Snow Lake Trek
Overview
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.

Snow Lake
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.
| K2 Trek Holidays | Cost USD | Cost Euro |
| Baltoro Glacier K2 Trek-20 days (All-Inclusive) | $2,100 | €1,930 |
| K2 Concordia Trek | $2,250 | €2,070 |
| K2 Basecamp Trek (All Inclusive) | $2,100 | €1,930 |
| K2 basecamp – Trek Only (14 days) | $1,690 | €1,555 |
| Four 8000m Basecamp Trek(24 days) | $2,700 | €2514 |
| K2 & Nanga Parbat Basecamp Trek | $3,000 | €2794 |
| Gondogoro La Trek (20 days) | $2,250 | €2,070 |
| Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek(21 days) | $2, 980 | €2,745 |
| Shimshal Pass Trek(19 days) | $1,950 | €1,796 |
Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek – Dates & Costs
The best time for the Snow Lake trek is during the summer months. The arrival and departure dates in the table provided indicate when you’ll be in Pakistan. These months mentioned in the table represent the optimal period for trekking in the Karakoram region of Pakistan.
| Start Date | End Date | Deposit | Cost | Availability | Registration |
| 28-June | 18-June | USD$ 500 | $2980 | Available | Book Now |
| 02-July | 22-July | USD$ 500 | $2980 | Available | Book Now |
| 08-July | 28-July | USD$ 500 | $2980 | Available | Book Now |
| 01-August | 18-Auust | USD$ 500 | $2980 | Available | Book Now |
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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Included/Exclude
Inclusions
What's Trip includes.....
✈️ Inclusive of all domestic flights and overland transfers
🏨 Hotel accommodation provided in twin-sharing rooms
🏕️ Trekking accommodation arranged
🌉 Covering camping site and bridge fees
🏞️ Handling trek logistics, including tents, shared equipment, and necessary tools
🍽️ Comprehensive meal provision, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner
🗺️ Guided by a licensed professional guide in compliance with governmental requirements
📜 Trekking permits and associated paperwork managed
🚯 Adhering to waste management regulations as mandated by the authorities
👥 A dedicated support team, featuring a cook, assistants, and more
🎒 Porters available for carrying personal luggage, up to 15 kgs
⚕️ Equipped with a basic first aid kit
📡 Access to a satellite phone for emergency situations
🏕️ Provision of a D3V sleeping tent, a Toilet Tent, and a Shower Tent.
Exclusions
What's Trip not includes....
✕ International airfare and airport taxes
✕ Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance for clients
✕ Tips for drivers, porters, and staff
✕ Single Supplement
✕ Transfers to and from airports for participants with 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 and gratuities for personal services
✕ Items of a purely personal nature
✕ Any other services not mentioned in the list above
Tour Plan
Arrive in Islamabad and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, use the afternoon to rest and prepare permits and gear for the journey into Gilgit-Baltistan. Overnight in Islamabad.
An early flight (weather permitting) takes you along the Karakoram, with window-seat views of Nanga Parbat before landing in Skardu, the gateway to the Baltoro and Karakoram peaks. Overnight in Skardu.
A free day in Skardu to finalise permits, porters and supplies, with time to visit Kharpocho Fort or the shores of Kachura Lake. Overnight in Skardu.
A rough jeep track along the Braldu River leads to Askole (3,000m), the last permanent village and the true starting point of the Baltoro trek. Overnight in tents.
The trail follows the Braldu River past Korophon to Jhula (3,200m), roughly 18km and 5-7 hours of walking on a mix of riverside track and a rope bridge crossing. Overnight camp at Jhula.
A 4-5 hour walk along the true right bank of the Braldu brings you to Paiju (3,450m), the last campsite with trees and running streams before the ice of the Baltoro Glacier begins. Overnight camp at Paiju.
The route leaves solid ground and climbs onto the lower Baltoro Glacier, crossing rubble-covered ice to Khoburtse (also spelled Khoburtse/Liligo, around 4,000m). Overnight camp on the glacier moraine.
A rest and acclimatisation day at Paiju, the last green campsite on the route, before stepping onto the glacier. Guides use the day to check gear and allow bodies to adjust to altitude.
A 6-8 hour trek continues along the glacier's undulating moraine to Urdukas (4,100m), a rocky campsite on the true left bank famous for its close-up views of the Cathedral and Trango group of peaks. Overnight camp at Urdukas.
The trail continues over the Baltoro's ice and moraine, roughly 14km over 6-7 hours, to Goro II (4,350m), with the first close views of Masherbrum and Gasherbrum peaks opening up. Overnight camp at Goro II.
A further 14km, 5-7 hour walk across increasingly dramatic glacier terrain brings you to Concordia (4,600m), the amphitheatre where the Baltoro and Godwin-Austen Glaciers meet beneath K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums. Overnight camp at Concordia.
From Concordia, a further 2-3 hours (about 9km) along the Godwin-Austen Glacier leads to K2 Base Camp (5,150m), directly beneath the world's second-highest mountain. Overnight camp at K2 Base Camp.
Retrace the route back across the Baltoro Glacier from Concordia toward Goro II, with a last look back at the K2/Broad Peak amphitheatre before it disappears from view.
The return leg continues back down the Baltoro Glacier toward Goro II, retracing the outward route across the moraine.
Trek back down-glacier from Goro/Urdukas toward Khoburtse, descending gradually off the ice.
The trail leaves the glacier and returns to the green campsite of Paiju, the first proper vegetation seen since Urdukas.
A long descent day retraces the Braldu riverbank from Paiju back to Jhula.
A drive up the Karakoram Highway reaches Karimabad in Hunza, with Rakaposhi and the Hunza peaks framing the valley. Overnight in Karimabad.
A drive south from Hunza/Gilgit toward Naran, crossing the Babusar Pass with views back toward Nanga Parbat.
A scenic return flight (or road transfer via the Karakoram Highway if weather closes the airport) brings the group back to Islamabad. Overnight in Islamabad.
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the onward flight home.