Rush Lake and Patundas Trek

16 days

Duration

5,098 m (optional Rush Peak summit)

Max altitude

Up to 15

Group size

Explore departures View full itinerary

THE JOURNEY

The journey

The Rush Lake and Patundas Trek is a spectacular two-part adventure through the Karakoram Range of Upper Hunza. First, trek from Hopar Valley across glacier country to Rush Lake (4,700m), one of the highest alpine lakes in the world, with an optional summit of Rush Peak (5,098m). Then follow the Batura Glacier corridor from Borith Lake through Luzdar to Patundas Meadows (4,200m), a high pasture between the Passu and Batura glaciers with a sweeping 360° mountain panorama.

This itinerary combines glacier traverses, high meadow camps, village culture and classic Hunza hospitality. The route links remote Balti and Wakhi settlements, terraced fields, glacial moraines and ridge-top viewpoints with direct sightlines to major Karakoram summits, including Rakaposhi, Diran, Spantik, Passu Peak, Shisper and Batura.

Important Information

Trekking permit: No permit required (open trekking zone).
Insurance: Mandatory with emergency treatment and helicopter evacuation cover (minimum USD 30,000 at 5,000m).
Fitness: Moderate grade; prepare for 6–8 hours of daily trekking on uneven terrain.
Altitude: Rush Lake 4,700m; optional Rush Peak summit 5,098m; acclimatisation included.
Best season: Late May through early October.
Connectivity: Mobile signal in Hopar, Gulmit and Karimabad; no signal on trekking camps.

Good to know

itinerary may change due to weather, road conditions and operational safety decisions. Rush Lake-only and Patundas-only 11-day options are available on request.

Trip highlights

✦Rush Lake (4,700m): One of the highest alpine lakes in the world, ringed by Rakaposhi, Diran and Spantik, with possible views to K2 on exceptionally clear days.

✦Rush Peak (5,098m): Optional summit day from camp for a wider Karakoram panorama above the Rush Lake basin.

✦Patundas Meadows (4,200m): A high summer pasture perched between the Passu and Batura glaciers with one of the best ridge panoramas in Upper Hunza.

✦Ghulkin Glacier Traverse: Scenic crossing and glacier-side walking on the approach from Gulmit to Borith Lake.

✦Hopar Valley: Remote Balti villages, irrigated terraces and glacier junctions at the base of towering Karakoram summits.

✦Karimabad Heritage: Rest day in Hunza with visits to Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, plus local cuisine and cultural exploration.

Trip specifications

Duration

16 days

Max altitude

5,098 m (optional Rush Peak summit)

Difficulty

Moderate

Best season

May to October

Start

Islamabad

Finish

Islamabad

Group size

Up to 15

Camping nights

Hotel nights

Trekking zone

Open zone, no permit

Meals

Full board on trek

Shorter options

11-day Rush Lake only or Patundas only, on request

Difficulty level

EasyModerateChallengingHardExtreme

IN PICTURES

Trip photo gallery

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Islamabad (500m)

Arrival, airport transfer, optional city walk and evening group briefing with equipment check.

Hotel · Dinner

Day 2Islamabad to Chilas via Babusar Pass (1,265m)

Scenic drive north via Babusar Pass (4,100m) or Besham alternative, then descend to Chilas.

10–12 hrs · Hotel · All meals

Day 3Chilas to Hopar Valley (2,800m)

Drive to Hopar, the trailhead for Rush Lake, beneath the Hispar and Barpu glacier system.

Drive · Hotel · All meals

Day 4Hopar to Baricho Kor (3,300m)

Trek through villages, terraced fields and glacial terrain to Baricho Kor camp.

6–7 hrs · Camping · All meals

Day 5Baricho Kor to Rush Lake (4,700m)

Steady ascent through moraine and boulder fields to the high lake camp with major summit views.

6–7 hrs · Camping · All meals

Day 6Rest at Rush Lake / Optional Rush Peak (5,098m)

Acclimatisation and exploration day. Optional early ascent of Rush Peak for panoramic views.

Optional summit · Camping · All meals

Day 7Rush Lake to Baricho Kor (3,300m)

Descend through the Rush basin back to Baricho Kor camp.

7–8 hrs · Camping · All meals

Day 8Baricho Kor to Hopar, Drive to Gulmit (2,465m)

Trek down to Hopar and transfer to Gulmit in Upper Hunza.

