Hunza, Shimshal and the Rush Lake Trek

About This Trip

North of the regional capital and former Silk Road trading post of Gilgit, the famously scenic Hunza Valley provides access to some of the highlights of Northern Pakistan’s Karakoram Mountains. Here, the intrepid traveller will discover historic towns and isolated villages, welcoming people, ancient forts, the newly-formed Attabad Lake, as well as a wealth of breath-taking scenery including some of the world’s biggest glaciers and mightiest snow-capped peaks. This fantastic new adventure holiday allows you to experience all of this without having to undertake a particularly long or sustained expedition-style trek. Starting out in Karimabad, we visit the old Baltit Fort and have breakfast at the renowned Eagle’s Nest Hotel with its superb overview of the Hunza Valley, overshadowed by Rakaposhi (7788m). We then take a beautiful ferry ride along the length of the recently created Attabad Lake and, from Passu, drive up to the traditional Wakhi village of Shimshal, one of the highest and most remote communities in the Hunza area. Day-hikes from Passu and Shimshal provide us with more exceptional mountain views and help with our fitness and acclimatisation before we embark on the week-long trek from Hopar to the rarely-visited Rush Lake (4694m), perched on a high ridge between the Hispar Valley and the Barpu Glacier. This stunning lake is one of the highest alpine lakes in the word. From a viewpoint above the lake, the sensational panorama includes every one of the Hunza peaks, the Hispar La, Snow Lake and the giants of the Central Karakoram including K2 (8611m), Broad Peak and the Gasherbrums. For an unforgettable taste Northern Pakistan’s mountains and warm hospitality, without the challenges of a lengthy and committing expedition-style trek, come and join the Karakoram Experience. You will be met by a representative of snowland and will be transferred to the Designated Hotel.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

What's Included