Lake or water
Rush Lake
Nagar district · 4,694 m
At 4,694 m, Rush Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes on earth, set under the Spantik massif.
Rush Lake lies in a basin high above Hopper, where the grass gives way to moraine and snow. It sits at 4,694 m. There are few lakes at that height anywhere in the world, and almost none you can reach in a few days of walking from a village.
Kind Lake or waterDistrict NagarElevation 4,694 mPosition 36.173° N, 74.883° E
About Rush Lake
The route in the book runs from Hopper by way of Taga Phari, Barpugram and Bericho Kor to the lake, and then on to the Rush Phari area and a viewpoint for K2, before coming down by Gutens and Huru. It is rated moderate, covers about 26 km one way, and takes four to five days. The highest point on the route is given as 5,000 m. A K2 viewpoint on a moderate trek is a real treat for adventure lovers.
The trail begins by crossing the Hopper glacier, so you set out with a local guide from the first morning and enjoy the ice with someone who knows it well.
What the lake offers is the setting: Spantik above, the Hisper glacier basin to the east, and some of the quietest high ground in Nagar. Not to be missed if you love big, calm landscapes.
Elsewhere in Nagar
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
Summit · 7,788 m
Rakaposhi
At 7,788 m, Rakaposhi rises nearly six vertical kilometres straight off the highway, one of the steepest rises from valley floor to summit in the Karakoram, and you can enjoy it from your window.
Base camp · 3,500 m
Rakaposhi BC
A green meadow at Tagaphari, 3,500 m above Minapin, two walking days from the road and directly under Rakaposhi and Diran.
Town or village · 2,000 m
Minapin
The roadhead for Rakaposhi: the trek begins at the end of the village lane, and the mountain is above the roofs.
Town or village · 2,700 m
Nagar Khas
The old Nagar capital, facing Karimabad across the Hunza gorge, with a proud history shared with its neighbour.
Glacier · 2,800 m
Hopper Glacier
A black ice tongue below the village bowl at Hopper, and the start of the walk to Rush Lake.
Town or village · 2,300 m
Bagrote
Seven villages under the Diran icefall, an hour off the highway and a quiet side trip away from the usual circuit.
- 3,200 m
Town or village
Hispar
The last village on the Hispar side: the fields stop and the glacier begins.
Pass · 5,151 m
Hispar La
At 5,151 m, the pass that links the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, the high point of one of the great glacier journeys in the Karakoram.