Rush Phari | Karakorum Range, Pakistan, 2008

Distance:   22.4 miles (36 km)

Average Time:   3 days

Start / Finish:

• Hoper

• A daily minibus runs to Hoper from Aliabad, situated just down the hill from Karimabad. The latter village is a fantastic place to base yourself whilst doing multiple hikes in the Hunza Valley.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Season:  June – September

Maps / Info:

• Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Karakorum  & Hindukush contains trekking notes and a basic sketch map. All you need for navigation purposes.

• Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research: 1:250,000 India-Karakoram Topographic map, provides a good general overview of the region. Helpful for pre-trip planning, but the lack of contour lines makes its usefulness for hiking purposes negligible. As with all topo maps for Pakistan, your best bet is to buy or download it before you arrive.

• A good source of general information for the area is the Lonely Planet Guide Pakistan & the Karakorum Highway .

• Bring all supplies from Karimabad or Aliabad.

Route / Conditions:

• No reliable water sources until you reach Bericho Kor. Water here should be treated.

• Long waterless climb from Bericho Kor up to Chidin Harai. Just after attaining the ridge, there are a couple of places where you can pitch your tent. The views from here are jaw-dropping.

• The side trip up to Rush peak is a must. Magic views.

Sleeping:

• No huts. Bring a tent.

• Excellent camping at Bericho Kor.

• Accommodation is available in the village of Hoper.

Overview:

• Due to the rapid gain in elevation, make sure you are acclimatised before doing the Rush Phari trek.

• One of the most spectacular short treks I have ever done. Stunning scenery from start to finish.