Snow Lake - Hispar La Trek
Altitude
5,151m
Duration
20-25 Days
Best Season
N/A
Overview
This legendary trek links the mountain regions of Baltistan and Hunza through an extraordinary glacial route often referred to as the ‘Highway of Ice.’ Beginning near Skardu, the journey follows the immense Biafo Glacier to the surreal expanse of Snow Lake before crossing the Hispar La Pass at 5,151m and descending the Hispar Glacier into Hunza Valley. Spanning over 120 kilometers of continuous ice, moraine, and high mountain terrain, the Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking adventures in the Karakoram, suitable only for experienced high-altitude trekkers seeking true wilderness.
Highlights
Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Pakistan. Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. The day is yours to recover from your journey. In the evening, we will conduct a comprehensive briefing for the Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek. If time permits, an optional self-guided tour of the capital, purpose-built in 1961, is available. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Dinner.
Flight to Skardu
Transfer to the airport for a spectacular 45-minute flight to Skardu (2,228m), offering breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, K2, and the Gondogoro La. Upon arrival, you may explore the local bazaar or the 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock. Note: In the event of a flight cancellation, we will undertake an 8-9 hour (461km) drive to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Sightseeing and Preparation in Skardu
A day dedicated to acclimatization and exploration in the capital of Baltistan. Highlights include a hike to the 18th-century Kharpocho Fort for views of the Indus River, a visit to an organic farming village, and a jeep excursion to the turquoise waters of Satpara and Kachura Lakes. If you traveled by road, this day will be used to complete the drive from Chilas to Skardu. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Drive to Askole
A 7-hour journey following the Mighty Indus and Shigar valleys to reach Askole (3,000m), the final settlement of the region. The village is characterized by its traditional wooden houses and apricot groves. This evening marks the first night of camping under the stars as we prepare for the trek ahead. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Namla
The trekking phase begins (6-7 hours) by following the K2 trail before turning west onto the Biafo Glacier. We navigate the lateral moraine to reach Namla (3,566m), a grassy campsite tucked behind the moraine wall, offering spectacular mountain vistas. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Mango
A challenging 5-6 hour walk across the fracture zones and moraine ridges of the Biafo Glacier. Navigating loose rocks requires focus, but the views of the snow-covered Karakoram peaks provide a majestic backdrop. We establish camp at Mango (3,720m) on a grassy patch on the left side of the glacier. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Biantha
We continue our journey along the 'highway of ice,' trekking for 6 hours along the lateral moraine. The terrain is smoother today as we cross to the right bank to reach the green pastures of the Biantha campsite (4,035m). Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Rest and Acclimatization
A crucial rest day to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude. You may relax at camp or hike the ridges behind the site for exceptional photography of the Latok group and the Ogre. Keep a keen eye out for Ibex grazing on the upper slopes. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Marfogoro
A 6-hour trek involves a steep trail to rejoin the Biafo Glacier. As we encounter crevasses, the team will use fixed ropes and walk in a secured queue. The effort is rewarded with views of the Ogre (7,813m), Kanjut Sar, and your first glimpse of Snow Lake and Hispar La. Altitude: 4,300m. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Karphogoro
Wake to a sunrise over the Hispar Pass. Today's 6-hour trek (4,680m) follows an ancient trail used by warriors and monks for centuries. The route remains on the glacier, surrounded by the high-altitude architecture of the Karakoram range. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Hispar La Base Camp
A 6-hour trek leads us into the heart of Snow Lake—a vast 16km-wide glacial basin. First named by Martin Conway in 1892, it is often described as the finest mountain view in the world. We navigate a network of crevasses to reach the Hispar La Base Camp (4,590m). Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Cross Snow Lake to Hispar La Pass
A strenuous 6-hour ascent to the summit of Hispar La (5,150m). While the gradient is not extreme, the altitude makes the trek challenging. From the top, enjoy unparalleled views of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers and the peaks of the Hunza Valley. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Kani Basa
After sunrise at the pass, we begin our descent into the Hunza Valley (5 hours). We cross the collision zone where the Hispar and Kani Basa glaciers meet, reaching a grassy ablation valley. Enjoy views of Kanju Sar (7,760m) from our camp. Altitude: 4,510m. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Bakhtur Baig
Continuing our descent (6 hours) along the Hispar glacier. The day involves navigating moraine ridges and crossing several glacial streams before arriving at the Bakhtur Baig camp (4,470m) on the right side of the glacier. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Shigham Baris
A 7-hour trek descending further down the glacier. The trail winds through loose scree and eventually into areas adorned with wildflowers as we approach the beautiful, grassy Shigham Baris campsite (4,170m). Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Bitenmal
The descent becomes smoother today (6 hours). After crossing to the other side of the glacier, we enter a large meadow known as Bitenmal (3,760m). Here, we may meet local shepherds from Hispar village who often share fresh dairy products with trekkers. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Trek to Hispar Village
A 4-hour walk brings us back to civilization. The vibrant green of terraced fields and orchards provides a stark contrast to the glacial scenery. This is our final night under the stars, camping near the village at 2,300m. Overnight: Full-service Camping. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Drive to Karimabad
We transition to jeeps for a 4-hour drive along the Nagar River to reach the Karakoram Highway. We proceed to Karimabad (2,440m) in the Hunza Valley, where you can enjoy a hot shower and the comfort of a hotel room. Overnight: 3-Star Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Sightseeing in Hunza and Drive to Gilgit
Explore Karimabad, visiting the UNESCO-listed Altit and Baltit Forts, which date back to the 13th century. These historic sites offer a glimpse into the rule of the Mirs of Hunza. In the afternoon, we drive to Gilgit. Overnight: 3-Star Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Return Flight to Islamabad
We aim for the early morning 40-minute flight from Gilgit to Islamabad. Should weather conditions prevent flying, we will begin the return drive via the Karakoram Highway to Chilas or Besham. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Contingency Day
A buffer day to account for travel delays. If already in Islamabad, this is a free day for urban exploration. If driving, we will arrive in the capital by late afternoon. Overnight: Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Final Departure
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Islamabad International Airport for your departure flight home. We trust the Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek has provided lifelong memories. Meals: Breakfast.
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