Rush Lake | A Difficult But Must Visit Destination in Gilgit-Baltistan

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Rush Lake

Rush is a wonderful high-altitude lake in Gilgit-Baltistan. It lies near Rush Pari Peak, which is 5,098 metres (16,726 feet) above sea level. Rush lake is the 25th highest in the world, at a height of 4,694 metres (15,400 feet). It is about 15 kilometres (9 miles) North of Nagar valley, between Miar Peak and Spantik (Golden Peak). The Hoper Glacier (Bualtar Glacier) in Nagar valley leads to Rush lake and Rush Peak, while the Miar Glacier and Phuparash Peak are also on the way.

Trek To Rush Lake

The trek to the lake is difficult and dangerous, with continuous ascending and descending while climbing up. It is not for everyone’s cup of tea to get there. Only a few determined, enthusiastic and daring trekkers can do it. Tourists can see Spantik Peak, Malubiting Peak, Miar Peak, Phuparash Peak and Ultarsar Peak at the same time.

The journey to Rush lake begins in Hoper village in the Nagar valley. It takes about an hour to travel from Aliabad to Hoper village. Tourists can access some excellent lodging options while travelling there. They can easily hire porters from Hoper village, who can transport luggage (weighing up to 20 kg) to the lake. A guide is also required for a safe and convenient journey.

There are eleven camp-sites along the trek to Rush lake, each of which is 1.5 to 2 hours of trekking away. The fares are set by the Porters themselves. They earn money as their camp-to-camp trekking fare.

Other Treks

The following are the treks to Rush lake.

• 2 kilometres from Hoper to Shishkin
• 3.5 to 4 kilometres from Shishkin to Barpu Giram
• 5 to 5.5 kilometres from Barpu Giram to Baricho Kor
• 5 kilometres from Baricho Kor to Chadan Harar
• 2 kilometres from Chadan Harar to Rush Lake</em>
• 3.5 to 4 kilometres from Rush Lake to Phai Peri
• 2 kilometres from Phai Peri to Miar
• 2.5 to 3 kilometres from Miar to Hamdar

1.5 km from Hamdar to Hupakun2.5 to 3 kilometres from Hupakunto Hoper</li> </ul>Rush lake serves as a hub for Markhor or Trophy hunters. It is a quite costly activity, and mainly foreigners can afford it. Trophy hunting requires a hunting licence, which is issued by the relevant authorities.

Accessibility

Because the surrounding mountains peaks remain snow-capped even in the summer, the lake remains frozen during the winters. Only a few tourists are able to reach this piece of heaven on Earth during the winters. The harsh weather, difficult treks and shingle roads make getting there nearly impossible. A five day itinerary is enough to reach the Rush Pari Peak basecamp. Though the journey is difficult, some spots are breathtakingly beautiful. The tourists are enticed by the mesmerising scenery on such an height. This feeling cannot be described in words but can only be felt by heart.

Keynotes

• Tourists must bring plenty of water bottles and tin food. Because cooking is uncertain and unsafe in extreme weather. Tin-pack food is the better option along with a gas stove and a small cylinder.
• Woollen clothing such as jacket, muffler, hat, pullover, gloves, socks and so on are essential.
• Carry a pair of hiking shoes, an extra pair of sleepers, an emergency light and other camping necessities.
• Tourists must bring all necessary toiletries and medicines.

Pir Chinasi Muzaffarabad | Enjoy Snowfall in the Summer is the previous article of Fehmeeda Farid Khan