Rush Lake Trek Pakistan
A supported 13-day high-altitude trek through Hoper and Nagar Valley, crossing the Bualtar and Barpu glaciers to Rush Lake at 4,694 metres.
Planned Rush Lake trek dates
| Departure | Return | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 3 July 2027 | 15 July 2027 | Planned |
| 31 July 2027 | 12 August 2027 | Planned |
| 28 August 2027 | 9 September 2027 | Planned |
| 11 September 2027 | 23 September 2027 | Planned |
Private dates can be proposed. Final pricing depends on group size, hotel level, porter allocation, glacier support and current operating costs.
One of Pakistan’s highest alpine lakes.
Rush Lake, also known as Rush Phari, lies at approximately 4,694 metres above Hoper Valley in Nagar, Gilgit-Baltistan. The Rush Lake trek begins near Hoper village and crosses the debris-covered Bualtar and Barpu glaciers before climbing through a sequence of high camps.
The lake sits beneath Rush Peak in the Hispar Muztagh region of the Karakoram. In clear conditions the route reveals Spantik, Miar Peak, Phuparash, Malubiting, Ultar and the surrounding glacier systems. This itinerary includes acclimatization, two nights near Rush Lake and a carefully staged descent.
From Nagar Valley to the glacier country.
Glaciers, high camps and a remarkable Karakoram panorama.
Day-by-day route through Hoper and Nagar Valley
Day 1 · Arrival in Islamabad
Meet your representative at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to the hotel. The briefing covers the Rush Lake route, glacier crossings, porter loads, equipment, altitude procedures and the weather-dependent flight to Gilgit.
Day 2 · Fly to Gilgit and drive to Hoper Valley
Take the conditional mountain flight to Gilgit and continue by road through Nagar to Hoper. The village sits above the Bualtar and Barpu glacier systems and provides direct access to the Rush Lake trek. Flight cancellation activates the overland contingency and may alter the program.
Day 3 · Hoper Valley acclimatization
Acclimatize with a measured walk above Hoper, overlooking the debris-covered Bualtar Glacier and the junction with Barpu Glacier. The guide and local crew review current glacier conditions and confirm the crossing route.
Day 4 · Hoper to Shishkin via Bualtar Glacier
Descend from Hoper to the glacier edge and cross the uneven Bualtar Glacier under close local guidance. Continue along moraine and rising ground to the campsite near Shishkin. Conditions on the active glacier determine the exact line and walking time.
Day 5 · Shishkin to Barpu Giram
Climb through a stony gully, approach Barpu Glacier and cross the ice and moraine to reach the grazing area at Barpu Giram. Views expand toward Miar Peak and the glacier basin while the pace remains controlled for acclimatization.
Day 6 · Barpu Giram to Chidin Harai
Leave the pasture and climb steadily above Barpu and Miar glaciers toward Chidin Harai. The stage gains substantial altitude and is deliberately paced. Camp placement may vary with water, wind and trail conditions.
Day 7 · Chidin Harai to Rush Lake
Continue across rocky slopes and high ground to Rush Lake, locally called Rush Phari. Camp is established at a sheltered point near the lake. On a clear evening, the surrounding peaks and changing light across the Karakoram create one of the trek’s defining panoramas.
Day 8 · Rush Lake exploration day
Spend a second day at Rush Lake for acclimatization, photography and a guided walk to a safe viewpoint above the lake. Any optional ascent is assessed separately according to snow, weather, group experience and the guide’s decision; reaching the lake is the primary objective.
Day 9 · Rush Lake to Hamdar
Descend from Rush Phari on the alternate side of the Barpu Glacier system toward Hamdar or another suitable lower camp. The exact route depends on glacier and stream conditions, and the guide may adjust the campsite.
Day 10 · Hamdar to Hoper via Hapakund and Shishkin
Continue through Hapakund and upper Shishkin before descending toward the Bualtar Glacier. Re-cross the glacier on the safest available line and climb back to Hoper village for a guesthouse night and recovery.
Day 11 · Hoper to Gilgit
Leave Nagar Valley and travel to Gilgit. The afternoon is kept light for rest, equipment organization and preparation for the conditional flight to Islamabad.
Day 12 · Gilgit to Islamabad
Fly to Islamabad, subject to weather and operations, and transfer to the hotel. If the flight is cancelled, return overland and adjust the schedule. A separate buffer night remains advisable before international connections.
Day 13 · Islamabad departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport according to your onward schedule. An Islamabad or Taxila cultural extension can be arranged separately.
Follow EP-010 day by day.
- Day 1 · Islamabad — Arrival and Rush Lake trek briefing
- Day 2 · Islamabad → Gilgit → Hoper — Conditional flight and transfer to Nagar Valley
- Day 3 · Hoper Valley — Acclimatization above the Bualtar and Barpu glaciers
- Day 4 · Hoper → Shishkin — Cross Bualtar Glacier to the first camp
- Day 5 · Shishkin → Barpu Giram — Cross Barpu Glacier and follow the moraine
- Day 6 · Barpu Giram → Chidin Harai — Climb above Miar Glacier
- Day 7 · Chidin Harai → Rush Lake — Reach Rush Phari at 4,694 metres
- Day 8 · Rush Lake — High-altitude exploration and panorama day
- Day 9 · Rush Lake → Hamdar — Begin the descent above Barpu Glacier
- Day 10 · Hamdar → Hoper — Return through Hapakund, Shishkin and Bualtar Glacier
- Day 11 · Hoper → Gilgit — Recovery and road transfer
- Day 12 · Gilgit → Islamabad — Conditional mountain flight
- Day 13 · Islamabad departure — Final airport transfer
Accommodation, support and trek profile
Accommodation plan
| Islamabad | 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Hoper Valley | 3 nights |
| Shishkin camp | 1 night |
| Barpu Giram camp | 1 night |
| Chidin Harai camp | 1 night |
| Rush Lake camp | 2 nights |
| Hamdar camp | 1 night |
| Gilgit | 1 night |
Trek profile
| Reference | EP-010 |
|---|---|
| Grade | Challenging · 4 of 5 |
| Highest camp | Rush Lake · 4,694 m |
| Longest day | Up to 7–9 hrs |
| Terrain | Glacier, moraine, pasture and rocky high ground |
Glacier and altitude note
The Bualtar and Barpu crossings change as the glaciers move. Good fitness, previous multi-day trekking experience, appropriate insurance and flexibility are essential. The final route is controlled by the guide’s daily assessment.
Rush Lake trek inclusions and exclusions
Services Included
- 12 nights in twin-sharing hotels, simple guesthouse and shared camping tents
- Private ground transportation and airport transfers
- Experienced guide and specialist Hoper glacier support
- Porters within the stated personal-load allowance
- Camping tents and group camping equipment
- Entrance, conservation and local trekking fees where charged
- Visa-support documentation and applicable service taxes
Services Not Included
- International and domestic airfare; booking assistance is available
- All meals and beverages
- Sleeping bag, personal trekking equipment and excess porter loads
- Travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Visa fee, personal expenses and tips
- Disruption, rescue or evacuation costs
- Anything not listed under Services Included
Continue exploring the Karakoram
Compare this route with the Rakaposhi Base Camp trek, the Patundas and Passu Glacier trek, or the Shimshal Pass and Pamir trek.
Trek to Rush Lake in Pakistan.
EP-010 operates on planned or private dates, subject to glacier, weather, flight and trail conditions.