakistan to the famous Sinkiang province of China. This route is a beautiful drive, with views of the high mountains of the Karakoram and the distant Pamir ranges. At Khunjerab, now declared a national park, one can see Marco Polo sheep, snow leopards, and Himalayan ibexes. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight stay in Gulmit. Altitude: 4,733m | Drive: 4-5 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gulmit – Gilgit
In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Gilgit. We will visit the Gilgit bazaar to familiarize ourselves with the customs of Gilgit, and stop at the cooperative store where Chinese goods are bought on the barter system. After the bazaar visit, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gilgit. Altitude: 1,500m | Drive: 3-4 hours | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gilgit – Islamabad – Departure
In the morning after breakfast, take the flight to Islamabad (weather permitting). Upon arrival, visit the Taxila Museum. In the afternoon, tour Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and Museum, Saidpur Village, and Daman-e-Koh. After a farewell dinner party, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. Altitude: 540m | Flight: 1 hour | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: If the flight is cancelled, drive down the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad.
What's Included & Excluded
Package Inclusions
- Transport & Transfers: All domestic flights and ground transportation included.
- Accommodations: Twin-sharing hotel stays and high-grade trekking camps (including D3V sleeping tents, toilet tents, and shower tents).
- Meals & Catering: Full board (daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner) prepared by our dedicated camp cook and kitchen staff.
- Permits & Official Fees: Complete government trekking permits, official paperwork, bridge tolls, campsite fees, and mandatory waste management dues.
- Logistics & Camp Gear: Comprehensive trekking logistics, communal gear, and non-personal equipment.
- Dedicated Crew: Licensed professional mountain guide, kitchen assistants, and porters (up to 15 kg personal luggage allowance per guest).
- Safety & Emergency Support: Comprehensive first-aid medical kit and satellite phone connectivity for emergency communication.
Package Exclusions
- Travel & Visas: International airfare, airport departure taxes, and Pakistan visa fees.
- Insurance: Comprehensive personal travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance.
- Accommodations & Upgrades: Single room supplement (available upon request).
- Separate Transfers: Airport transfers for participants arriving or departing outside the group schedule.
- Personal Gear & Expenses: Sleeping bags, room service, laundry, phone/internet charges, beverages (soft drinks, mineral water, and alcoholic drinks), and items of a purely personal nature.
- Custom Activities: Optional excursions, extra sightseeing, or custom deviations from the fixed itinerary.
- Gratuities: Tips for mountain guides, camp staff, porters, and drivers.
- Unlisted Services: Any expense or service not explicitly specified in the "Included" section.
Trek & Route Map
Interactive geographical route & terrain map for Rush Peak (5,098 M) Expedition (2027/2028)
Terms & Conditions
Hunza Adventure Tours promulgates its terms and conditions for all tours, treks, expeditions, and safaris operated by the company in Pakistan.
Reservation & Advance Payment Requirements
- 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation to secure permits, hotel rooms, transport, and certified mountain guides.
- The full balance settlement must be cleared upon arrival in Pakistan before departure.
- Advance deposits can be directly wired to our official corporate bank account at Bank Alfalah.
Official Corporate Bank Account Details
Direct all international wire transfers to our official account at Alfalah Bank Pakistan:
A 50% advance deposit is required upon confirmation. Deposits are non-refundable in case of client cancellation, but 100% refundable if the company encounters unforeseen logistical impediments.
All tour packages provide hotel rooms on a twin-sharing basis. A single room supplement charge applies for single occupancy requests.
No refunds will be made to participants who voluntarily leave the tour before completion for any unused nights, transport, or meals.
Our certified tour directors hold complete operational authority. Disruptive or unlawful behavior may result in immediate dismissal from the tour group.
All participants are advised to secure comprehensive international travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses and trip cancellation prior to arrival.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. We issue official DTS-licensed LOI documentation for the Pakistan online eVisa portal within 24 hours of booking.
Packing & Travel Essentials
- Sturdy trekking boots / trail walking shoes
- Comfortable slip-on shoes for camps & lodges
- 3-4 pairs of wool/synthetic socks
- Thermal base layers & warm fleece jacket
- Waterproof & windproof outer shell
- Sun hat, warm beanie, and lightweight gloves
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen & polarized sunglasses
- Camera / action cam with extra batteries
- Portable power bank & universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rush Lake and Rush Peak located?
