🗻 Phuparash Peak
Overview
Phuparash Peak is a magnificent mountain located in the remote and beautiful Hispar Valley in the Gilgit District of Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan. Towering at an impressive height of approximately 6,574 meters (21,568 feet), it stands east of the majestic Miar Peak, which rises to 6,824 meters.
Though lesser-known compared to other peaks in the region, Phuparash Peak captivates all who catch a glimpse of it during their adventures in the Nagar and Hispar region. Its snow-covered summit glows under the golden sun, offering a picturesque view to trekkers and climbers alike.
❄️ Glaciers and Surroundings
Phuparash Peak lies in a glacial wonderland. It is surrounded by the Phuparash Glacier and Miar Glacier, both of which contribute to the dramatic icy landscape of the valley. These glaciers are important tributaries to the larger Hispar Glacier, which ultimately connects to the immense Biafo Glacier—together forming one of the longest glacier systems outside the polar regions.
The area is rich in natural beauty, offering not just thrilling adventure for mountaineers but also tranquil serenity for nature lovers.
🥾 View from Rush Lake Trek
One of the most beautiful aspects of Phuparash Peak is that it becomes visible from the famous Rush Lake trek. Trekkers ascending to Rush Lake (4,694 m)—one of the highest alpine lakes in the world—are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, where Phuparash Peak stands proudly among other snow-draped giants of the Karakoram.
From this viewpoint, the peak looks majestic and untouched, offering an unforgettable visual reward for those who make the journey.
🧭 Location and Access
→ 📍 Region: Hispar Valley, Gilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
→ 🧭 Coordinates: Approx. 36.15°N, 75.2°E
→ 🏞 Nearest Access Point: Nagar Valley via Hunza, then towards Hispar village
Getting to Phuparash Peak typically involves multi-day treks through the Hispar region or as a visual treat during the Rush Lake trek. Although not frequently climbed due to its remote location and technical challenges, it remains a dream peak for seasoned climbers looking for an off-the-beaten-path expedition.
🌄 Why Visit Phuparash Peak?
→ 💎 Untouched natural beauty
→ 🏔 Surreal views of glaciers and Karakoram peaks
→ 🌌 Ideal for photography, trekking, and high-altitude adventure
→ 🧭 Remote, peaceful, and far from commercial tourism
📝 Conclusion
Phuparash Peak is one of Gilgit-Baltistan’s hidden gems. With its stunning elevation, glacial surroundings, and unique presence on the trekking horizon of Rush Lake, it is a must-know destination for mountain lovers and adventurers. While it may not be as famous as other Karakoram peaks, its beauty is unmatched for those who take the time to witness it.
🌟 Trek Highlights
→ 🏔 Spectacular view of Phuparash Peak from Rush Lake ridge
→ ❄️ Encounter with Phuparash and Miar Glaciers
→ 🌌 High-altitude alpine lake – Rush Lake (4,694 m)
→ 🗻 Breathtaking views of surrounding peaks: Miar Peak, Ultar Sar, Spantik, Ladyfinger, Malubiting
→ 🌿 Lush green meadows and colorful alpine wildflowers
→ 🏕 Camping under starry skies in the Karakoram
→ 📸 A photographer’s dream with perfect golden-hour mountain views
→ 🌍 Experience authentic village life in Nagar Valley and Hopar village
→ 🧭 Trek suitable for beginner to moderate-level trekkers
🗓 Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hunza – Drive to Hopar Village (Nagar Valley)
→ Pickup from Gilgit or Hunza
Drive to Hopar via Karimabad and Nagar Valley
→ Explore the Hopar Glacier viewpoint
→ Overnight stay in local guesthouse or camp
🛏 Altitude: ~2,850m
Day 2: Trek Begins – Hopar to Barpu Giram
→ Cross the Hopar Glacier
→ Trek through scenic valley meadows
→ Reach Barpu Giram campsite
⛺ Trekking time: 4–6 hrs | Altitude: ~3,300m
Day 3: Barpu Giram to Chidin Harai
→ Gradual climb through alpine slopes
→ Fantastic views of Spantik and Miar Peaks
→ Camp at Chidin Harai, a beautiful open meadow
⛺ Trekking time: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: ~4,100m
Day 4: Trek to Rush Lake
→ Steep climb towards Rush Lake
→ Arrive by afternoon and explore the lake area
→ Enjoy magnificent views of Phuparash Peak to the southeast
⛺ Trekking time: 4 hrs | Altitude: ~4,694m
Day 5: Optional: Climb to Rush Pari / Viewpoint
→ Early morning climb to Rush Peak / Rush Pari (5,098m)
→ Panoramic views of Phuparash, Ultar, Spantik, Diran, Golden Peak
→ Descend back to Rush Lake for overnight
⛺ Trekking time: 2–3 hrs up and back
Day 6: Descend to Hopar
→ Trek back to Barpu Giram and down to Hopar village
→ Optional overnight stay in Hopar or drive to Hunza
🚗 Trekking time: 6–8 hrs
Day 7: Departure
→ Transfer to Gilgit or further travel to Hunza/Skardu
🧳 Trek Essentials:
→ 🧥 Warm clothes and layering
→ 🥾 Good trekking boots
→ 🕶 Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV at altitude is strong)
→ 💧 Water purification tablets
→ 🏕 Camping gear (if not using porters)
🌟 Trek Highlights
→ 🏔 Spectacular view of Phuparash Peak from Rush Lake ridge
→ ❄️ Encounter with Phuparash and Miar Glaciers
→ 🌌 High-altitude alpine lake – Rush Lake (4,694 m)
→ 🗻 Breathtaking views of surrounding peas: Miar Peak, Ultar Sar, Spantik, Ladyfinger, Malubiting
→🌿 Lush green meadows and colorful alpine wildflowers
→ 🏕 Camping under starry skies in the Karakoram
→ 📸 A photographer’s dream with perfect golden-hour mountain views
→ 🌍 Experience authentic village life in Nagar Valley and Hopar village
→ 🧭 Trek suitable for beginner to moderate-level trekkers
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:- Islamabad:
You will be greeted by the team of Hunza Adventure Tours at Islamabad International airport then transfer along with your luggage to a centrally located hotel in Islamabad. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Day 2:- Islamabad – Gilgit – Karimabad:
Early in the morning, we will drive to the airport to take the flight to Gilgit arrive in Gilgit then drive to Karimabad en route we will stop at the Rakaposhi view point then further drive to Karimabad arrival in Karimabad check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Karimabad Hunza Valley.
