Rush Lake Trek — 9 Days
Overview
Pakistan's most celebrated high-lake trek: up the Hopper and Barpu glacier country to Rush Pari, where a mirror lake at 4,694 m reflects Spantik's Golden Peak. Full camping support, gradual acclimatisation and views that dominate any trekking CV.
Trip Highlights
- Rush Lake (4,694 m) — among the world's highest alpine lakes
- Spantik (Golden Peak) and Malubiting panoramas
- Hopper and Barpu glacier crossings
- Full camping crew, porters and meals
- Karimabad heritage day on return
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Islamabad → Chilas
KKH north.
⛰ 1,265 m
Chilas → Hopper (Nagar)
Drive via Karimabad; trek briefing.
⛰ 2,900 m
Hopper → Bericho Kor
Cross Hopper Glacier ice; first camp.
⛰ 3,350 m
Bericho Kor → Rush Pari Base
Ablation-valley trail beside Barpu Glacier.
⛰ 3,900 m
Rush Lake day
Summit push to the lake and Rush Pari Peak viewpoint; return to camp.
⛰ 4,694 m
Descend → Hopper
Long descent through the pastures.
⛰ 2,900 m
Hopper → Karimabad
Hotel night; forts optional.
⛰ 2,438 m
Karimabad → Chilas
Drive south.
⛰ 1,265 m
Return to Islamabad
Final drive.
What’s Included
✔ Included
- Licensed local mountain guide
- Porters and camping equipment where required
- All meals on trek days
- Islamabad pickup and drop (private transport)
- Hotel nights before/after trek
- First-aid kit and oximeter
✖ Not included
- Sleeping bag (rentable)
- Personal trekking gear and boots
- Lunches/dinners on non-trek days
- Tips and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it really?
Challenging: two glacier crossings and a 4,694 m high point — solid fitness and 2–3 prior treks recommended.
Best months?
Mid-June to mid-September, when the high camps are snow-free.
Is this tour completely private?
Yes — your own vehicle, your own driver and guide, and departure on any date you choose. No strangers, no fixed seats, and the daily plan flexes to your pace.
Can the trip begin at Gilgit Airport?
Yes — fly Islamabad to Gilgit (tickets booked at cost) and we start the itinerary from the airport, trimming the road days. A road backup is always planned in case mountain weather cancels the flight.
What happens if a domestic flight is cancelled?
Mountain weather cancels a share of Gilgit and Skardu flights, so every fly-based plan carries a costed road backup that activates automatically — you may lose a day, never the trip. Road-based itineraries are unaffected.
Is Khunjerab Pass included?
Not in the standard plan — this itinerary focuses elsewhere — but a Khunjerab day (4,693 m, open ~May–Nov) can be added to any private booking; ask for the extended quote.
Which hotels are used?
Named properties are confirmed on your quote; expect a mix of hotels and full camping support on trek nights (tents, mats, mess tent and cook crew). See our Hotels page for the full 66-property partner list and per-night rates.
Is this package suitable for children?
Yes for school-age kids and up who enjoy walking; drive-instead options exist for most active days.
Is the tour suitable for senior travellers?
Yes with reasonable mobility — vehicle access covers nearly every highlight, walking is optional, and we pace days generously. Tell us about any conditions and we’ll adapt the plan.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Completely — add or drop days, swap valleys, change hotel tiers or start cities; it’s your trip and re-quoting a custom version costs nothing.