hispar la trek

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Snow Lake & Hispar La trek Pakistan

4.8 Based On 5 Reviews

8 Trees Planted for each Booking

• TRIP TYPE: Trekking
• TRIP GRADE: Strenuous
• TRIP STYLE: Camping
• TRIP LEADER: International Leader
• GROUP SIZE: 6 - 14 people
• NEXT DEPARTURE: 29 Apr 2024
• Overview & Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Accommodation, practical information.

• Reports & Reviews

This trek follows a remote and rarely trekked glacier to cross Hispar La (5,151m) into Hunza valley.

Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial basin over 16km wide located at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. These glaciers meet at the Hispar La. This makes this system the greatest concentration of glacial ice outside Antarctica. These rivers of ice connect two ancient mountain kingdoms. This is Hunza in the West and Baltistan in the East. As this region is so remote it serves as the last stronghold for many animals. There are Himalayan bear, ibex, markhor and the snow leopard.

This region has long fascinated explorers of the Himalaya. The first foreign visitor, Martin Conway, gave Snow Lake this name in 1892. He described this area as "beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold."  The mountaineer, Eric Shipton, described this region as ‘the last blank on the map'.

Towering high above these glaciers are high peaks of the Karakoram. These include Kanjut Sar (7,760m), Distaghil Sar (7,885 m) and Makrong Chhish (6,607m). There is the Latok group (Latok I: 7,145m, Latok II: 7,108 m, Latok III: 6,949m, Latok IV: 6,456m) and Baintha Brakk/The Ogre (7,285m). The Ogre was first climbed in 1977 by Britons Doug Scott and Chris Bonington. They had an epic descent with Scott breaking both of his legs and took a week to reach Base Camp.

The trek starts by following the K2 Base Camp trail and then on the first day turns West onto the Biafo Glacier. The trail for the next few days follows loose rocky moraine ridges on the glacier. The campsites at Namla, Mango and Baintha are in grassy areas behind lateral moraines. From Baintha camp we walk on the glacier and follow the wide ice highway. This makes the walking easier than the loose rock earlier in the trek.

Having reached the highest point of our journey on Hispar La at 5,151m we descend into Hunza. When we arrive at Hunza village we complete the traverse. The Hunza region has a language and culture very different to Baltistan.

• We are Karakoram trekking specialists having operated trips in Pakistan since 2004.   The Mountain Company organised a successful Snow Lake & Hispar La trek in July/ August 2019. For more information on how this trek went please take a look at our Trip Report.
• We work with some of the best mountain leaders with deep knowledge of trekking in Karakoram. Unlike many other operators we use trained international leaders for this trip.
• We have included a gradual ascent profile in our itinerary for this trekking holiday. This will help you acclimatise to the high altitude.
• Our AITO Traveller Reviews for Snow Lake have a holiday rating of 100%. Based on client feedback we won the 2018 Gold Award as AITO Tour Operator of the Year. Read more about our Testimonials and Awards .
• We pay for private weather forecasts from EverestWeather.com. We also use in house forecasting throughout the duration of this trek.
• We send a Thuraya satellite phone on our group treks in Pakistan. Your leader will have reliable communications for logistics, planning and group safety. We use GPS to upload your location daily on to Google Maps to track your progress during the trek.
• We provide a range of tasty meals for breakfast, lunch and supper. For breakfast we provide fresh coffee from our Bialetti Moka coffee machine.
• We bring a comprehensive medical aid kit. There will also be a portable altitude chamber (PAC or Gamow bag).
• Our team with first hand knowledge of this trek provides pre trip support.

Arrival in Islamabad

Sightseeing in Islamabad

Hotel Hillview in Islamabad

You will be met on arrival at Islamabad airport and driven back to the hotel. Please note we provide complementary airport pick up and hotel transfer for only two group flights on Emirates. If you arrive on a different flight and would like an airport pick-up there will be an extra charge for this service.

At some point during the day (time to be confirmed) the trek leaders will give a full trip briefing will be given at the hotel.

1) Flight to Skardu

2) Bus to Chilas (8 to 9 hours)

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

1) K2 Motel in Skardu

2) Hotel Shangri La in Chilas

This morning we take the PIA flight to Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan. If there is a cancellation of this flight then today we will start driving Karakoram Highway (“KKH”). It takes two days to drive KKH and on the way we have one night at the hotel in the town of Chilas.

1) Sightseeing in Skardu

2) Drive to Skardu (7 hours)

K2 Motel in Skardu

If we flew as planned to Skardu on Day 2 then this is a day to explore the town. We walk to the main high street and look around the bazaar. We visit the Skardu fort which has a good view of the Indus river. If we are lucky we could watch a game of polo in the evening.

If we started the drive along KKH yesterday then we should arrive at Skardu by mid afternoon.

Drive by jeep to Askole (6 hours)

We have a spectacular drive on a winding jeep trail with several steep sections. A short distance from Skardu we cross the Indus river on a bridge near the confluence with the Shigar river. We drive up the wide open Shigar valley passing some larger villages and their fields.

Further up at the next river confluence we follow the Braldu river upstream. As we ascend the gorge it gets steeper and more arid. We pass a few villages with green fields from irrigation and shaded by apricot trees. Askole is the last village in this valley at the road head. This is the last village we will see until the end of the trek.

The time to drive to Askole depends on the condition of the road which varies year to year. The Braldu section is prone to landslides and these can block the road. The locals are very good drivers and will come up with a solution to clear the road or use jeeps on the other side.

Walking 12km (7 to 8 hours)

The trek starts from Askole by following the same trail as K2 Base Camp. At Korofong we turn off this main trail and head West onto the Biafo Glacier. The trail ascends over a shoulder to follow the left lateral moraine. We walk over loose rock and follow an indistinct trail. Further on we descend onto the glacier then back on to the left bank at Namla. This is a lovely place to camp in a grassy area behind a lateral moraine.

Walking 7km (5 to 6 hours)

From the camp we drop down onto the glacier and walk near to a fracture zone on the glacier. We move over to the centre of the glacier where we follow several moraine ridges. Underfoot there is loose rock making this a rather challenging day. We set up camp at Mango on the left bank of the Biafo glacier. This place is also in a grassy area.

Walking 11km (6 to 7 hours)

From camp we descend back onto the glacier. The route continues up the centre of the glacier on a broad highway of ice. This makes the walking easier than yesterday. We cross over to the right and come off the glacier to a grassy area at Baintha. We camp here for the night. 

This is a rest day for you and the trek crew to help with acclimatisation to the high altitude. You can relax in camp or if feeling energetic walk up a ridge behind camp. From here there are fine views of the Latok group and the Ogre. Look out for Ibex that are often seen on the grassy slopes above camp.

Walking 11km (5 to 6 hours)

From camp we follow a steep and loose trail to get onto the glacier. Once there we follow the flat glacier making straightforward walking. Further along the glacier sometimes there are open crevasses depending on the conditions. If so, we rope up to safeguard our passage. There are superb views of many peaks including the Ogre at an altitude of 7,813m. Today we get the first views of the Hispar La and Snow Lake. We camp at Morfogoro located off the glacier.

Once we are back on the central glacier, we walk on flat ice making for easier going. There are more crevasses today as we make our way higher up the glacier. We will walk together and remain alert.

Walking 3km (5 to 6 hours)

Today we walk to the south end of a large snowy flat area known as Snow Lake. We find our way through a network of crevasses. Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial basin over 16km wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. We camp at Hispar La Base Camp at an altitude of 4,590m.

We traverse the vast Snow Lake area and make the ascent to Hispar La. The climb up to the pass is not too steep although it feels quite strenuous at this altitude. We also have to be aware of the crevasses in this area. The views at Hispar La are fantastic looking down Biafo glacier to Snow Lake and The Ogre. On the other side we look down Hispar glacier to peaks in Hunza. We camp on the glacier at Hispar La at an altitude of 5,151m.

Walking 4km (5 hours)

After an early start we descend from Hispar La through a crevassed area. Later on the glacier flattens out. Further down we have to cross Kani Basa glacier. This creates a fracture zone where the two glaciers collide. Shortly afterwards we reach our camp at Kani Basa. This is in a grassy ablation valley with good views of Kanjut Sar (7,760m).

Walking 10.5km (6 to 7 hours)

This is a challenging day as we have to find our way through a series of moraine ridges. We climb over loose scree slopes then cross several glacial streams. We camp at Yutmaru for the night on the right side of the glacier.

Walking 8km (6 to 7 hours)

We start the day by crossing a side glacier and then climb over some more loose scree. Where there is a path we see a range of beautiful flowers. We cross other sections over loose scree until we arrive at Shigam Baris. This is a small grassy campsite.

Walking 16.5km (6 hours walking)

After an hour we descend down a steep bank to cross a smaller glacier coming from the side. We are then back to the same valley as before where the walking is good. The camp at Bitanmal is in a large meadow often used by herders from Hispar village.

Walking 15km (7 to 8 hours)

From our camp at Bitanmal we continue down the valley. We start off by crossing the last small glacier coming from a side valley. We see Hispar village a few hours before you reach it. This is the first sight of civilisation since leaving Askole. Finally, we cross a bridge to reach Hispar village. We enjoy seeing the vibrant green of the orchards and fields after the black and white scenery higher up. We camp in a grassy campsite close to Hispar village.

Drive to Karimabad (4 hours)

We take a jeep for a couple of hours to Nagar village. The drive follows a rather narrow track before reaching the Karakoram Highway. We drive to Karimabad where we check into a hotel and the rest of the day is free to wash up, relax and explore the town. 

Sightseeing in Karimabad

Drive to Gilgit (4 hours)

Hotel Serena in Gilgit

Hunza valley is very beautiful and today we have the chance to explore Karimabad.  This is an interesting town situated on a hillside to the north of the road. There are views of the fertile valley below and glimpses of snowy mountains.  We will visit the forts of Alti and Baltit dating from the 13th Century. The Baltit fort, once the home of the ruling Mir, guards the valley and is now a museum. The Alti fort is even more dramatic perched above the Hunza river. In the afternoon we dive to Gilgit.

1) Flight to Islamabad

2) Bus to Chilas (5 hours)

1) Hotel Hillview in Islamabad

We take the morning flight to Islamabad (inshallah!). If the flight does not operate due to cancellation we start the drive the KKH to Chilas.

1) Sightseeing in Islamabad

2) Drive to Islamabad on KKH (8 to 9 hours)

If we flew to Islamabad yesterday then we will spend today sightseeing. If driving the KKH we arrive in Islamabad in the late afternoon. In the evening we will have a final group meal to celebrate our mountain journey.

Flight back home

Transfer to Islamabad airport for the flight back home. End of trip.

We provide an early bird discount for the first people paying their deposits to make up our minimum group size

For private and bespoke trip, please contact us

What's Included

• Internal flights. The flights are Islamabad - Skardu - Islamabad. If cancelled then we will drive on Karakoram Highway.
• Twin-share rooms at hotels.
• Breakfast only in Islamabad, all meals are included in Skardu and while on the trek.
• Twin share tents while on the trek. These are three-person domed tents with plenty of space for two people sharing plus gear.
• Trekking arrangements. Including permits and fees, tents, International and Pakistan guides, porters, and cooks.
• Porters and/or pack animals to carry your main bag. The porterage allowance is 15kg.
• Weather forecasts for the K2 region during your trek.
• Thuraya satellite phone for organising logistics and medical evacuations. It can also be also used for personal calls at extra cost.
• GPS tracking on Google Maps. Your friends and family can track your progress during the trek.
• UK-registered charity, Pipal Tree, will plant 8 trees for you in the Gurkha Memorial Forest in southern Nepal.
• Full financial protection for bookings from the UK (ATOL) and internationally (ABTOT). Our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number is 10921. Our Association of Bonded Travel Operators Trust (ABTOT) membership number is 5365).
• Pre-departure support and advice from The Mountain Company. We are available by email, phone, Zoom, or face-to-face meetings

What's Not Included

• International flight to/from Islamabad.
• Travel & trekking insurance.
• Pakistan visa for 30 days.
• Lunch and evening meals in Islamabad.
• Personal clothing & equipment, please see Practical Information for kit list.
• Tips to the trek crew. Each trekker should budget for giving tips into the group fund. This should be in the region of £140 or US$175.
• Other items not listed in “What is included”.

K2 Motel is in a lovely position overlooking the Indus river. It is the classic place that many expeditions and trekking groups have stayed over the years.

It is a short walk taking about 15 minutes into the main part of Skardu town and the bazaar. K2 Motel has 28 rooms and a restaurant plus a garden at the back of the property.

Hill View Hotel in Islamabad

Hotel Hill View is a modern hotel and is a comfortable base for our groups while in Islamabad. It is a short walk to Jinnah market where there are good restaurants and shops.

Hotel Hill View has a store room where you can leave luggage not required while on trek. You can also leave any gear not needed on trek at K2 Motel in Skardu. There is wifi at the hotel.

A Typical Day On Camping Trek in Pakistan

We provide a comfortable experience on our camping style treks in Pakistan. Our team works hard to support you so that you can relax and enjoy the trek. We provide personal tents, mess tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent(s). The camp will be set up and dismantled by the trek crew. We bring along a cook and kitchen helpers to provide the meals.

The day starts with an early morning mug of tea in the mess tent. Before breakfast you pack your overnight gear into your duffel bag. During breakfast the trek crew pack away the tents. The porters arrange their loads and set off on the trail in the cool of the morning. After breakfast, between 7am and 8am, we start walking.

The pace of the trek is moderate as there is plenty of time in the itinerary to reach the camp for tonight. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos and explore the local villages. Lunch will be around midday at a spot by the side of the trail. Our cooks prepare lunch for us and the food is usually ready by the time the group arrives.

After lunch we continue the walk and on most days we arrive to camp by mid afternoon. Some of the trek crew would have gone ahead of the group to set up camp and to put up the tents. On arrival to camp you will get a hot drink and biscuits. In the evening our cook will provide a three course meal in the mess tent around 6pm.

After supper the leaders will discuss the plan for the next day. Afterwards people might stay in the mess tent chatting about the day’s events or playing cards. After a tiring day most people head to their tent quite early for the night. Tomorrow is likely to be very similar as today! The only difference is that if we are crossing a high pass or climbing to a summit we leave camp earlier in the morning.

Food provided on Camping Trek in Pakistan

While on a camping style trek in Pakistan we provide tasty and nutritional food. We make sure there is more than enough quantity to go around as trekkers will be hungry after a long day on the trail. Over the years we have worked on increasing the variety of the menus. We have expanded the list of ingredients provided to the cooks so they have more to work with.

For breakfast we provide porridge or cereal, toast or chapatis and eggs. There will be hot drinks including tea, hot chocolate and coffee. We provide fresh coffee from our Bialetti Moka coffee machine.

For lunch we stop at a convenient spot with water at the side of the trail. The cook and kitchen walk ahead of the group in the morning and lunch should be ready shortly after our arrival. After lunch we have time to relax before starting to walk again in the afternoon.

On arrival at camp in the afternoon you have biscuits and a hot drink such as tea or coffee. Around 6pm we serve a three course meal in the mess tent. The starter is often soup with popcorn or poppadoms. We have a range of main dishes and carbohydrates including rice, potatoes or pasta. Most meals are also served with delicious flat breads made fresh by the cooks.

We cater for a variety of dietary requirements. Our meals are suitable for vegetarians. If there is a meat dish then we also provide vegetarian options as standard. During booking we find out if you have any dietary needs and agree upon meal plans before departure. If you have any questions about the food provided please get in touch with us to discuss further.

Communications

We bring a Thuraya satellite phone for logistical, safety and personal use. Personal calls charged at £4 (US$5 or €4.50) per minute and £2 (US$3 €4.50) to send and receive SMS text.

Kit List for Snow Lake

This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for Hispar La trek. The group leader will check your gear in Islamabad or Skardu before departure for the trek.

As a reminder, the weather on this trek will vary season to season and day to day as you ascend to higher elevations. At the start of the trek you will experience very hot conditions with temperatures up to 40 Celsius. You experience the coldest temperatures at Hispar La at an altitude of 5,151m. Overnight lows here will be down to around -10 Celsius.

You should bring a rucsac or backpack for gear required during the day. Your pack should contain items such as warm clothes, jacket, camera, water bottles, personal first aid kit and snacks.  The weight limit is 5kg . A porter will carry the rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel or kit bag.  The weight limit for your duffel bag is 18kg . Please mark your bag on the outside for easy identification.

Print the kit list and tick items off as you pack them then weigh your kit bag before you come on trek.

• B2 rated mountaineering boots.
• Walking Boots. A pair of water repellent boots with ankle support. Boots must be in good condition, the best approach is to get new boots and break in before the trek. Over the years we have had several boots fall apart so you should also bring trail shoes as a backup.
• Trail shoes. Used around camp and as a replacement if your walking boots fall apart!
• Sandals. Enclosed sandals are best to protect your feet during river crossings. Required for river crossings as well as two trekking poles.
• Walking socks.
• Waterproof and Windproof jacket (with hood) and trousers (goretex or similar). For use if it rains or snows during the trek and in windy conditions.
• Trekking trousers. (eg. Mountain Hardwear Mesa V2 or The North Face Paramount Peak).
• Soft Shell Trousers.
• Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
• Micro fleece.
• Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ primaloft top.
• Sleeveless/ gilet or body warmer type fleece / synthetic top. This will help keep your core warm while not bulking when layering up. Gilet used in combination with base layers, other fleeces and down jacket. This provides the most warmth and insulation.
• Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
• Medium weight down jacket.

Head and Gloves

• Fleece gloves.
• Mountaineering gloves (eg. Mountain Hardwear Medusa glove or Black Diamond Enforcer or Guide glove).
• Wool or fleece hat.
• Bandana or scarf (eg.  Buff Headwear).
• Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
• Sunglasses. The lenses need to be Category 4 rated. They should have side protection or wraparound design.

For walking on the glacier

• Trekking poles (Black Diamond with “Flick Lock” are best). Two poles are mandatory for your safety. These will be helpful on steep sections of the trail and river crossings. Also for walking on snow or ice higher up.
• Gaiters. A pair of knee high gaiters used to keep boots dry if walking through snow or on wet ground.
• Climbing harness. Plus two 60cm slings, four screw gate carabiners, Figure 8 belay device and 3m of 5mm static cord for prusiks. [we have a limited number of “Harness packs” for rent. Please contact TMC office for further prices and availability].
• Jumar ascender (eg.  Petzl handled ascender ).
• Crampons. The best are universal crampons that you can use with trekking boots. Such as Stubai Universals or Kahtoola KTS crampons.
• Mountaineering ice axe with leash.
• Climbing helmet.

Personal equipment

• Sleeping bag. Overnight lows down to -10 Celsius.
• Fleece or silk liner for your sleeping bag. A liner protects your sleeping bag from getting dirty. Also helps by adding extra insulation to keep you warm at night.
• Sleeping mat (eg.Thermarest). On trek we provide everyone with a foam mat. We recommend two layers for insulation and comfort. We also provide everyone with a pillow.
• Day pack. Recommended size is around 40 litres. You need to have enough space to carry water bottles, camera, snacks and extra clothing and climbing gear. The pack should have a good waist belt. It is also a good idea to bring a rain cover to keep the contents dry.
• Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organised. Or even better are fold dry bags such as from Exped.
• Two water bottles. Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best. You may use a hydration pack lower down but the tube will freeze in the cold so ensure you still have two water bottles.
• Pee bottle. Recommended as means you do not have to get up to find the toilet tent at night! For men you can use an old water bottle. For women take a look at  SheWee .
• Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF.
• Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
• Favourite snack food.
• Books and cards etc.
• Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
• Insurance certificate.
• Earplugs (optional).
• Baby wipes (optional).
• Hand sanitizer. Keep this in your day pack for use after a toilet break during the trek or before eating any snacks. We provide sanitizer for use before meals.
• Duffel bag for your personal gear on the trek. A porter will carry your bag. Rugged and waterproof made of a plastic material. Size 100-120 litres. Eg. Mountain Equipment 100l or Rab 120l. Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.
• Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Islamabad and Skardu.
• Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc. We provide toilet paper while on trek.

Personal first aid kit

We provide a  comprehensive group first aid kit.   Please bring personal medications and other items you might use such as:

• Any personal medications.
• Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best)
• Rehydration powder (eg Dioralyte).
• Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
• Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
• Throat lozenges.
• Diamox (helps with acclimatisation).

Risk assessment for Snow Lake

You should be aware trekking in a developing country involves a risk of personal injury or death. You must accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions and unpredictable weather. There could be last minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in a team is an important aspect of our trips.

We have performed a threat and risk assessment for our Hispar La trek. Our trips have a degree of risk. This is part of the attraction of adventure travel and why so many people choose to join this type of holiday. By identifying the hazards we assess the level of risk. We have control measures in places to reduce this happening or to reduce the impact.

Our risk assessment is available to clients on request. We have listed below a summary of the significant risks and hazards identified by us:

• Personal security such as terrorism or kidnapping.
• Falls and trips resulting in physical injury e.g. slipping on ice or falling off the path.
• Altitude illness including but not limited to AMS, HACE and HAPE.
• Getting lost or becoming separated from group.
• Severe bad weather and conditions when camping.
• Climatic injuries (dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion, hypothermia or heat stroke). It will be very hot for the first few days of the trek with temperatures of up to 40 Celsius.
• Crossing a river with no bridge resulting in drowning and/ or a fall.  There are several river crossings on the trail.
• Rock fall and landslides e.g.  on the jeep track Skardu to Askole and sections of the trek.
• Snow and ice avalanches.
• Lightning strike.
• Wildlife, pack animals (e.g. donkeys or horses) or stray dogs. Pack animals can knock people off the path. Dogs can attack and bite. Discuss rabies vaccination with your doctor.
• Earthquake.
• Risk of fire in the hotel.
• Endemic local diseases. Discuss vaccinations with your doctor before departure.
• Physiological injury. Such as heart attack, appendicitis, hernia, toothache etc. in a remote area.
• Road traffic accident. The drive along the jeep track Skardu to Askole has sections with high degree of exposure.
• Flight accident on Islamabad – Skardu – Islamabad route.
• Contaminated food and/ or water.

This trip visits a remote area. You are away from the usual emergency services and medical facilities. Evacuation for a serious injury requiring hospitalisation could take up to several days. This delay could impede your ensuing recovery. Helicopters are the usual means of evacuation. They are not always available or hindered by poor weather and flying conditions.

Weather and conditions for Snow Lake

Snow Lake trek has a wide range of temperatures. This depends on the altitude, weather and time of day. In the mountains between 1,000m and 3,500m the nights will be cool around 5 Celsius. During the day temperatures can rise on a sunny day to 40 Celsius. Bring lots of water, sunhat and sunscreen.  At higher altitudes temperatures range from about 20 Celsius to -10 Celsius.

The trekking season in Pakistan is from early July to end of August. From our experience of running trips in Karakoram the best time is mid July to mid August. It is likely you will get some rain while on trek when pulses of monsoon clouds push to the north. You should expect to get one third of the trek with sun, one third with cloudy conditions and one third with rain.

Islamabad is hot and humid in July and August as this is the monsoon season. Temperatures range from 30 to 46 Celsius with high humidity. The temperatures in Skardu at 2,340m will be cooler and is dryer as in the rain shadow of Nanga Parbat.

Suggested reading and maps

Karakoram Trekking Map 1:175,000. Published by TerraQuest- the best map to buy for K2 Base Camp and Snow Lake treks.

K2 and Baltoro Glacier Satellite Image Map. 1:80,000. (Geosystems)- this is a superb satellite photography. Available at Stanfords, London.

Karakoram geographical sketch map Sheets 1 & 2. Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research, Zurich. Scale 1:250,000- shows the whole Karakoram range including Ladakh in India. A copy of this will be available to look at on trek.

