We climb over 5000 m in Pakistan!
Autumn is the most beautiful time to visit the Hunza region in the Karakoram Mountains of northern Pakistan. The Rush Lake trek is one of the most scenic in the region.
The journey begins in the capital Islamabad, we drive over the Karakorum Highway, enjoying views of peaks such as Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi along the way, and visit the historic Karimabad. The seven-day trek offers a diverse landscape – we start in the autumn-colored Nagar Valley, cross as many as three glaciers, enjoy beautiful views by a mountain lake and climb to the snowy Rush peak (5068 m).
The hike is technically undemanding, suitable for beginner mountaineering enthusiasts or people who have been to the Alps before, for example, but have not yet reached 5000 meters.
Overview
Goal: 7-day mountain hike in Pakistan, Rush Peak (5068 m)
Dates: 16.10-27.10.2024
Activity: mountain hiking and climbing on snow and glaciers
Adventure guide: Marie Saame
Technical difficulty level: 1/5 (suitable for beginners)
Physical difficulty: 3/5 (moderate)
Group size: min 7, max 12
Early registration (until 31.05.2024) — €1790
Registration from 01.06.2024 — €1969
Please note: For community members discount -5% applies (1700/1870 €)
👉 SEE EQUIPMENT LIST HERE 👈
Travel cost
Price includes
Travel arrangements and on-site guidance
With Pakistani expedition experience Elamus+ vedur
All overnight stays (hotels and campsites, in the mountains we stay in our own tents)
All permits required for hiking
Documents required for visa application
Local transportation - domestic flight (allowed checked baggage weight 20 kg!), jeeps, buses
Welcome dinner in Islamabad, all meals during the trip (hot breakfast and dinner, snacks for lunch), breakfasts in hotels
A cook and local guide on the hike, porters to carry shared equipment and the camping kitchen, porters also carry our tents and some of the hikers' personal equipment (maximum 10 kg per person).
Stylish Elamus+ designed sports shirt
Group pharmacy (including high-altitude medications)
Price does not include
Flight tickets Tallinn-Islamabad-Tallinn (~800 €)
Pakistan Visa - Tourist e-Visa costs 35 USD and can be applied for on the website https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/
Insurance (travel insurance and MANDATORY sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking)
Personal hiking equipment (can also be rented) from us)
Drinks and snacks on the bus trip. NB! Since Pakistan is an Islamic country, it is not possible to buy alcohol on the trip.
Lunches and dinners on city days (except welcome dinner)
Tents - you must have your own, but if possible we will share tent sites among the group
Unscheduled excursions, transportation, etc.
Telephone and internet - a local SIM card costs from 6 EUR. Since there are different communication operators in Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan, it is advisable to get a SIM card in Hunza to ensure that you have access to the internet for a longer period of time during your trip.
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, a deposit (20%) must be paid within 3 business days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by email; if there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule and activities
Day 1 - Arrival in Pakistan!
We arrive in Islamabad, where we are taken to the hotel. Early arrivals have the opportunity to see the city (Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa Ethnographic Museum, Saidpur village, etc.). Welcome dinner in a restaurant, overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 - Journey to the mountains
In the morning we fly to Gilgit, from there a 3-hour bus journey to the historic Karimabad. As flights in the Karakoram region are very weather dependent, we must be prepared for flight cancellations. Alternatively, we drive by minibus along the scenic Karakoram Highway, stopping at scenic spots and enjoying views of the snow-capped peaks. The bus journey takes us over a 4000-meter high pass, so it helps to acclimatize for the hike.
Day 3 - KARIMABAD (HUNZA)
Rest day in Karimabad. On this day we will make final preparations for the hike, replenish equipment if necessary, or explore the sights (Baltit and Altit forts, handicraft market, etc.). If we arrive by land, we will start the bus ride from Chilas early in the morning and arrive in Karimabad late in the afternoon. We will spend the night in a guesthouse or campsite.
Day 4 - THE HIKING BEGINS
We drive 1,5 hours by jeep to Hopar village, where we meet the porters, pack our equipment and start the hike. From here we will spend the night in tents. On the 5-hour journey from Hopar (2790 m) to Bericho Kor (3330 m), we cross the Hopar and Barpu glaciers and stay overnight in the middle of greenery next to shepherd huts.
Day 5 - We collect ascent meters
We hike from Bericho Kor (3330 m) to Chidin Harai (4440 m). We have to be prepared for more meters of elevation gain on this day, but we will take as many rest breaks as necessary, there is no rush. At a leisurely pace, we should reach the camp in five hours. Depending on how we feel, we can also stay overnight at the Gutanz camp, located 300 meters below.
Day 6 - Rush Lake
We hike for 2-3 hours to Rush Lake (4694 m). Since there is only 250 meters of elevation gain (550 from Gutanz), this day is a good time to rest and acclimatize from the previous day's effort. From the lake, views of the surrounding snowy peaks such as Spantik (7027 m), Diran (7257 m) and Miar peak (6824 m) open up. Spantik, or Golden Peak, is a popular destination among mountaineers. In clear weather, the “Giants of the Karakoram” - K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum 2 - can also be seen.
