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A Journey to the Heart of the Mountains
Where crystal alpine lakes meet emerald meadows beneath the giants of the Karakoram—expect motion‑picture views at every turn
✨ Why This Trek Stands Out
Rush Lake
One of the world’s highest alpine lakes, embraced by a jaw‑dropping panoramic arena of peaks.
Patundas Meadows
A lush high‑altitude pasture offering serene 360° views of the Karakoram giants like Batura and Passu Cones.
Glacier crossings
Trek across the Barpu and Passu Glaciers—an experience only possible with local guides and moderate fitness levels.
Overview
Rush Phari means sparkling Lake. 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).
The second part of the stunning trek goes along the Batura Glaciers. Patungdass is a summer pasture at an altitude of 4200m on the ridge between the Passu and Batura Glaciers with spectacular views. The fascinating view of Passu Peak 7284m, Batura Peak 7500m, Shishper 7619m, Dasteghil Sar 7885m, Momhil Sar 7342m and Rakaposhi 7788m, are all around you.
The trek starts at Borit Lake and goes through Passugar, Luzdar, and Patungdass along the glaciers, easy short trek which does not require any experience.
Trek Facts
Trek Name: Rush Lake & Patundas Trek
Trek Code: ATP-TR-08
Trekking Zone: Open Zone
Route: Islamabad–Chilas–Gilgit–Hopar Valley–Hopar Glacier–Barpu Glacier–Rush Phari Meadow–Rush Lake–Hopar–Gulmit–Borit Lake–Luzdar–Patundas–Passu–Karimabad–Hunza–Naran–Islamabad.
Best time: Late May till early October
Maximum Elevation: 5098 meters
Trek Grade: Moderate
Trek Duration: 10 nights/11 days (6 hotel nights & 4 camping nights)
Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking
Visa Sub Category: Trekking
Permit Requirement: A trekking permit is not required as the trek falls in the open zones
Rush Lake Trek only: 10 nights/11 days (6 hotel nights & 4 camping nights)
Patungdass Trek only: 10 nights/11 days (6 hotel nights & 4 camping nights)
Gallery
Trek locations on map
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Islamabad ✈️🏙️
Touch down in Pakistan’s capital and relax before your journey into the mountains begins.Touch down at Islamabad International Airport. After a warm welcome, settle into your hotel and enjoy an optional evening stroll through Islamabad’s cultural heart and markets.
Day 2. Islamabad → Chilas 🚗⛰️
Scenic drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway.Set out early on the scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway via Babusar Pass or Besham. Take in sweeping views as you wind into Chilas for overnight.
Day 3. Chilas → Hunza (Karimabad) 🏞️🕌
Travel deeper into Gilgit-Baltistan with spectacular views and cultural gems in Hunza.Continue your journey along the mighty Hunza River toward Karimabad. Stop at the iconic rakaposhi viewpoint, enjoy local vistas, and overnight in Hunza valley terrain.
Day 4. Hunza → Hopar Valley → Trek to Baricho Kor 🥾❄️🏕️
Begin your trek across glaciers and meadows to your first mountain camp.Drive to Hopar Valley (≈3 hrs), then begin trekking to Baricho Kor (≈3300 m). Traverse glacier junctions and terraced fields as evening camps unfold beneath dramatic peaks.
Day 5. Baricho Kor → Rush Lake 🏔️💧✨
Ascend to the majestic Rush Lake, nestled among some of the world’s highest peaks.Trek from Baricho Kor up to Rush Lake (≈4700 m), one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. Marvel at panoramic views of Rakaposhi, Diran, Spantik, and—you might even glimpse K2 on a clear day.
Day 6. Free Day at Rush Lake (Optional Rush Peak) 🌄🥾🗻
Relax by the lake or challenge yourself with a summit hike to Rush Peak.Enjoy a rest day beside the turquoise Rush Lake or, if you’re feeling ambitious, ascend Rush Peak (5098 m) for sunrise glory above the alpine amphitheater.
Day 7. Rush Lake → Return to Baricho Kor ⬇️🌲🏞️
Trek back through alpine terrain with new perspectives and quiet beauty.Descend from Rush Lake back to Baricho Kor camp. Appreciate changing perspectives of glaciers and high valleys while enjoying an afternoon quietly immersed in nature.
Day 8. Trek to Hopar → Drive to Gulmit 🚶♂️🚐🌸
Descend to Hopar and drive to the charming village of Gulmit in Upper Hunza.Descend further to Hopar village, then drive to Gulmit (~2485 m). Overnight in a comfortable local hotel—reconnect with Hunza’s vibrant local culture.
Day 9. Gulmit → Trek via Ghulkin & Borith Lake 🥾🦅🌿
Walk past Ghulkin Glacier and camp near the tranquil Borith Lake.Begin trekking from Gulmit, cross scenic Ghulkin and make your way to Borit Lake (~2600 m). Camp beneath alpine meadows—noted starting fragment for the Patundas segment.
Day 10. Borith Lake → Luzdar 🏕️🌄🐐
Begin the Patundas leg with a scenic hike to high alpine pastures.Trek up to Luzdar (~3500 m), walking through meadows and glacier-fed terrain. Set camp in this high pasture zone surrounded by Himalayan peaks.
Day 11. Luzdar → Patundas 🌤️⛺🏔️
Camp at 4200 m on a spectacular ridge with 360° mountain views.On a scenic ascent, head to Patundas (~4200 m), perched between the Passu and Batura glaciers. The 360° views of peaks like Passu Cones, Shishpar, Dasteghil Sar, Rakaposhi, and Momhil Sar will leave you speechless.
Day 12. Patundas → Trek to Passu → Drive to Karimabad 🧊🛻🌉
Descend across glaciers, then return to Hunza Valley by road.Descend from Patundas toward Passu, then transfer by road to Karimabad (~2500 m). Enjoy hotel lodging and perhaps explore the local market.
Day 13. Free Day in Karimabad 🏯☕🎒
Explore Baltit & Altit Forts, shop local crafts, or relax in cafés with views.Spend a relaxed day exploring Hunza Valley—visit Baltit and Altit Forts, enjoy local art, cuisine and hospitality in this cultural hub.
Day 14. Hunza → Naran 🛣️🌄🏡
Scenic return through mountains to the lush Kaghan Valley.Start early for the return journey via Babusar Pass, arriving in Naran for overnight leisure and local sightseeing.
Day 15. Naran → Islamabad 🚗🕌📸
Final leg of your journey back to the capital. Reflect on the adventure.Complete the return drive to Islamabad. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the capital city as your trekking memories close with grandeur.
Day 16. Departure Home 🎒✈️🌍
Transfer to the airport. Say goodbye to the mountains—but keep the memories.Transfer to Islamabad airport for your outbound flight—carry these mountain memories back home.
Note
The flight between Islamabad and Skardu is subject to weather conditions.
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