The Karakoram Highway by Open Road Guides, England Scale: 1:1,000,000

K2: Triumph and Tragedy by Jim Curran

The Endless Knot: K2, Mountain of Dreams and Destiny by Kurt Diemberger & Audrey Salkeld

Clouds from Both Sides An Autobiography by Julie Tullis

Regions of the Heart: The Triumph and Tragedy of Alison Hargreaves by David Rose and Ed Douglas

Above the clouds by Anatoli Boukreev

The Last Step: The American Ascent of K2 by Rick Ridgeway

Quest for Kim: In Search of Kipling's Great Game by Peter Hopkirk

Trip Reports

To read our trip report please click on the link below to our blog:

Trip Report for Snow Lake & Hispar La led by Jo Clark in July 2019

Trip Report for Snow Lake & Hispar La led by Ade Summers in July 2016

Trip Reviews

Review by mark s on 15/10/2016.

Trekking in Pakistan. Excellent trek in a remote part of Pakistan to the beautiful Snow Lake. Very professional, safety-conscious and organised. Excellent individual service. ...

Review by Emina on 27/08/2019

Snow lake and Hispar la. I trekked through the beautiful mountains and on the Biafo glacier crossing over snow lake and the Hispar la pass in Pakistan with the mountain company. The trek was organised by The Mountain Company. I have trekked with the mountain company 3 times and each trek was run using a western leader. The Mountain Company always e xecutes trips that operationally run smoothly and focus on clients' safety whilst ensuring that everyone has an unforgettable travelling experience. ...

Review by Piotr Zycki on 26/11/2019

Spectacular Snow Lake trek in Pakistan Karakorum. The Snow Lake is one of the most amazing mountain journeys in the world. The route begins at Askole (Baltistan), together with the better known Baltoro-Gondogoro-K2 base camp trek, but it soon forks off, turning west and enters the glacial wilderness. The route goes gradually up the Biafo glacier, t hen climbs more steeply to Hispar La (mountain pass at c.a. 5100 m) and then goes down along the Hispar glacier toward Hispar village in the Hunza region. Crossing Hispar La is never guaranteed and there are years when this is not possible because of huge crevasses blocking the way. We were lucky to have good weather and snow conditions and we managed to complete this spectacular trek. TMC guides are certainly experienced and very well prepared to handle even the most challenging trekking conditions. The Snow Lake trek has an exploratory character as the route is not simply marked on the glacier and so even finding the way is a challenge. There are decisions to be made about the camping places and details of the itinerary as these may need to be adjusted on a daily basis. As this trek follows two glaciers, the safety of both the trekking members and the crew is of utmost importance. Taking care of all these elements requires constant attention and effort on the part of the trekking leader. Our TMC leader (Jo) did her job perfectly. ...

22 DAYS FROM

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SOCIAL MEDIA

If you are a single person booking on our Walking and Trekking holidays using Teahouse Lodge or Camping styles you do not have to pay the single room supplement, this is only payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. You will not have to pay this for this option if you happen to end up with a single room due to odd numbers on the trip. However we charge a compulsory single room surcharge for trips using Luxury Lodges and Luxury Hotels due to the high cost of the accommodation.

Suitability: a good choice for regular long distance hill walkers, very high level of fitness required. These trips may involve mountaineering and glacial travel.

1) Walking times: average 6 to 8 hours walking per day (with several longer days up to 12 hours) for up to 28 days with some rest days included.

2) Altitude: up to 5,500m.

3) Terrain: for some of the time following well-travelled trails although also likely to encounter rough and rocky conditions possibly with exposed sections. May involve steep ascent and descent over mountain passes that could be snow covered.

4) Remoteness: usually in more remote areas and likely to be a long distance from nearest road and facilities available in a city.

International Leaders are allocated for our more technical or remote trips, working as a team with our Local leaders. All of our guides both International and Local have received training and/ or detailed briefings on how to follow our standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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Travel best Places in the World

Hispar La Trek: A Journey Through the Majesty of the Karakoram

Nestled amidst the soaring peaks of the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan, the Hispar La Trek beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its remote and unspoiled beauty. As one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the region, it promises an unforgettable experience through a high-altitude glacier basin, revealing some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

The Glacial Basin of Hispar La

Spanning over 16 kilometers wide, the high-altitude glacier basin of Hispar La is a sight to behold. It is the convergence point of the Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake, and Hispar Glacier, collectively forming a 120-kilometer stretch that ranks as the second-longest glacier outside the Polar regions. This expansive frozen wonderland offers trekkers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grandeur of glacial formations and immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness.

A Dream Destination for Adventurers

The trek encompasses a remarkable journey through the mountain kingdom of Baltistan, the untamed beauty of Biafo Glacier, the ethereal charm of Snow Lake, the rugged terrain of Hispar La Pass, and the enchanting Hunza Valley. For trekkers, this region is a dream come true, offering the perfect blend of fresh mountain air, stunning scenery, and a chance to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Wildlife and Solitude

Venturing into this remote region, trekkers find themselves in the last stronghold of many wild animals, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan bear, ibex, and Markhor. The solitude of the Hispar La Trek is unparalleled, as very few other trekking groups venture into these untouched lands. The trails wind through the heart of nature’s sanctuary, allowing trekkers to witness the untouched beauty of the wilderness.

Highway of Ice: Connecting Mountain Kingdoms

The Snow Lake, Hispar La, and Biafo Glacier trail serve as the “highway of ice,” bridging the two great mountain kingdoms of Hunza and Baltistan. As trekkers traverse this icy highway, they are immersed in a surreal world of majestic peaks, vast glaciers, and untouched valleys, connecting with the raw essence of the Karakoram.

Challenges and Rewards

Undoubtedly, the Hispar La Trek is a formidable challenge, demanding physical strength, endurance, and mountaineering skills. Trekkers must rope up, negotiate moraine ridges with loose rocks, traverse tributary glaciers, and cross glacial streams. Yet, amidst the challenges lie unparalleled rewards, as the journey unveils the most stunning mountain scenery and idyllic campsites on Earth.

A Symphony of Grandeur

The Hispar La Trek orchestrates a symphony of grandeur, where nature’s magnificence takes center stage. It is a journey that transcends the boundaries of ordinary experiences, leaving trekkers awe-inspired by the raw power and beauty of the Karakoram. As footfalls echo through these pristine lands, a profound connection with the mountains and the untamed wilderness is forged, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who dare to embark on this extraordinary odyssey.

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• K2 Base Camp Trek

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek

• Spantik Expedition

Discover the Hunza Valley

• Hunza Valley Express
• Hunza Valley Yoga and Hiking
• Island Peak Climbing Expedition
• Horse Trekking in Mongolia Expedition
• Trekking in the Fann Mountains
• Discover the Celestial Mountains
• Svaneti Trekking in Georgia
• Volcanoes of Kamchatka
• Lost World of Europe
• Madeira Day Hikes
• Featured trip!

• New 2024 Expedition in Mongolia
• Trip Calendar
• Our Mission Statement
• Why Choose Us
• Collaborations
• Client Testimonials
• Meet the Team
• K2 Gondogoro La Trek: What you need to know
• 10 Reasons Why the K2 Base Camp Trek Should Be On Your Bucket List
• Everest Base Camp vs K2 Base Camp: Which is better?
• How to Prepare for the K2 Base Camp Trek
• K2 Base Camp Trek Packing List
• K2 Base Camp Height: How to Manage the Altitude
• The Glaciers of Pakistan – An Overview
• Hunza Valley Culture: People Born in the Mountains
• All About Food in Pakistan
• A Poetic Narrative of our Journey Along the Snow Lake Trek in Pakistan
• How to Start Mountaineering: A Beginner’s Guide
• Hiking in Asian Patagonia: Kyrgyzstan’s Paradise Lost
• 10 Fascinating Kyrgyzstan Facts: Lenin Peak to Alcoholic Horse Milk
• Can Americans Visit Iran? A Complete Guide
• Fann Mountains Trekking in Tajikistan: 6 Things You Did Not Know
• Madeira Island: Epic’s First European Expedition!
• Travel to Iran: Photo Diaries of our Epic Journey
• Kyrgyzstan: The Celestial Mountains in Photos
• Snow Lake Trek 2022: Across the World’s Longest Glaciers

Join us for the K2 Base Camp Trek this summer! Only a few spots left…

DIFFICULTY: Strenuous

TOTAL TREK DISTANCE: 115 km

MAX ALTITUDE: 5200 meters

TOUR DURATION: 21 days

LODGING: Mix of hotels + camping

GROUP SIZE: 5-8 people

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A journey unlike any other: the Snow Lake Trek: Pakistan

Tucked away in the far reaches of the Karakoram Mountain range lies two of the longest glaciers on earth outside of the polar regions: the Biafo and the Hisapar Glaciers. 

This rugged, awe-inspiring landscape is what adventure dreams are made of. 

Our challenging 21-day Snow Lake Trek expedition is the most remote and unique trekking trip we offer and is the ultimate challenge for people who are keen for a real adventure. 

Our expert staff has the skills and local knowledge to help you achieve your Snow Lake Trek objectives. 

Let us show you what Pakistan is all about.

Our team of skilled guides, porters, and cooks ensure professional support throughout the expedition, while also giving you the freedom to truly experience the Karakoram Mountains without the big crowds or busyness of base camps.

Cross wild mountain passes, camp on a glacier under the glowing Milky Way, experience legendary Pakistani hospitality, get deep into Central Karakoram National Park and gain new skills and experience from industry professionals in a challenging alpine environment. 

Snow Lake Trek Photo Gallery

Upcoming Dates

Want to embark on the snow lake trek in 2024.

Epic  Expeditions  will accept new team members onto the 2024 expedition on an application/interview basis

We will interview all team members and make sure you are up for the challenge. 

We need a minimum of 5 people to run this trip – because there is safety in numbers and because of the complex logistics involved in running this trip. 

Send us an email to arrange a call with our adventure staff to apply to join and to learn more about how we prepare and execute such adventures as the Snow Lake Trek. 

Have a question about this expedition?

Your trip leaders.

Sohail Sahki

Sohail is one of the most experienced members of the Epic  Expeditions  team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in the Hunza Valley, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit-Baltistan and logged more trekking miles in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions, but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Day 1: Islamabad Arrival

Arrive at Islamabad airport where you will be met by our staff; we’ll ferry you to the hotel where you can chill out and freshen up. We recommend arriving in Islamabad at least one day early so that you can settle in and be ready to go on the morning of day one.

Note: accommodation pre-tour is not included.

Day 2: Fly to Skardu

The plan is for our whole group to catch an early morning flight to Skardu (50 minutes), the largest city in Baltistan. If the weather is clear, we can catch some truly epic views of Nanga Parbat and other massive peaks in the area.

Once in Skardu guests will have free time throughout the day to rest and to explore the city and the bazaar. Today, we will finalize our trekking permits at the local government office and have dinner together as a group. 

Day 3: Market Day in Skardu

Today, the team is busy food shopping and packing all of the group supplies. Team members have free time in the city during the morning and early afternoon. In the late afternoon (time permitting), we will visit the Kharpocho Fort as a group for those who want to come. We will have dinner again as a group before setting off in the morning.

*If the group is arriving overland from Islamabad, the entire schedule is bumped back a day, to allow for a day of rest in Skardu (that is why we schedule in buffer days!)

Day 4: Drive from Skardu to Askole Village

Today, our adventure begins in earnest! Our team will assemble early at the hotel and after breakfast, we will load up the 4×4 jeeps and begin the bumpy, dusty drive to Askole – the gateway to Central Karakoram National Park. The journey from Skardu takes between 6-8 hours depending on road conditions. We will eat lunch en route.

We will arrive at Askole in the late afternoon and camp out on the grounds of a simple lodge.

It is also possible that we will need to spend an extra day in Skardu finalizing our permits if they are not ready the day before (again, this is why we schedule buffer days!).

Day 5: Trek to Namla (3,571m)

Walking 12km (7 to 8 hours)

The trek starts by following the K2 Base Camp trail and then turns west onto the Biafo Glacier.

The trail ascends over a shoulder to reach the left moraine and descends on to the glacier then back on to the left bank where the grassy camping site called Namla is located behind a lateral moraine.

Day 6: Trek to Mango (3,715 m)

Walking 7km (5 to 6 hours)

After crossing a fracture zone on the glacier we reach the center of the glacier where we follow moraine ridges, underfoot there is loose rock making this a challenging day.

We set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo in a grassy area.

Day 7: Trek to Baintha (4,041m)

Walking 11km (6 to 7 hours)

The route continues up the center of the glacier on a broad highway of ice making the walking easier than yesterday. We cross to the right and come off the glacier to a grassy area where Baintha camp is located.

Day 8: Acclimatization and Rest (4041m)

This is a rest day for you and the porters in order to help with acclimatization to the high altitude. You can relax in camp or if feeling energetic walk up a ridge behind the camp with fine views of Latok group and The Ogre.

Look out for Ibex that can often be seen on grassy slopes above.

Day 9: Trek to Morfogoro (4,298m)

Walking 11km (5 to 6 hours)

The trail is steep and loose to get onto the glacier however once there we follow the flat glacier making relatively straightforward walking.

Further along the glacier, there are some crevasses to be aware of where depending on the conditions we might rope up to safeguard our passage. There are superb views of many peaks including The Ogre (7,813m) and also we will get the first views of the Hispar La and Snow Lake.

Spectacular views along the trail of Masherbrum, Gasherbrum IV, and the summit of Broad Peak can be seen from just outside your tent.

Day 10: Trek to Hispar LA Base Camp (4,585m)

Walking 10km (8 hours)

Today we walk to the south end of a large snowy flat area known as Snow Lake finding our way through a network of crevasses. Snow Lake is a high-altitude glacial basin over 16km wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers.

Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor, gave Snow Lake the name in 1892 and described this area as “beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold a finer.”

Day 11: Cross Snow Lake and Trek to Hispar LA High Camp(5,149m)

Today we trek up to the vast Snow Lake area and make the ascent near Hispar La. The climb to Hispar La is not too steep although it always feels quite strenuous at this altitude, we also have to be aware of the crevasses in this area. The views at Hispar La are fantastic looking down Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake, The Ogre and another side down Hispar glacier to peaks into Hunza.

The goal is to actually camp below Hispar La to take in the views and vibe of this special place, making the La crossing in the morning.

Day 12: Trek to Kani Basa (4,468m)

Walking 4km (5 hours)

After an early start, we descend from Hispar La crossing a crevassed area, and then later on the glacier flattens out. We have to cross Kani Basa glacier which is a fracture zone where the two glaciers collide. Shortly afterward we reach our camp located in a grassy ablation valley with good views of Kanjut Sar (7,760m).

Day 13: Trek to Jutmal or Yutmaru (4,138m)

Walking 10.5km (6 to 7 hours)

This is a challenging day as we have to find our way through a series of moraine ridges; climb a loose scree slope then cross several glacial streams. Jutmal camp is on a grassy area along the side of the glacier.

Day 14: Trek to Bitanma (3,765m)

Walking 8km (6 to 7 hours)

The route continues up the center of the glacier on a broad highwayAfter an hour we descend down a steep bank to cross another side glacier then back to the valley as  before where the walking is good. Camp at Bitanmal is in a large meadow often used by herders from Hispar village.

Day 15: Trek to Falaling Chhish (3,605m)

Walking 5km (4-6 hours)

We make the last side glacier crossing over the Kunyang Glacier, then walk up by a steep path and cross a stream to get to the meadows at Falaling Chhish.

Day 16: Trek to Hispar Village (2297m)

Walking 15km (7 to 8 hours)

From our camp at Falaling Chhish we cross a bridge to reach Hispar village. You will certainly notice the vibrant green of the orchards and terraced fields after the black and white scenery of the Hispar Glacier.

Depending on the condition of the road we may meet our jeeps in the village if the road is broken then we have a further walk followed by a short drive to our last camp on this trek.

Day 17: Drive to Aliabad in Hunza (2440)

We take a jeep for a couple of hours to Nagar village along a rather narrow track before reaching the Karakoram Highway.

We drive up the road to Karimabad where we check into a boutique eco-lodge in Aliabad and the rest of the day is free to wash up, relax, and just chill the F out after so many days of trekking.

Day 18: Contingency day / Sightseeing

This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flights due to delays and at the same time we can’t rush the trek if the weather turns. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) roadblocks. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Hunza valley.

Hunza valley is truly spectacular and today we have the chance to explore Karimabad, it is an interesting town spectacularly situated on a hillside to the north of the road with views of the fertile valley below (due to their extensive irrigation system) and a glimpse of snowy mountains.

We will visit Altit Fort – which is more than 1000 years old, once the home of the ruling Hunza king dynasty.

Day 19: Fly to Islamabad

Early Morning Flight to Islamabad from Gilgit.

We will have a chill day in Islamabad and an epic feast all together OR we will be driving the KKH en route to Islamabad if we have flight delays. 

Day 20: Contingency Day in Islamabad

We booked in an extra day in Islamabad in case of travel complications getting back from Gilgit. Since you have just completed the most epic hike of your life, we do not want to add any group stress by making the departure window tight.

Today will be a free day in the city with group breakfast and dinner included. After a final meal together, our epic journey of a lifetime has come to an end and the time has come to say goodbye.

Day 21: Departure Day

We arrange for transfers to the airport for those who are flying out over the next 12 hours.

Check-out of the hotel is around 11 am on Day 21. You can choose to stay on at the same hotel if you are not flying home right away, though any additional nights at the hotel are not covered.

• All hotel accommodation in between trekking days.
• Islamabad Airport pick up and drop off 
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all trekking days. 
• One welcome dinner and one farewell team dinner
• All ground transportation whilst on tour
• All on-the-ground logistics and planning.
• Experienced guides
• NOC/TrekkingPermits
• Letter of Invitation to Pakistan.
• Internal flights within Pakistan (Islamabad – Skardu / Gilgit – Islamabad).
• Comfy two-person alpine tents.
• Up to 20 kgs of porter services per person.
• Group generator for charging electronics.
• Dining table, chairs, and a mess tent.
• Access to the group satellite phone (usage at extra cost)
• Group snacks
• Lots of laughs and epic moments.
• Life-changing experiences
• Bonus surprises along the way
• One on one pre-expedition support
• Flights to Pakistan
• Visa application fees
• Any pre-tour or post-tour accommodation
• Speciality personal gear
• Travel and heli rescue insurance (mandatory)
• Tips for staff
• Porter services exceeding 20 kgs
• Personal snacks
• Lunches in Islamabad, Skardu (ala cart order)
• Lunches and Dinner in Aliabad (ala cart order)
• Single tent/hotel accommodation ($600 in additional charges). 
• Lunch and dinner in cities (Islamabad, Skardu, Aliabad)

Refund Policy

We have updated our refund policy to give our clients the maximum peace of mind when booking an adventure with us. Read more about  our policy here .

Privacy Overview

Clark Tyler 🇨🇦

Adventure Guide

Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a  love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.

In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.  When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer. 

Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek

Noemi Liebi 🇨🇭

Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.

She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos. 

Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team! 

Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition

Syerik Manap 🇲🇳

As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…

for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry. 

He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world! 

He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi… The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)

– Coastal

Head of canine operations

Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight. 

She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.

These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen. 

Andrew Golovachevn 🇷🇺

An experienced trek leader and IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.

Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka. A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!

– Monika Steinlechner

Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains

Sandip Dhungana 🇳🇵

Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.

His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.

Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. 

His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.

We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations! 

– Alexandra Ruth

Fairy Meadows

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Our Favorite Experiences

#1 sunrise from reflection lake.

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#2 Hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

#3 playing cricket with the locals, trips where we visit fairy meadows.

Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour.  Road trip with some  hiking and cultural immersion.

Intermediate

Trekking Among Giants

A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.

João Frietas 🇵🇹

João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare. 

With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.

João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions. 

After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.

João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none

When not in Pakistan, João is  guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails –  discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.

João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!

– Jeffery 

Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley   | K2 Base Camp Trek

Sohail Sakhi 🇵🇰

Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles 

in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!

– Borgan

Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley

Pedro Ricardo Dias 🇵🇹

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects. Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020

When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

 I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!

Diane Bouvet 🇫🇷

Adventure Admin / Marketing

After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe

She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements. 

Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.

Ralph Cope 🇺🇸

Head of Operations | Guide

A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations. 

Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.

Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.

Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge. 

– Calvin

Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.

– Katrina 

Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek

Chris Lininger 🇺🇸

Founder | Adventure Guide | Director

Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way. 

Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.

A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.

Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe. 

For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.

He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands. 

Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas  –  an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.   

Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!

Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”

– Will De Villers

Pakistan is a magical country!  Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]

Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.

– Clark Tyler

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Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek with Andrew Lock

Trek remote and unexplored terrain in the heart of the karakoram mountain range.

25 Days NaN

• 15 day trek
• 8 nights hotels / basic guesthouse
• 16 nights camping
• 24 Breakfasts

Technical Grading: Intermediate

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Antarctica & the arctic, australasia, central america, central asia, indian subcontinent, middle east, north america, south america, vessels & boats, advanced search, thoughtful travel.

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Trip highlights

• Trek the famous Biafo & Hispar Glaciers
• Trek beneath the Ogre (7285m) and Latok peaks
• Explore Snow Lake, a high altitude glacial basin covering an area 700 square kilometres, surrounded by the distinctive granite towers of the Karakoram
• Cross the Hispar La
• Venture beyond the well trodden routes
• Trek through one of the most heavily glaciated parts of the world outside the polar regions
• Visit the fabled Hunza region and the hub for mountaineering expeditions to the Karakoram - Skardu
• Enjoy the services of a top notch trekking crew including specialist high altitude porters

This stunning trek is a complete traverse of the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers taking in the picturesque Snow Lake along the way and ending in the beautiful Hunza region. From Askole we trace the first few stages of the K2 trek before veering off into the truly remote wilderness of the Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake and a crossing of the Hispar La (5151m). Whilst crossing the glacier the views of the Ogre (7285m) and Latok peaks are breathtaking. On some stages of our trek it will be necessary to employ the use of ropes to safely negotiate the many crevasses encountered, and some nights will be spent camping on snow and ice. Participants on this trek will need a high level of fitness and a love of the high mountains and absolute remote wilderness. Our trek will be led by world class Australian mountaineer Andrew Lock. Andrew has summited all of the 8000 metre peaks of the Karakoram including K2, and will have more than a few stories to tell! Join Andrew as he shares his special passion for Pakistan on this once in a lifetime journey.

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Day 1 Arrive Islamabad

Meals:   Nil

Day 2 Fly to Skardu

Meals:   B,L,D

Day 3 In Skardu

Day 4 in skardu and day trip to deosai plains, day 5 drive to askole (3090m) approx 5-6 hrs, day 6 trek to namla (3400m) approx 8-9 hrs, day 7 trek to dunbar (3650m) approx 8-9hrs, day 8 trek to baintha (4020m) approx 3-4hrs, day 9 rest day in baintha, day 10 trek to napina (4410m) approx 7-8 hrs, day 11 trek to karpogoro (4680m) approx 7-8 hrs, day 12 trek to snow lake (lukpe lawo) (4770m) approx 6-7hrs, day 13 snow lake (lukpe lawo): (4770m), day 14 cross hispar pass (5151m) and descend to khani basa (4580m) approx 9-10hrs, day 15-16 contingency/rest days, day 17 to yutmaru glacier: (4350m) approx 8-9hrs, day 18 walk to dachigan (4050m) approc 8-9 hrs, day 19 trek to bitanmal (3660m) approx 8-9 hrs, day 20 trek to hispar village (3383m) approx 4 hrs, day 21 drive to hunza (approx 3-4 hrs), day 22 explore hunza , then drive to gilgit (150kms, approx 4 hrs), day 23 fly to islamabad, day 24 in islamabad, day 25 trip concludes in islamabad, what's included.