Day 7 - Rush Peak Ascent (5068 m)
In the morning we start the climb towards the peak of Rush. The 400-meter climb is planned to take 2-3 hours, but we start early to be at the top in the morning clear weather and enjoy the best views. The adventurous have the opportunity to discover an even higher trail to Rush's unnamed neighboring peak (only if the conditions are suitable and it does not require special equipment). We spend the night again by Rush Lake.
Day 8 - Backup Day
The morning is intended as a backup if we were unable to reach the summit the previous day (due to weather, for example). No later than in the afternoon we will start descending to Phariphari (3450 m), which is located on the other side of the Barpu glacier. On a long descent, it is important to have high-quality hiking poles with you, which will reduce the strain on your knees. We will reach the camp in 4-5 hours.
DAY 9 - We head down
We hike to Hamdar (3300 m), crossing the Miari glacier on the way. The journey takes 3-4 hours.
Day 10 - DESCENT TO HOPAR VILLAGE
In the morning we hike back to Hopari village, where jeeps are waiting to take us to Gilgit. If we arrive early enough, we can still see the town and celebrate the arrival of civilization with a local dinner. We spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse.
Day 11 - Back to Islamabad
We will travel by minibus back to Islamabad across the Karakoram Highway, taking at least one meal break and stopping to enjoy the views along the way. We will arrive at the hotel at night.
Day 12 - Back home
Goodbye and go home!
NB! There may be minor changes to the schedule and planned activities - for example, due to weather and conditions or passenger requests.
From Pakistan
Capital: Islamabad
Currency: Rupee (PKR)
Traffic: left
National language: Urdu and English
Population: 241.49 million
Area: 803 sq km
Neighbors: Afghanistan, China, Iran, India
Pakistan, a country with a diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage, offers tourists a captivating blend of natural beauty and history. The country is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, green valleys, and vibrant cities, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural experiences.
One of Pakistan's most distinctive features is its mountainous northern region, home to some of the world's highest peaks, including the iconic K2. The Karakoram and Himalayan ranges offer breathtaking scenery, with snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes and verdant grasslands, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The Swat Valley and Hunza Valley are particularly charming, offering an escape from civilization amidst untouched landscapes.
Apart from its mountainous beauty, Pakistan also boasts diverse ecosystems, from the deserts of Balochistan to northern Punjab. The country is home to a diverse fauna, including the mysterious snow duck, the marmot (the national animal), and numerous bird species, making it a destination for ecotourism and nature lovers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Pakistan is also rich in historical and cultural heritage. The region's historical importance, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, is reflected in ancient archaeological sites such as Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila. The country's Islamic architectural heritage is showcased by the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore and the Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta.
Pakistani cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, offer a vibrant mix of modernity and tradition. From bustling markets and colorful festivals to contemporary art galleries and delicious street food, the city centers offer a diverse and vibrant cultural experience.
Although Pakistan has faced challenges in the past, the government's efforts to promote tourism have opened up new opportunities for visitors to discover the country's hidden treasures. Pakistan's warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique and authentic travel experience.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
pass - must be valid for at least 6 months after entry into the country;
visit - a tourist e-visa costs 35 USD and can be applied for on the website https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/;
sports insurance suitable for mountain hiking (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participating in the mountain hike;
travel insurance.
Read also travel conditions.
FAQ
I've never been this high before. Can I still do it?
Yes, you can. Previous mountain hiking experience is useful, but there is no reason to be afraid even if your previous altitude record is Suur Munamägi. We will gain altitude gradually and, in the worst case scenario, if altitude sickness really starts to bother us, we are equipped with the necessary high-altitude medications. The routes are of moderate length and allow us to make enough stops to rest and enjoy nature.
What should I do if I don't have any hiking gear?
Hiking and climbing equipment can be rented at a very reasonable price, and you can also borrow some from friends. In addition, you can use any kind of existing clothing - for example, a ski jacket is perfectly suitable for the mountain. The more resourceful can manage with almost no additional expenses.
Will I survive?
The most important thing for the group leader is to ensure the safety of the participants - for this we learn and use correct mountain hiking techniques. It is always possible to make small changes to the plan based on the weather or the participants' feelings. The most important thing is to still get an enjoyable experience from the hike.
What happens after registration?
It is always useful to participate in preparatory events for a trip. We organize preparatory hiking trainings, give advice on suitable insurance and equipment, where to rent cheap equipment, what to train for, etc. We will definitely review the collected equipment just before the start of the trip and send reminders about important things.
Read more also frequently asked questions or ask the adventure locomotive for more information.
Contact
Adventure guide
Marie Saame
Phone: + 372 56654374
Email: marie@elamuspluss.ee