A CROSSROADS ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Rush Lake Trek in Nagar Valley
March – November | Private depending on bookings
YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
Pace: A multiday mountain trek, with walking and camping days. Share your preferred pace and mobility before we prepare your proposal.
Premium accommodation where available. Final stays, room arrangements and the daily pace are agreed with you.
INDICATIVE JOURNEY PRICE
USD 2,000–4,000 per person
The final proposal confirms your dates, party size, room arrangements, services and price.
Group departure routes and lengths may differ from this private itinerary. If no dates are listed, enquire about a private journey.
PAKISTAN · RUSH LAKE
Discover Rush Lake
The Nagar approach to Rush Lake gives this journey its trekking focus, with the village and transfer stages placed around the walking programme. The route is distinct from the Hunza valley sightseeing itineraries.
Follow the complete 12-day route below. Private dates and changes to the pace are discussed after enquiry, with the final stays and services agreed before booking.
Moments along the journey
Journey highlights
Hopar and the Nagar glacier landscape
The Bericho Kor approach
Rush Lake and the Rush Peak excursion
Karimabad’s forts and village heritage
Your journey route
Explore the main places along this journey. Markers show geographic context; the daily sequence below confirms the proposed stages and overnight stops. Exact mountain camps, glacier lines and trail access are confirmed with the guide.
View the daily route and overnight stops
| Day | Route stage | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival In Islamabad | Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 2 | Journey To Chilas | Chilas · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 3 | Chilas to Hunza · Karakoram Highway | Hunza · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 4 | Trek To Hopper And Bericho Kor | the campsite |
| 5 | Bericho Kor to Rush Lake · ascent and camp | Rush Lake · camping |
| 6 | Rush Lake · optional Rush Peak approach | Rush Lake · camping |
| 7 | Return To Hamdan | Hamdan · camping |
| 8 | Hamdan to Hopar · trek out and transfer to Karimabad | Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 9 | Explore Karimabad | Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 10 | Hunza to Bisham · first return road day | Bisham · accommodation agreed after enquiry |
| 11 | Drive To The Capital | Islamabad |
| 12 | International Departure | No overnight stay; departure timing confirmed in your proposal |
Your 12-day itinerary
A proposed sequence, adapted to your dates and interests. Weather, flight operation and local access may require changes.
DAY 1
Arrival In Islamabad
Upon arrival, we warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation for some much-needed rest. Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, sits at an elevation of approximately 540 meters above sea level.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Islamabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 2
Journey To Chilas
Start your day with an early breakfast before we set off on a scenic drive to Chilas in the Gilgit-Baltistan province. Admire the lush green valleys of Naran and Kaghan en route, with stops at Babusar top (elevation: 4,173 meters) and Lulusar Lake (elevation: 3,410 meters) for lunch and photography opportunities.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Chilas · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 3
Chilas to Hunza · Karakoram Highway
Continue north on the Karakoram Highway towards Hunza. Stop at the Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi roadside viewpoints if visibility and the travel schedule allow. The mountain summits are far above the viewpoints; their peak elevations do not describe the altitude where you stand. Arrive in Hunza for rest before the trekking approach.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Hunza · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 4
Trek To Hopper And Bericho Kor
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before venturing on a thrilling jeep drive to the Hopper Valley. After a short stop at Hoper village for tea, we begin our trek, crossing the Hopper Glacier to reach our first base camp. The trek involves traversing rugged terrain at an altitude of around 3,000 meters. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the campsite.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: the campsite
DAY 5
Bericho Kor to Rush Lake · ascent and camp
Climb from Bericho Kor towards Rush Lake with your guide. This is a demanding ascent to a high campsite, with steep paths and substantial altitude gain. Keep a steady pace and allow time for rests. Confirm the agreed stage distance, walking time and acclimatisation plan before departure.
Rush Lake is approximately 4,694 m according to Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism. This is a substantial ascent to a high camp. The guide must confirm stage distance, walking time and an acclimatisation plan for the group before departure; additional acclimatisation may require a longer programme.
Overnight: Rush Lake · camping
DAY 6
Rush Lake · optional Rush Peak approach
Spend the day at Rush Lake, with an optional guide-led approach towards Rush Peak only when weather, snow, fitness and acclimatisation allow. Agree the route, equipment and turnaround time with the guide. A summit is not guaranteed, and distant mountain views, including K2, depend on clear conditions. Return to the same lake camp; resting or a shorter lakeside walk is an alternative.
High-altitude walking above the lake camp. The guide confirms the safe objective, duration, terrain and equipment locally. Do not treat this optional ascent as an automatic part of a standard walking day.
Overnight: Rush Lake · camping
DAY 7
Return To Hamdan
Descend from the Rush Lake area towards Hamdan with your guide, following the agreed mountain trail. Take care on steep, loose ground and allow regular rest stops. Leave plants and other natural material undisturbed.
Travel mode: Trekking / walking on mountain trails. Confirm stage distance, walking time and conditions with the guide; allow extra time for rests and glacier or moraine terrain.
Overnight: Hamdan · camping
DAY 8
Hamdan to Hopar · trek out and transfer to Karimabad
Walk from the agreed Hamdan camp towards Hopar with your guide. The proposed exit includes Miyar and Hopar glacier terrain; the guide confirms the current crossing lines, conditions and any required equipment before the group commits to the route. Follow the guide closely across ice, moraine and loose ground. Rejoin the vehicle at Hopar and continue to Karimabad.