• 24 breakfasts, 21 lunches and 21 dinners
• good quality accommodation in Islamabad
• basic hotel/guesthouse in Skardu, Hunza & Gilgit
• accommodation in our fully serviced wilderness campsites
• led by Andrew Lock accompanied by an expert local high altitude guide and experienced local crew
• airport transfers regardless of arrival and departure timing
• flights Islamabad/Skardu & Gilgit/Islamabad approx US$300
• internal transport by air or private vehicle as described
• safety equipment including portable high altitude chamber, satellite phone and expedition medical kit
• all group camping equipment and expedition services including guides, cooks, porters, two person tents, insulated mats, cooking and eating utensils, mess tent with table and stools
• 20kgs porterage of personal gear on trek
• all trekking and permit fees valued at US$60
• porter's insurance
• visa support letter

What's not included

• Sleeping bag or personal climbing equipment
• Lunch & dinner in Islamabad
• Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
• Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
• International flights
• Airport and departure taxes, excess baggage
• Travel insurance

About Your Leader

Andrew Lock (OAM) has climbed the world's 14 highest peaks above 8000 metres making him unarguably Australia's and the Commonwealth's most accomplished high-altitude mountaineer. His achievements encompass 18 summits of those 8000 metre peaks, including Mt Everest (twice), placing him in a select group of the world’s best alpinists. His impressive mountaineering resume includes six Australian first ascents and the establishment of many new routes. Andrew was an Australian of the Year nominee in 2010 and the Australian Geographic's Adventurer of the Year in 2009 and 2010. His professionalism, depth of experience and clear minded nature are assets in the mountains and he is an ideal choice to lead Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek.

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• Posted on August 29, 2016
• In Baltistan

Together the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, the Karakoram’s second- (65km) and fifth-(49km) longest glaciers, form the Karakoram’s longest continuous stretch of glacier (114km) linked by the Hispar La (5151m).

Every year, a couple of hundred trekkers traverse these glaciers and cross this difficult pass between Baltistan and Nagyr through what both Francis Younghusband and HW Tilman called the finest mountain scenery in the world, scenery that ‘attracts by its grandeur, but repels by its desolation’. It’s hard to imagine, but tradition holds that Nagyr men used to travel this route, bringing horses to play polo at Kesar Shaguran near Askole.

Over two thirds of the trekking is actually on glacier, and more than 20km of the route requires travelling in roped teams. Fortunately, only two camp sites, Hispar La Base Camp and Hispar La, are on glacier. Both glaciers have chaotic, debris-covered lower sections and crevasse fields on their upper sections. With the rigours and risks of serious glacier travel, it shouldn’t be anyone’s first Karakoram trek.

More than a dozen 7000m peaks tower above these glaciers and the Biafo’s granite spires-Lukpe Lawo Brak (6593m), Lukpe Brak (6029m), and Baintha Brak (7285m), or The Ogre- form a magnificent cathedral of mountain architecture. Lower pastures along the Biafo Glacier are used by Balti villagers from the Braldu Valley, and lower ones along the Hispar Glacier are used by Burushaski-speaking Nagyrkutz. The upper ablation valleys and meadows along the glaciers, however, are filled with flowers and are unused except by wildlife. Brown bears occasionally appear (raiding camp sites, especially Karpogoro), as do ibex and eagles.

What to Bring

Mountaineering equipment necessary to travel in roped teams is required (see Mountaineering Equipment,).

The Swiss Foundation for Alpine Research 1:250,000 orographical map Karakoram (Sheet 1) covers the trek. The Jutmo Glacier is labeled as Yutmaru, and Apiharai as Aplahara. Huru isn’t marked. Huru is 150m above the Hispar River’s true left bank, west of the two streams show flowing north from Rush Phari.

The Italian alpine-scientific expedition ‘Biafo 77’ determined elevations for the Latok group that differ from the Swiss map. Based on its survey, it also propose reversing the designations of Latok I and II, so that the westernmost summit be called Latok I (7151m), and the central peak Latok II (7086m). The easternmost peak Latok III (6850m) is correctly marked.

Guides and Porters

Take an experienced guide who knows the route. If you’re experienced with glacier travel, you can reduce costs by hiring savvy porters instead. You cannot, however, expect porters to know how to locate and avoid crevasses, or how to use a rope safely. If you’re at all unsure, hire a guide through a trekking company. Even though this is an open-zone trek, police at the Thungol check past have refused to allow unaccompanied trekkers to proceed up the Biafo Glacier and may insist you hire someone for you own safety. Trekkers may want to first request a letter from the DC in Skardu, however, stating that they have permission to go up the Biafo Glacier.

The trek’s length and difficulty necessitates hiring porters to carry gear and supplies. The ratio of porters to trekkers typically varies from 3:1 (for smaller scale lower-budget treks) to 6:1 (for trekking parties outfitted by a trekking company). Ensure porters have adequate clothing and equipment. Whether they bring their own gear or you provide it for them, keep in mind that they will be walking, sleeping and cooking on snow and ice for days.

Balti Porters

The traverse is usually done from east to west using Balti porters. When you need more than three or four porters, hire them in Skardu. Otherwise, hire them in Haiderabad or Askole. Porters are responsible for paying for their own transport to Thungol. As supplies are consumed and loads eliminated, porters are dismissed. Porters can be released along the Biafo Glacier as far as Hispar La Base Camp. Never dismiss just one porter. It’s dangerous for a porter to return down the glacier alone and irresponsible of any trekkers to insist upon it. You’re committed to take porters that cross the Hispar La all the way to Huru.

Some confusing exceptions to standard porters’ wages apply to this trek. Porters bring their own food to Baintha I. For these four stages, porters’ wages are a flat. It’s customary for porters to butcher an animal at Baintha. For the remaining stages from Baintha I to Huru, you provide all food and fuel for porters and pay a flat rate. Wãpasi is paid, despite the fact that porters never walk back over the glaciers to Baltistan. Porters instead walk to the KKH and take public transport via Gilgit back to Skardu. You’re not responsible to pay for their transport, unless you can get porters to agree not to be paid wãpasi. They also ask for the clothing and equipment allowance. Other trekking parties may negotiate lower wages per stage or fewer stages (the authors have heard as low as 18 stages), but they also pay a lot of baksheesh or face porters strikes.

Nagyr Porters

Nagyr porters, eager for work, welcome trekkers doing this route from west to east. A porters’ union has effectively eliminated porter disputes that had plagued this area for years. The one hitch is that any trekking party hiring five or more porters must also hire a porter sirdar, who is a village representative and whose responsibility it is to select porters from their village. The porters’ wages are a flat Rs 220 per stage, including payment for food rations.

In addition, they ask for for shoes, and a goat from large trekking parties. Nagyr porters don’t ask for Wãpasi. Instead, they ask for the cost of transport, food and accommodation to get from Skardu back to Nagyr. A representative from the porter union finds you.

The route totals 22½ stages. It’s half a stage between Thungol and Askole, plus these 22 stages from Askole: (1) Namla; (2) Mango I; (3) Shafung; (4) Baintha I; (5) Nakpogoro; (6) Marpogoro; (7) Karpogoro; (8) Hispar La Base Camp (Biafo Glacier side); (9) Hispar La; (10) Hispar La Base Camp (Hispar Glacier side); (11) to first glacier to north; (12) west side of Khani Basa Glacier; (13) Hagure Shangali Cham; (14) west side of Jutmo Glacier; (15) Shiqam Baris; (16) Pumarikish; (17) Bitanmal; (18) Palolimikish; (19) Ghurbun; (20) Hispar village; (21) Apiharai; and (22) Huru.

NEAREST FACILITIES

See Thungol (p).

GETTING TO/FROM THE TREK

To the start, from the finish.

An unsealed road from Hispar village due to the KKH follows the Hispar River, but is subject to blockage by high water, rock fall and landslides. From June to September, you must plan to walk the 16km between Hispar village and Huru, from where the road is usually open. Vehicles from Hispar and Huru are infrequent, so either prearrange a special hire to meet you or walk to the KKH. Some parties send a ‘runner’ ahead to the KKH to request a jeep in Huru. These are typically VIP jeeps where drivers usually allow a maximum of four passengers. Huru-KKH special hires cost Rs 1700 (1¼ hours, 26km). When the road is open to Hispar village, a Hispar-Nagyr Proper special hire.

The walk to the KKH is hot and dry, so carry water from Huru. When porters carry loads from Huru to the KKH, you pay them an additional two stages. This can equal the cost of a jeep, so you may as well as hire one and enjoy the ride. Porters with no loads aren’t paid for walking between Huru and the KKH.

Day 1 : Thungol to Namla

5-7 hours, 14.9km, 690m ascent, 60m descent

Either walk one hour along the road to Askole or stroll two hours through Thungol and Surungo villages to Askole. This upper trail is more shaded and enjoyable, and crosses two streams in steep, but not large ravines.

Walk through Askole (3000m) and follow the canal 30 minutes to its source at a clear stream. Continue past the confluence of the Biafo and Biaho rivers, following the Biafo River’s true right bank 1½ hours to Kesar Shaguran (Kesar’s polo field). A small clear stream is five minutes before this broad, level area (3090m). After crossing the area, the trails to the Biafo and Baltoro Glaciers divide. The trail to the Baltoro Glacier continues east below the rock but- trees. The trail to the Biafo Glacier turns north-east up a rock gully between a cliff on the left and a rock buttress on the right.

Ascend amid boulders 15 minutes to a large cairn (3360m) and the first view of the Biafo. Biafo means ‘rooster’ and describes the glacier’s snout, which resembles a cockscomb. Continue on a trail through the ablation valley, descending to the broken white rock at the glacier’s margin in 45 minutes. Move onto the glacier where water lies in moraine pools. Toil gradually up past occasional cairns. After 4.5km, or three hours, on the glacier, head west (left) 15 minutes to its margin. Off the glacier, continue 15 minutes to the grassy area of Namla (3690m) with porters’ shelters and sandy camp sites. Get water from the glacier or from the silty Namla stream.

Day 2 : Namla to Mango I

5-6 hours, 6.7km, 30m descent

Leave Namla on a sandy trail and descend quickly to the glacier. Head straight out through moraine crevasses 1¼ hours to the medial moraine. Cross a medial moraine and a white ice band to a second medial moraine. This eastern medial moraine is more level and easier walking. In 45 minutes, janping Chekhma (3734m), a large, green, side valley, is visible to the west. This side valley is very hard to reach, blocked by black ice towers and difficult broken glacier. Continue along the medial moraine, passing occasional cairns made by Askole villagers who bring their yaks as far as Mango. Continue two hours from the point on the glacier opposite Janping Chekhma, until directly opposite a side valley to the west, marking the south end of the green Mango area. Cross the white ice, the western medial moraine and then broken rock-covered ice to reach Mango I in 45 minutes. Head for the ablation valley above the side valley. High water in this side stream makes an impassable barrier to approach from below. Two camps exist, Mango I and Mango II. Mango I (3660m), at the south end of this 2km-long ablation valley, is the better camp site with great views, a pond, profuse wildflowers and porters’ shelters.

Days 3-4 : Mango I to Baintha I

4½-5½ hours, 10.7km, 330m ascent

Walk up the ablation valley 30 minutes to Mango II, a large camp site, but less scenic with silty water. From Mango II, it takes 2½ hours to cross 6.5km of alternating bands of white ice and medial moraine to the Biafo Glacier’s opposite (east) margin, with good views of the Latok peaks. Descend onto the glacier and head straight out 30 minutes over broken black rubble-covered ice to a band of white ice. Follow its west (left) edge up 45 minutes, skirting occasional small crevasses. As the white ice levels out, cross it to the east (right) then climb over medial Moraine and descend to a larger white ice stream. Work east across that white ice, and ascend another, larger medial moraine.

Here, you’re directly opposite the Pharosang Glacier, an eastern tributary of the Biafo. Descend the medial moraine east and onto a third white ice stream. Cross it and the medial moraine beyond, to a broad white ice band. Follow this ice high way up 30 minutes, then cross one final medial moraine (4054m), opposite the Gama Sokha Lumbu Glacier and icefall with snowy Gama Sokha Lumbu (6282m) at its head. Cross the broken ice on the Biafo Glacier’s east margin at its narrowest point, aiming for a faint trail visible on the grassy hillside ahead.

Enter the dry ablation valley along the Biafo Glacier’s north-east margin and climb the short, steep trail along the hillside. Contour through grass and flowers, pass a small rock shelter, and after one hour descend into a large ablation valley with a broad alluvial fan. Below is Shafung (3930m), a camp site at the base of a large boulder. Warm, clear water flows by this pretty spot. Follow the stream’s true left bank to another side valley, crossing the stream where it braids into many channels. The water may be high on warm afternoons. Continue north-west, passing a small moraine lake and a possible camp site to reach Baintha I (3990m), 1¼ hours from Shafung. Almost all parties take an extra day in Baintha’s lush meadow for acclimatization and so porters can bake bread for the coming days. Tradition also dictates a goat feast for porters. A nontechnical ascent of rocky Baintha Peak (5300m) above camp, which assists with acclimatization, gives good views of the glacier, Baintha Brak and the Latok peaks. Across the glacier is Ho Brak (5364m), a single-day snow and ice climb.

Day 5 : Baintha I to Marpogoro

5½-6½ hours, 14km, 420m ascent

Stroll up the green ablation valley for 45 minutes to Baintha II (4050m), a less desirable camp site (marked by a triangle on the Swiss map) at the confluence of the Biafo and Baintha Lukpar glaciers. To the east, up the Baintha Lukpar Glacier, is Latok II Base Camp. The Baintha Lukpar Glacier’s northern arm, the Urzun Brak Glacier, leads to Latok I Base Camp, Baintha Brak Base Camp, and a single-day snow and ice climb of a 5669m peak right underneath Baintha Brak.

Move onto the Biafo Glacier, crossing broken ice 20 minutes to the smooth central ice flow. Head up the glacier, working around crevasses and ascending steadily several hours. Early in the season, this section may be snow covered, necessitating use of a rope.

After walking 8km in three to 4½ hours on the ice highway, you’re opposite the first of the three ‘rock camps’ named for the

Colour of the rock (goro) above them: nakpo (black); marpo (red); and karpo (white). Nakpogoro (4380m) is a large area in an ablation valley on the Biafo’s east margin with clear water, some vegetation and room for many tents. From the Biafo Glacier, a stream from a side glacier tumbling onto a white alluvial fan is visible. A prominent yellow rock spire towers above Nakpogoro. Access to this camp is through broken ice. Start from directly opposite the camp and head straight in. Nakpogoro is used by larger trekking parties, as the higher ‘rock’ camps are smaller. Camping at Nakpogoro leaves a very long distance the next day if you intend to reach the Hispar La Base Camp.

Continue 3.5km up the ice highway in the glacier’s middle. Beyond Nakpogoro 1½ hours, you are just below Marpogoro. This small camp site with six or seven tent platforms and stone shelters is just above a side valley with a large icefall. The rock on the north side of the camp site is distinctly red, hence the name. Angle towards the red rock, working cautiously through the large marginal crevasses that guard the approach. A few flowers bloom and a bit of grass grows at Marpogoro (4410m), but the lush vegetation of Baintha is now behind. The tent sites on a lateral moraine are cold and exposed to wind, but dramatic amid the glaciers and snowy peaks. (Marpogoro is marked by a black square on the Swiss map). Across the glacier, above the confluence with the Ghur Glacier, is a single-day snow and ice climb of Ghur (5796m).

Day 6 : Marpogoro to Hispar La Base Camp

5-6 hours, 11.6km, 360m ascent

Leaving Marpogoro isn’t as difficult as reaching it. Head out, angling north 15 minutes, detouring occasional crevasses to the broad, white ice highway of the main Biafo. A steady breeze constantly blows down the glacier, making the ascent cold and tiring. It takes two hours to walk 6.5km up the white ice until you’re opposite the third rock camp, Karpogoro (4680m). The 22km from Baintha I to Karpogoro can be covered in one long day, if you’re fit and acclimatized. The camp is at the glacier’s east margin, at the confluence of the Sim and Biafo glaciers. It’s guarded by marginal crevasses, so approach carefully. To the west is the route to the technical Sokha La.

If you’re not going east to camp at Karpogoro, bear west (left) to avoid crevasses. The glacier broadens as the Sim and Biafo glaciers meet, and the ascent is gradual. Measurements here show the ice to be almost 1.5km thick and that the glacier’s surface moves 300m per year. With permanent snow cover, travelling in roped teams is mandatory and wearing gaiters is helpful. Continue 5km in three to 3½ hours to Hispar La Base Camp (4770m). Avoid placing your camp site in a crevasse field. The usual camp site, marked by litter, is near a large pool of water some 30m below. You may want an extra day here to acclimatize or to explore Lukpe Lawo.

To the west, at the head of a small glacier and on the divide between the Biafo and Solu glaciers, are two climbable granite towers (peaks 5979m and 5957m on the Swiss map).

Day 7 : Hispar La Base Camp to Hispar La

3-6 hours, 4.2km, 381m ascent

Start before the sun hits the snow and softens it. The ascent to the obvious Hispar La is a steady climb of a 20- to 30- degree snow slope. Travel in roped teams following a route up the middle, detouring to avoid numerous gaping crevasses and many more hidden ones. The broad and level Hispar La ( 5151m) makes a magnificent camp site in good weather. In inclement weather, get off the pass and camp lower down on the Hispar Glacier.

Conway, the first European to cross the pass, called the view to the east of Lukpe Lawo and Baintha Brak, ‘beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has been my lot to behold’. Just north of the pass is Workman Peak (5885m), climbed by the indomitable Fanny Bullock-Workman. Far to the west, the Ultar peaks above Hunza are visible.

Day 8 : Hispar La to Baktur Baig Gut Delum

6-8 hours, 14km, 681m descent

Start down before the morning sun hits the snow. It takes 45 minutes to one hour to cross the 2.5km-long flat pass, and another hour to descend the middle of the lower angle snow ramp, skirting yawing crevasses with icefalls on either side. The Hispar side of the pass is more heavily crevassed than the Biafo side. Once onto the lower Hispar Glacier (5040m), wend around the fissures and sinkholes 30 minutes. It’s possible to camp here on the glacier near pools.

Continue for 1½ hours until even with the first large icefall to the north. The crevasses decrease and using a rope becomes optional. Reach red moraine after 45 minutes, and 45 minutes farther, reach the Khani Basa Glacier (4511m), the first of four major glaciers that push into the Hispar Glacier from the north.

Climb 15 minutes over the moraine and cross two white-ice sections of the Khani Basa Glacier in 30 minutes, staying right. Kanjut Sar (7760m) is at the Khani Basa Glacier’s head. Enter the ablation valley along the north margin of the Hispar Glacier and ascend 30m of talus to the grassy hillside above. Pass two small possible camp sites. Thirty minutes farther, at the end of the ridge descending from point 5198 on the Swiss map, reach a large camp site called Baktur Baig Gut Delum (4470m), which means ‘Baktur Baig pitched his tent here’ in Burushaski. Here are a side stream, wild-flowers, porters’ shelters and splendid views of the Bal Chhish peaks soaring above the Hispar Glacier and Baintha Brak peering over the Hispar La.

Day 9 : Baktur Baig Gut Delum to Shiqam Baris

7 hours, 7.9km, 360m ascent, 660m descent

Cross a stream from the small tributary glacier just beyond camp and descend steeply to the ablation valley along the Hispar Glacier’s north margin. Move onto boulder-covered medial moraine 30 minutes from camp. On either side of this level moraine are heavily broken sections. Although a trail hugs the grassy hillside above the glacier from Baktur Gut Delum 5km to the Jutmo Glacier, this trail is sporadically obliterated by mud slides and avalanches and may be blocked. A camp side called Hagure Shangali Cham is one the hillside. If this trail is not passable, move out onto the Hispar Glacier, working towards its centre to avoid the Jutmo Glacier’s broken east margin where it impacts the Hispar Glacier. After two hours on the Hispar Glacier, cross onto the very convoluted Jutmo Glacier (4320m). Work around high ice walls and after two tedious hours, reach the cliff at the north-west corner of the Jutmo-Hispar confluence. A thin, steep trail ascends lose, powdery cliffs 15 minutes to the grassy hillside above (4680m). Traverse the hillside, passing several small camp sites along the trail. Each of these camp sites has excellent views and clean water. The largest one, Shiqam Baris (4170m), is 1½ hours down the trail at the end of the grassy hill. A large stream descends from a side glacier onto an alluvial plain. Shiqam Baris means ‘green canyon’ in Burushaski.

Day 10 : Shiqam Baris to Dachigan

7 hours, 13.1km, 60m ascent, 270m descent

Continue one hour on a good trail to Ulum Burum Bun (white rock ahead), a colder and less desirable camp site with no morning sun and water farther away. Cross the large stream just beyond Ulum Burum Bun in the morning when water is low. Beyond the stream, the trail along the hillside towards the Pumari Chhish Glacier is preferable, but occasionally obliterated by rock fall and avalanches. Local people know if it’s possible. The alternative is to descend the loose, cliff-like lateral moraine to the Hispar Glacier’s north margin and to follow it to the confluence with the Pumari Chhish Glacier (4080m). This exhausting, awkward route takes three hours. Cross the Pumari Chhish Glacier in 1½ to two hours. It’s much less broken than the Jutmo Glacier, and not as wide. Head for the distinctive red lateral moraine of the Pumari Chhish Glacier, which bends west beneath cliffs as it mergers with the larger Hispar Glacier. Where the red moraine ends and meets the white moraine of the Hispar Glacier (4020m), climb up the powdery cliff above the glacier’s north margin on a thin, loose Class 2 trail 15 minutes to the hillside above (4080m). After 30 minutes on a trail, reach a camp site, where water sources may be dry after midsummer. The trail climbs above and around this dry camp site and joins the trail from the west side of the Pumari Chhish Glacier. Continue 45 minutes to Dachigan (3960m), an ideal camp site. Dachigan refers to a wall (dachi) blocking the trail (gan) to prevent livestock from straying. A large clear stream waters this beautiful grassy area with grand views of the wall of 6000m peaks south of the Hispar Glacier.

Day 11 : Dachigan to Hispar

6½ hours, 17.9km, 340m ascent, 917m descent

Follow a gentle 4km trail in 45 minutes to Bitanmal (place of the shaman), an expanse of tall, lush grasses used as a pasture by Hispar villagers in late summer. Near the huts and livestock pens is a large rock and shrine. Lofty Makrong Chhish (6607m) rises across the Hispar Glacier. Bring water from Bitanmal (3660m) because it’s scarce for the next few hours. From Bitanmal, walk 15 minutes across the meadow and descend steep talus to the Kunyang Glacier’s edge. A faint trail crosses the stable, rock- covered Kunyang Glacier in one hour. The 15- minute climb to the grassy hill (3900m) on the far side (labeled Daltanas on the Swiss map) is the hardest exist from a glacier yet. It requires careful balance and frequent use of small handholds. With no more glaciers to cross, enjoy the stroll through junipers and ephedra down the ablation valley. After an hour, reach Palolimikish (3630m), a field of tall noxious plants named palolin. Continue 30 minutes to a large stream, and ford it amid tamarisk shrubs.

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Detailed Itinerary

Biafo Glacier (60 km. long) and Hispar Glacier (61 km. long) meet at the 5151 m. Hispar Pass to form one of the longest glacial systems outside the polar regions. This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms; Hunza in the west with Baltistan in the east.

In olden times warriors from Hunza would use this natural pathway to invade the peoples of Askolie in Baltistan. Later, the well known sport of "Polo," a Balti word meaning ball, served as a more positive outlet for aggression between these two kingdoms and matches were played on stretches of level ground in this locality.

Because the Biafo-Hispar region is very remote it serves as the last stronghold for many animals; including Himalayan bear, ibex, markhor and the snow leopard. H.W. Tilman, an English adventurer, claimed he saw footprints of the Yeti during his trek there in 1937.

At the base of Hispar Pass on its eastern flank rests Snow Lake, a basin of ice (16 km. wide) surrounded by granite pinnacles yet to be climbed. Glaciologists have conducted various experiments on the lake and have found the ice to be approximately 1.6 km. deep. Some go as far as to say that Snow Lake represents the last of the original ice cap in the earth's temperate zones.

The first segment of the journey from Islamabad to Askolie is identical to that of the K-2 Trek (see enclosed). We begin our walk from Askolie towards K-2 then shortly head west onto the Biafo Glacier. After trekking three to four days we arrive at Baintha Campsite located on an ablation valley below the granite peaks of the Ogre (7813 m.).