+ · Hotel · All meals

Day 9Gulmit to Borith Lake via Ghulkin (2,600m)

Begin Patundas section via Ghulkin village and glacier-side meadows to Borith Lake camp.

Trek · Camping · All meals

Day 10Borith Lake to Luzdar (3,500m)

Climb through summer pasture terrain near Passu Glacier to Luzdar camp.

Ascent · Camping · All meals

Day 11Luzdar to Patundas Meadows (4,200m)

Reach Patundas ridge with 360° views including Passu Peak, Batura, Shisper, Dastagil Sar, Momhil Sar and Rakaposhi.

Ascent · Camping · All meals

Day 12Patundas to Passu, Drive to Karimabad (2,350m)

Descend to Passu and transfer to Karimabad for overnight comfort.

+ · Hotel · All meals

Day 13Free Day in Karimabad (2,350m)

Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, explore bazaars, and enjoy local Hunza cuisine.

Hotel · All meals

Day 14Karimabad to Naran via Babusar Pass (2,400m)

Drive south over Babusar Pass and descend into Kaghan Valley for overnight in Naran.

Drive · Hotel · All meals

Day 15Naran to Islamabad (500m)

Return to Islamabad for farewell dinner and final evening in the capital.

Drive · Hotel · Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16Departure

Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for outbound flight.

Airport transfer included

THE DESTINATION

Map & location

Destination overview. The final route is confirmed with your trip itinerary.

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Travel dates

Departures & pricing

Choose your dates

Customised trip

Tell us your dates and group size and we will confirm the next departure or arrange a private one.

Plan with us

What's covered

What's included

Included

Accommodation: 8 hotel nights and 7 camping nights (twin/double at hotels, 2–3 sharing tents)

Meals: full board during trek and included hotel meals as per itinerary

Guide team: professional licensed trekking guide plus assistant guides as needed

Porter support: personal baggage porterage within allowed limits plus all group gear transport

Camping setup: sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent

Kitchen staff: experienced cook, assistant cook, tea/coffee/snacks on trekking days

Transport: all ground transportation and jeep transfers throughout programme

Operations support: first aid kit and on-ground trip management support

Not included

International flights to/from Pakistan and any domestic flight costs where applicable

Lunches and dinners in Islamabad

Travel insurance (mandatory, including rescue cover at 5,000m+)

Personal trekking gear, personal medical costs and evacuation charges

Excess porterage costs above baggage allowance

Tips for guides, porters and kitchen staff

Visa fees, documentation costs and expenses from delays/cancellations

Any service not explicitly listed under inclusions

Prepare for the journey

Packing list

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for this trek?

No. Both Rush Lake and Patundas are in open trekking zones in Gilgit-Baltistan, so no trekking permit is required.

Is Rush Peak summit compulsory?

No. Rush Peak (5,098m) is an optional summit day. You can stay at Rush Lake camp and acclimatise if preferred.

How many nights are camping vs hotels?

The full 16-day itinerary includes 8 hotel nights and 7 camping nights.

Can I book only Rush Lake or only Patundas?

Yes. Both segments are available as standalone 11-day itineraries on request.

Planning your trip

Before you book

Share your preferred dates, group size, travel experience and any accessibility or dietary requirements. Ask our team for a written itinerary and a clear breakdown of included services, optional activities and additional costs before confirming.

Arrival and onward travel

Check the start and finish locations shown in the trip specifications. Confirm airport transfers, meeting times and any domestic flights with our team before booking independent travel. Allow flexibility for weather and transport changes.

Accommodation and meals

Ask for the accommodation plan for each night, room or tent arrangements and meal inclusions for your chosen departure. Tell us about food allergies and dietary needs in advance so we can confirm what is possible along the route.

Preparation and equipment

Review the itinerary, difficulty and maximum altitude before choosing this journey. Request the trip-specific packing list and confirm any rental equipment, sizes and availability before arrival. Discuss any health concerns with a qualified clinician before travel.

Travel documents and insurance

Check current entry requirements for your nationality and confirm whether your route needs additional permits. Review insurance coverage for your planned activities, maximum altitude, medical care and evacuation. Ask our team which documents are needed for this itinerary.

Changes and private arrangements

Weather, road conditions and local circumstances can affect the programme. Ask about alternative routes, spare days and how additional costs are handled. Contact us to discuss a private departure or changes to the published itinerary.