Rush Lake is a high altitude lake located in Nagar Valley , Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan near Rush Pari Peak, 5,098 m (16,726 ft). At 4,694 meters, Rush is one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. It is located about 15 km (9 mi) north of Miar Peak and Spantik(Golden Peak), which are in the Nagar valley. Rush Lake and Rush Peak can be reached via Nagar and Hopar and via the Hopar Glacier (Bualtar Glacier) and Miar Glacier, which rises from Miar and Phuparash peaks. The trek to Rush Lake provides spectacular views of Spantik, Malubiting, Miar Peak, Phuparash Peak and Ultar Sar.
Rush Lake is 4694 meters, looking towards Malubiting Peak, left, and Miar Peak glacier. While the distinction of being the Highest Lake in Pakistan had always charmed me from achievement pov, I had heard about the beauty of this place too. But I could never actually put this plan into reality as it required 8-9 days for a round trip ( a sad reality for mountain enthusiasts living in Lahore/south Pakistan).
But a sacrifice never goes wasted. Believe me this place, not this place rather this whole trip from Hopar to lake and back will overwhelm you. Considering you’ve been on KKH before.
The aura of being surrounded by 7000m peaks, the feeling of actually seeing all those BIG MOUNTAINS that you read about in textbooks, fear/adrenaline induced when crossing the fastest moving glacier of Pakistan, dehydration and fatigue caused by continuous trekking in a dry, hot and barren land, and chilly cold nights in one of the most silent and serene neighbourhoods. This all mixed will surely leave a mark on your mind.
The trek to this lake starts from Hoper village in Nagar.
Day 1: You have to cross two glaciers (Hoper and Bhurpu) on your way up and camp at Barichokor. It takes 8-10 hours.
Day 2: From there, there is a very very steep climb of 5-6 hours and then you walk another hour or so to a campsite Chedan Haraye. Either you stay there or go directly to the lake which is another 1.5-2 hours away.
Day 3: From the lake you go down even steeper and longer track and camp at Phai Pheri. Will take 5-6 hours.
Day 4: Then you cross two more glaciers (Bhurpu and Miar) to reach Hamdar. Around 7 hours. You can camp here or go back to Hoper crossing another glacier(Hoper) . Which will take another 3 hours.
You can return from the same way you came from also ;however, taking the loop leads you to beautiful meadows and Miar Glacier which is not to be missed.
The days written together like 2/3 and 5/6 can be done in one day. Total days can be 4-6.
Trek start from Hopper Village and you descend to Hopper Glacier on day one, your 1st day will be an easy day and slight hike and descending will be come across. After 7-8 Hours you will arrive on Bedchikhor your first Campsite
7-8 Hours Continuous Hike if you want to do lake on second day this day will be tough for starting level trekkers and you will camp alongside the Lake.
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You can summit Rush Peak after Rush lake and it will take 3 hours from lake moderate level hike we summitted Rush Peak and same day we descended to Pahi Phari and did camping alongside the water stream.
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On our 4th day we have decided to reach hopper Village it was and easy day because we were descending and Walking on straight trek, just in the end crossing of hopper Glacier and the Hike for Hopper Village is a little tough for starters
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And you can do this last day trek in 7 Hours Max. Keeping Rush lake in mind with an elevation of 4700 M and Rush Peak at 5100 M. Most of the trekkers plan and have been there in 2 days from Hopper Village. Hopper is at around 2500 M. From Hopper to Rush Lake one has to climb approx. 2000 M in two days and maximum of of that is on Day 2. So for I haven’t seen any blog mentioning of any acclimatization stages to reach to the height of 4700 M. Is it advisable, and isn’t it risky to gain 2000M in 2 days at these elevations, stay for the night and attempt 5100M peak next day. Check the temperature and season before visit this place.
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