The walk takes us past glistening clear lakes, bright spots of green grass, glorious wild flowers and the ever present vertical snow covered peaks hanging above to complete this dazzling scene. The next two days take us over the white covered Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake. We then make the exhilarating walk up to Hispar Pass continuously overwhelmed by the incredible views.

Having reached the highest point of our journey atop Hispar Pass (5151 m.) we begin the descent into Hunza; a land where the language, culture and ethnic background is vastly different than that of Baltistan. We follow the Hispar Glacier past massive mountains such as Kanjut Sar (7760 m.) and Disteghil Sar (7885 m.) reaching the end of the glacier in four to five days.

The green oasis of Hispar Village awaits us signaling only another dayÍs walk before a jeep transports us to Karimabad, Hunza. First sight of the lush valley of Hunza is breathtaking and in some ways makes up for the nostalgia one feels after completing a long walk. We spend one night in Karimabad then we are off to Gilgit by way of the KKH. Depending on weather conditions we then fly or drive back to Islamabad.

Detailed Itinerary - Snow Lake Biafo-Hispar Traverse

Day 1 , Rawalpindi/Islamabad: Hotel, trek briefing. We will have ample time for sightseeing and shopping in colorful old bazaars of Rawalpindi and new markets of Islamabad. We may also drive to the huge modern Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.

Day 2 , Skardu (2,500 m 8,200 ft): Hotel, flight. We will be on the most fantastic commercial flight in the world taking us from Islamabad to Skardu. If the weather is bad, we will drive in two days on the famous KKH to Skardu.

Day 3 , Askolie (3,300 m 10,800 ft): Camp, jeep drive. It takes about six hours to drive from Skardu to Askolie or near Askolie. The drive through the Braldu Gorge is guaranteed to knock your socks off!

Day 4 , Namla (3,650 m 11,800): Camp, trek begins. The walk from Askolie to Namla is on an easy gentle plain first and then becomes difficult as we get on to the snout of Biafo Glacier. This will take about 6 to 8 hours. The first sight of the pinnacles of the Paiyu Group is stunning.

Day 5 , Mongo (3,700 m 12,130 ft): Camp, trek. This can take 7 hours or more. We walk on the moraines of Biafo Glacier as well as in an ablation valley. This is not an easy walk as we trek on rocks most of the time.

Day 6 , Biantha (4,000 m 13,120 ft): Camp, trek. From Mongo we get on to the white Biafo Glacier where the walking is easier and then we diagonally walk across the Biafo to reach its other side near Biantha. The difficult parts here are getting on to the glacier and then getting off it. This takes about 6 hours of walking and will give us our first sight of the Latok Group. The campsite is located in a green meadow.

Day 7 , Biantha (4,000 m 13,120): Camp, rest day. Wash up, relax, read, climb on a steep ridge for outstanding views behind the camp, sing and dance with the porters!

Day 8 , Marphogoro (4,400 m 14,430 ft): Camp, trek. Six to eight hours of walking. Getting on to the glacier is tricky. Once on it, the walk is pretty straight forward on the white glacier. However, we are careful to avoid crevasses here. The greenery of Biantha campsite is only a memory now. We are in the dramatic and awesome expanse of the Biafo with its jagged pinnacles. The Ogre (7,813 m.) towers high above us on our right. There is only snow and rock now. 

Day 9 , Snow Lake (4,800 m 15,750 ft): Camp, trek. The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours over ice and snow. Once again we are careful to avoid crevasses along the way. Snow Lake is a magical place. Be sure to get out of the tent to experience the stars in the night. It is an unforgettable experience!

Day 10 , Snow Lake (4,800 m 15,750 ft): Camp, rest day. We stay at Snow Lake one more day to acclimatize and explore this unique area of the Earth. Be careful of crevasses.

Day 11 , Hispar La (5,151 m 16,895 ft): Camp, trek. A 6 to 7 hour walk on slopes of about 30 degrees take us to the top of the pass. Once again, we are careful to avoid crevasses. Even though the climb is on gentle slopes, we find it difficult due to the rarefied air. When on top we see a panorama described by an early explorer: “Beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has been my lot to behold.” On one side the Biafo lies and on the other side we look towards the Hispar Glacier and the peaks above Hunza valley. The view of sunrise from the pass is another sight to behold.

Day 12 , Kani Basa (4,500 m 14,760 ft): Camp, trek. This is a long day’s walk and can take more than 8 hours. We want to make sure that we leave the pass early before the snow becomes soft. On the way down, once again, we are careful to avoid crevasses. We will have to cross the Kani Basa Glacier before we can camp on a green campsite, which is a welcome sight and site after being on snow for the last few days. On the way we can see the famous Kanjut Sar (7,760 m.) towering high above the Kani Basa Glacier.

Day 13 , Kani Basa (4,500 m 14,760 ft): Camp, rest. A well needed day to relax after a tough walk through Hispar La and snow.

Day 14 , Jutmal (4,200 m 13,780 ft): Camp, trek. This will take about 7 hours and on the way we will cross the Jutmal Glacier. It is tricky here as the route through the glacier is like a maze with high ice walls. After crossing it, another hurdle that we face is the climb up on a loose cliff face. Once up the face, we now enter a beautiful campsite with lovely views across the Hispar Glacier. Some streams have to be crossed on the way.

Day 15 , Bitanmal (3,600 m 11,800 ft): Camp, trek. This section takes about 8 hours. On the way Pumory Glacier is crossed and also a stream. The crossing of Pumory is not that difficult as the Jutmal. However, once again, we have to descend on to the ablation valley and once again we have to climb the cliffs on our right to get to the campsite. This is an exhaustive process.

Day 16 , Falaling Chhish (3,600 m 11,800 ft): Camp, trek. One more glacier to cross! This is Kunyang Glacier. The walking does get a little easier. However, crossing the Kunyang is tedious and the climb on rocks on the other side can be difficult. This is a short day consisting of about 4 hours. Our camp is in a shepherd’s meadow where villagers from Hispar bring their yaks for the summer. The view of Makrong Chhiish (6,607 m.), on the other side of Hispar Glacier, is outstanding. 

Day 17 , Hispar Village (3,400 m 11,150 ft): Camp, trek. Another short day of about 4 hours. Some streams have to be crossed on the way, but the walking is relatively gentle. A bridge over the Hispar stream has to be crossed and then a climb on a good path brings us into the village proper. It is strange to see habitation as the villagers gather around us! 

Day 18 , Huru (3,000 m 9,840 ft.): Camp, trek. This takes about 5 hours of walking on a jeep road. The road is marked with a few broken bridges and land slides that have resulted in jeeps not coming all the way to the Hispar Village. Our campsite is high above the noisy Hispar River in a tree-shaded spot. There is also a cool pool nearby. Here our epic trek ends.

Day 19 , Karimabad (2,440 m 8,000 ft): Hotel, jeep. Our jeeps will transport us back to Karimabad, Hunza. The first sight of this lush green valley surrounded with huge white peaks will remain an imprint on our minds for a long time.

Day 20 , Gilgit (1,500 m 4,900 ft): Hotel, drive. We drive to Gilgit in about three hours and have ample opportunity to visit the Central Asian bazaars and do some sightseeing.

Day 21 ,  Rawalpindi/Islamabad: Hotel, flight and trek debriefing. Here we go again and find ourselves looking forward to being on this world famous flight. One can never get enough of the sight of Nanga Parbat, which is so huge that the plane takes about ten minutes to cross its northern face!

Note: On day 21 if the flight does not operate due to the weather, we will then return to Rawalpindi/Islamabad by road on the KKH. This will be a long day and we will arrive back in Rawalpindi/Islamabad sometimes during late evening or night of the same day. On the other hand the flight takes under 2 hours. We have three rest days in the above itinerary. We believe that they are necessary, keeping in view of the nature of the trek. These days will also be utilized to help us get back on schedule in case of bad weather and other route and health problems not in our control.

This is a tentative itinerary.  For the enjoyment of your trip a ‘go with the flow’ attitude is necessary.  Many factors will influence your trip, such as weather conditions, health, route conditions, etc.  Please do not take this itinerary very seriously!

Snow lake and Hispar la trek

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Snow lake and Hispar la trek is located in the Karakoram mountain is Pakistan. Biafo Glacier, a 63 km (39 mi) long glacier in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, joins the 49 km (30 mi) long Hispar(Nagar) Glacier at Hispar La (Pass) at an altitude of 5,128 m (16,400 ft) to form the world’s longest glacial system outside the polar regions.

This icy highway connects two ancient mountain kingdoms, Nagar in the west (just south of Hunza) and Baltistan in the east. The traverse uses 51 kilometres of the Biafo Glacier and the entire Hispar Glacier to create a 100-kilometer (62-mile) glacier path. Snow Lake is located at an elevation of 16,000 feet (4,877 metres) and has a width of approximately 10 miles (16 km). The basin is at the confluence of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, which flow down from the Hispar Pass in opposite directions to form a 100-kilometer-long (61-mile) ice river, one of the longest continuous glacier systems outside of the polar regions. The central Karakoram , discovered and charted for the first time between 1937 and 1939, is arguably the most wild of all. It is a land of vast glaciers, towering mountains, and remote passes.

Biafo Glacier is 68 kilometres (42 miles) long and 625 square kilometres in size. It starts in Korofong, atop Askole town. Hisper Glacier is 52 kilometres long. The Hisper Pass is the only thing that separates the Hisper Glacier from the Biafo Glacier. The majority of geographers, however, consider the two glaciers to be one and refer to it as the Biafo-Hisper Glacier. If true, the 120-kilometer-long (75-mile-long) biafo Hispar Glacier would become the world’s second-longest glacier.

On the way to Snow Lake Following a long ice highway, a large glaciated basin at 4,500 metres, there may be a few crevasse spots requiring ropes. Biantha Brak (7,284 m), Snow Lake mountain, and Simkiang glacier can all be seen from here. From here, we climb the Hisper La and camp on its peak, where we can enjoy panoramic views of the Biafo – Hispar region at dusk and dawn. Snow lake and Hispar la trek start and finish in Islamabad.

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Additional information

Snow lake and hispar la trek itinerary.

Day 01: Arrival Islamabad                                                                                                       

Arrival at airport and then transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in hotel at Islamabad.

Day 02: Islamabad to Skardu (By Air)                                                                                           

Early morning flight to Skardu (flights are subject to weather), if unable to fly we will depart for Skardu by road with overnight stay at Chilas. Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.

Day 03: Chilas to Skardu                                                                                                                           

In case of flight has operated we will go for sightseeing tour of Skardu and in case no flight, the day will be used for over land travel from Chilas to Skardu (total drive is 22 – 24 hrs from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.

Day 04: Rest day at Skardu                                                                                                                  

Sight seen in Skardu final packing for the Trek.

Day 05: Skardu to Askole                                                                                                                     

After breakfast we will embark jeeps for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole – The last inhabitance on our way to the Great Glaciers. (Tent)

Day 06: Askole to Namla                                                                                                                     

Today we will leave the last inhabited village of Askoli. For the remaining portion of our journey we will rely on our local team who will carry our food and equipment and sustain our Trek. We start the trek and walking along the turbulent waters of the Braldu River, after 2 hours we climb a steep slope to enter into the Biafo glacier. Most of the day we will walk on the boulders and along the lateral moraines (Tent)

Day 07: Namla to Mango                                                                                                                       

After breakfast Trek to Mango this is short and moderate trek on the glacier to Mango. (Tent)

Day 08: Mango to Baintha                                                                                                                    

After breakfast Trek to Baintha. we cross the jumble boulders to the moraine ridges in the centre of the glacier. Soon we reach the ‘miracle highway’ of white ice which provides easier walking cross over to the east side of the glacier to make camp at Baintha. This is a splendid camping place, with lush grassland, an abundance of flowers and birds and the chance to spot shy ibex on the mountain slopes above the camp. (Tent)

Day 09: Rest day Baintha                                                                                                                      

Rest day at Baintha, since the alpine loveliness of this camp is not something to be rushed, bearing in mind that there is absolutely nothing in the way of greenery beyond this point for some considerable distance. This rest stop also allows the porters the opportunity to bake a supply of Balti bread and chapattis to last them over the coming days. There is the very worthwhile option today of ascending a peak above the camp for fantastic views down the glacier and across to the Latok group of mountains and the Ogre. (Tent)

Day 10: Baintha to Simgang                                                                                                                 

After breakfast Trek to Simgng. We will trek on the crevassed Biafo to Simgang Biafo junction. A hard & long day rewarded with breathtaking views of dozens of nameless peaks from 5060 m to Sosbun Brakk 6413 m. (Tent)

Day 11: Simgang to Snow Lake                                                                                                            

After breakfast Trek to Snow Lake. This will be a strenuous walking day so far but the most rewarding and perhaps the most memorable day of your life. Cruising first the crevassed glacier & later the upper ice flow, follow the footsteps of Conway, Shipton and Workmans’ to reach Snow Lake. The workman’s, on their first sight of this magical place were bound to declare it “A huge basin of ice & snow that seemed in no way of this world” (Tent)

Day 12: Snow Lake to Hisper Pass (5150m) and Khani Basa                                                     

After breakfast Trek to Khani basa. Today we will wake up early in the morning and leave as soon as we are done with breakfast, we will try to reach the pass before the sunrise. From the top of Hispar Pass (5150m), some of the finest views of the Karakorum, Ogre Peak (7285m) in the background of Snow Lake’s wide plateau and Hispar Glacier stretching as far as eye can see, with the white pyramid of Workman peak to its north. After a refreshment and photo stop we will proceed to another side of the pass which takes three hours to reach to the campsite at Khani Basa. Most of the day we will walk through deep soft snow in single file with rope to avoid the hidden crevasses. (Tent)

Day 13: Khani basa to Yutmuro Glacier                                                                                          

After breakfast Trek to Yutmuro.Today we will traverse through and cross the Khanibasa glacier that takes around 2 hours. During the day we have spectacular views of Kanjut Sar 1 (7700m) and the glaciers. The great numbers of the wild flowers makes again this day pleasant. (Tent)

Day 14: Yutmuro to Bitanmal                                                                                                             

After breakfast Trek to Bitanmal. An easy stroll through ablation valley brings us to Yutmaru glacier, which takes approx 2 hours to reach the view point of Hisper Pass in the backdrop. The campsite of Bitanmal is filled by willow bushes and wild flowers. (Tent)

Day 15: Rest day at Bitanmal                                                                                                               

Rest day at Bitanmal and Explore around (Tent)

Day 16: Bitanmal to Hispar Village                                                                                                     

After breakfast Trek to Hispar village .An early start is essential each morning as we descend the Hispar Glacier. This is because the side streams which must be negotiated are much less formidable before the heat of the day (and associated snow-melt) swells them to impassable proportions. After crossing the Kiang Glacier, there is a steep climb to regain the path which leads through the grazing grounds of Daltanas and Falolingkish. One large stream has to be crossed just before Falolingkish, and then a footbridge leads across to Hispar Village. (Tent)

Day 17: Hispar Village to Karimabad                                                                                               

After breakfast we will drive for Karimabad. Up on arrival we will be transferred to hotel and check in. Afternoon will be free at leisure or go for a walk around. Overnight stay in hotel at Karimabad.

Day 18: Karimabad to Chilas                                                                                                               

After breakfast we will depart for Chilas, en route lunch stop at Gilgit, will also visit local bazaar. Afternoon drive to Chials. Overnight stay in hotel at Chilas.

Day 19: Chilas to Islamabad                                                                                                                   

Early morning we will depart for Islamabad, vis Babusar pass. Overnight stay in hotel at Islamabad.

Day 20: Islamabad                                                                                                                                         

After breakfast we will full day sightseeing of twin city Islamabad/Rawalpindi. Rest of time reserve for shopping.

Day 21: Islamabad to Flight out                                                                                                       

Transfer to airport for flight back home

Please Note: Gilgit Baltistan flights are subject to weather and backlog, in case of flight cancellation we will travel by road, and one night of Islamabad will be adjusted in overland travel.

FDGDFLL;LKDF

————————– ————————– ————————– ————- Cost: 130,000 PKR per head for Pakistani from Islamabad to Islamabad Cost: 110,000 PKR per head for Pakistani from Skardu to Skardu ————————– ————————– ————————– ————- 2500 USD per head for Foreigner ————————– ————————– ————————– ————-

Services included as following Traveling Cost (Islamabad to Islamabad) One side byair and One side byroad Generator facility on camping night Satellite phone Hotel accommodation on 02 person sharing basis. Sleeping tents on 02 person sharing basis. Mattresses Basic Climbing course in Islamabad 15 days before departure. ( only for Pakistani) 13Kg porter facility for member’s personal gear. (Above 13 Kg will be separately charged from member on spot, as per porter rate per Kg) CKNP waste management fees

Hotels: 02 nights in Islamabad (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (only for foriegners ) 02 nights in Chilas (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) 03 nights in Skardu (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)                                                                                                    02 nights Hunza

As per itinerary

Transport: Pick up from group when arrive and drop to airport when group Departure Air-condition van or flight from Islamabad–Skardu-Islamabad Sightseeing the capital city of Islamabad (only for foriegners ) As per itinerary 4 X4 Jeeps: Jeeps from Skardu-Askoli Jeeps from Hishpar-Hunza As per itinerary

Trekking Food: Trekking foods 16 / 17 days food (during the trek, we will serve breakfast, lunch and Dinner) Camping Materials: Mess Tent, Kitchen Tent, Chair Table and kitchen Crockery

Porters: All porters’ wages, kits and insurance

Guide: English speaking Guide and his wages, camp food, transport and his insurance

General Services: Tips for baggage handling at airport & at hotels Fees: (Bridge crossing, cable crossing, camping) International flights tickets re-confirmations Custom clearing assistance (only for forieūgners )

Services not included in given price Member international flight tickets Member personal insurance Sleeping bag and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges Room service, Any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay) etc.

————————– ————————– ————————– ————- Mode of Payment:

-Advance Payment: 20,000 PKR -Instalment schedule can be finalised with individual Sunrise Adventure on request -Last date of full payment: at the time of departure

For Online deposits:

Account: Sunrise Adventure

Account Number:    PK57ALFH0211001006485769

Swift Code:   ALFHPKKAXXX

Bank Alfalah Skardu Branch

(Please leave an SMS afterwards or E-mail [email protected] )

Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek

Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial over 16 km wide located at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek  starts from Skardu- Askoli, which lies on the right bank of Biafo Glacier. Biafo Glacier is 68 Kilometers on the Karakorum Range and south of Baltoro glacier leads to Hispar glacier.

This is a strenuous trek for strong trekkers where you get to cross peaks in the range of 5500m to 7300 meters. The famous snow lake is lying on 500 meters behind the Hispar La pass, this is the one of the best place for skiers and small peak climbers. After crossing Hispar La at an altitude of 5151 meters it gives a beautiful panoramic view of Mountains around Hispar glacier. We cross the summer pastures and we get into Hisper village, from there we meet the Jeeps to drive to Karimabad Valley.

Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek –  Dates and Cost 

• The crossing of Hisper La 5151 m
• Hisper Pass is one of the longest glacial systems outside the polar regions.
• This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms; Hunza in west with Baltistan in the east
• Walking on Biafo and Hisper Glacier
• One of the world`s top 5 trekking adventures
• Trek up to Biafo Glacier (Longest and world’s largest outside the polar region)
• Views of peaks between 5,000 m to 7,000 m Peaks

Detailed Itinerary Snow Lake Trek

Welcome at Islamabad airport, and transfer to hotel. Afternoon proceed for city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which includes famous Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan monument, Damen Koh, Lok Versa, Museum, Rawalpindi old bazaar, Raja Bazaar.

Altitude: 540 M Accommodation: Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we take the short but spectacular flight to Skardu one hour. Afternoon is free to explore Skardu town. Note : If our flight is cancelled due to bad weather, we will start the drive to Chilas via Babusar Pass 4,173 m, 461 km.

• Altitude: 2,228 M • Accommodation: Hotel • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free/preparation day in Skardu. Today we enjoy a free day in Skardu where we can visit the Bazaar and Khurpucho Fort. Note : If our flight canceled on day 2, we will spend 8-9 hours driving from Chilas to Skardu along with Indus River.

Today we take the spectacular drive by jeeps to Askoli 6-7 hours. Askoli is starting point of our trek. It is a spectacular drive from Skardu to Askoli. The jeep road crosses the Braldu River three times and passes the villages of Dassu, Apligon, Pakora, Hoto Chongo and Thongal.

• Altitude: 3,000 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek from Askoli village to Namla 6-7 hours. The early morning light finds us beginning our Snow Lake and Biafo Hisper trek as the Loads are distributed among the porters. Walks through Askoli 3000 m and past the confluence of the Biafo and Biafo rivers, following the true right bank of the Biafo River to Kisar Shaguran, beyond which the trails to the Biafo Glacier divide, the Biafo turn to the northeast and the Baltoro continues east. Move onto the moraine-covered Biafo glacier. Have a nice view of Pyramidal Baakhor Das Peak.

• Altitude: 3,400 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Shikonfon 4-5 hours 6.7 km. Cross the crevassed area to the highest ridge on the glacier. Ahead to the top north are the 3 visible Latok Mountains. Latok -1 (7145 m), Latok -II (7108 m) and Latok -III (6949 m). Climb gently for a couple of hours, on the unstable boulders all the way, then angle in across the crevasses to Mango, an ablation valley with grass and willows bushes by side stream flowing from the striated snow ridge and glacier of 5, 355m Mango Brakk.

• Altitude: 3,660 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Baintha 6-7 hours 10.7 km. This is lovely, the easy day starting with a short walk along the ablation valley past a small lake, then heading out across the lateral crevasses to the smooth, white center of the Biafo glacier. Ahead is your first view of the Hisper Pass. The mountain walls on either side rise to 6000 m, the serrated rock. Here we cross two medial moraines and climb the lateral moraine to find a green ablation valley and follow it up to Biantha, a grassy area with a clear stream following through dense willows shrubs surrounded by flowers the greenery and flowing water we can see for five days.

• Altitude: 3,990 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free day for local exploration and porters will prepare their food for further Snow Lake trek. We enjoy a slow start today taking in our stunning surroundings. We take a short acclimatization trek during the day and in the evening sing and dance with the porters.

Trek to Marpogoro 5-6 hours. Start with 45 minutes of easy walking up the ablation valley past several small lakes surrounded by flowers and willow bushes (can see bear droppings and ravens) followed by 30 minutes of crossing difficult crevasses out to the easy white ice. Please do not get too close to the Biantha Lukpar glacier, as the ice is churned up where the two glaciers meet. The next few hours are an easy stroll up smooth ice, stepping over frequent small crevasses. If the glacier is snow covered, we must rope up and walk in single file all the way across the pass. The Biafo is hemmed in by gleaning glaciers on the south and jagged granite on the north. Napina is green campsite in the northern ablation valley, with fresh water but no bushes if you don’t wish to detour into Napina, we can camp out on the ice in the middle of Biafo at about 4400m and porters will collect water from glacier melt. Walk up the ice highway, until apposite the first of the three rock camps named for the color of the rock above them.

• Altitude: 4,410 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Trek from Marfogoro to Karpogoro 5-6 hours

• Altitude: 4,680 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Snow Lake Hisper La base camp 6-7 hours 11.6 km. Altitude 4770 m. This is ready poled on snow-covered ice (rope essential, gaiters recommended), zigzagging to cross the crevasses but keeping slightly right of center. Wagtails and Ravens follow you up. Snowy peaks adrip with glaciers wall you in on the south, as do granite towers on the north. At the intersection with the Sim Gang glacier and Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo), the route to the Hisper Pass leads off the west. The ice here is about 1.5 kilometers thick and flowing at about 300m a year. Camp at about 4780min a flat bowl of ice several kilometers wide and surrounded by jagged black and white mountains. (From here treks leads north across Snow Lake and Khurdopin pass 5790 to the Shimshal valley)

• Altitude: 4,770 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Hisper La 4-6 hours, 4.2 km.

