Trek Overview
For anyonewho 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 the spectacular view of the mighty Karakoram Mountains from Rush Lake. The trip begins in Islamabad from where we will 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 unbelievable 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 to 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 a 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 summertime. In Karimabad we will board 4x4 soft-top jeeps and turn towards east for Nagar. Nagar was first settled in fourteenth century by people from Baltistan, who came over the Hispar Pass (5150 meters). After Nagar we will have seven days walk to reach Rush Lake and back to Karimabad. We also spend one day in upper Hunza in this trip. We end our trip back in Islamabad.
Expedition Highlights
- Native Balti & Hunza licensed mountain guides and high-altitude sirdars
- Premium alpine camp setups: 2-person tents, foam mattresses, mess & toilet tents
- Fresh gourmet mountain meals prepared daily by certified expedition chefs
- Full safety package: satellite phone, PAC hyperbaric chamber & first aid kit
- Complete government trekking permits, environmental fees, and airport transfers
Day-by-Day Trekking Itinerary
Arrival in Islamabad & Expedition Briefing
Reception at airport, expedition briefing at Alpine Club of Pakistan, gear inspection, and hotel transfer.
Trek Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Official Government Visa LOI Support (DTS # ID-1994)
- Hotel stays in Islamabad & Skardu / Gilgit on twin-sharing
- Full camping equipment (sleeping tents, mess tent, tables, chairs)
- 3 daily fresh meals on trek & purified boiled drinking water
- Professional licensed mountain guide, cook, and camp assistants
- Native porters (carrying up to 12.5kg personal client luggage)
- Bridge crossing tolls, national park fees & camping charges
- Satellite communication & emergency medical kit
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Pakistan
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, crampons)
- Mandatory helicopter rescue & medical insurance
- Alcoholic drinks, soft beverages & personal laundry
- Tips for mountain crew and drivers
Terms, Booking & Official Bank Details
Hunza Adventure Tours operates under strict commercial expedition standards licensed by the Department of Tourist Services (Govt. of Pakistan # ID-1994).
Official Bank Wire Details
Booking & Advance Deposit
A deposit of per person is required to process government trekking permits and issue official Visa Invitation Letters.
Balance Payment
The remaining expedition balance can be wired 30 days prior to arrival or settled upon arrival in Islamabad in cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level is required for this trek?
Participants should have good cardiovascular endurance, regular hiking experience, and be comfortable trekking 5 to 7 hours daily over glacial terrain and moraine.
What happens in case of altitude sickness or emergency?
Our leaders carry pulse oximeters, supplementary oxygen, and emergency first-aid kits. If required, rapid helicopter evacuation protocols with Askari Aviation are coordinated immediately.
