Rakaposhi Rush Lake Trek

The trip has been designed by combining three short but very famous treks in the Karakorum & Western Himalayas. In the first part, a relative a moderate hike takes you the Raikot Face of Nanga Parbat via Fairy Meadows. view of Nanga Parbat from Fairy Meadow is a must see experience in life time.

The second part of the adventure trip is the excellent short trek from Minapin village to Rakaposhi Base Camp, known locally as Tagaphari, is an ideal introduction to Karakoram trekking. Easily accessible from KKH, the trek follows a good trail, offers sweeping vistas of Rakaposhi and Diran and is the standard route to the base camps of both peaks.  On the top of a ridge after half an hour climb from Tagaphari gives a superb view of the North Batura, Passu, Shishpar and Ultar peaks and to the south Rakaposhi and Diran Peaks and  Minapin Glacier etc. 

In the thrid part, we walk on glaciers, through villages to explore the real life of those living at footsteps of mighty glaciers, along the irrigated terraced fields with the impressive view of the Karakoram Mountains from summit of Rush Peak (5098m).

Day 1. Islamabad 🛬🏙️🕌📸

Arrival & welcome. Touch down at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After resting, enjoy a guided half‑day tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi—highlights include the iconic Faisal Mosque, Daman‑e‑Koh viewpoint, Lok Virsa Museum, and local bazaars. In the evening, meet your trekking leaders and attend a briefing. (Altitude ~500 m)

Day 2. Islamabad → Chilas 🚐🛣️⛰️📷

On the road via Karakoram Highway. A long drive of approximately 10–12 hours (up to ~340 km), stopping for photography, lunch, and breaks. Overnight stay in Chilas hotel. (Altitude ~1,265 m)

Day 3. Chilas → Fairy Meadows 🚙🥾🌲🏞️

Drive to the trailhead, then trek to Fairy Meadows. Travel to the village of Toto by jeep and start trekking (1–2 hrs). Ascend gradually through forests to reach Fairy Meadows (~3,300 m). Overnight in an alpine hut under the shadow of Nanga Parbat.

Day 4. Fairy Meadows (rest or hike) ⛺🌄🗻📷

Rest day. Acclimatization and leisure. Optional day hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (additional 4–5 hrs round‑trip), or enjoy views from the meadow. Ideal time to relax and prepare for days ahead. (Altitude ~4,000 m at summit hike option)

Day 5. Fairy Meadows → Minapin 🚐🏡🌸🛏️

Drive via Gilgit to Minapin. After breaking camp, descend to drive first to Gilgit, then onward to Minapin village in Nagar Valley (~2,000 m). Evening at leisure—prepare gear and hire porters. Overnight in guesthouse or hotel.

Day 6. Minapin → Rakaposhi Base Camp 🥾🧗‍♂️🧊🌋

Trek to Tagaphari / Rakaposhi Base Camp. A 5–6 hour trek ascending to ~3,300 m through alpine meadows and moraine trail along Minapin Glacier. Camp overnight with panoramic views of Rakaposhi and Diran.

Day 7. Rakaposhi BC → Hopar via ridge ⛰️📸⬇️🚐

Short ridge hike then descent & drive. Begin with a 30‑minute climb to a ridge viewpoint (north Batura, Passu, Shishpar, Ultar). Then hike back to Minapin (~4 hrs) and drive ~2 hrs to Hopar village (~2,800 m). Overnight in hotel/lodge.

Day 8. Hopar → Berichokot 🥾❄️🏞️⛺

Trek through glacier valleys. A 6–7 hour ascent (~3,300 m) traversing Hopar / Bualtar Glacier, transitioning to grassy slopes above Barpu Glacier. Camp at Berichokot among shepherd settlements.

Day 9. Berichokot → Rush Lake ⛰️🏕️💧🗻

Final climb to Rush Lake. Trek 6–7 hours ascending ~700 m via switchbacks to crest ridge, then along ridge another ~350 m. Reach the tranquil Rush Lake (~4,694 m), one of the world’s highest alpine lakes. Camp overnight with striking glacier and mountain views (Spantik, Ultar, Diran).

Day 10. Rush Lake (rest or summit Rush Peak) 🎒🌄👣🏔️

Free day to explore or climb. Relax at the meadow and lake. Optional ascent to Rush Peak (≈5,098 m) takes 3–4 hours round trip from camp. On clear days enjoy panoramic vistas including K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum and Baintha Brakk. Camp again at Rush Lake.

Day 11. Rush Lake → Berichokot ⬇️🥾⛺🌲

Descent leg. Return down the steep, dusty trail (~7–8 hrs) descending ~900 m. Enjoy reverse views of glaciers and peaks. Camp again at Berichokot (~3,300 m).

Day 12. Berichokot → Hopar → Karimabad 🚶‍♂️🧊🚐🏯

Trek & drive. Hike out from Berichokot to Hopar Valley, then board a vehicle for a scenic drive to Karimabad (~2,350 m). Check into a hotel in Hunza town.

Day 13. Karimabad 🏰🎒🛍️🌸

Sightseeing or leisure. Enjoy explore Baltit & Altit Forts, stroll through Karimabad marketplace, or optional day-hike to Ultar Meadow. Overnight in hotel. (Altitude similar around ~2,800 m)

Day 14. Karimabad → Naran via Babusar Pass 🚐🌄🗻🛏️

Scenic return by road. Drive through Hunza back to Naran (~2,400 m), crossing Babusar Pass (~4,173 m), stopping at Attabad Lake or Shogran if time permits. Overnight stay in Naran.

Day 15. Naran → Islamabad 🚌🏞️📷🏠

Drive back to capital. Continue the route through Kaghan Valley (~240 km) arriving in Islamabad; last evening for shopping or exploring local sites. Overnight at hotel (~500 m).

Day 16. Departure ✈️🎒👋

Homeward bound. Transfer to Islamabad International Airport and depart for home. Trip officially ends.