This day we recommend Rope, gaiters and waterproof boots are essential. It is an easy, steady climb to the top of the Hisper pass 5151 m but quite strenuous at this altitude. The route wends gently up the center, with giant crevasses and stripped greenish- blue seracs on either side. Looking back across Snow Lake gives a feeling of vast snowy space, without a hint of vegetation. Coiling out from Snow Lakes, smooth glaciers writhe between nameless unclimbed peaks. .

• Altitude: 5,151 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Khani Bassa 14 km, 4-5 hours. 3 to 5 hours trek down to Khani Bassa, depending on snow conditions, even in the early morning, the snow can be so soft that we can sink up to our calves. Undulate for one hour cross the top of the Pass, than plod sharply down the center on smooth snow, jumping small crevasses for another hour or so. Beware of hidden crevasses, rope up, and walk in single file. Large crevasses and seracs border the glacier on both sides. To more hours of boulder hopping on scree and moraine leads to a small green campsite just before the junction with the Khani Bassa glacier, have a nice view of the white wall of Balchish range, which is 6000 m.

• Altitude: 4,511 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Jutmal 4-5 hours. It takes about 90 minutes to cross the Khani Bassa glacier. It is relatively easy going, with a fine view north to the smooth white dome of Kanjut SAR at 7,760m the 29th highest peak in the world. There are plenty of places for camping between Khani Bassa and Yutmaru glaciers. Much of the way is along a clear path high on the lateral moraine above 30 m of the glacier, with magnificent views across to the hanging glaciers and frequent avalanches on the southern ice wall. Camp about an hour before the Yutmaru glacier in a flat, sheltered field in the ablation valley, which offers rooms for many tents, here is running water until mid-August. A few small willow bushes and flowers are around the site.

• Altitude: 4,380 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Red Star 6-7 hours. The Yutmaru glacier takes at least 2 hours to cross, with high ice walls and deep crevasses to negotiate. On the other side climb steeply up under the cliff to a good possible campsite with a panoramic view back to the Hisper pass (but on the water in September). We will have to cross few screes, and there is a shortage of water, but flowers and fine views make this otherwise idyllic. There are at least 5 possible campsites along the way. The lower path, following the edge of the glacier, is more difficult and not as scenic.

• Altitude: 4,150 M • Accommodation: Camping • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek to Bitanmal 5-6 hours 7.9 km. Cross a stream from the small tributary glacier just beyond camp and descend steeply to the ablation valley along the Hispar Glacier, north margin. Move onto boulder covered medial moraine 30 minutes from the cam. On either side of this level moraine are heavily broken sections. Although a trail hugs the grassy hillside above the glacier.

Trek to Hisper village 4-5 hours. Trek through a green trail to the pastures of Bitanaml beneath lofty Makrong Chhish 6607m descend steep talus to the edge of the Kunyang Glacier and cross it on a faint trail. Stroll down the ablation valley. Cross the Hisper river bridge and climb to Hisper village.

• Altitude: 3383 M • Accommodation: Hotel • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Karimabad (Hunza Valley) by 4X4 Jeeps.

• Altitude: 2,500 M • Accommodation: Hotel • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Chilas 240 KM, after lunch continue drive to Naran 3-4 hours 113 km via Babusar Pass 4173 m.

• Altitude: 2,409 M • Accommodation: Hotel • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive from Naran to Islamabad 239 km 6-7 hours.

• Altitude: 540 M • Accommodation: Hotel • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Islamabad airport for international flight

• All domestic flights and road transfers
• All hotel accommodation (twin sharing room)
• All trekking accommodation
• All camping site and bridge fees
• All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
• Government trekking permit fees and paperwork
• Waste management fees (government requirement)
• Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
• Porter for personal luggage (15 kgs)
• First aid medicine kit (basic)
• Satellite phone for emergencies
• D3V sleeping tent, Toilet Tent, Shower Tent.
• International airfare and airport taxes.
• Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance of the clients.
• Tips for drivers, porters and staff
• Single Supplement
• Transfers to and from airports for participants making individual air arrangements
• Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour
• Sleeping bag and all personal expenses such as telephone charges, liquor or soft drinks,
• Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely
• Any other service that is not mentioned in the list above.

Fields marked with an * are required Our staff will be in touch via email within 24 hours once you complete the registration form below.

Choose a year * 2024 2025

Select Departure Date * 30-Jun-22 to 21-Jul-22 10-Jun-22 to 29-Jul-22 01-Aug-22 to 21-Aug-22 For the Year 2023 30-Jun-23 to 21-Jul-23 10-Jun-23 to 29-Jul-23 01-Aug-23 to 21-Aug-23 Customized/Solo/Private

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Please contact us for any further details at [email protected]

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Snow Lake – Hispar La trek in Pakistan is one of the most scenic trekking spots for skiers, mountaineers, trekkers and adventure holiday makers. Snow Lake is a high altitude 16km wide glacial basin situated at the head of Biafo Glacier and Hispar glacier in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The basin lies 16000 feet above the sea level behind the Hispar la pass in the Karakoram mountain range. These two glaciers link up at Hispar la, making the greatest concentration of glacial ice outside the Polar region. The icy rivers connect two ancient mountain kingdoms. One of which is Baltistan in the east and Hunza in the west.Snow Lake-Hispar La trek is also known as the snow lake and Biafo Hispar trek. These two glaciers link up at Hispar la, making the greatest concentration of glacial ice outside the Polar region. The icy rivers connect two ancient mountain kingdoms. One of which is Baltistan in the east and Hunza in the west. At a distance, this northern region of Pakistan is the last refuge for several animals, including markhor, ibex, Himalayan bear, and the snow leopard. Individuals from all around the globe come here to explore this place. Martin Conway was the first foreign visitor in 1892 who gave the Snow lake name to this place. He said about this site as “beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold.” Another mountaineer Eric Shipton described this area in his words as “the last blank on the map. ” Snow Lake is a very arduous trek for trekking enthusiasts, and only about two hundred trekkers reach here per year. Makrong Chhish (6,607m), Kanjut Sar (7,760m), and Distaghil Sar (7,885 m) are the high cliffs of the Karakoram placed at a height above these icebergs. The Latok group comprises small peaks such as Latok I, north-central, 7145m, Latok II, west, 7108m, Latok III, east, 6949m, and Latok IV, southeast, 6456m. The Latok lies to the east side of the Ogre group in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. Britons Doug Scott and Chris Bonington were the first who climbed Ogre in 1977. While descending from Ogre, Scott broke both of his two legs, and it almost took a week to arrive at the base camp because the descent was just epic. Snow Lake-Hispar la trek journey starts from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Night stay in Islamabad, and the next day, we fly to Skardu and drive through the Shigar valley to reach Askole. Spend the first night in your sleeping bag under the stars, and the next morning we trek towards K2 base camp in the central Karakoram national park. Snow lake Biafo Glacier Treks usually begins by following the K2 base camp and Gondogoro La trail towards Baltoro glacier. Once we reach the snout of the Biafo Glacier, we move towards the west onto the Biafo glacier. The trek of the next few days chases loose rocky moraine crests on the Biafo glacier. We set up camps behind lateral moraine in grassy areas of Namla, Mango, and Baintha. From Baintha campsite, we move on the glacier by following the broad ice highway. It is easier to walk on the glacier than the previous rocky ridges in the trek. After reaching the elevated point on the Hispar pass (altitude 5151m), which gives the panoramic view of the ice cap and snow-covered Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. After enjoying the panoramic view of snow lake,” the highway of ice”, and start descending towards Hunza valley. We complete the traverse by arriving at Hispar village in the Hunza valley. People of this valley speak a different language and is rich in a unique culture, which is entirely different from Baltistan. After doing a self-guided tour of Ali Abad, we will drive from Hunza towards Gilgit with scenic views of Rakaposhi mountains and flowing streams. From Gilgit, we return to Islamabad either by jeep or plane. Night stay in our group hotel in Islamabad, and the next day we transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your departure flight back to your home country. Stay Longer in Pakistan: Venture further to the south to see many culture sights, Explore Lahore and Multan in search of history and tradition, or simply extend your stay and explore Kalash and Chitral valleys on the way back to Islamabad.

SNOW LAKE-HISPAR LA TREK

• Type: All inclusive
• Hotel & Camping

Snow Lake – Hispar La trek in Pakistan is one of the most scenic trekking spots for skiers, mountaineers, trekkers and adventure holiday makers. Snow Lake is a high altitude 16km wide glacial basin situated at the  head of Biafo Glacier  and  Hispar glacier  in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The basin lies 16000 feet above the sea level behind the  Hispar la pass  in the Karakoram mountain range. These two glaciers link up at Hispar la, making the greatest concentration of glacial ice outside the Polar region. The icy rivers connect two ancient mountain kingdoms. One of which is Baltistan in the east and Hunza in the west.

TREK HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan
• Spectacular mountain View flight To Skardu
• Experience Himalayan mountain kingdom of Baltistan and Hunza
• Trek to Hispar Pass, Snow Lake, Biafo Glacier - the high altitude glacial basin
• Panoramic view from the top of Hispar Pass

TREK OVERVIEW

Snow Lake-Hispar La trek is also known as the snow lake and Biafo Hispar trek. These two glaciers link up at Hispar la, making the greatest concentration of glacial ice outside the Polar region. The icy rivers connect two ancient mountain kingdoms. One of which is Baltistan in the east and Hunza in the west.

At a distance, this northern region of Pakistan is the last refuge for several animals, including markhor, ibex, Himalayan bear, and the snow leopard. Individuals from all around the globe come here to explore this place.  Martin Conway  was the first foreign visitor in 1892 who gave the Snow lake   name to this place. He said about this site as “beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold.”

Another mountaineer  Eric Shipton  described this area in his words as “the last blank on the map. ” Snow Lake is a very arduous trek for trekking enthusiasts, and only about two hundred trekkers reach here per year.

Makrong Chhish (6,607m),  Kanjut Sar  (7,760m), and Distaghil Sar (7,885 m) are the high cliffs of the Karakoram placed at a height above these icebergs. The Latok group comprises small peaks such as  Latok   I,  north-central, 7145m,  Latok II,  west, 7108m,  Latok III,  east, 6949m, and  Latok IV , southeast, 6456m. The Latok lies to the east side of the Ogre group in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan.  Britons Doug Scott  and  Chris Bonington  were the first who climbed Ogre in 1977. While descending from Ogre, Scott broke both of his two legs, and it almost took a week to arrive at the  base camp  because the descent was just epic.

Snow Lake-Hispar la trek journey starts from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Night stay in Islamabad, and the next day, we fly to Skardu and drive through the Shigar valley to reach Askole. Spend the first night in your sleeping bag under the stars, and the next morning we trek towards K2 base camp in the central Karakoram national park. Snow lake Biafo Glacier Treks usually begins by following the  K2 base camp  and Gondogoro La trail towards Baltoro glacier. Once we reach the snout of the Biafo Glacier, we move towards the west onto the  Biafo glacier . The trek of the next few days chases loose rocky moraine crests on the Biafo glacier. We set up camps behind lateral moraine in grassy areas of Namla, Mango, and Baintha. From Baintha campsite, we move on the glacier by following the broad ice highway. It is easier to walk on the glacier than the previous rocky ridges in the trek.

After reaching the elevated point on the Hispar pass (altitude 5151m), which gives the panoramic view of the ice cap and snow-covered Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. After enjoying the panoramic view of snow lake,” the highway of ice”, and start descending towards  Hunza   valley . We complete the traverse by arriving at Hispar village in the Hunza valley. People of this valley speak a different language and is rich in a unique culture, which is entirely different from Baltistan. After doing a self-guided tour of Ali Abad, we will drive from Hunza towards Gilgit with scenic views of Rakaposhi mountains and flowing streams. From Gilgit, we return to Islamabad either by jeep or plane. Night stay in our group hotel in Islamabad, and the next day we transfer you to Islamabad International Airport for your departure flight back to your home country.

Stay Longer in Pakistan:

Venture further to the south to see many culture sights, Explore Lahore and Multan in search of history and tradition, or simply extend your stay and explore Kalash and Chitral valleys on the way back to Islamabad.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1 arrival day, islamabad, pakistan, day 2 mountain view flight to skardu, day 3 skardu (2,230 m) sighseeing and resting day, day 4 skardu to askoli (3,040 m): 7 hours drive, day 5 trek to namla (3,556m) 6-7 hours walk, day 6 trek to mango (3,700m) 6 hours walk, day 7 trek to biantha (4,030m) 5 hours walk, day 08 acclimatisation day, day 9 trek to morfogoro (4,310m) 6 hours walk, day 10 trek to karphogoro (4,670m) 6 hours walk, day 11 trek to base camp of hispar la, (4,580m) 6 hours walk, day 12 trek to hispar la via snow lake, (5155m) 6-7 hours walk, day 13 trek to kani basa, (4,520m) 5 hours walking, day 14 trek to bakhtur baig (4,460m) 6 hours walk, day 15 trek to shigham baris, (4,160m) 6 hours walk, day 16 trek to bitanmal, (3,750m) 7 hours walk, day 17 trek to hispar villag, (2,300m) 4-5 walk, day 18 drive to karimabad, (2,440m) 4-5 hours, day 19 sightseeing and drive to gilgit, 3 hours, day 20 fly back to islamabad, day 21 contingency day in case of delays - islamabad, day 22 departure day - fly back home, snow lake-hispar la trek cost and date.

Snow lake and Hispar La trek Cost 2021-22

Private Groups –  Chose your own Dates

Snow lake and Hispar La trek Solo travellers join In Islamabad – Max 6 Person in a Group

Above prices and dates are exclusively for  Snow lake and Hispar laTrek Solo  group departures. All our solo departure groups sizes are maximum 6 person per group . Smaller groups are easy to maintain and we will be able to give you real authentic travel experience of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.  Private Groups , please chose your own dates and contact us for a quotation. Discounts are available for families , groups and couples , please do contact us before booking . All our Pakistan Holidays are fully inclusive, including the domestic flights to Skardu. K2 base camp trek cost and dates are for the itinerary starting and finishing in Islamabad.

Do the Snow lake and Hispar La Trek Solo but never alone. An escorted holiday is a fantastic way to travel-having a great group of like minded people to share the trip’s memorable moments with makes them all more special. Plus you will have the peace of mind that everything’s taken care of, from the itinerary details to the airport transfers. We welcome hundreds of solo travellers on our K2 Trek and other Pakistan holidays every year. Our fix departure holidays are reserved exclusively for solo travellers.

On this holiday we have included a Tea/Coffee reception in the hotel hosted by your Guide on the arrival day – ideal for getting to know everyone – and throughout. Your Guide will be on hand to make sure everyone in the group gets the best of their Pakistan holiday. If you would like to travel solo but do not want to share the hotel and tents, you have the single supplement option for minimum extra charges. We aim to keep the single supplement as low as possibly can.

All our trekking groups are limited to maximum 6 guest. Keeping numbers low means we can take you further off the beaten track then we would be able to do with a bigger group. We can stay in smaller, boutique-style hotels, and get to know your destination and local People.

Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price for the Snow lake and Hispar La Trek Solo departures. We recommend you to book as early as possible, especially during peak times.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE – NO SURCHARGE GUARANTEE

Snow lake and Hispar La Trek Cost  can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, Trango adventure have undertaken to guarantee the price of your holiday will not change after you have Booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any Trek price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our ‘ No Surcharge Guarantee ’. Trango Adventure is a Government licensed and bonded tour operator to follow the strict Regulation set by the Tourism Department of Pakistan .

Secure your place in our fix departure Snow lake Treks with a small deposit and pay the remaining amount when you arrive in Pakistan.

We accept cash on arrival, Bank Transfers, PayPal and all major Credit & debit Cards.

Snow-lake hispar la trek map.

Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek Itinerary

Holiday information, price includes.

• Accommodation as described (3-4 *)
• All meals from Day 1 to Day 22
• Government Licence English speaking mountain Guide
• All permits, Parking and camping fees
• Transportations, Private vehicle with driver, domestic flight (Skardu), Airport transfers for Domestic & international flights
• Trekking equipments, Sleeping tents, mattresses, Dinning mess and kitchen tent with tables/field stools. Kitchen equipment, crockery, cutlery, fuel and related other community gear
• Wages and basic kit of guide, sirdar, Porters cook and assistant(s).
• Insurance of our field staff and low altitude porters (except helicopter rescue)
• Emergency equipment including a company-issued basic first-aid kit and satellite phone

Price Excludes

• Internationale flight ticket

Travel Insurance

• Pakistan Visa Fee
• Personal trekking equipments, sleeping bags, crampons, walking sticks etc
• Tips for local guide and support staff, Miscellaneous expenses souvenirs etc
• Additional hotel costs, food, beverages and room service etc.

Recommended Airport

Islamabad Internationale Airport ( Google Map )

Meeting Point

Internationale Arrival Lounge at Islamabad Internationale Airport

Hotel Accommodation

• Hill View Hotel, Hotel De Papae, Hotel Regalia or similar, Islamabad
• Summit Hotel, PTDC hotel or similar, Skardu
• Twin base sharing of same gender
• Single supplement of Hotel rooms and tent available at additional low amount

Trip Altitude

Important note – please be aware that  Snow lake and Hispar La Trek involves travelling at high altitude. Whilst our itinerary has been very carefully designed to optimise acclimatisation to high altitudes, participants on the k2 trek are likely to experience some symptoms of being at high altitude. Some trekking experience at high altitude is recommended but not essential as you can train yourself to prepare for the high altitude environments. For a good source of Information about high altitude, visit www.medex.org.uk

Climate of Islamabad is humid subtropical with five seasons: winter, spring, summer (Monsoon, July-august) and Autumn. June is the hottest month of the year with average temperature between 35-40c, July is the wettest month as the monsoon starts and temperature drops down to 25-30c during the day time. Climate of Gilgit Baltistan is cooler compare to rest of the country, expect 30c in Skardu and around 25c in Askoli. During the trek temperature is warm and sun raise will be quite strong, make sure to carry sun creams, sun glasses, hat and plenty of water. Day time temperature will be down to single figures as you reach Concordia. You may encounter snow fall around upper Baltoro region but they will be melted by July. Expect snow fall at Concordia even in July and August if weather is cloudy. Over night temperature can drop down to -10c from Paiju onwards, make sure to carry a good quality down sleeping bag which covers minimum -20c temp. Karakoram mountains are sheltered from the monsoon season, making summer time an ideal season to do trekking. As you can imagine the weather is unpredictable in the mountains so expect short lived storms any time.

Meal Arrangement

All meals from day 1 to last day of the trip is included. Pakistan is blessed with variety of mouth watering and delicious cuisines. Breakfast, Lunch and three course dinner will be served through out the trip.

Your Accommodation

We will make sure to secure the hotels named in the itinerary but if our first choice of hotel is not available we will book a suitable alternative of a similar standard.

Hill View Hotel or Similar, Islamabad

The Hillview Hotel is located in the heart of the Islamabad city and near by the foothills of the famous Margalla Hills. There is an easy access to markets, food street, carpet shops, the famous ‘Kabul’ restaurant, post office and banks as well. The hotel is clean and comfortable.

Summit Hotel, Ptdc Hotel or Similar

Summit Hotel and Ptdc hotel, Skardu offers panoramic view of mountains, KharpochoFort and the mighty Indus River. There are 24-30 basic, clean and comfortable double bed rooms with en-suite facilities. The restaurant provides delicious local, Chinese and continental cuisines.

On our Snow lake trek , the following items are provided: a sleeping tent (we use three- person dome tents for two people), a dining tent, a toilet tent exclusively for your group to use, and a kitchen tent. There are camp chairs or stools, a kerosene / gas lamp or candles for reading in the dining tent at night, a dining table, crockery and tableware. Our staff put up and take down the tents, make the tea, cook the food, wash the dishes, and load the porters. Your kit bag is carried for you by porters and you will trek with just a light day sack.

Travel insurance is highly recommend but it is not essential or mandatory for Snow lake   Trek . When taking out insurance policy please make sure your insurance policy covers they type of adventure travel holiday you are taking with us.

Health & Vaccinations

If you have any type of allergy please inform us before you travel, we will do our best to help but we can not guarantee an allergy free environment. You must carry your own treatment for the allergy with you all the time such as adrenaline auto injectors etc. Please make sure to inform your mountain Guide and the team leader about your allergy on arrival in Pakistan and do let them know where you keep your medicine.

Make sure to contact your general practitioner or an approved travel clinic to check if you need any vaccination or other medical preparation for the type of your holiday and the country you are about to visit. Must be up to date with routine courses such as typhoid, hepatitis, polio, and measles. Malaria and Dengue exist in the neighbouring areas of Islamabad however it does not exists in Gilgit Baltistan and in the mountains.

Pakistan Visa

All international tourist required a visa to enter into Pakistan. You have the option to apply for the Visa online for an E-Visa or physically visit your nearest Pakistan Embassy in your home country. We will provide you all the requited documents, help and assist you to apply for the visa. Currently there is no option available for us to apply for your visa so you have to apply for the visa yourself. Pakistan Visa fee carries country to country, the average visa fee is between $60-$100 USD. For more Information about Pakistan Visa, visit government of Pakistan official visa website.  https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/

• Throne Room of the Mountain Gods
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• King Trekking in Pakistan. Isobel Shaw.

How To Book

The booking process is quite simple. Once you know which date and month you want to travel, contact our travel advisers and secure your place for this year or next year by just paying a small deposit. Once we receive the deposit, we will send you the Receipt for the received amount and your place is confirmed for next year. After receiving the deposit, we will send you all the required documents to apply for a Pakistan Tourist Visa online.

Comprehensive Information

Once your booking is confirmed we will send you full trip dossier with details of vaccinations, visas, items list and other useful information. We will provide all the information you required to prepare for this once in a life time trip.

I'm a solo traveller, is there a single supplement?

If you are travelling alone, you will be paired up with a same gender in a two bed hotel room and in a 2 person dome tent during the trek. We can arrange a single room or tent just for yourself for an additional small cost. Please contact us in advance for more information and costs.

Which currency is most widely accepted on this tour?

– Pakistani – Rupees(PKR) – United State – Dollar (USD) – Euro (EUR) – United Kingdom – Pound sterling (£)

Should I book pre/post tour accommodation?

You do not have to book any accommodation as all our Trekking holidays in Pakistan are on full board basis including accommodation. 

What is cancellation policy?

Biafo, Hisper, Snow Lake Trek

• Description

Cost Not Included

Cost included, equipment list.

We know the risks involved in trekking to the Biafo, Hisper and Snow Lake like the back of our hands, and we are always alert to save our team from straying on a patch of ice or plunging into a deep crevasse. 

Located in the Karakorum mountain range, the  Biafo  (63 kilometers long) and Hisper (49 kilometers long) are among the most dangerous glaciers in the world. And the trekking route cuts through twelve 7,000 meters peaks. The romance between the two glaciers takes place at the Hisper La pass where they meet and mingle. The pass is 5151 meters above sea level.

Combined, the two glaciers boast a length of 126 kilometers, the longest outside the Polar Regions. The trekking route starts in Baltistan’s Askoli region and ends in the  Hunza Valley . The enormous highway of ice and stones links Nagar Valley in west and Askoli (also known as little Tibet) in the east.

Trek Biafo Hisper Snow Lake with Karakorum Expeditions

We aim to give the gleaming crust of the Biafo and Hisper glaciers another exploratory shot because we are well versed when it comes to indulging in extreme adventures. Karakorum Expeditions has 23 days itinerary Biafo Hisper Snow Lake trek, starting with your arrival in Islamabad where you get the opportunity to rest and relax for a day. We will then drive you through Chilas to Skardu, and the real adventure will start from Askoli.

Our expert trekkers, high altitude guides, porters and cooks will accompany you through the Biafo glacier, and on day 10, you will get to the Snow Lake that embodies a 77 square kilometers area. Trekking through the Hisper La pas and experiencing amazing things on the way, you will finally reach Karimabad, Hunza on day 20.

Karakorum Expedition is a household name when it comes to organizing treks to Biafo, Hisper and Snow Lake. We have decades of experience in handling large treks, meaning that you can invest your trust in our services to create delightful experiences for you.

