Rush Lake, at 4,694 m, is among the highest alpine lakes on earth, set beneath Spantik and the Miar and Hispar peaks above the Hopar glaciers of Nagar. Reached from Skardu via the Karakoram Highway, this is a demanding but hugely rewarding high-altitude trek across glaciers and moraine to a mirror-still lake ringed by giants - a true Karakoram classic for fit trekkers.
Trek Itinerary
Days 1-2, Skardu to Hopar (Nagar)
Drive the Karakoram Highway to Nagar and up to Hopar valley; acclimatisation and preparation.
Days 3-4, Across the Glaciers
Cross the Bualtar and Barpu glaciers, camping in high pastures as altitude builds.
Days 5-6, Rush Lake & Rush Pari
Trek to Rush Lake (4,694m) and the Rush Pari viewpoint for panoramic Karakoram views.
Days 7-9, Return to Hopar
Retrace the glaciers and pastures back down to Hopar.
Days 10-11, Hopar to Skardu
Drive back along the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, with a weather buffer.
Highlights
Hopar Valley & glaciersMiar & Barpu GlaciersRush Lake at 4,694mRush Pari viewpointSpantik & Golden Peak viewsNagar Valley culture
✅ What's Included
✓ Skardu transfers & KKH transport
✓ All camping equipment
✓ All meals on trek
✓ Licensed mountain guide
✓ Porters
✓ Trekking permit
❌ Not Included
✗ International flights
✗ Pakistan visa
✗ Travel insurance (mandatory)
✗ Personal gear
✗ Porter tips
Trek Information
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Max Altitude
4,694m
Difficulty
Challenging
Best Time
June - September
Group Size
2 to 12 people
Guide
Licensed mountain guide
Questions
It is challenging - high altitude with glacier crossings - so good fitness and prior trekking experience are important, but no technical climbing is required.
Skardu is the main logistics hub for the region; we handle the Karakoram Highway transfer to Nagar and all trek support from there.