Snow Lake  Trek

The Biafo Hisper La trek, also known as the Snow Lake trek, is considered one of the most challenging treks in the world. It's not an easy journey, and it takes you through the Karakoram mountains. This trek mainly follows the Biafo Glacier and crosses a mountain pass into the Hisper Valley of Nagar. That's why people call it the Biafo Hisper La Trek. The Biafo Glacier in Shigar Valley and the Hisper Glacier in Nagar Valley are the largest glaciers in the world outside the polar regions.

The Snow Lake trek is mostly done in the Shigar and Nagar valleys in Gilgit Baltistan. These valleys were once princely states, and the route we follow for the trek used to be a way for invaders to get to the Shigar Valley. The trail goes through icy areas until you reach a big snowy plain called the Snow Lake. From there, you have several passes to choose from, but the most common and famous one is the Hisper Pass, which takes you to Hisper village.

The Snow Lake trek poses its challenges due to the rugged and demanding terrain of the Biafo glacier. This glacier is known for its uneven surface and is filled with small cracks and crevasses all the way to Snow Lake. However, the breathtaking views and the natural scenery you encounter are truly heavenly. The sight of the mountain panorama at Snow Lake is absolutely worth the effort.

Furthermore, along this trek, you'll come across the stunning Lattok Group, Baintha Brak, Biafo Brak (also known as Ogre), Biacherhi Peak, and numerous other peaks towering above 6000 meters. Snow Lake itself is somewhat misleading in its name; it's not a lake but rather a high-altitude glacial basin nestled in the Karakoram Range, sitting at an elevation of 4900 meters. It spans approximately 16 kilometers in width and is situated at the point where the Biafo and Hisper Glaciers meet. This basin extends towards the Shigar Valley, positioned between Hisper La at 5150 meters and the upper Biafo glaciers.

Snow Lake and the surrounding peaks offer an exceptional destination for skiers from all around the world. The icy covering at Snow Lake spans about 80 square kilometers. Interestingly, this place was given its name in 1892 by the British explorer Martin Conway.

K2 Trekking Holiday Packages

In addition to Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek we also have many K2 Trekking Packages with expert designed itinerary. The details of  packages and cost are given in below table.

Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek - Dates & Costs

The best time for the Snow Lake trek is during the summer months. The arrival and departure dates in the table provided indicate when you'll be in Pakistan. These months mentioned in the table represent the optimal period for trekking in the Karakoram region of Pakistan.

Private groups can select their preferred dates for travel. You have the option to follow our 21-day standard trekking plan or create a personalized Snow Lake Trek itinerary with the help of our travel experts to match your specific needs. We offer fantastic discounts for groups, couples, and families, so get in touch with us before making your booking.

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Highlights of Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek

🏔️ Journey to Hispar La Pass (5,149m)
❄️ Exploration of the expansive Snow Lake, also known as Lukpe Lawo
🚶‍♂️ Trek along the Biafo Glacier, one of the world's top three longest glaciers outside the polar regions
🌄 Circular trek leading to the picturesque Hunza Valley from the Braldu Valley
🏞️ Spectacular views of numerous peaks (5,000m to 8,000m), including the Latok group, The Ogre, Kanjut Sar, and more
🏞️ Scenic vistas of glaciers, like Kani Basi and Kunyang, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and streams
🌿 Serene meadows of Falaling Chhish
🚗 Adventure on the legendary Karakoram Highway
🏞️ Immerse in the rich culture of the Hunza Valley through a cultural tour
🏰🏙️ Explore the sights of Skardu and Islamabad

Holiday Info

Mountain Guide and Support Team
The Snow Lake - Hispar La trek in Pakistan will be led by an experienced mountain guide and a dedicated support team, including porters, cooks, and additional staff.

Altitude
When embarking on the Snow Lake trek, you will journey through high-altitude terrain in Pakistan. During the trek, you'll reach altitudes of around 4,000 meters for 1-2 days. While the human body can adapt to various altitudes, it's essential to follow simple acclimatization guidelines. If you plan to participate in the Snow Lake trek, it's advisable to seek guidance on touring and trekking at high altitudes.

Climate
Between mid-June and August, the weather can be quite warm, with temperatures rising to around 40°C in Islamabad and Gilgit, and approximately 25°C in the Baltistan region. Generally, the Karakoram region enjoys favorable weather during the summer, characterized by clear blue skies and minimal rain or snow. However, predicting weather in these mountainous areas is challenging, and brief storms can occur unexpectedly.

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Details Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Arrive at Islamabad airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, visiting famous landmarks such as Faisal Mosque, Shakar Parian, Pakistan Monument, Damen Koh, Lok Versa Museum, Rawalpindi old bazaar, and Raja Bazaar.

