Biafo Hispar and Snow Lake trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the Karakoram range of Pakistan. The trek takes you through the stunning and remote areas of the Hispar and Biafo glacier, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The trek is approximately 63 km long and takes around 10-12 days to complete from Askole to Hispar, with some challenging hikes and mountain passes to cross along the way.
The trek starts from the village of Askole and winds its way up through the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, passing by beautiful crystal-clear streams and snow-capped peaks. The highlight of the trek is the Snow Lake, a glistening body of water surrounded by towering peaks, and the Hispar Pass, which is the highest point on the trek and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers.
While the trek is challenging, it is also very rewarding, with breathtaking scenery and a chance to experience a unique and remote region of the world. To undertake the trek, it is important to be physically fit and well-prepared, as there are some steep and strenuous sections along the way.
Overall, the Biafo Hispar and Snow Lake trek is an unforgettable experience for those looking for an adventure in the mountains and a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Karakoram range.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Islamabad
Arrive at the airport in Islamabad our staff will pick welcome you at the terminal and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Islamabad – Skardu
Today early morning we will transfer to airport for onward flight to Skardu, the flight to Skardu gives spectacular view of the mountains such as Nanga Parbat on the right and K2 on the left before landing in Skardu! But the flight is always dependant on weather conditions. Alternately, we take two day drive to Skardu, along the Karakorum Highway which is the another beautiful journey of the trip, during our journey to Skardu we will have a the best view of Nanga Parbat from its view point along the Karakorum Highway and the junction point of the three great mountain ranges “Karakorum, Himalaya and Hindukush”.
Day 03: Skardu
If we are able to fly to Skardu the last day than we have a free day for sight-seeing, acclimatization and preparations at Skardu, the capital of Baltistan and the gateway to great Karakorum mountains. OR if couldn’t make it to Skardu by air then today we will drive to Skardu from Chilas along the Indus river en-route we will stop at Nanga Parbat view point and the junction point for the three great mountain ranges.
Day 04: Skardu – Askoli
After having an early breakfast we will start our jeep journey along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askoli village, the last permanent settlement of Shigar Valley. This seven hours hard drive is an extremely spectacular and fascinating journey through little changed traditional villages and orchards. Arrive and fix the tents for overnight stay.
Day 05: Askoli – Namla
After breakfast we will distribution the luggage to the porters and start the trek along the turbulent waters of the Braldu River, after 2 hours hike we will pass through the steep slope to enter into the Biafo glacier.
Day 06: Aamla – Manggo
Today is another day to walk on the Biafo glacier, the first stage of the trek is hard in the boulders and gravels and the second part is comparatively easy along the moraines and summer pastures.
Day 07: Mango – Baintha
After an hour walk through willow bushes and on the grassy moraine we come down to the Biafo glacier to negotiate the unstable boulders and crevasses to cross the glacier. After the glacier we have easy and gentle walking along the grassy moraines of Baintha. Today we have beautiful views of Latok-1 (7145m), Latok-2 (7108m) and Hisper Pass, with mountain walls on either side rising to 6,000 meters. The Baintha campsite in the ablation valley with dense willow shrubs surrounded by wild flowers makes one of the best camp sites of this trek.
Day 08: Baintha
Rest day/Explore around
Day 09: Baintha – Karfogoro
Today is another beautiful day of the trek, the early hours of the trek is a lovely stroll along the ablation valley with many small lakes surrounded by willow bushes and wild flowers. After one hour we come down to the Biafo glacier which offers easy walking opportunity with gradual climb over smooth ice. At this point the gravels and boulders are very minimal and are careful for the frequent crevasses.
Day 10: Karfogoro – Snow Lake
Today we will enter into the Snow Lake which looks like an ocean of snow. We will rope up to stay away from the hidden crevasses. With steady plod we arrive in two hours to the junction point of Snow Lake and Simgang glacier. Today we will camp at around 4,900 m in a flat bowl near the pass.
Day 11: Snow Lake – Hisper Pass (5150m) – 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 Workmann 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.
Day 12: Khani – Yutmuro Glacier
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.
Day 13: Yutmuro – 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.
Day 14: Bitanmal
Rest day at Bitanmal/Explore around
Day 15: Bitanmal – Hisper – Karimabad
3 hours easy walking along the Hisper River takes us to Huru/Hisper (3100m) village. From where we ends our trekking and transfer in jeeps for 2 hours drive through Nagar Valley to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza valley. Enjoy some snowcapped mountains in its surrounding such as Ultar peak (7400m)Rakaposhi (7788m), Golden Peak (7027m) and many others.
Day 16: Karimabad
Today we will visit Altit & Baltit forts, local bazzar, channel walk and evening to Duiker village. Dukier offers the best view of the Hunza valley and the snowcapped mountains on its surroundings. The beautiful Hunza Valley will warmly welcome you from your long trek. The rich fruit orchards,
Day 17: Karimabad – Besham
Departure for Besham on Karakorum Highway which takes approx 12 hours, en-route we will stop for lunch and short stops for photography. Arrive and transfer to the hotel
Day 18: Besham – Islamabad
Departure for Islamabad, arrive and transfer to the hotel
Day 19: Islamabad
Rest day/Shopping
Day 20: Islamabad – Destination
Drive to the airport and fly to destination (our service will end after the transfer to the airport in Islamabad)