Day 3:- Karimabad – Hopper Valley – Shiskin:
It is a hot walk so keep your water bottles full. First, we will cross the Hoper glacier, then continue track along the lateral moraine for about an hour and arrive at Shiskin. Overnight Camping at Shiskin.
Day 4:- Shiskin – Barpu Giram:
Today we will climb a stony and hot gully to reach Barpu glacier, then in one hour we will cross the Barpu glacier, the crossing is again, bit steep. Overnight Camping at Barpu Giram.
Day 5:- Barpu Giram – Rush Lake:
Barpu Giram-Rash Lake It is an easy zigzag path; at the top of this path, we will have extensive views of Hispar Gorge to the high mountains like Lupghar, Momhil, Trivor and Bullarang. Overnight Camping at Rush Lake.
Day 06:- Rush Lake – Rush Peak:
Today after an early breakfast peak ascent start is required to get a good chance of clear skies and the best views of the more distant peaks. With favorable conditions, we should reach the top about 3-4 hours as the trail is easy for most of the way, ascending grass-covered slopes and passing along the shores of Rush lake (4,660m). The tough section is only the final 150m climb of the summit cone which needs to be climbed with care (5-7hrs round trip). Overnight Camping at Rush Lake.
Day 07:- Rush Lake:
Today will be the rest day at Rush lake to enjoy the sunrise and sunset view of the surrounding mountains. Overnight camping at Rush Lake.
Day 08:- Rush Lake – Datchugan:
Today the trek will be a descending one throughout, to more than 1200 meters. The trek offers superb views of Miar glacier and Rakaposhi (7788m) range. Overnight Datchugan.
Day 09:- Datchugan – Hamdar:
Datchugan-Hamdar After breakfast at camps we will start our trek, first, we will cross Miar glacier with magnificent views of Miar Peak (6824meter).Overnight camping at Hamdar.
Hamdar to Hapakun takes one hour, with views of Golden, Chukutans, Rash peaks. Arrive Hapakun, another fertile meadow-like Hamdar then trek to Hopper arrive in Hopper Valley then drive to Karimabad Hunza Valley. Overnight stay in Karimabad Hunza Valley.
Day 11:- Karimabad – Attabad lake – Gulmit Hunza Valley:
In the morning after breakfast then we will visit Baltit Fort Karimabad local bazaar, Altit Fort, Altit old village and after lunch then we will drive to Attabad Lake boating in Attabad Lake then further drive to Gulmit arrival in Gulmit check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley.
Day 12:- Gulmit – Borith Lake – Suspension Bridges:
This day is very interesting, as in the first nearly half an hour we will drive to Hussaini Village and we will visit Hussaini suspension bridges, then we will drive up to Upper Borith to the viewpoint of Passu white glacier then drive to Passu village after lunch we will have a village to experience the village life after completing the visit then we will drive back to Gulmit. Overnight Stay in Gulmit Upper Hunza Valley.
Day 13:- Excursion – Khunjerab Pass:
Full-day excursions to Khunjerab pass (The border between Pakistan and China). In the olden days, there were few highs passes leading from China that were suitable for travel. Today the Khunjerab Pass, which at an altitude of 4733 m the highest point in the world on the Karakorum highway, provides an easy all-weather entry from Pakistan to the famous Sinkiang province of the people‟s Republic of China. This route is a beautiful drive, with views of the high mountains of the Karakoram and the distant Pamir mountain ranges. At Khunjerab, now declared a national park, one can see Marcopolo Sheep, Snow leopard, Himalayan Ibexes. In the evening return back to the hotel.
Day 14:- Gupis – Gilgit:
In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Gilgit we will visit the Gilgit bazaar in order to familiarize ourselves with the customs of the Gilgit’s, a stop at the cooperative store, where Chinese goods are bought on the barter system will allow us to glance at Chinese treasure after the bazaars visit then we will check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Gilgit.
Day 15:- Gilgit – Islamabad:
In the morning after breakfast, we will take the flight to Islamabad arrival at Islamabad International Airport then drive to Islamabad en route we will visit Taxila Museum and in the afternoon we will Faisal mosque, Pakistan Monument and Museum, Saidpur Village, and Damen Koh and after a farewell dinner party then we will drop you at the airport to catch the flight back home.
