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Overview
The Rakaposhi Base Camp and Rush Lake Trek is one of the most scenic and rewarding trekking adventures in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, combining dramatic mountain views, alpine meadows, glaciers, and one of the highest alpine lakes in the world. This trek offers an ideal blend of moderate challenge, natural beauty, and cultural experience, making it a favorite among trekkers who want a high-altitude experience without extreme technical difficulty.
The journey takes you to the foot of Rakaposhi (7,788 m) — the 27th highest mountain on Earth — and onward to Rush Lake (4,694 m), the highest lake in Pakistan and among the highest in the world.
Trip Facts
Duration: 12 Days
Starting Point: Islamabad
Ending Point: Islamabad
Max Altitude: 4,694 m (Rush Lake), optional Rush Peak summit ~5,100 m
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Season: June – September
Highlights
Rakaposhi Base Camp trek
Rush Lake, Pakistan’s highest alpine lake
Hopper / Bericho Core Camp
Hunza Valley sightseeing (Baltit & Altit Forts,
Optional Rush Peak summit
Stunning Karakoram views and photography opportunities
Itinerary
Day 1 – Islamabad to Gilgit
Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit (or drive via Karakoram Highway)
Arrival, hotel check-in, evening briefing, and rest
Altitude: 1,500 m
Accommodation: Hotel in Gilgit
Day 2 – Gilgit to Minapin Village (Rakaposhi Trek Start)
Drive to Minapin Village, gateway to Rakaposhi Base Camp
Short trek to Hapakun Meadows
Overnight camping at base
Trek Time: 3–4 hours
Altitude: 2,800 m
Accommodation: Camp
Day 3 – Minapin to Rakaposhi Base Camp
Trek through alpine meadows, streams, and glacial valleys
Reach Rakaposhi Base Camp with panoramic views of Rakaposhi & Diran Peak
Sunset photography and camp setup
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 3,600 m
Accommodation: Camp
Day 4 – Rakaposhi Base Camp
Explore glaciers, photograph the surroundings, and rest
Overnight at Rakaposhi Base Camp
Altitude: Base Camp 3,600 m / Summit option higher
Accommodation: Camp
Day 5 – Rakaposhi Base Camp to Minapin / Descent
Trek back to Minapin Village
Overnight camping or stay in local guesthouse
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 2,800 m
Accommodation: Camp / Guesthouse
Day 6 – Minapin to Hunza Valley
Drive to Hunza Valley
Afternoon visit to Baltit Fort & Altit Fort
Photography at Eagle’s Nest viewpoint
Overnight in Hunza
Altitude: 2,400 m
Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse in Hunza
Day 7 – Hunza Sightseeing
Visit Baltit /Altit Fort
Duiker view point
Overnight in Hunza
Altitude: 2,400 m
Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouse
Day 8 – Hunza to Hopper valley
Drive to Hopper by jeep 1-2 hours
Overnight hotel
Altitude: 3,300m
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 – Hopper valley-Bericho/Core
Trek through Bericho Core
Panoramic views of Rakaposhi, Spantik, Ultar Sar, Malubiting
Overnight camp
Trek Time: 5–6 hours
Altitude: 3,700
Accommodation: Camping
Day 10 – Bericho/Core- Rush lake
Early-morning trek through Rush lake
Overnight camp near the lake
Trek Time: 6–7 hours
Altitude: 4,694 m (lake)
Accommodation: Camping
Day 11 – Rush Lake to Rush Peak
Early-morning trek through Rush Peak
Trek back to Rush Lake same day, Rest Day near Lake
Trek Time: 3–4hours
Altitude:5100m
Accommodation: Camping
Day 12 – Rush Lake-Berichow Core
Trek back to Berichow Core
Overnight Camping
Day 13- Berichow Core-Hopper Valley
Trek through to hopper valley valley
Overnight Hotel
Day 14-Hopper-Upper Hunza
Drive to Upper Hunza
Visit old house Gulmit, Hussaini Bridge, Passu Cones & Borit Lake
Overnight Home stay
Day 15-Upper Hunza -Gilgit
we will move to the city of Gilgit, where the plan is to take a flight the following morning. Note: If the weather is forecasted to be poor over the next few days, we may start driving the Karakoram Highway back to Islamabad on this day if it becomes clear a flight won’t be possible.
Day 16-Islamabad
Team member departure day.
Today our adventure comes to an end!
Check out of the hotel is around noon on this day.
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