Day 2: Flight to Skardu or Scenic Drive to Chilas

Today, if the weather allows, you'll take a stunning flight from Islamabad to Skardu. This 45-minute journey showcases breathtaking mountain views of the Himalayas and the Karakoram range. You'll see incredible peaks like Nanga Parbat (8,126m), K2, and Gondogoro La. After arriving in Skardu, you'll check into the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the local bazaar, historic forts, beautiful lakes, and ancient rock inscriptions. One of these inscriptions is the 8th-century Manthal Lord Buddha Rock, showing traces of Buddhist monks and pilgrims who influenced the area before Islam arrived.

Please note: The Islamabad to Skardu flight depends on weather conditions. If the flight gets canceled due to bad weather, you'll take an 8-9 hour drive on the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. You'll spend the night in Chilas.

The distance from Islamabad to Chilas is 461km.

Accommodation: Concordia Hotel or similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 3: Free Day in Skardu

Today, you have the freedom to explore Skardu town, which serves as the capital of Baltistan in the ancient Himalayan mountain kingdoms. Skardu is a gateway to various incredible spots like the K2 base camp trek, Broad Peak, Baltoro Glacier, Latok group, and other valleys. The people here speak Balti, a language different from Urdu.

You can start by walking to the remains of Kharpocho Fort, built in the early 1700s, offering a great view of Skardu and the Indus River, especially during sunrise and sunset. We can organize a visit for you to capture this stunning view. Afterward, you'll stroll to a small organic village known for growing all its crops naturally.

Later in the day, you'll hop into a jeep to visit the crystal clear waters of Satpara Lake and Kachura Lake or explore the bustling local Skardu bazaar.

Please note: If you missed the flight yesterday, today will be spent driving on the Karakoram Highway from Chillas to Skardu.

Accommodation: Summit Hotel or similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 4: Drive to Askoli

Today, you'll travel alongside the powerful Indus River and through the scenic Shigar valley, following the Braldu River until you reach Askoli. Askoli marks the final human settlement in the Shigar Valley. This small village has a single street lined with wooden houses surrounded by fields growing corn, potatoes, and apricot trees. Take time to explore the village, meet the locals, and experience life in this high-altitude community. Many of the porters for the Snow Lake trek come from Askoli.

Your first night of the trek will be spent in sleeping bags, camping under the stars in Askoli. Situated at an altitude of 3,000 meters above the rushing Braldu River, this camping experience marks the beginning of your Snow Lake Hispar La trek.

Accommodation: Camping under the stars in Askoli (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 5: Trek to Namla

Today, your trek on the Snow Lake and Hispar La trail begins by following the path toward K2 Base Camp before veering west onto the Biafo Glacier. The trail involves going up the lateral moraine, then descending onto the glacier itself, and finally returning to the left bank. Here, you'll find the grassy camping spot known as Namla, tucked behind a lateral moraine. It's a beautiful day of trekking with stunning views of the mountains.

Tonight, you'll stay at the Namla campsite.

Accommodation: Camping at Namla (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 6: Trek to Shikonfon

Begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise view of the snow-covered Karakoram mountains. After a relaxed breakfast, resume your walk along the glacier's edge. You'll navigate a fracture zone on the Biafo glacier, trekking toward the center before continuing along the moraine ridges. Expect a challenging trek due to loose rocks on the glacier.

Enjoy a stunning hike on the Biafo Glacier, surrounded by the majestic snow-covered Karakoram mountains. Set up your camps in a grassy area on the left side of the glacier.

Tonight, you'll stay at the Shikonfon campsite.

Accommodation: Camping at Shikonfon (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 7: Trek to Baintha

Today's trek continues along the side of the Biafo glacier on what's called the "highway of ice," the lateral moraine. Walking here is relatively easier compared to yesterday's trek. You'll cross over to the right side and leave the Biafo glacier, reaching a grassy area where the Baintha camp is located.

Tonight, you'll stay at the Baintha campsite.

Accommodation: Camping at Baintha (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 8: Rest and Acclimatization in Baintha
Take a day to rest and acclimatize in Baintha, enjoying the serene surroundings and interacting with porters.

Day 9: Trek to Marpogoro

Today, you'll take a steep and unstable path to rejoin the Biafo Glacier. Climb onto the moraine and continue walking along the glacier. As you progress, you might encounter crevasses on the glacier. For safety, ropes will be used, and walking in a line is recommended to avoid hidden crevasses under the snow.

This route offers incredible views of the mountains, unmatched anywhere else in the world. You'll be treated to breathtaking sights of the Ogre (7,813m), Kanjut Sar, and, for the first time, glimpse the Hispar La and Snow Lake.

Tonight, you'll stay at the Marfogoro campsite.

