Looking to experience the Karakoram Mountains without extreme high-altitude trekking? The Karakoram Highway & Rush Lake Trek is the perfect entry-level Himalayan adventure. This 17-day guided tour combines scenic drives along the legendary Karakoram Highway with a moderately challenging trek to Rush Lake—one of the highest alpine lakes in the world.
The journey begins in Islamabad, weaving through the remote valleys of Kohistan and Chilas before arriving in Hunza Valley, a paradise surrounded by towering peaks like Rakaposhi (7,788m). From the charming town of Karimabad, you’ll trek through Hoper, cross the dramatic Barpu and Bualtar glaciers, and pass through terraced fields, alpine pastures, and glacier valleys.
The highlight of this trek is the breathtaking Rush Lake (4,694m), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Karakoram giants including Golden Peak, Ultar, Miar, and Momhil Sar. With time to acclimate and explore, the trail offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure.
Designed for first-time trekkers, this route is considered green and moderate, offering unforgettable experiences without the need for advanced mountaineering skills. You’ll also enjoy cultural encounters in Karimabad, Duiker, and Gilgit, visiting historic forts, local bazaars, and iconic viewpoints.
Whether you’re seeking mountain solitude or a rich cultural tapestry, this trek delivers an unmatched experience in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Hunza
Trekking
Summer
Professional
Normal
Flight to Pakistan – Islamabad
Arrival at Islamabad International airport meet and great and transfer to hotel, after sightseeing twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh view point, supper market and Raja Bazaar, Overnight at hotel
Early Breast at Hotel and drive to Chilas 12-14hrs, journey on Karakorumhighway8th wonder of the world along the mighty Indus river through the remote valleys of Kohistan on arrival at Chilas transfer to Hotel for Dinner and overnight.
Breakfast at hotel and drive to Karimabad en route stop at Thalci to see the three beautiful mountains Nanga Parbat (8125M), Haramosh (7409M) and Rakaposhi (7788M), latter proceed to Gilgit and continue driving to Hunza and stop at Rakaposhi view point to see the majestic view of Rakaposhi 7788M latter proceed to Karimabad on arrival at Karimabad transfer to hotel for overnight
Early Breakfast and drive to Hoper and Trek to Baricho Core (11Km 5-7hrs) crossing Bualtar and Barpu glaciers with beautiful view of Diran and Bualtar Peaks continue trek via Barpu ablution valley on arrival at Baricho Core trasfe to Camp for dinner and overnight.
Trek to Chidin Harai 4/5hrs) (5 Km and 1100 accent ) with magnificent view of Mair, Barpu & sumair bar Glaciers also Mulobiating Peak Miar Peak(, Golden Peak(7028M), Ulter Peak(7388M), Phumari chhish (7492M) and Trevor peak(7728M) and Momhil Sar (7340M) enjoy sunset and sun rise overnight stay at Camp
Morning short trek to Rushphari 2/3hrs after lunch trek to Rush Peak to see the panoramic view of mountains and glacier and back Rush lake overnight at Camp
Trek back to Phai phari 4/5hrs decent (1200M) overnight at Camp
Day free at Phai Phari
Today we will trek to Hamder (5/6hrs) over sumair Bar and Mair glacier with magjestic view Mair Peak, Golden Peak and phupharish group on arrival at Hamder transfer to camp overnight at Camp.
Trek to Hoper (5/6hrs) after lunch at Hope drive to Karimabad on arrival at Karimabad transfer to hotel.
Full day excursion to Ulter Meadows
Morning visit Baltit Fort, Altit village after noon drive to Duiker to see the panoramic view of five mountains over 7000M, Rakaposhi 7788M, Diran 7265M, Ulter 7388M, Golden Peak (7026) Mulobiating 7458M, enjoy sun set at mountain, dinner and overnight at Eagle Nest Hotel.
Morning see sun rise , breakfast and drive to Gilgit 2/4hrs afternoon visit Gilgit bazaar and old suspension bridge, overnight at hotel
Morning drive to Besham en route stop at Junction point of the three mighty mountains range the Karakorum, The Himalayas and Hindukush
Drive to Besham en route visit ancient city of Taxila including Taxila Museum best collection of Ghandhara art, Julian Buddhist Monastery from (2nd Century Ad to 5th century AD) Sirkap city ruin from 2nd century BC to 2nd century AD), later proceed to Islamabad on arrival at Islamabad transfer to hotel for Dinner and overnight
Early Transfer to Islamabad airport for flight.