Rush Lake is a stunning turquoise alpine lake situated on a ridge between the Hispar Valley and the Barpu Glacier. Rush Peak (5,098m) rises directly above the lake. The trek starts from Hopper Valley, located across the Hunza River in the Nagar region of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Why is the Rush Lake Trek special?
Nowhere else in the Karakoram can you get such magnificent views on such a short trek. From Rush Peak, you get a 360° panorama that includes K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV, Rakaposhi, Golden Peak, Malubiting, Ultar, and Passu peaks, as well as the mighty peaks of the Hispar Muztagh (Lupgar Sar, Momhil Sar, Trivor, Distaghil Sar).
Is Rush Peak a technical mountain?
No. Rush Peak is relatively easy to climb in the summer months and is accessible to amateur climbers. Ascents have been made without proper technical mountaineering gear. However, it is still a high-altitude peak and requires good fitness.
How long is the trek?
The trek itself usually takes 6 to 8 days, depending on your itinerary and pacing. When combined with a full Hunza Valley tour, the total trip can range from 10 to 15 days.
Is the Rush Lake Trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is considered one of the best trekking routes in Hunza Valley for beginners. The trail is well-defined, and the altitude gain is gradual. However, you should still be in reasonable physical shape.
How difficult is the trek?
The trek is rated moderate. The main challenges are:
Glacier crossings (Hopper/Bualtar and Barpu glaciers)
Steep moraine trails
High altitude (camping at 4,100m+ and climbing to 5,098m)
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to walk 4-6 hours per day on uneven terrain, including rocky moraines and glacial ice. Training with long hikes and cardio 2-3 months in advance is highly recommended.
What is the altitude of Rush Lake?
Rush Lake sits at an altitude of approximately 4,660m to 4,694m (depending on the source).
Is altitude sickness a risk?
Yes, mild altitude sickness (AMS) is possible. The trek gains altitude gradually, which helps, but you must stay hydrated and listen to your body. The final climb to Rush Peak (5,098m) is the highest point, but you return to the lake to sleep, which aids acclimatization.
What is the best time to do the Rush Lake Trek?
The best time is June to September. During these months, the snow has melted, the glaciers are accessible, and the weather is relatively stable.
Can I do this trek in winter?
No. During the winter months, access to the mountain is made extremely difficult by heavy snow. The trekking season is strictly summer.
What is the weather like?
Days can be warm and sunny, but temperatures drop significantly at night, especially at Rush Lake. You should be prepared for freezing nighttime temperatures and sudden mountain weather changes.
ow long does it take to climb Rush Peak?
From Rush Lake, the round trip to Rush Peak (5,098m) and back takes about 5 to 7 hours. The trail is easy for most of the way, ascending grass-covered slopes, with the tough section being the final 150m climb of the summit cone.
Do I need technical gear for Rush Peak?
No technical climbing gear (ropes, harnesses, ice axes) is required in summer, but you should have good trekking boots and trekking poles. The final section requires care and steady footing.
Can I see K2 from Rush Peak?
Yes, on a clear day, you can see K2, Broad Peak, and Gasherbrum IV in the far distance to the east, along with a stunning panorama of the entire Hunza, Nagar, and Hispar regions.
What kind of accommodation is available?
During the trek, you will be camping in tents. For the Hunza Valley tour portion, you will stay in comfortable hotels in Karimabad, Gulmit, and Gilgit.
What is the food like during the trek?
Our trekking crew prepares hot, nutritious meals three times a day. Expect a mix of Pakistani and continental dishes, including soups, curries, rice, pasta, and plenty of tea and coffee.
Do I need a permit for the Rush Lake Trek?
No special trekking permit is required for this route, as it is in an open zone. However, all treks in Gilgit-Baltistan require a licensed guide, which Hunza Adventure Tours will provide.
How do we get to the starting point?
You will typically fly or drive from Islamabad to Gilgit, then drive to Karimabad (Hunza) and onward to Hopper Valley, where the trek begins.
What should I pack?
Essential items:
Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, down jacket)
Waterproof jacket and pants
Trekking boots (broken in)
Sleeping bag (rated -10°C to -15°C)
Headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen
Water bottle and purification tablets
Personal medication and first aid
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. It should cover high-altitude trekking (up to 5,100m) and emergency helicopter evacuation.
How do I book the Rush Lake Trek?
Contact us via our website or email. We will provide a detailed itinerary, quote, and booking form. A deposit confirms your spot.