Accommodation: Camping at Marfogoro (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 10: Trek to Karpogoro

Begin your day with a stunning sunrise view over the Snow Lake and the Hispar Pass. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then resume walking on the "highway of ice," offering stunning vistas of the Karakoram range.

Today marks an extraordinary trekking experience along a trail that has been used for centuries by explorers, monks, warriors, and merchants.

You'll spend the night at the Karphogoro campsite.

Accommodation: Camping at Karphogoro (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 11: Trek to Snow Lake Base Camp

Today, you'll trek to the Hispar La base camp. You'll begin by walking on Snow Lake's southern end, maneuvering through crevasses in this high-altitude glacial basin. Snow Lake is around 16 kilometers wide, situated at the junction of the Biafo Glacier and Hispar glaciers. It's renowned for its breathtaking views. After about 6 hours of trekking on Snow Lake, you'll reach the Hispar La base camp. Set up camp and enjoy the stunning view.

Overnight: Camping at Hispar La base camp (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 12: Trek to Hisper Pass

Continuing your journey, today's trek leads you across Snow Lake towards Hispar La Pass. Traverse the vast snowy area, ascending gradually towards Hispar La Pass. Though not steep, the climb might feel challenging due to the altitude. Be cautious of hidden crevasses. After about 6 hours of trekking on Snow Lake, you'll reach the top of Hispar La Pass. From here, you'll have fantastic views of the Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake, Ogre, Hispar Glacier, and other snow-covered mountains of Hunza Valley.

Overnight: Camping at Hispar La Pass (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 13: Trek to Khani Bassa

Wake up to a stunning sunrise view over Snow Lake, Biafo Glacier, and the snow-covered Hunza mountains. After breakfast, gear up and cross Hispar La, descending towards Hunza Valley. Along the way, navigate a few crevasses on the glacier. The rest of the hike is on flat terrain, crossing the Kani Basa glacier's fracture zone where the Hispar and Kani Basa glaciers meet. Finally, arrive at the Kani Basa camping site, offering a beautiful view of Kanju Sar (7,760m).

Overnight: Camping at Kani Basa (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 14: Trek to Jutmal
Continue your trek to Jutmal, with awe-inspiring views of the Kanjut SAR peak and the Yutmaru glacier.

Day 15: Trek to Red Star
Trek to Red Star, crossing the Yutmaru glacier and taking in the panoramic scenery.

Day 16: Trek to Bitanmal

It's another day filled with incredible views of the Karakoram range during your trek. After about an hour of walking, you'll descend a steep slope to cross to the other side of the glacier. Then, it's back to the valley where the trekking path becomes smoother.

By early afternoon, you'll reach the Bitenmal campsite. Bitenmal is a spacious meadow often used by herders from the Hispar village. These herders usually offer fresh milk and other dairy products to trekkers and visitors.

You'll spend the night at the Bitenmal campsite.

Accommodation: Camping at Bitenmal (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 17: Trek to Hisper Village

Today's trek will take you to Hispar village by crossing a bridge and a small glacier, marking your return to civilization after leaving Askoli two weeks ago. As you journey back, notice the vibrant greenery of orchards and terraced fields, a stark contrast to the black-and-white scenery of the Hispar Glacier.

At Hispar village, you'll meet jeeps, depending on the road conditions. If the road is in poor condition, the jeeps might not be able to go beyond the village. In that case, you'll need to walk down to the campsite. The campsite in Hispar village is situated on grassy land.

Tonight marks the final camping night of the Snow Lake – Biafo & Hispar La Trek, where you'll sleep under the stars in your sleeping bag.

Accommodation: Camping at Hispar village (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 18: Drive to Karimabad

Today, you'll depart from Hispar village and embark on a drive along the Nagar river to Karimabad. Initially, you'll have a one-hour jeep ride to Nagar village on a narrow track before reaching the Karakoram Highway at the Hunza River junction. Follow the Karakoram Highway alongside the Hunza River until you reach Ganish village. Then, leave the Karakoram Highway by turning right to finally arrive in Karimabad. Upon arrival, you'll check into a hotel. The rest of the day is yours to freshen up, relax, and explore the town. Enjoy the luxury of a hot shower and the comfort of a proper bed.

You'll spend the night in Karimabad.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 19: Drive to Naran via Babusar Pass
Today you'll drive to Naran via Babusar Pass, enjoying the scenic journey. 

Day 20: Drive to Islamabad

If weather permits, you'll aim for an early morning flight back to Islamabad. However, the flight is subject to weather conditions. If bad weather causes flight cancellation, you'll travel by road along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas (or Besham). You'll spend the night in Chilas and travel to Islamabad the next day.

Accommodation: Hill View Hotel or similar (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 21: Departure
Transfer to Islamabad airport for your international flight home.