If you want more details,  contact us  now.

What does Package include?

► Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for Trek) ► Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Benazir International Airport, Islamabad ► All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary) ► All road transport in Pakistan (according to itinerary above) ► All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to itinerary ► All meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at hotels and camps ► All trekking requirements on ground (including cook, support staff, porters, gears (excluding personal) etc ► Government trekking permit fees/paperwork for Trek

What does Packages not Include?

► Travel insurance ► Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application) ► International flights (return tickets) ► Tips for guides, porters, staff etc ► Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc at hotels) ► Souvenirs

Food and Meal Plan

During the Trek, participants will be served all three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). The food will include combination of Pakistani and foreign meals made of ingredients bought in Pakistan. Breakfasts will include coffee, tea, cereals, eggs, porridge/muesli, chappatti/bread. During trekking, lunches will be eaten during lunch breaks with options from tinned/canned meals (fish, meat), crackers, pickles, cheese, chapatti, pate etc. Depending on the weather, the lunches start with or sometimes end with soup, coffee or tea, juices etc. Dinner is always eaten in mess tent which is freshly prepared by our cooks travelling with us. During the initial days of trekking, fresh vegetables are also cooked until they remain fresh. Vegetarians must inform our office in advance if they want their entire meals to be vegetarian.

Iodine treated drinking water will be made available in the mornings, during breaks and while camping. Everyone will be drinking spring water when available but at other times, we do not have options other than consuming glacial melt water that might consist of silt. Our kitchen uses a large container for water supply that helps in settling down the silt at the bottom. If you do not like the odor of iodine, you might want to bring your own supply of bi-carbonate of soda. Conventional methods work well for everyone but we keep on experimenting new methods.

Arrival in Islamabad Pakistan and Airport Transfer

All our guests must arrive on day 1 at Benazir International Airport, Islamabad (Pakistan’s capital). Our guide/staff will be waiting for you outside the international arrivals gate in the airport premises who will take you to the hotel. All guests must notify us if they do not need transfers from airport. Guests must also submit their inbound and outbound flight details to our office two days before their arrival in Pakistan. Once you confirm your registration and make payment, more details including names and contacts numbers will be sent to you. Airport transfers will also be provided on the last day.

Accommodation

We arrange stays at standard hotels in Islamabad and our hotel picks in Hunza/Skardu are always one of the best in town. Rooms at our selected hotels will be provided on twin-sharing basis and will have en-suite amenities. During camping days, you will also be sharing a two-person tent. If you are traveling alone, you will be teamed with one of the other participants (of the same sex) for room and tent sharing. However you can get separate hotel rooms and separate tents for additional cost but both require booking in advance. Extended hotel reservations in Islamabad are possible.

A typical Day

On all trekking days, your guide will wake you up for warm tea or coffee followed by a good breakfast inside the mess tent(s). You will have time before breakfast to pack your bags again. Camp will be closed after breakfast and porters will get to work carrying supplies and luggage ahead of guests to arrive at the lunch site and prepare meals. Porters will repeat the same “trek-earlier” approach for dinner preparations. We will generally hike for 3-4 hours before lunch. Lunch normally takes at least one hour so it is a good time to gain your strength back, read, write etc.

Trekking after lunch break in the afternoon will generally be shorter than first half of the day. Once you reach the next camp, camps will either be setup or in the process and kitchen crew would serve a hot beverage first and dinner will be served when its ready. One can rest, socialize, read, write, and photograph etc upon reaching a camp. Temperature normally decreases at night and participants can get cozy in their personal sleeping bags before getting enough sleep for the next day.

Domestic Flights

In order to reach your destination (northern areas), we will be taking a flight which is subject to weather as the valley is surround by mountains and requires high visibility for any flight to operate. Due to the weather factor, no flights are guaranteed to operate. Flights to your destination do operate often but there are always chances for cancellations and in that case we keep road transport as backup and on standby. We cannot take the risk of waiting for another day in Islamabad for another flight for good reasons including complex airline booking system, tourist traffic flow in flights etc. Please beware of other trekking companies offering Trek that might keep you waiting in Islamabad in hopes of flights and end up not completing your long-awaited trek on time.

Karakorum Highway (In case of Flight Cancellation)

We advise all our guests to read foreign travel advices on their respective country’s foreign office websites. Travel advice for EU residents from their home country to your destination country (Pakistan) can be found on the European Commission website. Participants from other countries can look up on relevant websites or search “foreign office travel advice”. Most websites advice against travelling by road in Pakistan and some websites don’t seem updated. Please take note that incase one or both internal flights cancel, we will drive on Karakoram Highway and then via Gilgit-Skardu road to Skardu. This route is available on Google maps

Journey on Karakoram Highway is one of the best experiences in Pakistan for any foreign or domestic tourist, providing views of amazing natural environment and indigenous people throughout the road trip and never has any of our guest openly regretted traveling by KKH. We strongly advise that you contact and gain more information from your travel insurance company regarding road traveling coverage. If your company does not offer full coverage for your trekking holiday, you might look for other companies. For example in UK,  British Mountaineering Council  offers good solutions.

Guide (Leader) and Group Assistance Staff

All participants will be managed by our professional guide for the whole trekking holiday. They will be licensed and recognized from Pakistan’s Ministry of Tourism. Our guide will be the focal person for communication, assistance, help and complaints during the Trek. Our guides have vast experience with foreign clients and can communicate in English. They have been trained to interact with participants in a professional manner and we will appreciate if you keep the relationship friendly and yet professional. If you are a big private group from one country speaking a different language (for example Spanish), we can try rescheduling our guides speaking your language (if available). You will also be accompanied by kitchen crew, assistant(s) depending on the group size and last but not the least, porters.

These tough local porters belong to different villages of the surrounding areas and are mostly small subsistence farmers. They wait for foreign tourists to arrive so that they can earn and compliment to their existing income while their kids look after their small farms. Naturally they are tourist-friendly people who also have fun during trekking by having laughs and dancing to local songs when they get a chance. These porters and their elders have been doing it for decades and watching the porters at work with such energy is another vital offering of this holiday.

Miscellaneous Expenses and Budgeting

For expenses other than your holiday cost, you can carry approximately 240 EUR/250 USD/200 GBP/1700 CNY (or equivalent in your own currency). This can be used for other expenses including tips for porters and supporting staff. You can purchase Pakistani Rupees (PKR) upon arrival at the airport at good rates. US Dollars, Euros and Pound Sterling can quickly be converted into the local currency at the airport.

The porters are paid in Pakistani Rupees, not to mention everything else you may want to purchase in Pakistan. US Dollars will have an advantage of being easily exchanged at even smaller towns but we recommend one-time exchange. Credit cards can come handy for shopping in Islamabad for souvenirs/gift items including rugs. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will be available in Islamabad and Skardu but using your debit/credit cards, you will only be able to withdraw Pakistani Rupees from ATMs.

Managing Tips

It is common that our participants at least tip the porters for their hard work carrying participant luggage and supplies. If you feel satisfied with the services of the guide, assistant(s), kitchen crew, you can contribute to the total tip. 95-120 Euros (or equivalent in your currency) would cover this element of the total expenses. The tour leader/guide helps all participants in deciding a tip for all crew members of the Trek. These tips are then handed over as a group in a “thank you” ceremony organized at the conclusion of the trek.

Baggage Allowance

Porters discussed above will be carrying your baggage/luggage apart from supplies, equipments etc. The maximum weight limit for your packed trekking bag is 12.5 kilograms (20 pounds). The load of your sleeping mattress and sleeping bag is included in the maximum limit. Please only bring required items on the trek. It will be possible for you to leave parts of your luggage at the hotel at your particular destination you chose. The maximum limit (12.5 kgs) strictly followed is assigned by the local porters organization. Your baggage allowance will not include equipments for mountaineering that you will bring along for the Trek. We will collect from you the mountaineering equipments at your destination that shall be carried separately by our porters.

All our potential guests are advised to read carefully and know the different elevations mentioned above for each trekking day. This is a strenuous trek at very high altitudes. Although this should not worry you as humans are reasonably gifted to become accustomed to high elevations, we must acclimatize according to our well-planned itinerary.

We are providing you with three lists for the Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list.

List 1 – Must Bring Items: ► First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers) ► Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres ► Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper ► Mittens or gloves ► Gloves (Thermal) ► Headtorch with spare batteries ► Hiking boots ► Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated) ► Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers) ► Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.) ► Sunglasses ► Sunhat ► Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping ► Warm hat ► Warm jacket (down) ► Water bottles 1litre (x2) ► Waterproof jacket ► Waterproof over-trousers ► Antibacterial hand wash ► Shirts/T-shirts ► Small towel ► Socks ► Spare laces ► Underwear (normal and thermal) ► Trekking poles (highly recommended) ► Wash-bag and toiletries ► Walking socks (2/3 pairs) ► Baselayer – leggings (Thermal) ► Trekking Trousers ► Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves) ► Mountaineering equipments (See “List 2” below)

List 2 – Mountaineering Equipments: ► Crampons ► Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2. ► Ice axe ► Climbing harness ► Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2) ► Climbing helmet ► Prusik loops X two (2) – (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2) ► Sling (120 cm)

List 3 – Optional: ► Buff or scarf ► Small padlock (for locking your bag) ► Camera ► Insect repellant ► Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage) ► Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape) ► Liner (for sleeping bag) ► Travel clothes ► Bottle for Pee

Minimum Group Participants and holiday Status

The required number of participant bookings i.e. six (6) registrations are required to conduct the “Fixed departures”. Although we receive several guests for each fixed departure, we feel that it is important to mention it. You can make sure of the trip status on this page. Status “available” means we are registering guests and “guaranteed” means we have crossed the required number of participants and the trip will commence on the given dates. We will constantly be in touch with all our guests who register. We will timely guide you step by step regarding visa applications and flight reservations to Pakistan etc.

Travel Documents & Visa

In order to apply for visas to Pakistan, you generally need a passport expiring later than (6) months. For more reliable and updated information, we suggest you to contact the nearest Pakistani consulate or embassy in your country. We expect that you will take full responsibility for ensuring you have the right travel documents. Normally if you are visiting non-EU countries, you must check for 2 vacant pages in your travel document (passport) for every country you plan to travel.

A tourist visa (visit visa) is required to come to Pakistan for trekking. People on work visas (already in Pakistan/abroad) require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) which normally takes up to 6 weeks. The requirements and fee for tourist visas to Pakistan is normally around 200 USD but for accurate information you should consult Pakistani consulates nearby. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need a Letter of Invitation from our company and sometimes a duplicate (copy) of the “government trekking permit” for the group, processed by us. We will help you with all necessary documents to obtain the visa once you register with us.

For more information please write us at [email protected]

► Travel insurance ► Visa to Pakistan (Letter of Invitation and other supporting documents will be offered by us for visa application) ► International flights (return tickets) ► Tips for guides, porters, staff etc

► Early Wind-up ► Miscellaneous (drinks, telephone calls, laundry etc at hotels) ► Souvenirs

► Things that is not mentioned above

► Government licensed professional guide/leader (pre-requisite for the Tour) ► Airport transfers on first and last day from/to Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad ► All domestic flights and transfers (according to itinerary) ► All road transport in Pakistan (according to itinerary above) ► All accommodation in Pakistan (hotels and camps) according to itinerary ► All meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at hotels ► All tour requirements on ground (including, support staff, (excluding personal) etc ► Government Permits, documentation.

Equipment List We are providing you with three lists for the Trek. List 1 and 2 contain items and equipments that you must bring. The third list contains optional items you might need on your trekking holiday. Based on your own judgment you can select things that you might need from the third list. List 1 – Must Bring Items:

• First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
• Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
• Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
• Mittens or gloves
• Gloves (Thermal)
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
• Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
• Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
• Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
• Warm jacket (down)
• Water bottles 1 liter (x2)
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof over-trousers
• Antibacterial hand wash
• Shirts/T-shirts
• Small towel
• Spare laces
• Underwear (normal and thermal)
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Wash-bag and toiletries
• Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
• Baselayer – leggings (Thermal)
• Trekking Trousers
• Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)
• Mountaineering equipment (See “List 2” below)

List 2 – Mountaineering Equipments:

• Mountaineering boots that must be compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2.
• Climbing harness
• Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
• Climbing helmet
• Prusik loops X two (2) – (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
• Sling (120 cm)

List 3 – Optional:

• Buff or scarf
• Small padlock (for locking your bag)
• Insect repellant
• Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
• Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
• Liner (for sleeping bag)
• Travel clothes
• Bottle for Pee

Minimum Group Participants and holiday Status The required number of participant bookings i.e. six (6) registrations are required to conduct the “Fixed departures”. Although we receive several guests for each fixed departure, we feel that it is important to mention it. You can make sure of the trip status on this page. Status “available” means we are registering guests and “guaranteed” means we have crossed the required number of participants and the trip will commence on the given dates. We will constantly be in touch with all our guests who register. We will timely guide you step by step regarding visa applications and flight reservations to Pakistan etc. Travel Documents & Visa In order to apply for visas to Pakistan, you generally need a passport expiring later than (6) months. For more reliable and updated information, we suggest you to contact the nearest Pakistani consulate or embassy in your country. We expect that you will take full responsibility for ensuring you have the right travel documents. Normally if you are visiting non-EU countries, you must check for 2 vacant pages in your travel document (passport) for every country you plan to travel. A tourist visa (visit visa) is required to come to Pakistan for trekking. People on work visas (already in Pakistan/abroad) require a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) which normally takes up to 6 weeks. The requirements and fee for tourist visas to Pakistan is normally around 200 USD but for accurate information you should consult Pakistani consulates nearby. To apply for a tourist visa, you will need a Letter of Invitation from our company and sometimes a duplicate (copy) of the “government trekking permit” for the group, processed by us. We will help you with all necessary documents to obtain the visa once you register with us. For more information please write us at [email protected]

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Ridakh Adventures

Snow Lake, Hisper la Trek 2024-25

• Departure from Islamabad

Introduction: Snow Lake, also known as Hisper La, is a high-altitude glacial basin located in the northern Pakistani province of Gilgit-Baltistan, within the Karakoram mountain range. Snow Lake is around 10 miles (16 km) wide and is at an elevation of 16,877 feet (4,877 meters) above sea level. The valley is at the beginning of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, which flow down from the Hispar Pass in opposing directions to form one of the longest continuous glacier systems in the world outside of the Polar Regions, a 61-mile (100-kilometer) river of ice.

The Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek: Why Select It?

Amazing Scenery: Take in the breath-taking views of Snow Lake, an alien glacial basin encircled by soaring hills. Admire the breathtaking scenery that opens up as you go over the Hispar La Pass, which provides expansive vistas that will astound you. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Get away from the norm and explore the unspoiled environment. Trekking through isolated valleys, quaint towns, and unspoiled environments offers an experience that is genuinely genuine. Cultural Immersion: Visit the charming communities along the way and experience the kind welcome of the locals. Trekking takes on a new cultural dimension as you get to know the rich customs and culture of the Hunza and Balti populations. Tough Terrain: The Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek offers thrill-seekers a demanding but worthwhile adventure. Explore difficult environments, frozen glaciers, and high-altitude passes while testing your mettle and making lifelong experiences

Arrival at Islamabad International Airport, Pakistan Stay at Islamabad

Islamabad International Airport to Skardu International Airport (45 Minutes flight)

Sightseeing & Preparation Day at Skardu

Skardu to Askoli (7 hours drive)

Trek to Namla (6-7 hours walk)

Trek to Mango (5-6 hours walk)

Trek to Biantha (5-6 hours walk)

Trek to Marfogoro (6 hours walking)

Trek to Karphogoro (6 hours walk)

Trek to Hispar la base camp (6 hours walk)

Trek to Hispar la by crossing snow lake (6 hours walk)

Cross snow lake and trek to Kani Basa (4 hours walk)

Trek to Bakhtur Baig (6 hours walk)

Trek to Shigham Baris (7 hours walk)

Trek to Bitenmal (6 hours walk)

Trek to Hispar village (4 hours walk)

Drive to Karimabad (4 hours drive)

Sightseeing Karimabad and drive to Gilgit (3 hours drive)

Back to Islamabad from Gilgit (40 minutes flight)

Contingency Day In Case Of Delays

Fly Back from Islamabad International Airport to Home country.

Includes/Excludes

• 1. Professional Trekking Guide
• 2. Experienced Staff
• 4. Permits and Entrance Fees
• 5. Transportation
• 7. Photography

Featured Trips

8 DAYS TRIP TO SKARDU by Air

Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek 2024-2025.

Related trips.

09 Days Tour to Skardu & Hunza (By Air

06 Days Tour to Skardu (By Air)

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek Pakistan

• Entry/Admission - Karakoram Highway
• Entry/Admission - Karakoram Mountains
• Entry/Admission - Hunza Valley
• Our representative will meet and greet you at The Airport and transfer you to the hotel.
• Islamabad Intl Airport, Islamabad Pakistan
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• saipinh2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Gorgeous and unique trekking route with very genuine people and staff I and my friends went to trek on K2BC and Gondogoro La in July-August 2023. We are from Thailand. One man did trekking many years ago but it's my first time in Pakistan and so do the other two girls. Before going, I felt a little scared due to all bad news of Pakistan. I didn't feel safe as a woman to go trekking in Pakistan. Surprisingly, I and my friends felt totally comfortable with friendship of Pakistani from the first day to the end of the trip. We felt like home, like trekking with brotherhood, like family members. Trango adventure provides us genuine service and frank friendship. The staff are all kind and caring. In addition to the staff in the trip, Pakistani people whom we met along the way were excited to greet us. I was surprised that many Pakistani girls came to ask for taking photo with me and gave me some snack or gift. I totally impressed how safe and sincere here. The nature of Baltoro glacier is unique and magnificent. it's so much different from Nepal and Indian Himalaya where I normally go trekking every year. Definitely, I will come back for trekking in Pakistan and with service of Trango adventure. Highly recommend. Read more Written March 1, 2024
• 329wazirr 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles What a great experience! It was a great experience to be the trip advisor with Trango Adventure .l am fully satisfied to their way of dealing the situations meticulously.If you are looking for a memorable travel it is Trango Adventure which meet our expectations.Thanks to Trango for such an outstanding service. Read more Written January 25, 2024
• m0hammadbilalr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 100% recommended if you don't want to waste your holidays The guide was so polite and nice guy, trango adventures fulfilled all expectations we made a lot of memories. You should definitely choose trango adventures Read more Written January 24, 2024
• hassann614 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Satisfaction with trip advisor I recently used trip advisor for my vacation planning, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. The user-friendly interface made it a breeze to customize my itinerary, and the detailed recommendations for activities and accommodations were spot on. The real standout, though, was the seamless booking process – it saved me time and hassle. I highly recommend trip advisor for anyone looking to plan a stress-free and memorable trip. Read more Written January 23, 2024
• 172muzamilk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trango Adventure offers expert and hospitable guiding services for treks to K2 and Gondogoro La, focusing on safety. Trango Adventure is great at guiding treks to K2 and Gondogoro La. They are very welcoming and know a lot about these places. They make the trip to see the amazing K2 mountain and the big Gondogoro La pass safe and interesting. They pay attention to every small detail and really care about making sure each person has a good time. Going on a trek with Trango Adventure is not just about seeing the beautiful parts of Pakistan, but also about having a comfortable and unforgettable journey with expert help. Read more Written January 23, 2024
• maheenf2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unforgettable K2 Adventure with Trango Adventure I recently went on an amazing trip to K2 and Skardu with Trango Adventure, which was truly unforgettable. The team at Trango Adventure Club was professional, knowledgeable, and provided excellent service. They took care of all the safety measures, so I could just enjoy the journey. The itinerary was well-planned, with exciting trekking and stunning views. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. The food was delicious too. The best part was reaching the base camp of K2. I will definitely recommend everyone to choose Trango for their trips, it'll always be my first and only choice for all my future trips! Read more Written January 22, 2024
• atazaza 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles My experience A great experience with a great team, enjoyed every moment and love the beautiful views. the nature here will heal your soul and reboot your mind. Read more Written January 22, 2024
• N18SSsamia 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful trekking Was a fantastic experience! I did this trek in july 23 as a solo traveller. Adventures and Comfortable stay, amazing food. Scenery changes every day. Would recommend without a doubt to all who love trekking. On of the best so far in the industry. Read more Written January 21, 2024
• 184zulqarnaink 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trango- A must recommended The team was very supportive and they knew exactly what we expected from this tour and they made it a life time experience. Thankyou Trango. Read more Written October 9, 2023
• 813yleniaf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles For unforgettable trip to K2 BASE CAMP, CHOOSE TRANGO ADVENTURE! I chose Trango Adv because it is one of the few agenzies that guarantess departures even wih just one partecipant. My group was supposed to be 3 people but, few days before departure, 2 gave up so I found myself alone. This was not a problem and TRango arranged a tour only for me, with a guide, a cook and 2 porters. The trek was incredible: i had my own tent where sleeping and, being alone, I ate in the kitchen tent with the team. The guide Marco Hussein (i gave him an italian name) proved to be expert and very knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English. Due to bad weather, we did no reach Base Camp and the trekking was always done safetely. In Skardu I was welcomed by all Trango Staff and they also organized me trips around Skardu and they arranged me a car when I decided not to come back to Islamabad by plane. The Staff is friendly, helpful and made me feel at home. If you want to have an unforgettable trip to Pakistan, Choose Trango Adventure! Read more Written October 6, 2023
• 187ismailz 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful hosts The companies owners were very courteous and professional. Well planned and organised. Would definitely recommend them to everyone I know. Read more Written October 4, 2023
• L2724BBmuhammadh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Trango. The best planner for vacation. They are cheap and suitable for any type of adventures tour. So i refer trangoooo Read more Written September 28, 2023
• 588mathewh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip We had a great trip in August with Trango Adventures on their K2 and Gondogoro La trek. Everything was delivered exactly as described on their website. The food, in particular, was consistently excellent and abundant! (Some of the sleeping tents might have leaked in heavy rain.) Thanks to everyone who played their part: those who welcomed us in Islamabad and Skardu, the guide, the kitchen crew, the porter team and everyone. The scenery on the Baltoro and around Concordia is awesome. We particularly wanted to cross the Gondogoro La, so were very pleased the weather allowed this to happen. Be aware that crossing the pass needs good fitness and experience of descending steep and loose terrain. Read more Written September 15, 2023
• 818lebrunr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great personalized trek and tour Incredible experience and really personalized service. Trango is absolutely the right company to discover the north of Pakistan and do a trek. 100% recommendable Read more Written September 12, 2023
• Jeff B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip Wonderful experience! Trango Adventures delivered on everything they promised! The trip was hard but rewarding and the people were wonderful…the guides, the porters and the owners were all so supportive…highly recommend. Jeff Read more Written September 7, 2023

More to explore in Islamabad

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek Pakistan provided by Trango Adventure

Snow Lake Trek In Pakistan: The Ultimate Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: January 21, 2024

Categories PAKISTAN , HIKING

The Snow Lake Trek is known as one of the most beautiful high-altitude trails in Pakistan. The Lake is actually a high-altitude glacial basian found at the convergence of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. With a width of more than 16km, this area has the largest concentration of glacial ice outside of Antarctica.

Snow Lake starts on the K2 Basecamp Trek trail and finishes in Hispar on the Hunza side. The trek is quite remote, even more so than K2 Basecamp Trek with only a few trekking groups succesfully making the crossing each year. So remote in fact, that is one of the last regions in Pakistan where you might cross paths with Markhor, Ibex, Himalayan Bears and even Snow Leapords.

BEST TRAVEL COMPANY FOR PAKISTAN

Interested in traveling to Pakistan or doing the K2 Base Camp Trek ?

I recommend joining an Epic Expeditions trip for all things Pakistan adventure travel. Use code ‘JACKSON5’ when booking for a 5% discount.

Table of Contents

SNOW LAKE TREKKING GUIDE

In this blog post, I will cover everything you need to know about the logistics of the Snow Lake Trek and also share with you my experience of the trek. This will give you an idea of what to expect and a great insight into the scenery you will find on each day of the trek. Before sharing my experience on the trek in the second section of this blog post, I will detail all of the information you need to know in this complete guide about the Snow Lake Trek.

