Hunza, Shimshal and the Rush Lake Trek

Day 1 – Arrival in Islamabad Arrival at Islamabad International Airport. Meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. Expedition briefing and preparation for the mountain journey. Overnight: Islamabad Day 2 – Islamabad → Chilas Early morning departure from Islamabad and drive north along the Karakoram Highway. Depending on seasonal road conditions, the route may use the Naran–Babusar route when Babusar Pass is open, or the Karakoram Highway/Besham route when it is closed. Overnight: Chilas Day 3 – Chilas → Hunza Continue along the Karakoram Highway toward Hunza. Stop at scenic locations including the Rakaposhi viewpoint and the meeting point of the major mountain ranges before arriving in Hunza. Overnight: Karimabad, Hunza Day 4 – Hunza Valley Exploration A full day to experience the historic Hunza Valley. Visit: Baltit Fort Altit Fort Karimabad Duiker/Eagle's Nest Local villages and viewpoints Enjoy spectacular views of Rakaposhi, Ultar and the surrounding Karakoram. Overnight: Hunza Day 5 – Hunza → Shimshal Valley Drive from Hunza into the remote Shimshal Valley. The journey follows the dramatic mountain road into one of the most isolated valleys of northern Pakistan, with views of glaciers and towering Karakoram peaks. Overnight: Shimshal Day 6 – Shimshal Valley Exploration Spend the day exploring Shimshal village and its surrounding landscape. Walk through the traditional settlement, meet local communities and explore the valley before returning to the village. Overnight: Shimshal Day 7 – Shimshal → Hunza → Hoper Valley Return from Shimshal toward Hunza and continue to Hoper Valley in Nagar. Hoper, at approximately 2,790m, is the starting point for the Rush Lake trek. Prepare trekking equipment and meet the trekking crew. Overnight: Hoper Rush Lake Trek Day 8 – Hoper → Baricho Kor / Barpu Giram Begin the trek from Hoper through alpine terrain toward the Barpu Glacier area. Cross glacier terrain with the trekking team and continue toward the first campsite. Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours Overnight: Baricho Kor / Barpu Giram Camp Day 9 – Baricho Kor → Chidin Harai Continue ascending toward Chidin Harai, with increasingly spectacular views of Barpu Glacier and the surrounding peaks. This is an important acclimatization day because the camp reaches approximately 4,440m. Published Rush Lake itineraries similarly place Chidin Harai at around 4,440m. Trekking: Approximately 5–7 hours Overnight: Chidin Harai Camp Day 10 – Chidin Harai → Rush Lake Continue toward Rush Lake (4,694m). The trail climbs through high alpine terrain before reaching the spectacular turquoise lake surrounded by the Karakoram. Trekking: Approximately 5–7 hours Overnight: Rush Lake Camp 7 Day 11 – Rush Lake Exploration / Optional Rush Peak Early morning exploration around Rush Lake. Optional: Experienced trekkers can attempt Rush Peak (5,098m) with the local mountain guide, subject to weather, fitness and route conditions. Rush Peak is not included as a guaranteed part of the standard trek. For trekkers not attempting the peak, enjoy photography and exploration around the lake. Overnight: Rush Lake Camp Day 12 – Rush Lake → Phahi Phari Descend from Rush Lake toward Phahi Phari, following the alternative side of the route. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and high peaks. Overnight: Phahi Phari Camp Day 13 – Phahi Phari → Huru → Hoper → Hunza Continue descending toward Huru and Hoper Valley. Meet the vehicle and drive back toward Hunza. Overnight: Hunza Day 14 – Hunza → Chilas Begin the return journey along the Karakoram Highway toward Chilas. Enjoy the mountain scenery and make photo stops along the route. Overnight: Chilas Day 15 – Chilas → Islamabad Early morning departure from Chilas and drive toward Islamabad. Arrival in Islamabad and transfer to Islamabad International Airport for onward travel. End of Tour