Trekking followed by a road transfer. Confirm the exit-stage distance, walking duration, glacier arrangements and vehicle pickup time with the guide. Carry a daypack and treated drinking water; lunch is part of the trekking-day meal arrangement.
Overnight: Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 9
Explore Karimabad
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Karimabad with visits to the ancient Altit and Baltit forts, showcasing centuries-old architecture and artifacts. Enjoy lunch at the renowned Khabasi Café before witnessing a mesmerizing sunset at the Duikar viewpoint, situated at an altitude of around 2,900 meters. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the same location.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Karimabad · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 10
Hunza to Bisham · first return road day
Depart Hunza early and travel south along the Karakoram Highway through the Gilgit corridor towards Bisham. Keep stops brief on this long road day. Stay overnight in Bisham, then continue to Islamabad tomorrow; international departure follows the Islamabad hotel night.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Bisham · accommodation agreed after enquiry
DAY 11
Drive To The Capital
After a delightful breakfast, resume your journey to Islamabad with scenic stops at Mansehra and Abbottabad. Explore the natural beauty of these areas and immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to Abbottabad bazaar. Spend your final night in Islamabad.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: Islamabad
DAY 12
International Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we transfer you to the airport for your international departure. Bid farewell to Pakistan with cherished memories of your adventure-filled expedition.
Travel mode: Road transfers and local visits. Distances and timings are approximate where stated in the programme.
Overnight: No overnight stay; departure timing confirmed in your proposal
Accommodation along the journey
The mountain walking stages use the camp or lodge arrangements agreed for this route. Approach and return stays are confirmed separately, with premium accommodation where available.
Use the overnight line in each daily card to follow the stay sequence. Tell us your room preferences and any requests for longer stays before the personal programme is finalised.
What is included
The services below reflect this journey. Your agreed proposal confirms the final arrangements before booking.
Meals on trekking days
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included on trekking days 4–8. Meals on other days are payable separately.
Drinking water & refreshments
- .Mineral water in the car
Accommodation, agreed with you
- Premium accommodation where available, with simpler stays in remote locations as appropriate. Properties and room arrangements are agreed after your enquiry.
Transport
- .Airport transfers
- .Transportation with fuel
- .All toll tax and parking charges
Visa Application
- .Invitation letter and supporting documents for visa application
Extras
- .English-speaking, professional journey guide
- .Porters
What is not included
Meals & personal spending
Meals outside trekking days 4–8 are excluded.
Other exclusions
- International flights; personal travel insurance.
- Tips and gratuities; personal purchases and optional activities not specified in your agreed proposal.
- Meals not on Trekking Days
- Flight and insurance liability
- Any Expenses not mentioned above
- Entrance Tickets: Admission fees for attractions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
Tailor the experience
Ask about splitting the programme so companions have a separate village-based plan while trekkers are on the route. Availability, support and the price are agreed individually.
Plan your Rush Lake journey
Mountain flights, road alternatives & international departure
When a mountain flight is cancelled, the road alternative is split over two days with an overnight in Naran when the Babusar route is open and suitable, or in Bisham via the Karakoram Highway. The same overnight arrangement applies when travelling north from Islamabad towards Gilgit or Hunza. Northbound road travel replaces local sightseeing or uses the arrival-contingency day shown in the programme. Return journeys reach Islamabad at least one calendar day before international departure, with an Islamabad hotel overnight. Confirm international flight times against this revised sequence before booking.
Season, access & pace
The approach involves mountain walking and remote overnight arrangements. Discuss fitness, equipment and the guide’s plan for terrain and conditions before booking.
Dates & arrangements
The proposed duration is 12 days / 11 nights. Share your arrival and departure plans, party size and preferred balance of the visits listed here. Your proposal confirms transport, stays, fees and any flight arrangements for this particular route.
Packing for this journey
Walking boots suitable for the route, layered mountain clothing, waterproof protection, sun protection and a daypack. Confirm sleeping, camp and any specialist equipment with us before departure; do not assume equipment hire is included.
Travel notes & FAQs
Can non-trekking companions join the same holiday?
Ask about splitting the programme so companions have a separate village-based plan while trekkers are on the route. Availability, support and the price are agreed individually.
What affects the daily plan on this route?
The approach involves mountain walking and remote overnight arrangements. Discuss fitness, equipment and the guide’s plan for terrain and conditions before booking.
Are meals included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on trekking days 4–8. Meals on other days are paid separately.
High camps, glacier stages and equipment
The Rush Lake camp is approximately 4,694 m. Confirm acclimatisation, daily walking estimates, the exact Bericho Kor and Hamdan camp locations, glacier crossings and turnaround decisions with the local guide before booking. An extra acclimatisation day may require extending this programme. Rush Peak is optional and dependent on conditions. Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, walking boots, sun protection and a headlamp. Your proposal must confirm tents, sleeping mats, sleeping-bag provision and rating, water treatment, toilets, porter load limits and emergency arrangements. Meals are included on trekking days 4–8; other meals are paid separately. Exact operating dates and equipment for the selected glacier route are confirmed locally.
Lake elevation reference: Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism: Rush Lake.
Further reading
Explore the official destination and heritage references relevant to this route.
LET’S SHAPE YOUR JOURNEY
Rush Lake, made personal
Tell us your preferred dates, interests and accommodation preferences. We’ll prepare a clear proposal with the itinerary, stays, services and price.
Enquire about this journey →Prefer shared company? Explore fixed departures and confirm current availability. Meet the people behind Crossroads and view our credentials.