SNOW LAKE TREK DETAILS

While trekking through the Karakoram Mountain Range towards K2 Basecamp, you can expect harsh camping weather conditions such as snowstorms or days on end of the exposed sun. The rocky, glacial terrain makes this a tough trek but also provides some of the most incredible trekking views in the world. Unlike the popular Everest Base Camp trek, which is visited by more than 100,000 trekkers annually, the K2 Basecamp Trek sees just over 1000 visitors a year making it a brilliant alternative for adventure-seekers.

• Distance : 120 km through-hike
• Days required : 12-14 days
• Total Incline : ( with undulation) – 4,000 m
• The highest point on the trek : 5,200m
• Difficulty : This trek was much harder than Everest Base Camp Trek as it was more remote, tougher terrain, and less commercialized. One of the major differences is that you will be camping every night rather than in tea houses. Also, the terrain is along a rocky, icy glacier making it much more difficult to cover distances rather than a path that leads you to Everest Base Camp . Having said that, there was nothing technical involved to cross the Hispar La although there were many crevasses we needed to avoid. The acclimatization profile was very good as you have seven days to reach the highest point on the Hispar La
• Permits : Your tour operator will take care of these. It isn’t possible to hike independently and you must book with a guide and a registered tour operator.
• Guide:  A guide is required on this trek and the guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and camping sites. The directions weren’t always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manage all of the logistics was great.
• Accommodation : Each night you will camp at an incredibly scenic campsite with views of 7000m peaks visible. Trust me you will be entranced just while looking out of your tent window.

BOOKING A TOUR FOR K2 BASECAMP TREK

The Snow Lake Trek does require a guide. I did the trek with Epic Expeditions , which is one of the top trekking companies in Pakistan. The owner, Chris, has explored all over Pakistan and is joined by an experienced Pakistani team of cooks, porters, and guides.

The trek costs approximately $4200 USD with  Epic Expeditions  as of 2022 and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals, drinks, and permits. The itinerary is 21 days even though the trek is just 14 days, which is to allow for domestic travel on either side of the trek and any potential delays with domestic flights or road conditions/landslides. I honestly had a great time and can wholeheartedly recommend  Epic Expeditions .

INSURANCE FOR THE SNOW LAKE TREK

Pakistan is a precarious place for climbing or hiking because the availability of helicopter rescue is almost non-existent. Compared to places like Nepal, helicopter rescue requires prior organization and deposits of $5000+ by your trekking or climbing company.  There is a solution though .

Need extra protection?

Regular travel insurance is great but won’t cover you for high altitude hikes or for helicopter evacuation. Each year, I purchase a Global Rescue Subscription .

For less than $500 per year or $100 per expedition, you can purchase a Global Rescue subscription and be covered no matter how extreme the hike or how high the climb is.

TREKKING TO SNOW LAKE: WIFI/ELECTRICITY AVAILABILITY

Wifi:  There is no WiFi on this trek although some operators may provide a satellite connection. Most will not offer WiFi. Electricity:  Our team had a generator, which was carried by a mule. Each night, one jug of gasoline would be used for the generator so we could charge cameras, phones, headlamps, power banks, and even drone batteries for a few hours each night. This seems to be standard practice among tour operators but you will need to check if it is available. I also took a small solar panel, which worked well to charge my phone and power bank each day.

PEAKS YOU CAN VIEW ALONG THE TREK

Along the Snow Lake Trek, there are a number of high peaks to observe. Peaks you might find along the way include, Distaghil Sar (7,885 m) Kanjut Sar (7,760m), and Makrong Chhish (6,607m). There is the Latok group (Latok I: 7,145m, Latok II: 7,108 m, Latok III: 6,949m, Latok IV: 6,456m) and Baintha Brakk/The Ogre (7,285m).

SNOW LAKE TREK ITINERARY

• SKARDU TO ASKOLI (3,000m) 7 HOURS DRIVE
• TREK TO NAMLA,(3,566m) 6-7 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO MANGO,(3,720m) 5-6 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO BIANTHA (4,035m) 5-6 HOURS WALK
• REST & ACCLIMATISATION DAY
• TREK TO MARFOGORO (4,300m) 6 HOURS WALKING
• TREK TO KARPHOGORO (4,680m) 6 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO HISPAR LA BASE CAMP,(4,590m) 6 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO HISPAR LA BY CROSSING SNOW LAKE, (5150m) 6 HOURS WALK
• CROSS SNOW LAKE AND TREK TO KANI BASA, (4,510m) 4 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO BAKHTUR BAIG (4,470m) 6 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO SHIGHAM BARIS (4,170m) 7 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO BITENMAL, (3,760m) 6 HOURS WALK
• TREK TO HISPAR VILLAGE, (2,300m) 4 HOURS WALK

MY EXPERIENCE ON THE SNOW LAKE TREK

Over the last couple of years, I had heard from many other hikers that the Snow Lake trek was the most scenic route in Pakistan. It was also known to be much more remote than the more commercialized routes in Pakistan and was often difficult to accomplish due to conditions and crevasses. It sounded like a challenge worth attempting and something a little more off the beaten path than other hikes in Pakistan . So, we rallied a group together and set off to cross the Hispar La on the Snow Lake Trek.

After a couple of days in Skardu, we set off in the Jeeps to Askole to camp for the night before starting our trek the next day. We knew we were in for a long journey, but nothing would prepare us for the adventure to come.

The first couple of days are the toughest on most treks in the Karakoram. The combination of extreme heat and rocky terrain make the progress slow and arduos. Heat stroke hits many newcomers to the region and the remoteness of the region quickly becomes apparent.

Our route begins on the same path as the K2 Basecamp Trek from Askole, but quickly diverges onto the Biafo Glacier. We will follow the glacier all the way up until Snow Lake over the next week. It undulates along dusty paths and rocky mounds with hardly a slither of shade for respite. The scenery is beauitful but these first few days are about survival and saving energy.

Our first few days on the Snow Lake Trek went to plan. We had no injuries, some members with mild heat stroke and the entire team was upbeat and ready to march on. We made it out of the rocky glacier to Biantha Camp. Having grass beneath our feet was a great feeling after the hot, rocky terrain we had been enduring til that point. Having now reached almost 4000m, it was time for a rest day. Here we set up camp and proceeded to play cards, eat well and rest the bodied before the next phase of the expedition.

The next phase of our journey was the easiest. The weather had now cooled and we no longer melted while trekking. The terrain had leveled out ever so slightly to be less rocky and we encoutnered flat, icy glacier from time to time. We didn’t see any green grass after leaving Biantha but the scenery and peaks began to grow in stature and become more immense.

The remoteness of our surroundings became apparent for two reasons. Firstly, the vast glacier dwarfed our team. Like ants, we marched across the expanse towards Snow Lake. 6000m and 7000m peaks began to appear when the clouds offered a break. We were now several days from help in both directions and a sense of vulnerability swept over the team although this added to the adventurous nature of the joruney.

However, the second reminder of our remoteness was the sad news that a French trekker had suffered severe illness up at a higher altitude than us. With no radio, Garmin or chance of heli-evacuation, he had passed away on the glacier as his team tried to carry him down. They had waited three days to dry and descend. We passed by the body, which lay wrapped in a sleeping bag on the glacier. It was a sad moment on our trip and a reminder that we were visitors here in a harsh and merciless environment.

We made it through to Kharfogoro, a rocky outcrop that would be our temporary home. Setting up camp was tough, as there were limited capsites despite us being the only team on the trek. We would have to get comfortable however, as bad weather set in and we ended up spending three nights here.

Kharfogoro became a pivotal point in our journey. We discovered that this is the location where many groups turn around. Porter managers and staff of many teams try and make the case of bad conditions and insufficent gear of the porters. They want to go back to Askole and deem it unsafe to push on. We had to have some big conversations about safety, responsibility and fulfilment of what we set out to do. Ultimately we managed to get everyone on board and motivated to attempt to cross the Hispar La. We assured our porter team we would break trail and lead the way while roped up.

From Kharfogoro, we had a 10km journey, hopping over crevasse fields, to reach Snow Lake Camp. The trek name can be deceptive. There are no lakes just a lot of snow. Reaching the camp was a great relief as it was right beneath the path. Arriving here to our mini village meant that we would be indeed continuing on rather than turning back to Askole.

Our campsite was an isolated collection of tents in the middle of a massive snowfield. Quite a sight from above.

The day had finally arrived. We woke early aiming to leave during sunrise to cross the Hispar La. While the journey was not a great distance, we knew it would be a long day. Due to bad weather, the porters requested to leave an hour or so later. The weather didn’t improve and this would end up being a bad decision causing us to arrive to camp in the dark on the other side of the pass.

We roped up in our individual groups and began the march up the pass. Deep snow, often hip high, slowed us to a crawl as we took a few hours just to reach the top of the pass. Atop the pass, a wide plateau became difficult to navigate while in a complete whiteout. Despite being asked to lead the way and break the trail, a group of rogue porters and porter managers decided they didn’t like our route and set off on their own, often unroped. These are the kind of ‘workshops’ or debacles that I’ve come to expect when trekking in Pakistan. Things rarely run smoothly.

Luckily, none of our team had an issues with the constant danger of the crevasses and we managed to survive the day. It wasn’t in the safest fashion possible but that’s how it is in Pakistan. It’s the Wild Wild West sometimes.

On the slope down from the pass towards the Hispar Glacier, we encountered an endless stretch of deep crevasses. This was hard to navigate and the winding approach made our progress slow. We managed to survive our way down to the Hispar Glacier and make our way into camp just as nightfall approached. The slower members of our team arrived in the dark, dangerosuly navigated the cliff-side trails on loose rock in difficult, rainy conditions.

That was the drama of the trek over. We now just had to make the 3-4 day descent down to Hispar Village along the Hispar Glacier. The terrain is rough with lots of undulation over loose rocks. Long days of 20km+ on this type of challenging terrain is draining but the motivation to complete the route was ever strong.

The scenery was beautiful and we received some of the best weather over this period during the descent. We saw our first clear sunset, admired the peaks and even had an afternoon of warm sun to dry out our wet, musty gear.

These were the days we could revel in our success. We were the first teamand only team out of twenty five to make the crossing from Biafo to Hispar that season. It was a tired group but a proud one.

After a long couple of weeks, we though our adventure was over when we finally reached Hispar. A series of rockfalls had seriously damaged the road beyond repair out from Hispar. We loaded up in Jeeps and a couple of tractors to try and fix the damage. We patched up several spots on the road taking more than an hour to rebuild meters of road in one section. However, we reached some blockages to big to fix by hand. Dynamite or heavy machinery would be needed.

Thinking quickly, we asked the locals to ferry us out on motorbikes one by one. This was by far te sketchiest drive of my life. Bumpy, rocky and very narrow. I often looked over my shoulder to the left at the 100 meter drop below me. I said to myself just hold on, it’s not your time to go yet! We all sruvived although a few members did come off the bike and draw blood.

Surely the adventure ends there. Not in Pakistan. The bridge had been broken. There was no other way out. Luckily it was being repaired right when we arrived. By repaired, I mean completely rebuilt by hand. The team finsihed it in time for us to cross in the dark and call for Jeeps on the other side to pick us up. Finally at 9pm we made it to Hunza for a well earned meal back in civilization.

I hope you enjoyed this guide and recap for the Snow Lake Trek in Pakistan.

Wednesday 23rd of August 2023

You write it very well. This trek is realy breathtaking

Friday 20th of January 2023

Beautiful. so beautiful that I wanna do this.

Tuesday 15th of November 2022

Was a great journey bro! Great article as always. Stoked for the next one.

Biafo Hishper & Snow Lake Trek

The crossing of Hisper La (5151-M)

Hisper pass is one of the longest glacial systems outside the Polar Regions. This highway of Ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms, Hunza in west with Baltistan in the east.  Walking on Biafo and Hisper Glacier One of the world’s top five trekking adventures

Trek up to Biafo Glacier longest and world’s largest outside the polar region

Views of peaks B/w 5000-M to 7000-m peaks  

BIAFO HISHPER & SNOW LAKE TREK:

Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial over 116km wide located at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek starts from Skardu- Askoli, which lies on the right bank of Biafo Glacier. Biafo Glacier is 68 Kilometers on the Karakorum Range and south of Baltoro glacier leads to Hispar glacier.

This is a strenuous trek for strong trekkers where you get to cross peaks in the range of 5500m to 7300 meters. The famous snow lake is lying on 500 meters behind the Hispar La pass; this is the one of the best place for skiers and small peak climbers. After crossing Hispar La at an altitude of 5151 meters it gives a beautiful panoramic view of Mountains around Hispar glacier. We cross the summer pastures and we get into Hisper village; from there we meet the Jeeps to drive to Karimabad Valley.

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Biafo Hispar Trek (2024-25) – 21 days

Biafo Hispar Trek (Pakistan), also known as Snow Lake Trek, is one of the most remote and pure nature adventures in the world. The trail is unparrallel to any other trails in the world. Before reading any further, please have a look at our top trekking adventures lined to Biafo Hispar   trek given in the table below. It will be referred to as the snow lake trek in the table below.

Dates & Cost – Biafo Hispar Trek ( USD 2,995 )

Summers are ideal for Biafo Hispar trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival and departure from Pakistan. These months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have at least  2 guaranteed departures  every year. Our dates and costs are given below. Biafo Hispar trek costs USD 2,990 during July departures.

Highlights – Biafo Hispar Trek

Biafo Hispar trek has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of Biafo Hispar trek:

• Hispar La Pass  (5,149m). 
• Snow Lake  - high altitude glacial basin - 16kms wide (also known as Lukpe Lawo
• Trek along  Biafo Glacier  (3rd longest outside polar region)   and  Hispar glacier
• Circular trek  to scenic  Hunza Valley  from  Braldu Valley
• Views of dozens of peaks between  5,000m to 8,000m  including  Latok group, The Ogre, Kanjut Sar, Kunyang Chishh, Pumari Chhish, Disteghil Sar, Trivor Sar, Lupghar Sar, Sosbun Brakk, etc.
• Views of  Glaciers  (e.g. Kani Basi, Kunyang and more) , glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
• Meadows of  Falaling Chhish
• Karakoram Highway
• Cultural tour of  Hunza Valley
• Sightseeing  in Skardu and Islamabad

Itinerary – Biafo Hispar Trek

The itinerary for Biafo Hispar trek is given below.

On this Day

GPS Data Altitude: 540 m

Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.

Pickup information It is very easy to spot our guide, holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days prior to your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city of Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require airport transfer, please inform us in advance.

After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you are arriving in the morning between 9am to 12pm), our guide/representative will pickup all our guests around 6pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage remaining payments and briefing in Skardu.

GPS Data Altitude: 2,498 m

Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free. Incase of flight cancellation, overnight stay in Chilas. Skardu

After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.

During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek incase of any delays.

GPS Data Altitude: 3,015 m

The participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.

GPS Data Altitude: 3,571m Time: 7-8 hours

The trek starts by following the K2 Base Camp trail and then turns west onto the Biafo Glacier. The trail ascends over a shoulder to reach the left moraine and descends on to the glacier then back on to the left bank where the grassy camping site called Namla is located behind a lateral moraine.

GPS Data Altitude: 3,715m Time: 5-6 hours

After crossing a fracture zone on the glacier we reach the centre of the glacier where we follow moraine ridges, underfoot there is loose rock making this a challenging day. We set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo in a grassy area.

GPS Data Altitude: 4,041m Time: 5-6 hours

The route continues up the centre of the glacier on a broad highway of ice making the walking easier than yesterday. We cross to the right and come off the glacier to a grassy area where Baintha camp is located.

GPS Data Altitude: 4,041m

This is a rest day for you and the porters in order to help with acclimatization to the high altitude. You can relax in camp or if feeling energetic walk up a ridge behind camp with fine views of Latok group and The Ogre. Look out for Ibex that can often be seen grassy slopes above.

GPS Data Altitude: 4,298m Time: 5-6 hours

The trail is steep and loose to get onto the glacier however once there we follow the flat glacier making relatively straightforward walking. Further along the glacier there are some crevasses to be aware of where depending on the conditions we might rope up to safeguard our passage. There are superb views of many peak including The Ogre (7,813m) and also we will get the first views of the Hispar La and Snow Lake.

GPS Data Altitude: 4,585m Time: 5-6 hours

Today we walk to the south end of a large snowy flat area known as Snow Lake finding our way through a network of crevasses. Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial basin over 16km wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor, gave Snow Lake the name in 1892 and described this area as "beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold a finer.”

GPS Data Altitude: 5,149m Time: 5-6 hours

Today we traverse across the vast Snow Lake area and make the ascent to Hispar La. The climb to Hispar La is not too steep although it always feels quite strenuous at this altitude, we also have to be aware of the crevasses in this area. The views at Hispar La are fantastic looking down Biafo glacier to Snow Lake and The Ogre and other side down Hispar glacier to peaks in Hunza.

GPS Data Altitude: 4,468m Time: 6-8 hours

After an early start we descend from Hispar La crossing a crevassed area and then later on the glacier flattens out. We have to cross Kani Basa glacier which is facture zone where the two glaciers collide. Shortly afterwards we reach our camp located in a grassy ablation valley with good views of Kanjut Sar (7,760m).

On this day

Altitude: 4,168m Time: 6-7hours

This is a challenging day as we have to find our way through a series of moraine ridges; climb a loose scree slope then cross several glacial streams. Jutmal camp is on a grassy area along the side of the glacier.

Altitude: 3,765m Time: 7-8 hours

After an hour we descend down a steep bank to cross another side glacier then back to the valley as before where the walking is good. Camp at Bitanmal is in a large meadow often used by herders from Hispar village.

Altitude: 3,605m Time: 4 hours

We make the last side glacier crossing over the Kunyang Glacier, then walk up by a steep path and cross a stream to get to the meadows at Falaling Chhish.

Altitude: 2,297m

From our camp at Falaling Chhish we cross a bridge to reach Hispar village. You will certainly notice the vibrant green of the orchards and terraced fields after the black and white scenery of the Hispar Glacier. Depending on the condition of the road we may meet our jeeps in the village if the road is broken then we have a further walk followed by a short drive to our last camp on this trek.

We take a jeep for a couple of hours to Nagar village along a rather narrow track before reaching the Karakoram Highway. We drive up the road to Karimabad where we check into a hotel and the rest of the day is free to wash up, relax and explore the town.

This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flight due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks. This time can be utilised for sightseeing of Hunza valley.

Hunza valley is very beautiful and today we have the chance to explore Karimabad, it is an interesting town spectacularly situated on a hillside to the north of the road with views of the fertile valley below (due to their extensive irrigation system) and a glimpses of snowy mountains. We will visit the forts of Alti and Baltit dating from the 13th century the Baltit fort, once the home of the ruling Mir, guards the valley and is now a museum and the Alti fort is even more dramatic perched above the Hunzariver. In the afternoon we drive to Gilgit.

GPS Data Altitude: 538 m

On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Gilgit to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.

The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Naran or Besham for overnight. It takes eight hours by a vehicle. Islamabad

This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.

Meals included: Breakfast

Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.

Map & Route – Biafo Hispar Trek

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Holiday Information

• What's included
• What's not included

Inclusions for both International & local trekkers 

• Implementation of government  SOPs/Guidelines  in case of new pandemic variants.
• All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
• All road transfers including airport transfers
• All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
• All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
• All camping site fees and bridge fees
• All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and beverages/water during meals
• Snacks including dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek
• Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
• Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
• Government trekking permit fees and paperwork
• Waste management fees (government requirement)
• Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
• Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
• Porters - personal luggage (14kgs) and mountaineering equipment (8kgs)
• Storage service for baggage in Skardu (for leaving a bag behind in Skardu before going on the trek)
• First aid medicine kit (basic)
• Satellite phone for emergencies
• Trekking map and trip achievement certificate

Exclusions for both International & local trekkers 

• Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue )
• Visa to Pakistan (five supporting documents will be offered)
• International airfare
• Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
• Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
• Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) - additional USD 67 per night
• Additional trek weight/baggage: USD 11 per kg
• Storage service for baggage in Islamabad: USD 28 per bag/piece
• Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
• Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
• Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
• Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
• Important Notes

Why Register Now?

1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost us less than peak-season. 

2: Limited Space in Peak Months:  The peak months in the peak season attract the highest number of international guests and are therefore sold out earlier. We have restricted one group size to a maximum of 12 travelers. We are taking registrations on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

3. Limited Flight Seats:  Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.

4. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan:  We appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.

5. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also  early-bird discounts  and automatically change according to the late deposit schedule above. The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.

Deposit (Advance) for Pakistani nationals

The deposit for Pakistani nationals is PKR 100,000 or 30% of the total price, whichever is greater. The deposit is non-refundable.

Refund Policy for All

Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements. For Pakistan nationals, the deposit is non-refundable in all cases too.

Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.

All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP) . Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) .

Single Supplement

Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an  additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival. Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.

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• Reviews & News Features

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To start your registration process, please fill out the registration form (click the green “register now and pay later” button) on this page. We will get in touch with you once you submit your form.

We can organize solo treks if your dates do not match our dates of departures or if you enjoy hiking solo (with the guide – government requirement).

Solo treks cost more than trekking in a group. However, it is important to understand that a trip to K2 is not possible without a guide and most importantly porters (even when a guest does not ask for them). Reason: According to law, guides do not carry anything. They require porters to carry tents, food supplies, equipments, gas, personal luggage etc for everyone including the porters themselves. Unlike Nepal, there are no tea-houses or any other arrangements. The supplies for 12-14 days has to be taken there.

On our fixed departures, people travel in groups but on the trail almost everyone walks alone and the guide walks behind the last person of the group. One of the assistants/porters walks in front of the group. The difference between the first and last person can go up to 1-2 hours. No one is rushed since all treks on Baltoro are very long and everyone sets his or her own pace.

We also organize treks for private groups. If you are interested to trek in a separate group with your own friends or family, please get in touch and inform us about your dates that are suitable to your group.

The cost of treks for private groups decreases as the number of people increase in a group.

It would be very reasonable to spend some time to prepare yourself before your departure. You can seek professional advice from a professional trainers or on the other hand you should follow the fundamental rules (hike, long walks and other cardio exercises that will help you build stamina) knowing the fact that your body should be healthy enough to walk for long hours, ascend for hours on rugged terrain from boulders to dirt, from snow to glacial ice.

During the trekking holiday, you will experience a variation in temperature. In Islamabad up to 45 °C in Islamabad, 30 °C in Skardu and 26 °C in Askoli. A normal day will be warms unless the clouds cover the sky, until we reach at camp at Concordia where the temperature can be as less as 10 °C or more. Towards the Gondogoro La Pass the slopes leading towards it will be snow covered until early July.

In June we might walk on the snow on higher parts of Baltoro Glacier. The snow normally melts by mid-July. Depending on the weather conditions you might experience snow fall in August and September. Karakoram Range is unpredictable when it comes to temperatures. During anytime of the trekking period temperature might fall down to -10 °C in areas between Paiju and Concordia.

Fixed Departures in the month of Septemeber can go even lower than -10 °C.  Monsoon rains do not have any effect on the Karakoram Range which makes the summers the best time providing bright skies for the trek. However based on our past experiences since the weather is unpredictable, the participants must be prepared to face any unfavorable weather conditions.

It is very common that the participants at least tip the hardworking porters for their jobs that include carrying loads of supplies and luggage. If the participants are satisfied with the services of the guide kitchen crew, assistant(s)a contribution can be made consisting 95-120 Euros (or equivalent in your currency) would cover total cost of this element. Tour guide/leader will be key in helping with the tip amount for all crew and staff members of our trek. At the conclusion a “thank you’’ ceremony will be organized for participants to handover the tips. Those porters who leave early will be tipped earlier

During this trek, all three meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. The ingredients for the food will be procured in Pakistan. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches will be consumed during lunch breaks on the trek with options include canned/tinned meals (meat, fish), pickles, crackers, chapatti, pate, cheese etc. Weather has a very important role in deciding our lunch menu for the day; the participants will begin the lunch with consuming or end it with tea or coffee, juice, soup etc.

