Rush Lake Trek

Today, our journey will take us to Chilas, a picturesque destination. We'll choose our route between the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the Naran Valley, based on the availability of the Babusar Pass. During our trip, we'll take short breaks for lunch, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine, and for photography to capture the breathtaking scenery. Your comfort and enjoyment are our priorities throughout the day.

Today, we will embark on a picturesque journey to Karimabad along the Karakoram Highway. During this drive, we will make several noteworthy stops to enhance your experience.

Our first stop will be at the viewpoint of Nanga Parbat, which soars to an impressive 8,126 meters. This majestic mountain will offer us breathtaking vistas.

Next, we'll reach the junction point where three magnificent mountain ranges meet: the Karakoram, Himalaya, and Hindu Kush. This convergence is a sight to behold and holds historical significance.

As we continue our journey, we'll explore the remnants of the Old Silk Road, a testament to the region's rich history of trade and culture.

For a delightful break, we'll pause at the Rakaposhi viewpoint, where you can savor your lunch while gazing at the stunning Rakaposhi Peak, which stands tall at 7,788 meters.

Finally, we'll resume our drive, heading to your comfortable hotel in Karimabad, Hunza valley. Your satisfaction and enjoyment are our utmost priorities throughout this scenic adventure.

On this day, we'll focus on preparing for the "Rush Lake Trek" and also take the opportunity to explore Karimabad. Our exploration includes visiting the historically significant Baltit Fort (listed on the UNESCO tentative list). We'll also immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the local bazaar in Karimabad. Later, we'll continue our journey to Altit village, where we'll visit the Royal Garden and Altit Fort (listed on the UNESCO tentative list).

As the day progresses, in the evening, we'll embark on a scenic drive to Duiker. Here, you'll witness a mesmerizing sunset over the mountains of Hunza and Nagar Valley from the stunning vantage point known as the "sunset point." This day is a blend of trek preparation and cultural exploration, ensuring a well-rounded experience for you.

Today's itinerary includes a drive to Hoper Valley, a brief one-hour journey. Leaving Hopper, we embark on a journey that involves crossing the Bualter Glacier. We trek along the grassy hillside, high above the Barpu Glacier. After approximately 4 hours, we arrive at the small shepherd's settlement of Hapukun, and one hour later, we reach Hamdar. This leg of the journey can take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours, depending on the route chosen. Our campsite is nestled between the Bualter and Barpu Glaciers at an altitude of 3000 meters. We'll spend the night camping at Barpo Giram.

Crossing the Barpu Glacier is relatively easier than the Bualter, and the trek takes us through an ablation valley of the Barpu. A significant point is the shepherd's settlement at Chukutans, where we'll stop for lunch. This marks the beginning of a well-maintained path that leads us all the way to Brikchour. The journey to the Brikchour campsite takes approximately 5 hours and offers beautiful views of Ultar, Diran, and Spantik peaks. We'll spend the night camping at Brikchour.

Today's leg of the journey involves a steep and relentless climb. The trail ascends in a series of zigzags directly behind camp, gaining 700 meters in elevation along a dry and dusty path with limited rest stops. The trail leads to the crest of the ridge separating the Barpu Glacier valley from the Hispar Glacier to the North. We then turn southward, following the broad crest of this ridge, ascending grass-covered slopes and passing along the shores of Rush Lake (4,660 meters). The final climb of the summit cone is the most challenging part, requiring careful ascent. This day's journey to Rush Lake takes about 6 hours, offering outstanding views of the peaks above the Hispar Glacier. We'll spend the night camping at Rush Lake.

Today, an early start is essential for our peak ascent, ensuring the best chance of clear skies and optimal views of distant peaks. With favorable conditions, we should reach the summit in approximately 3-4 hours. The trail is relatively easy for most of the way, with grass-covered slopes and a trail along the shores of Rush Lake. The final 150-meter climb to the summit cone requires careful navigation. The round trip takes about 5-7 hours. We'll spend the night camping at Rush Lake.

The morning is free for excursions, photography, nature watching, and hiking. In the afternoon, we begin our descent, following the same path we ascended earlier. The descent is steep and dusty, with a very direct path that drops 900 meters in a short distance. This descent will take approximately 3-4 hours. We'll spend the night in Gutons.

Today, our route takes us on the east side of the Barpu Glacier, a different path from our ascent to Rush Lake. We pass through several large flat areas of grassland surrounded by trees. The route follows the ablation valley on the East side of the Barpu Glacier. In about 4 hours, we return to Hoper village after crossing the challenging Bualter Glacier and a final steep climb up a moraine. After lunch, we'll depart for Gulmit, with a stop at Attabad Lake en route. Upon arrival in Gulmit, we'll check in at the hotel, where we'll spend the night.

