Rush Lake Trek Pakistan – A Complete Guide

Rush Lake is the highest alpine lake in Pakistan. It is at an elevation of 4,694m (15,400 ft) above sea level. If you decided to explore the Nagar region, Rush Lake should be one of your must-see places. Rush Lake is located in Hoper, Nagar Valley and offers an opportunity to trek on the glaciers and to witness few of the highest peaks of Karakoram.

Fall Colours in Hoper Valley – Nagar District Pakistan

Trek Difficulty

Rush Trek’s difficulty is Medium to Hard depending on a person’s fitness level and experiecne of trekking. Since the trek requires crossing multiple glaciers it is not safe to do it without a guide. Experienced trekker can complete the whle trek in 4 day but is very challenging. Apart from offering the view of the Pakistan’s highest alpine lake, the trek offers the view of Hispar Muztagh and several other mountains visible around the lake. Many people summit the Rush Pari Peak or Rush Peak (5098m) to get a peek at K2 and other mountains of the Karakoram Range and Hispar La. The sight from the mountain top is amazing and is worth the climb!

Rush Lake – Nagar Valley

Itinerary for Rush Lake Trek

Day 1  Trek to Bericho Kor

The first day of the trek is over the two glaciers- Hoper (Bualtar glacier) and Barpu glacier. The ascend, descend and uncovering the route takes a lot of energy and time. It will take an experienced trekker 5 hours to reach the first campsite at Bericho Kor (3,300 m). The campsite is located by the Barpo glacier and Miar Glacier. 

After crossing the first (Hoper) glacier, the top plane is called Shishkin Camping site (not a prefered stop), freshwater is available and due to its height, you will be able to get SCOM signals. From this point, many peaks are visible which include Lady Finger & Ultar Peak, Kapel Peak, Malubiting Peak, Spantik. You move forward to cross Barpo Glacier which is very technical and difficult to cross. The rest of the trek is through meadows and very straight till you reach Bericho Kol. Freshwater is available at this scamping site.

Hoper Glacier in Nagar Valley

Day 2 Trek to Chidin Harai

Second Day of the trek is almost 6 hours. All of this trek is a very steep climb and difficult. The campsite is at Chidin Harai (4,440m) which is located in a beautiful meadow with amazing views of the magnificent Karakoram mountains. Visible on a clear day from Childin Hara are Distaghil Sar, Kunyang Chhish 7,823 metres (25,666 ft), Trivor peak  7,728 metres, Bualtar Peak.

Many people stop and camp here especially if the steep climb takes all day. Experienced trekkers might be able to continue forward to reach Rush Lake and camp there.

Camping Site at Rush Lake Trek

Day 3 Trek to Rush Lake

The third day is the final ascend from Chidin Harai to Rush Lake. The hike is slow elevation and 3 hours trek. Once you reach the top, Rush Lake is visible surrounded by epic mountain ranges and some of the highest peaks of the world. Camp and enjoy the amazing lake and the beautiful mountains that surround you. 

Rush Lake – Nagar Valley Pakistan

Day 4 Summit Rush Peak or Rest Day at Rush Lake

On the fourth day, you can take the whole day to enjoy the amazing lake and rest or you can continue your trek to summit Rush Pari Peak. You can also descend back to the campsite at Phahi Phari.

If you choose to Summit Rush Pari Peak, you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing views. Visible from the apex of Rush Pari Peak are Distaghil Sar, Kunyang Chhish 7,823 metres (25,666 ft), Trivor peak  7,728 metres, Bualtar Peak, K2 861m, Broad Peak 8052,  Gasherbrum II 8034, Snow Lake, Biafo Glacier, Hisper La, Laila Peak. 

View from the Summit of Rush Pari Peak or Rush Peak

Return from the Trek

You return back from Rush lake can be the same route as you came from or take a new route that takes you through a different and adventurous route which required crossing the Mair Glacier and toward the Hamdar Meadows. The treks will be descending slopes so make sure to carry your trekking pole. 

Day 5 Trek to Phahi Phari (3,450 m)

The trek from Rush lake to Phahi Pari is downhill and steep over rocky boulders. The trek is 4 hour trek till you reach the Phahi Pari Camp located along the Mair Glacier.

Day 6 Trek to Hamdar (3,300 m)

The next part of the trek is over the Miar glacier. The first part is on glacier moraine that goes further to the white glacier. Huge crevasses and streams make this part of trek very technical and we will complete as group along with porters and guides to help you cross the streams and crevasses.

Once you cross the glacier, you climb on a small trail along with mountains. It is a footpath that is few feet above with the glacier crevasses visible below. The trail goes to Hamdar Meadows. It is one of the beautiful camping site with an amazing view of the glaciers and mountains all around.

Day 7 Trek to Hapakun Camping Site

From Hamdar Camping Site a very scenic and easy hike goes towards Hapakun Valley and Huru Harai. It is the last camping day. Use the day to celebrate and relax and enjoy the breathtaking view. 

Day 8 Trek to Hoper Valley

Last day of trek is goes to reach Shishkun and then crossing the Hoper glacier and hiking back to reach the Hoper valley.  

Spantik from Rush Lake

Rush Lake Trek Itinerary For Experienced Trekkers

Hoper Glacier – Nagar Valley

Rush Lake Trek Tips for Trekkers

• Water is not available throughout the trek so make sure to carry your own the bottle and keep refilling it where possible
• Trekking poles for the descends is important especially if you are not a frequent trekker. The slopes as difficult to climb but are also brutal when descending.
• Make sure to carry medicine, the altitude increases rapidly and you might feel altitude sickness and headaches.
• Pack warm clothes jackets and winter sleeping bags as the temperature drops several degrees during the night.
• Find out about the weather forecast to ensure that you do not end up trekking in snowy and freezing weather. Snowy weather at high altitude causes the temperature to drop to minus Celcius. Without proper camping and cooking gear, cold weather will be very challenging.
• Do not attempt to cross the glacier without a guide. These glaciers move frequently throughout the day and novice trekkers will not be able to cross it without help.
• Start your day early to trek before the sun comes up. There are no shades on the trail and the scorching sun will make it harder for you to trek.