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.
Plan the journey with our Hunza Valley tour packages, Hunza hotel options, private transport in Hunza, trekking packages and tours for foreign travellers.
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
9-day planIslamabad to Chilas
Islamabad to Chilas. This is a long mountain-road transfer, so meal and washroom stops are planned around daylight, traffic and the route that is actually open. For Islamabad to Chilas on day 1, this is a guided mountain stage rather than a fixed-speed hike; the team checks the route, maintains a steady pace and can shorten the walk if weather, altitude or group condition requires it. Before this day ends, the guide confirms the preparation and departure time for Chilas to Hopper (Nagar) in the Rush Lake Trek: 9 Days itinerary.
Max altitude 1,265 mChilas to Hopper (Nagar)
Drive via Karimabad; trek briefing. Nagar-side roads and glacier viewpoints are assessed locally; any walk beyond the normal viewpoint requires suitable footwear and a safe turnaround time. For Chilas to Hopper (Nagar) on day 2, use the remaining time to settle in, exchange essential information with the guide and prepare a small day bag for the next stage; extra visits remain optional rather than promised.
Max altitude 2,900 mHopper to Bericho Kor
Cross Hopper Glacier ice; first camp. For Hopper to Bericho Kor on day 3, nagar-side roads and glacier viewpoints are assessed locally; any walk beyond the normal viewpoint requires suitable footwear and a safe turnaround time.
Max altitude 3,350 mBericho Kor to Rush Pari Base
Ablation-valley trail beside Barpu Glacier. The walking plan uses a conservative pace, scheduled hydration stops and a turnaround time suited to altitude, weather and the group's condition. For Bericho Kor to Rush Pari Base on day 4, this is a guided mountain stage rather than a fixed-speed hike; the team checks the route, maintains a steady pace and can shorten the walk if weather, altitude or group condition requires it.
Max altitude 3,900 mRush Lake day
Summit push to the lake and Rush Pari Peak viewpoint; return to camp. The final transfer keeps a sensible buffer for the agreed train or flight time, while any optional stop depends on the remaining daylight and traffic.
Max altitude 4,694 mDescend to Hopper
Long descent through the pastures. For Descend to Hopper on day 6, nagar-side roads and glacier viewpoints are assessed locally; any walk beyond the normal viewpoint requires suitable footwear and a safe turnaround time.
Max altitude 2,900 mHopper to Karimabad
Hotel night; forts optional. Central Hunza visits are sequenced around fort opening hours, village access and walking time between Karimabad, Altit and Ganish. For Hopper to Karimabad on day 7, this is a guided mountain stage rather than a fixed-speed hike; the team checks the route, maintains a steady pace and can shorten the walk if weather, altitude or group condition requires it.
Max altitude 2,438 mKarimabad to Chilas
Drive south with planned comfort, meal and viewpoint stops. The Indus corridor, Nanga Parbat viewpoint and Rakaposhi viewpoint are considered en route, with stops selected according to visibility and safe parking. For Karimabad to Chilas on day 8, walking time and the turnaround point are adjusted to trail and weather conditions; keep water, sun protection and a warm layer accessible, and follow the guide at exposed or uneven sections.
Max altitude 1,265 mReturn to Islamabad
Return to Islamabad. For Return to Islamabad on day 9, the final transfer keeps a sensible buffer for the agreed train or flight time, while any optional stop depends on the remaining daylight and traffic.
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 to 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 to 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 65-hotel 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.