Day to Explore Around:

Today is dedicated to exploring the captivating surroundings of Gulmit. Our adventure begins with a visit to Borith Lake, a shimmering gem nestled in the embrace of the mighty mountains. The serene beauty of this high-altitude lake is a sight to behold.

Next, we set our sights on Passu Glacier, a natural wonder that showcases the icy grandeur of the region. It's a moment to marvel at the forces of nature that have shaped this landscape.

Our journey continues to the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel that stretches over the turquoise waters of the Hunza River. Walking across this bridge is an experience that will get your heart racing.

Gulmit village welcomes us next, where we can immerse ourselves in the local culture and interact with the warm-hearted residents. You'll get a taste of the traditions and way of life in this charming village.

The exploration continues as we venture to Ghulkin village, another picturesque settlement in the region. Here, you can soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and landscapes.

Our final stop for the day is the mesmerizing Attabad Lake. This stunning body of water was formed relatively recently due to a natural disaster but has since become a symbol of resilience and beauty. The lake's vivid blue waters are set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, creating a scene that's nothing short of awe-inspiring.

As the day comes to a close, you'll have collected memories and experiences that will stay with you long after your journey through Gulmit.

Prepare for a remarkable day as we embark on a full-day excursion to the legendary Khunjerab Pass, a high-altitude wonder that stands as the world's highest paved border crossing at an impressive 4,693 meters above sea level. This pass serves as a vital link between Pakistan and China, and today, you'll have the privilege of witnessing its breathtaking grandeur.

As we journey towards Khunjerab Pass, the landscape around you will transform into a rugged, mountainous paradise. The road itself is an engineering marvel, winding its way through the majestic Karakoram ranges.

Upon reaching Khunjerab Pass, you'll find yourself standing at the very threshold where two nations meet, and the views from this lofty vantage point are nothing short of awe-inspiring. You'll have the opportunity to capture this incredible moment with photographs that will forever remind you of this extraordinary border crossing.

On our return journey, we'll make a stop at Khunjerab National Park, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a testament to the natural beauty of the region. Keep your camera ready, as you might spot some of the park's inhabitants.

Our adventure doesn't end there. We'll also explore the charming and picturesque villages of Upper Gojal Valley. These villages are not only surrounded by stunning mountain vistas but are also rich in cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

As the day unfolds, you'll be immersed in the beauty, history, and culture of this remarkable region, leaving you with memories to treasure from your visit to Khunjerab Pass and beyond.

Our memorable adventure to Rush Lake, Hunza valley and its surroundings has left us with cherished memories and a sense of awe. Now, it's time to begin our return journey, making our way back to Besham or Naran Valley, depending on the accessibility of the Babusar Pass.

As we drive through this mesmerizing landscape, we'll take advantage of the opportunity to make several short stops along the way. These breaks are perfect for capturing more photographs, allowing you to savor the scenic beauty one last time and relive the moments you've experienced during this incredible journey.

Lunch will be a delightful pause during our drive, giving you the chance to indulge in local flavors and perhaps even savor some of the region's culinary specialties.

Throughout this return journey, the landscapes will continue to unfold before you, revealing new perspectives and vistas at every turn. It's a journey that invites reflection on the natural wonders and cultural treasures you've encountered during your time in this extraordinary part of the world.

As we near our destination, you'll have the chance to recount your experiences and marvel at the diversity and beauty of Pakistan's northern regions. This journey may be coming to an end, but the memories you've created will remain with you for a lifetime.

As our remarkable journey through northern Pakistan comes to a close, we'll begin our drive back to Islamabad, the nation's capital. However, this return journey is not without its own enriching experiences.

En route to Islamabad, we'll make a stop at the Taxila Museum, a place where history and heritage come to life. You'll have the opportunity to explore its captivating exhibits, delving into the rich cultural and archaeological legacy of this ancient region.

Upon our arrival in Islamabad, we'll continue our exploration of this vibrant city. Our first destination is the iconic Faisal Mosque, an architectural marvel and one of the largest mosques in the world. You'll be awed by its grandeur and serene ambiance.

Next, we'll visit the Pakistan Monument, a symbol of unity and national pride. This stunning monument represents the four provinces of Pakistan and the three territories.

As the day progresses, we'll immerse ourselves in the local bazaar of Islamabad, where you can engage in some last-minute shopping, savor local cuisine, and soak up the bustling atmosphere.

In the evening, we'll ensure that you reach Islamabad International Airport with ample time before your scheduled flight. As you prepare to depart, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to explore Pakistan with Hunza Explorers. We hope your journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, and we look forward to welcoming you back to this remarkable land in the future. Safe travels, and until we meet again!