Hospitality Beyond Borders
Biafo Hispar Snow Lake Trek
Tour snapshot
21 Days / 20 Nights
Adventure Tours
Summer
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Overview
For the bold-hearted adventurer, few experiences on Earth rival the Biafo-Hispar Snow Lake Trek in northern mountainous region called Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan a journey across the world’s longest continuous glacial traverse outside the polar regions. Connecting the ancient mountain kingdoms of Baltistan and Hunza-Nager, this epic route threads through stark ice fields, towering granite walls, and high-altitude pastures steeped in cultural and natural significance. The trek begins either fro...
Show MoreHighlights
- Explore the capital city of Islamabad, the scenic beauty of Skardu - a gateway to the Karakoram Range - and the Legendary Hunza & Nagar Valleys.
- Enjoy a picturesque road journey to Skardu, surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and lush valleys.
- Discover the serene and breathtaking valley Shigar, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Balti people and undertake an adventurous jeep safari to Askole, the last village before the trek begins.
- Trek along the 49km Biafo & Hisper Glaciers, converge at 5,151m Hisper La, forming the world's longest non-polar glacial systems.
- Witness the grandeur of numerous tributary glaciers and mountain peaks in the Skardu and Nagar territories.
- Enjoy the views around Snow Lake, one of the world's largest basins of snow or ices outside the polar regions, has a depth of 1600m and surrounded by mountain peaks.
- Spot rare wildlife on the trek including Ibex and Markhor with rare sightings of Himalayan brown bear and snow leopards.
- Enjoy the remote Hisper Valley of Nagar District - the first human settlement in the end of the trek - and the scenic Hoper Valley.
- Explore the legendary Hunza Valley, particularly Karimabad, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and Duikar.
What's Included
- All domestic flights and ground transportation, including airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the tour
- Dome tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during trekking
- Single supplement available on request (including for solo female travelers)
- Camping gear (member, mess, kitchen, and toilet tents)
- Kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
- All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Hot drinks: coffee, green tea, and hot water
- Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Professional tour guide
- Support staff: cook, assistants, helpers, and porters
- Insurance for all support staff
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Trekking permits and paperwork
- Waste management fee
- Toll and bridge crossing charges
- Visa assistance
Exclude
- Visa fee
- Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
- International flight tickets
- Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
- Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
- Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities for staff
- Personal or miscellaneous expenses
- Anything not listed under “Services Included”
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the morning, attend a mandatory briefing at the Ministry of Tourism to finalize permits and meet your guides. In the afternoon, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Islamabad: visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh for panoramic views of the capital. Overnight at hotel.
Today we begin our northward journey, driving on the legendary Karakoram Highway or via the scenic Babusar Pass (4,173m) depending on weather and road conditions. The route offers breathtaking views of lush valleys, high mountains, and alpine meadows. Arrive in Chilas by evening. Overnight at hotel.
Drive along the Indus River and turn onto the Jaglot-Skardu Road, a dramatic route that winds between vertical cliffs and roaring rivers. Stop at the Junction Point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush and at the Nanga Parbat Viewpoint. Reach Skardu by late evening. Overnight at hotel.
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude (2,228m). Optional sightseeing includes a visit to Kharpocho Fort, Upper Kachura Lake, and the vibrant Skardu Bazaar. Preparation for the trek begins. Overnight stay at hotel.
Depart early for a bumpy jeep ride through the Braldu Gorge to Askoli, the last inhabited village before the wilderness of Biafo Glacier. The journey winds past Shigar Valley’s lush fields and barren cliffs. Overnight in tents at Askoli (3,000m).
Begin your trek on a trail that slowly ascends along the Biafo Glacier. The trail crosses moraines, scree slopes, and glacial streams before reaching Namla, the first campsite. Overnight in tents.
Trek further along the glacier, navigating boulder-strewn terrain. Mango is a peaceful site surrounded by ice formations and rock towers. Overnight in tents.
A more strenuous day on the glacier. Biantha offers a rare oasis of alpine grass and a water source. Enjoy views of the Latok Peaks towering nearby. Overnight in tents.
Continue the trek towards the heart of the Karakoram. The glacier widens, and crevasses become more common. Camp at Marfogoro, surrounded by giant peaks. Overnight in tents.
Reach the famed Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) – a high-altitude glacial basin at 4,877 meters. Stretching over 16 km, it's one of the world’s largest snowfields and source of the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers. This surreal wilderness is surrounded by 6,000-meter peaks. Overnight in tents.
An early morning departure for the most demanding day crossing the Hispar La, the high pass linking Baltistan with Nagar Valley in Hunza. Expect panoramic views over the Hispar Glacier, Snow Lake, and towering peaks. Descend to Khani Basa on the Hispar side. Overnight in tents.
Begin the descent down the Hispar Glacier, passing snowfields and rock outcrops. Camp at Yutmur, a high-altitude campsite above the glacial river. Overnight in tents.
Trek through an increasingly green landscape with meadows and wildflowers. The path demands caution, but views of Pumari Chhish Peak (7,492m) are stunning. Overnight in tents.
Today’s walk leads through glacial moraines and grassy platforms. Camp at Bitan Mal, one of the most beautiful campsites on the trek. Overnight in tents.
Final trekking day! Reach Hisper Village, a remote but welcoming community and the first human settlement since Askoli. Celebrate the completion of this epic glacier crossing. Overnight in tents.
Drive along the scenic Nagar River to Karimabad, Hunza’s cultural heart. Enjoy the first signs of civilization and paved roads. Check in to hotel and relax. Overnight stay.
Enjoy a well-earned rest day. Explore Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and the Duikar Viewpoint for sweeping views of Rakaposhi and Ultar. Optional visit to local cafés and souvenir shops. Overnight stay at hotel.
Depart for Naran via the lush valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and cross Babusar Pass again. Enjoy views of Lulusar Lake and alpine meadows. Overnight in Naran (in tents or hotel, based on availability).
Drive back to Islamabad along the scenic Kaghan Valley. Arrive by afternoon and enjoy a short walk around Saidpur Village or Rawal Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Spend your last full day exploring Islamabad or take a short drive to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Buddhist monasteries and museums. Final evening at leisure for shopping or dinner in Islamabad. Overnight stay.
Early morning transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your homebound flight. End of services.