The dinner will always be served in the mess tent and the participants will gather to eat the food freshly prepared by the cooks travelling with our group. The first few days of the trekking, fresh vegetables will be served in food as long as they are fresh and healthy. All the participants who are vegetarian, they must communicate with our office and inform us on advance basis if they need a vegetarian food plan during the trek.

During the trek, Iodized water will be available for the participants throughout the mornings, while taking breaks and camping. Everyone will be consuming spring water every time its available otherwise if we run out of options the participants may drink glacier water that possibly have silt. The kitchen containers which are very large in size are used to keep the water storage and it is also helpful in settling down the silt particles at the bottom. If any participants have any issue with odor of iodine, they may bring their own supplies of bi-carbonated soda. Traditional methods are effective and work very well for everyone there is no harm in the experimentation of new methods.

The participants on the day 1 must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. Our staff/guide will receive our guest at the gates of International arrivals in the airport premises. The guide/staff will escort the guest to their hotel. In case any of our guest does not require pick up from the airport he/she must inform us in advance

They must also give us the details of their flights both inbound and outbound two days prior to their arrival in Pakistan. Upon confirmation of your registration and payments, our office will send you the names and contact numbers of our office personnel.

While few nights will be spent in the capital city of Islamabad and the town of Skardu, the rest of the nights will consist of camping in tents between the magnificent mountains. The accommodation arrangement is Islamabad is of standard hotels while our hotels selected in Skardu town are among the best. Rooms at our provided hotels will be on twin sharing basis with en-suite amenities.

At the time of camping, the participants will be sharing a tent fit for two persons. If any participant is coming alone on this trek he/she will be accommodated with one of the other member for tent and room sharing. For strangers and solo trekkers, first preference will be given to same gender stays. Nevertheless, a participant can opt for separate tent of hotel rooms as he/she likes, however additional cost will be incurred for making separate arrangement. Any participants seeking separate accommodation must inform our office in advance.

During the trekking days, Our guide will wake up the participants for coffee or a warm cup of tea which we be followed by a decent breakfast inside the mess tent. There will be plenty time before the breakfast to pack the bags. After the breakfast the camps will be closed and the porters will get back to their work handling supplies and luggage ahead of the participants to reach at the lunch site and make preparation for meals. Porters will repeat the process as they will follow ‘trek earlier’ approach in order to prepare dinner for the participants. Standard trek duration before the lunch will be between 3-4 hours.

Generally one hour is required for the lunch which makes it a very good time to gain your strength back, relax, write and read etc.

Trekking after the lunch will be shorter as compared to trek before the lunch. Once you arrive at the next camp site, the camps will already be setup or in progress. Upon arrival to the camp the participants will be served a hot beverage and dinner will be served when it’s prepared. Participants can rest, read, write, socialize, film and photograph upon reaching a camp. Temperature decreases at night normally, participants can get comfortable in their sleeping bags and get a good sleep before next day.

To reach Skardu, the participants will take a flight which is subject to weather conditions as the region is surrounded by high altitude mountains and it requires a clear visibility in order to operate. Most of the times the flights operate as per schedule but there are always a chance of flight cancellation due to bad weather conditions. In that case the participants will continue their journey by road (Karakoram Highway), this will be the backup plan to reach Skardu on time as we cannot take a risk to take the flight the other day, complex airline booking for following route and high traffic flow is also a reason to continue the journey by road.

Participants must be very aware of other companieswhich offer this trek that might result in increased waiting time in hope of taking the flight; this will end up in causing you non-completion of the long-awaited trek on time.

We recommend the participants to read the necessary foreign travel information advices on their respective foreign office’s website. The travellers on EU residents can find the required information on the ‘Travel Advice’ section on the website of European Commission. Participants other than EU Nations can look up to their respective foreign office websites. Some of these websites does not allow their citizens to drive on Karakoram Highway, but most of these websites are not updated. In case of flight cancellation, kindly take note that the participants will be travelling on the Karakoram Highway then from Jaglot (Gilgit) they will be travelling on Gilgit-Skardu Road.

Travelling on Karakoram Highway is one of best experiences in Pakistan for both domestic and foreign tourist. These great highway offers one the best views and the participants will travel on this road they will find indigenous communities throughout the trip. Many of the foreign tourists have found this thrilling road trip a plus and never regretted travelling on this road. We recommend the participants must seek more information on traveling coverage from your insurance company. If your insurance company does not provide full coverage for your trekking holiday, You might want to look for other companies. For example in UK, you can consult British Mountaineering Council for good solutions.

Our professional guide will manage all the participants for the complete trekking holiday. These guides have government granted licenses which is recognized from Pakistan’s Tourism Department. During this trek our guide will be the focal person for any kind of assistance, communication, help or any kind of complaints and feedback. These guides have a background of working with foreign tourist in the past and have facilitated many of them from around the world. English is widely spoken our guides.

They are trained to have a very professional interaction with the participants, we recommend the participants to keep a very friendly relation yet professional with their respective guide. In case you are a private group with several members and a speaker of a different language like Spanish, we will try to reschedule our Spanish speaking guide (If available). Other than guide kitchen crew, assistance depending on the size of the group and porters will accompany the participants on this trekking holiday.

The porters are the locals and belong to villages around these areas and most of them are small subsistence farmers. During the trekking season they engage themselves for porter jobs while their kids take care of the farms. They are very welcoming and tourist friendly people who keep the environment healthy in these remote regions by having laughs, singing and dancing whenever they get a chance. These indigenous communities of porters and their elders have been affiliated with this industry from decades and watching the porters with such unbelievable energy is another important experience this holiday offers.

Other than your trekking holiday cost you may carry amount of 250 USD/ 240 EUR/ 1700 CNY/ 200 GBP (or equivalent amount in your local currency). This amount can be used for other expenses and tipping the supporting staff and porters. Upon arrival at the airport you can exchange your currency to Pakistani Rupee, for a good conversion you may seek help from our office.

Any tip to porters will be in Pakistani Rupees or any other shopping you want to do in Pakistan.US Dollars can be easily exchanged in most of the areas but we advise one-time exchange. For shopping in Islamabad credit cards come handy for any shopping of gifts/souvenirs or items like rugs. In Islamabad and Skardu Town Automated Teller Machines will be available to withdraw cash from credit/debit cards but you will be only able to with draw Pakistani Rupees.

All the luggage/baggage will be carried by the porters which includes equipment, supplies etc. 12.5(20 pounds) kilograms is the limit maximum for packed trekking bag. The maximum limit of load will include sleeping bag and sleep mattress. It is very important to bring only required items on the trek. Parts of your luggage can be left at the Skardu Hotel.

The maximum limit of 12.5 kilograms which is strictly followed is assigned by the organization of local porters. On this trek, the mountaineering equipment will not be included in personal baggage allowance (12.5kg). The mountaineering equipment will be collected from you in Skardu that porters will carry separately.

All our potential guests must read and know the different elevations mentioned for each trekking day above. This is a hard trek at a very high altitude. But do not worry yourself humans are gifted to become familiar to high elevations, the participants must acclimatize to our well-planned itinerary. The maximum elevations depending on your choice of trek are given below.

Gondogoro La Height/Elevation: 5,585 meters K2 base camp height/Elevation: 5,130 meters

We provide three lists for all our k2 holidays. List 1 includes must-bring items for all our K2 adventures. List 2 is only for treks that include the Gondogoro La pass. The 3rd list contains items that you may need during your trekking holiday. Based on your past experience and judgment you may select equipment or things required from 3rd list.

List 1 - Must Bring Items:

• First Aid Pack (Diamox (Altitude), Dioralite (re-hydration salts), antiseptic cream, blister treatment, throat lozenges, plasters, Imodium (diarrhea treatment), painkillers)
• Hiking Backpack (Day Pack) 32-42 Litres
• Fleece jacket with hood or a warm jumper
• Mittens or gloves
• Gloves (Thermal)
• Headtorch with spare batteries
• Hiking boots (over the ankle boots. low cut boots not recommended)
• Sleeping bag (-16°C comfort rated)
• Sandals (sports) or old shoes (to cross rivers)
• Sun protection cream (including total block for nose, lips etc.)
• Thermarest or any similar mat/pad for sleeping
• Warm jacket (down)
• Water bottles 1litre (x2)
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof over-trousers
• Antibacterial hand wash
• Shirts/T-shirts
• Small towel
• Spare laces
• Underwear (normal and thermal)
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Wash-bag and toiletries
• Walking socks (2/3 pairs)
• Baselayer - leggings (Thermal)
• Trekking Trousers
• Baselayer thermal shirts (2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves)

List 2 - Mountaineering Equipments (for Gondogoro Pass treks only):

• Mountaineering boots (compatible with your crampons. Minimum Grade B2. Many trekkers including the guide/porters use their hiking shoes with crampons as mountaineering boots are required on one day only. However we are not suggesting you do the same.
• Ice axe (Few people including the guide/porters don’t bring ice axe and do fine. We are not suggesting you to do the same)
• Climbing harness
• Karabiner/Carabiner (screwgate type x 2)
• Climbing helmet
• Prusik loops X two (2) - (4 meters of 6 mm cord makes up 2)
• Sling (120 cm)

List 3 - Optional:

• Buff or scarf
• Small padlock (for locking your bag)
• Insect repellant
• Pen-knife (important: pack sharp tools in hold luggage)
• Repair kit (e.g. thread, needle, duct tape)
• Liner (for sleeping bag)
• Travel clothes

Below are a few options where you can shop online for this trek.

• Gear Express
• Mountain Gear

Yes, a few equipments (e.g. crampons, mountaineering boots, harness, climbing helmet etc) can be rented and purchased in Skardu town but it is not guaranteed that you will find the right size or the right price. The few mountain equipment stores in Skardu wait all year long to sell/rent these equipments at the best price possible. These equipments are used/second-hand equipments available in the market and not always reliable. The rents for these equipments are not fixed. If we are informed in advance, we can make arrangements.

To conduct the “Fixed departures” a registration number of six (6) participants is required. We receive several guest numbers for each of our fixed departures. We believe it is important to communicate it with our potential guest.

However you can make sure of the holiday status on our website and page. Status “available” means that we are accepting further registration from our guests while “guaranteed” means we have achieved the required number of guests and the trip will start as per the given dates. We will be in touch with our registered guests constantly. The guidance will be given step by step regarding flights reservations to Pakistan and visa applications etc.

To apply for visa to Pakistan, a passport is required with at least later than 6 months. For more updated and reliable information we advise you to contact the nearest Pakistan’s Consulate in your city or country. We believe you will responsibly carry the task of ensuring right documents required for travel. If an individual is visit non-EU nations, the individual must ensure 2 vacant pages in his/her passport (travel documents) for each country you are planning to travel.

Tourist (Visit) Visa is normally required for individuals who are visiting Pakistan for trekking, foreigners already living in Pakistan on work visas require a No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) which normally takes up to 6 week time. It taken around 200 USD for visa fee but our recommendation still stays with consulting Pakistan’s High Commission or Consulate nearby. An invitation letter from us (Apricot Tours) and at times a copy of “government trekking permit” for the group is required to apply for Pakistani Visa. We will assist you in obtaining the visa by providing you the necessary documents once you register with us. The trekking permit is not compulsory to apply for visa.

A relevant doctor of health consultant should be consulted before travelling to Pakistan. You should consult the doctors for any necessary vaccination, communicate your plan and list down every prevention measures. Our guest must be secured with the approved vaccines and boosters in your country and also consider discretionary vaccine shots for example Malaria prophylaxis. Although Malaria does not exist in parts of Islamabad. Your accommodation will be in safe and clean areas. However there are reports of Malaria and Dengue cases during rainy season in hospitals in Islamabad.

Even though there a little but chances of Malaria in Skardu and other towns of Gilgit-Baltistan. Long pants, Long sleeves and mosquito repellents eliminate the chances of getting infected by Malaria but as a best practice it is better to get the relevant vaccine to avoid any of it during the trekking holiday. Consulting a dentist is also recommended before commencing the holiday in the remote mountainous region.

After the trek, all the guests who wish to extend their stay up to 4 (four) weeks or further must know that on exit from the country, a proof of vaccinations will be required if you are coming from countries (more than 12 hours transit country also included) with serious threats of transmission of yellow fever. For more information kindly visit this website , this will be very helpful in getting the relevant information.

Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the trekking holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require to keep your devices function as long as possible.

To find out the best portable battery chargers please visit this link .

We recommend and support all travel and safety of health campaigns by different countries around the world and there for strongly advice our guest to take out some time to read official travel advisory on their countries Foreign office’s website. The safety of our guest is our top most priority. We will only start the trips once we are satisfied with safety and security. We will be always in touch with the guest booked for Pakistan and have a bilateral communication.

Overview – Biafo Hispar Trek

Although it is considered a challenging trek, Biafo Hispar trek doesn’t require any technical or mountaineering skills to cross Hispar La but it is rather a high altitude walk where you traverse through snow lake and Hispar La. The increase in altitude is very gradual and to help with the walk, acclimatization is required.

The participants will walk at an average of 6 to 8 miles every day that can take between 5 to 6hours. The walking trail is mostly made of rubble and stone except when walking on glaciers

You might also want to check out our 24 days  Karakoram Trek  which is a circular trek.

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Lidl-Trek win La Vuelta Femenina Stage 1

Gaia Realini is the first to cross the line in the team time trial and becomes the first leader of La Vuelta Femenina

How it happened.

The 2024 edition of La Vuelta Femenina got underway in Valencia with a 16km team time trial at the Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias. Lidl-Trek, the third-to-last team to start had the dual objective of winning the stage whilst protecting Gaia Realini for general classification.

Thanks to a well-disciplined and measured effort, Lidl-Trek were the fastest team at the intermediate time check, eight seconds quicker than any other team. Former World Time Trial Champion Ellen van Dijk put her immense power to good use, pulling the team along as the kilometers ticked by. Both of the team’s goals were looking good, with Gaia having ridden strongly despite being unsuited to the discipline. Heading into the final kilometer, it looked like was looking like the American Team had a healthy lead, however disaster struck on the final corner as Ellen van Dijk and Elynor Backstedt both crashed hard, and the remaining five members of the team had to accelerate back to speed and regroup.

Having lost a lot of time due to the crash, it was touch and go whether or not Lidl-Trek would be able to hold onto their lead. Gaia was the first to reach the line, but the time ticked on until the fourth team member crossed it. At first, no one was sure of the result, but after confirmation, Lidl-Trek could celebrate their hard-fought victory. The winning margin – two hundredths of a second!

In Gaia’s words

It’s an amazing result both for me and for the team. I’m happy about it, but not completely happy because two of my teammates crashed on the last corner. I welcome this result, and now I look forward to the next stage. We are definitely ready to defend La Roja over the next few stages and we will try to keep it all the way to Madrid. A course like today’s is not the best for me because it was really flat, but the team had a perfect strategy that enabled us to win this stage.

Reaction from Brodie Chapman

It’s definitely mixed emotions. We set out to win today, and Ellen van Dijk was crucial for it as she took the longest, hardest pulls. It was unfortunate that she crashed along with Elynor [Backstedt] at the very end of the TTT. Without that crash, we would have won by a lot – yet we saved victory at the end, and it’s enough. We made some mistakes, yet we had an amazing race. Now we just hope for Ellen and Elynor to heal up quickly. Seeing Gaia Realini in the Red jersey this early is pretty exciting. She has definitely come into the race in excellent form and we know how fantastic she is in the mountains. We are just going to try and win this race, as we do in every race.

Race photos by Getty Sport

In this story

Discover more

Lidl-Trek head to La Vuelta Femenina with high ambitions

A very Nys day in Switzerland

WATCH: Why Trek Factory Racing Downhill is FIRED UP for 2024

• Lizzie deignan
• Elisa Longo Borghini
• Ellen van Dijk
• Elynor Backstedt
• Brodie Chapman
• Amanda Spratt
• Gaia Realini

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We’re in Valencia for the first Grand Tour of the season!

• Destinations
• 8000m All inclusive
• 8000m EXPRESS ASCENTS
• 8000m Short Version
• All expeditions
• Special Offer

Snow Lake & Biafo Hispar La Trek

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Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek

Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial over 16km wide located at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers.  Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek  starts from Skardu- Askoli, which lies on the right bank of Biafo Glacier. Biafo Glacier is 68 Kilometers on the Karakorum Range and south of Baltoro glacier leads to Hispar glacier.

This is a strenuous trek for strong trekkers where you get to cross peaks in the range of 5500m to 7300 meters. The famous snow lake is lying on 500 meters behind the Hispar La pass, this is the one of the best place for skiers and small peak climbers. After crossing Hispar La at an altitude of 5151 meters it gives a beautiful panoramic view of Mountains around Hispar glacier. We cross the summer pastures and we get into Hisper village, from there we meet the Jeeps to drive to Karimabad Valley.

Arrive Islamabad airport and transfer to hotel

Fly to Skardu in case of flight cancellation drive to Chilas 12-14hrs

Rest day in Skardu or drive from Chilas to Skardu. Meals & overnight at hotel

Drive to Askoli 6-7hrs 3000m. Meals & overnight in tents

Trek to Namla 6-7hrs 3400m, overnight in tents

Trek to Shikonfon 4-5hrs 6.7km 3660m, overnight in tents

Trek to Baintha 6-7hrs 10.7km 3990m, overnight in tents

Baintha- Free day for local exploration

Trek to Marpogoro 7.5km, 4410m, 5-6 hrs

Trek to Karpogoro 6.5km 4680M, 5-6 hrs,

Trek to Snow Lake Hisper La base camp 6-7hrs 11.6km 4770m

Trek to Hisper La 4-6 hrs, 4.2km, 381m ascent, 5151m, overnight in tents

Trek to Khani Bassa 14km, 4-5 hrs, 4511m, overnight in tents

Trek to Jutmal 4-5hrs 4330m, overnight in tens

Trek to Red Star 6-7hrs, overnight in tents

Trek to Bitanmal 5-6 hrs (7.9km), 3660m Meals & overnight in tents

Trek to Hisper village 4-5hrs 3383m, overnight in tents

Drive to Hunza by 4X4 Jeeps. Arrive and transfer to hotel

Drive to Naran via Babusar Pass (4173m) 9-10hrs

Drive to Islamabad 6/7 hrs (239.2 km)

Transfer to Islamabad airport for international flight

In this venture, we assure you quality time. Hunza Guides is one of the parent tour and trekking companies in Pakistan. K2 base camp Trek 2019, and Gondogoro La Trek is one of the finest trekking you can find on planet earth.

Services Basic Package

• Accommodation and Meals Accommodation will be provided based on following hotels sharing twin/double occupancy. Islamabad – Hill View hotel or similar category – Bed & Breakfast only. Chilas – Midway Shangri-La or similar category – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Skardu – PTDC Motel or Masherbrum hotel – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Hunza-  Hill Top or Hunza Embassy hotel – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Naran – PTDC Motel or Guesthouse Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Note:  Alternate accommodation will be provided if rooms in above-mentioned hotels are not available. Check in before 12:00 pm is subject to previous night charges
• Internal Flights Gilgit Baltistan fights are subject to weather, in case of flight cancellation surface transfer will be provided
• Transportation Air-condition transport for sightseeing Air-condition transport for airport pick and drop Air-condition transport from Islamabad to Skardu Air-condition transport from Hunza to Islamabad
• 4×4 Jeeps 4×4 Jeeps from Skardu to Askoli village  4×4 Jeeps from Hisper village to Karimabad
• Porterage (Low Altitude Porters) Required low altitude porter from Askoli to Hisper village. Free baggage allowance for members personal gear and collective equipment is 15 kilograms per person
• Taxes and Fees Road taxes. Camping fees Bridge crossing fees. CKNP Fee 50 U$ per person. 
• Camping Equipment & Accessories Camp food from Askoli village to Hisper village Mattresses. D3V sleeping tent. Toilet Tent. Shower Tent. Mess Tent- Kitchen Tent- Tables- Chairs.
• Kitchen Equipment All necessary kitchen utensils. Kitchen tent. Lamps for light. Cooking Stoves.
• Staff Professional English Speaking Guide Professional Cook Assistant Guide as per group size Cook helper Porter Sirdar

25-JUN-2022 – 16-JUL-2022 22-JUL-2022 – 12-AUG-2022 03-AUG-2022 – 25-AUG-2022 07-AUG-2022 – 28-AUG-2022

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Star Trek’s Michael Dorn Wanted Worf To Kill A Popular Deep Space Nine Character In Picard Season 3, And I’m Glad This Didn’t Happen

I'm breathing a sigh of relief.

Although Star Trek: Picard Season 3 reunited most of the Star Trek: The Next Generation starring actors for the first time since 2002’s Star Trek: Nemesis , they didn’t all show up at once. In the case of Michael Dorn’s Worf , his first scene in the episode “Disengage” saw him rescuing Michelle Hurd’s Raffi Musiker from the crime lord Sneed, and he beheaded the Ferengi on his way out. But if Dorn had his way, he would have killed a different Ferengi instead: Quark, one of the other major characters from S tar Trek: Deep Space Nine , and I’m glad this didn’t happen.

Armin Shimerman, who played Quark for the entirety of Deep Space Nine ’s seven-season run, shared this tidbit of information while appearing on TrekMovie ’s All Access Star Trek podcast. Dorn came aboard Deep Space Nine at the beginning of Season 4 following The Next Generation’s conclusion, so he and Shimerman spent a lot of time together in the mid-late ‘90s, but decades later, the latter wasn’t particularly enthused about the former wanting to slice Quark’s head off. As he recalled:

Dorn called me up and said, ‘I’m doing an episode of Picard where I kill off a Ferengi. Wouldn’t it be great if it were you?’ I said, ‘Michael no, it would not be great.’ I told him just to forget about that idea altogether.

Jonathan Frakes , who was also a guest on this episode, speculated that Michael Dorn didn’t know Worf would be cutting Sneed’s head off, but Armin Shimerman told the William Riker actor and longtime Star Trek director that, at the very least, Dorn was aware Worf was going to kill a Ferengi. In the end though, it was Sneed who met this fate, with the character being played Aaron Stanford, who previously worked with showrunner Terry Matalas on the 12 Monkeys TV show.

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I am so relieved this Quark idea for Star Trek: Picard never came to fruition. Worf killing off a Ferengi criminal lord mere minutes after we meet this character is one thing, but for him to behead a character that not only is beloved by many Star Trek fans, but whom Worf had known for many years is another. Granted, as Dr. Julian Bashir once said, Quark was definitely not Worf’s “favorite person,” and he tried to steer clear of the bar owner whenever possible. But not only do I not believe that Quark would ever become a crime lord on Sneed’s level, I also don’t buy that Worf would have just killed his former… associate without blinking an eye.

If the day comes that Armin Shimerman reprises Quark in live-action, the character needs to be treated with the proper respect and not just be killed off for shock value. Star Trek: Lower Decks had the right idea, as Shimerman voiced Quark for a meaningful role in the Season 3 episode “Hear All, Trust Nothing.” The fan-proposed Star Trek: Legacy would be the best place for that to happen, though there’s still no word if that project stands a chance of becoming one of the upcoming Star Trek TV shows .

Picard , Deep Space Nine and all the other Star Trek shows (except for Prodigy , which is now at Netflix ) can be streamed with a Paramount+ subscription . Discovery is currently in the midst of its final season, and Lower Decks ’ final season will follow sometime afterwards on the 2024 TV schedule .

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Connoisseur of Marvel, DC, Star Wars, John Wick, MonsterVerse and Doctor Who lore, Adam is a Senior Content Producer at CinemaBlend. He started working for the site back in late 2014 writing exclusively comic book movie and TV-related articles, and along with branching out into other genres, he also made the jump to editing. Along with his writing and editing duties, as well as interviewing creative talent from time to time, he also oversees the assignment of movie-related features. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Journalism, and he’s been sourced numerous times on Wikipedia. He's aware he looks like Harry Potter and Clark Kent.

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