By The Rush Lake trek was on our bucket list for a long time. In the summer of 2022 we had planned to do it as a group but the law and order situation in Gilgit at that time prevented us from doing so. In late September 2024, we planned a trekking visit to the Shimshal Valley in upper Hunza but again it did not materialize. I then decided to go for the Rush Lake trek with the winter approaching. The weather window allowed to do the trek between 30 September and 3 October. A friend who belongs to the region connected me with a local guide from Hopper, Nagar, Yawar Abbas (03179209509). I planned the trek with Yawar, and left for Gilgit by air on 30 September. We reached Hopper in the afternoon on the same day.
Rush Lake sits at 4,694 meters (15,400 feet) ASL. It is a snow and natural spring(s) fed alpine lake and is located at the base of the valley. There is an incline extending westwards from the Lake which has an abrupt drop. Rush Peak, a stony mound shaped configuration with a marker, is located on it at 5100 meters or about 16,700 feet. One can see numerous mountains of the central Karakoram region from Rush Peak, the Lake and while approaching it. These include Miar Peak, Spantik (Golden Peak), Puparash Peak and Ultar Sar. It is among the highest alpine lakes, and the highest in Pakistan. While approaching Rush Lake you go along Miar and Barpu glaciers. Trek Sketch refers. Route adopted is indicated. RL: Rush Lake; RP: Rush Peak.
We started from Hopper on the morning of 30 September and negotiated Hopper and Barpu glaciers. It takes fair amount of time and energy to negotiate these ‘moving’ glaciers with raised shoulders. You then trek along a route with an incline that runs along Barpu and Miar glaciers. We reached the first camp at Bericho Kor at about 3200 meters, in plus of five hours.
Miar and Barpu glaciers
Day two started with a tough climb over a near vertical mountain. We zigzagged our way to its Top. It took another two hours to reach the next camp, Chidin Hara, at 4300 meters or 14000 feet. The camp site is in the open. Lower oxygen level at raised height caused me to take frequent breaks. You then cross a raised gully to enter the valley housing the Lake. It looked serene and very still sitting at the bottom of the Valley with snowy peaks its towards north and east, and west in the far distance.
Rush Lake as seen from Rush Peak
We trekked along the gradually rising western edge of the ridge to reach Rush Peak by the late afternoon. It is surrounded by a rocky surface and most of the mountains alluded to earlier sit towards its north and northeast. After orientation and photography, we descended towards the Lake. Cold wind picked up and the temperature dropped abruptly near sunset. On reaching the camp we took refuge in our tents and sipped a hot cup of soup. The tents were pitched within stone enclosures built to check the wind.
Rush Lake with snow capped peaks in the background
On day three we followed the same route back. Descend along the steep mountain between the two camp sites was exacting to say the least. After a break in the first camp we resumed our return journey to reach Hopper as it grew dark. There is another return route, I was told, which entails crossing of Miar Barpu glaciers and it takes another two days. The weather window did not permit going for that option. Rush Lake trek and Hopper seem popular with foreigners. We met some on the way back and also in Hopper.
How do I sum up? It is a challenging trek with a higher degree of difficulty, commensurate with the fitness level. The trek occurs in a unique environment where you negotiate glaciers, go along a regulation route, do climbs and treks at a higher altitude. For people coming from plains, it is recommended to adapt as you go along to avoid high altitude sickness. Hire an experienced guide and a local expert (could be the guide) for the logistic support.
Stone made enclosures for camping at the Lake
Lastly, I was appalled to see the trash strewn along the pristine water channels and glaciers. Do not trash on any outdoor environment. Do not take non-biodegradable waste along and whatever is taken must be burnt or brought back. Concluding on a positive note, the aesthetics and challenges associated will be cherished.