Rush Peak & The Hunza Valley

Altitude 5,098m/16,725ft » Duration 16 Days » Grade T2

The best short trek in the Karakoram, with an ascent of Rush Peak

Malubiting (7,458m) reflected in Rush Lake (www2), 61 kb

Malubiting (7,458m) reflected in Rush Lake Photo: © David Hamilton

Introduction

October 2008: Please note that we have suspended our expeditions and treks to the Pakistan Karakoram for 2009, as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise not to travel parts of the Karakoram Highway, essential to the running of these trips. We are offering the Silk Route to K2 as an alternative to this trek.

This two-week itinerary enables adventurous trekkers to experience some of the best mountain scenery in Pakistan's dramatic Karakoram Range. Jagged Globe leader, David Hamilton, did a reconnaissance of the trek in September 2007 (read report), prior to leading our first trip in September 2008.

The trip starts with a road journey from the lowlands of the Punjab along the famous Karakoram Highway following the Indus River into the high mountains. The valleys of Hunza are renowned for their friendly people and breathtaking landscape. Snow covered peaks and precipitous rock spires rise above the irrigation channels and fertile terraced fields.

Our trekking route starts from the small farming settlement of Hopar, passes through flower filled meadows in ablation valleys and involves five glacier crossings as it circumnavigates the Barpu Glacier. The first part of the trek visits the Base Camp of Golden Peak (Spantik), located directly below its stunning 'golden pillar'. The second part of the trek ascends the straightforward non-technical Rush Peak (5,098m), which rises above Rush Phari Lake on a ridge separating the Hispar and Barpu glaciers. This 5,098m viewpoint offers one of best mountain panoramas in the Karakoram. Hunza's high peaks, including Rakaposhi, Diran and Ultar, are visible close by. Baintha Brak (The Ogre) and the Hispar La are visible in the middle distance. On clear days the Baltoro 8,000m peaks (K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum) can just be seen far to the east. This is a fabulous trekking journey that shows you the best of the Karakoram... read more

Experience Required

This is a fairly demanding trek that packs a lot of ascent and descent into a relatively short period. Some guidebooks describe the trek along the side of the Barpu Glacier as 'relatively easy' and an 'ideal introduction to trekking in the karakoram'... read more
This trek is graded T2... read more about grades
Our Introductory Long Weekend in Scotland would provide good preparation for this trek.

Team Composition

The Jagged Globe trek leader will be supported by a team of experienced local staff including guide, porter sirdar, cooks and kitchen assistants.... read more about leaders
There are 14 places available on the expedition.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Islamabad. Direct non stop flight from London / Manchester / Birmingham / Glasgow (7-8hrs)...read more

Pre-Trip Meeting

Prior to all our treks, we host a Pre-Trip Weekend in North Wales... read more

Equipment

To join the Rush Peak and The Hunza Valley trek you need the following specialist equipment... read more
We have a comprehensive Equipment Hire Service