Welcome to Pakistan! Our representative meets you at Islamabad International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. Rest and relax after your international flight. Evening briefing over dinner about the trek ahead and what to expect in the mountains.

Islamabad, Pakistan’s modern capital, sits at the foothills of the Margalla Hills. Take the evening to explore the hotel area or simply rest before your mountain adventure begins.

Accommodation: Luxury hotel in Islamabad
Meals: Dinner
Altitude: 540m

Drive Time: 10-12 hours | Distance: 420km

Early morning departure for one of the world’s most scenic drives. Travel north on the legendary Karakoram Highway, the highest paved international road, connecting Pakistan with China. This engineering marvel follows ancient Silk Road routes through dramatic gorges and past towering peaks.

Journey Highlights:

• Pass through Abbottabad and Mansehra cities
• Stop at Besham for lunch on the Indus River
• Enter the mountains at Chilas junction
• First views of Nanga Parbat (8,126m) – the world’s 9th highest peak
• Cross into Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan’s mountain region
• Drive through Gilgit city
• Arrive in Nagar Valley, across the Hunza River from famous Karimabad

Nagar Valley is less touristy than Hunza, offering authentic mountain culture. The valley is famous for apricots, cherries, and warm hospitality.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Nagar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 2,500m

Drive Time: 1 hour | Trek Distance: 5km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours | Ascent: 600m

Morning drive on a rough jeep track to Hopper Village (2,500m), the last settlement before the mountains. Hopper is a traditional Wakhi village with terraced fields, stone houses, and friendly locals who still practice centuries-old farming methods.

Meet your porter team and begin trekking! The trail follows the Hopper River through a rocky valley with spectacular views of Diran Peak (7,266m) and Rakaposhi (7,788m) – two of the Karakoram’s most beautiful mountains.

Cross several glacial streams on wooden bridges and walking stones. The landscape transforms from cultivated fields to wild alpine terrain. Pass through juniper forests before reaching open meadows.

Arrive at Hopper Glacier Camp beside the rushing glacial river. This green meadow campsite offers your first close-up views of the Hopper Glacier’s ice walls. Explore the area around camp or rest after your first day of trekking.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 3,100m

Distance: 8km | Walking Time: 5-6 hours | Ascent: 250m

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Karakoram wilderness. The trail climbs gradually alongside the Hopper Glacier, crossing several side streams fed by melting snow. In June and July, the meadows explode with wildflowers – edelweiss, blue poppies, and alpine roses.

Walk through Bual Das, a traditional summer grazing area where local shepherds bring their goats and sheep. You might meet nomadic families living in stone huts during the brief summer season. They make fresh yogurt and butter – if offered, it’s delicious and safe to eat!

The valley narrows as mountains close in on both sides. Ahead, the trail rises toward the massive Hopper Glacier. To your left, watch for Malubiting Peak (7,458m) emerging from behind rocky ridges.

Cross the lateral moraine (rocky debris) of the Hopper Glacier – this requires careful footing on loose rocks. Your porters and guide will assist you. Once across, descend to Dukani, a beautiful campsite on flat grassland surrounded by mountain walls.

Evening activities: Short acclimatization walk up the hillside behind camp for sunset views. Your guide will point out the route for tomorrow’s climb to Rush Pari.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 3,350m

Distance: 10km | Walking Time: 7-8 hours | Ascent: 1,344m | Descent: 200m

This is the big day – the climb to Rush Lake!

Very early start (5:00-5:30 AM) to avoid afternoon clouds and to reach the lake for optimal light. Eat a hearty breakfast – you’ll need the energy.

The trail climbs steeply from Dukani through rocky terrain and scree slopes. This is the most challenging day of the trek, gaining over 1,300 meters. Take it slowly – “pole pole” (slowly slowly). Regular rest breaks every 30-45 minutes.

Route description:

• First 2 hours: Steep zigzag trail through boulder fields
• Next 2 hours: Gentler slope across alpine meadows (4,000m)
• Final 2-3 hours: Rocky path with spectacular views opening up

As you climb, the landscape becomes more barren and lunar-like. Snow patches appear even in summer. The air gets noticeably thinner – breathe deeply and maintain a steady pace.

Around 4,500m, you’ll reach a ridgeline. Suddenly, the view explodes: Rush Lake appears below you like a sapphire set in white and grey stone. The lake’s turquoise color comes from glacial flour (fine rock particles) suspended in the water.

At Rush Lake (4,694m):

• Panoramic views of Spantik Peak (7,027m), Malubiting (7,458m), Hopper Peak (6,400m)
• The Hopper Glacier spreads out 2,000 meters below
• Nanga Parbat visible in the distance on clear days
• Photo opportunities at every angle

Have lunch at the lake. Walk around its shore (about 30 minutes to circle). The lake is frozen solid from October to May – in summer, chunks of ice still float on the surface.

Options for the night:

Option A – Rush Pari Camp (4,700m): Descend slightly to camp on a flat area just above the lake. Spend the afternoon exploring, photographing, and soaking in the achievement. Watch sunset paint Spantik Peak gold (hence its nickname “Golden Peak”). Sleep at high altitude.

Option B – Descend to Dukani (3,350m): Strong trekkers can return the same day. This reduces altitude exposure but makes for a 10-12 hour day. Most groups choose to camp at Rush Pari.

Accommodation: Camping at Rush Pari or Dukani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Maximum Altitude: 4,694m (Rush Lake)

Distance: 18km | Walking Time: 6-7 hours | Descent: 1,600m

If you camped at Rush Pari, wake before sunrise for magical morning light on the peaks. Have breakfast with views of Spantik Peak. Take final photos at Rush Lake before beginning the descent.

The descent is much faster than the ascent – gravity helps! But descending is tough on knees and requires careful foot placement on loose scree. Use your trekking poles and wear your knee supports if you have them.

Retrace your route down the steep section to Dukani. Stop for lunch at Dukani camp. Rest your legs – you’ve earned it!

Continue descending through the meadows and across the Hopper Glacier moraine back to familiar Hopper Glacier Camp. The campsite will feel like a luxury hotel after the high altitude!

Evening: Celebrate your achievement with your porter team. Share stories around the camp. Your porters may sing traditional Wakhi songs.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 3,100m

Trek Distance: 5km | Walking Time: 2-3 hours | Descent: 600m | Drive Time: 1 hour

Easy morning trek back down the valley to Hopper Village. Say goodbye to the mountains and porters. Give tips to porters as thanks for their hard work carrying your equipment.

Drive to either Karimabad (Hunza’s main town) or Nagar for the night.

Afternoon sightseeing options in Hunza:

• Baltit Fort – 700-year-old restored fort, UNESCO site
• Altit Fort – Even older fort with stunning architecture
• Eagle’s Nest viewpoint – Best sunset spot overlooking Hunza Valley
• Karimabad Bazaar – Shop for local handicrafts, dried fruits, gemstones
• Café culture – Hunza has excellent cafés serving local and continental food

Hot shower and real bed tonight! Optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant with mountain views.

Accommodation: Hotel in Karimabad or Nagar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 2,500m

Drive Time: 10-12 hours | Distance: 420km

Early morning departure for the long drive back to Islamabad. Same scenic route in reverse – you’ll see everything differently going the opposite direction.

Drive highlights:

• Morning views of Rakaposhi (7,788m) and Diran (7,266m)
• Pass through Gilgit city for fuel/bathroom break
• Lunch stop at Besham or Chilas
• Afternoon drive through Indus Gorge
• Evening arrival in Islamabad

Timing options:

Option A – Evening flight: If your international flight departs after 10:00 PM, drive directly to Islamabad Airport. Arrive around 7:00-8:00 PM. You can shower and change at the airport or use our hotel day-room facility (extra charge).

Option B – Overnight in Islamabad: If you have time, spend the night in Islamabad. Explore the city tomorrow before your evening flight. Visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, or Lok Virsa Museum. Shop for last-minute souvenirs.

End of Rush Lake Trek!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Note: Dinner not included on final day