Snow Lake Trek: Biafo Glacier, Hispar La and Hunza
A 21-day traverse that climbs the Biafo Glacier from Askole to Snow Lake, crosses the Hispar La at 5,151 m and descends the Hispar Glacier to Hispar village and Karimabad in Hunza.
About the Snow Lake Trek
Snow Lake, also known as Lukpe Lawo, is a vast glacial basin nearly 16 km wide, sitting at the head of both the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers deep in the Karakoram Range. It is one of the largest snowfields outside the Polar regions and offers a true wilderness experience, far from crowds, surrounded by 6,000–7,900m peaks such as Latok, The Ogre, Kanjut Sar, and Disteghil Sar. The trek starts from Askole, follows the Biafo Glacier past Namla, Baintha, and Karpogoro, crosses the legendary Hispar La (5,151m) one of the longest and highest glacier passes in the world and descends the Hispar Glacier into the culturally rich Hunza Valley. It is one of the most remote and rewarding treks in Pakistan, combining glacier travel, high-altitude camping, and spectacular mountain scenery.
Introduction as published on the Trekking page.
Key facts
- Duration
- 21 days
- Best time
- June to September
- Range / region
- Karakoram
- Highest point
- 5,151 m (Hispar La)
- Zone
- Open
- Starts and ends
- Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
- Tent nights in the itinerary
- 13
Who it suits
It is one of the most remote routes the company publishes: thirteen nights in tents, a rest day at Baintha and a free day at Snow Lake. It suits trekkers who are comfortable on glaciers and want a crossing rather than an out-and-back route.
- Best time in the programme: June to September.
- The route starts in Baltistan (Skardu, Askole) and finishes in Hunza, so it links two regions in one trip.
- The Hispar La (5,151 m) is a high glacier pass, crossed on day 13 of the itinerary.
Day-by-day itinerary
01: Arrival Islamabad
Arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
02: Islamabad to Skardu
Flight to Skardu, or overland drive via Chilas/Babusar Pass if flight is cancelled. Overnight stay in hotel at Skardu.
03: Preparation Day in Skardu
Explore Skardu Bazaar and Khurpucho Fort, final gear check and briefing. Overnight in hotel.
04: Skardu to Askole
Jeep drive along the Shigar/Braldu Valley to Askole (3,000m). Overnight in tents.
05: Askole to Namla
Trek begins along the Biafo Glacier. Overnight in tents at Namla (3,650m).
06: Namla to Mango
Continue along the glacier with views of surrounding peaks. Overnight in tents at Mango (3,720m).
07: Mango to Baintha
Trek to Baintha (4,035m), the last point with vegetation. Overnight in tents.
08: Rest Day at Baintha
Acclimatization day. Overnight in tents.
09: Baintha to Marfogoro
Trek deeper onto the glacier towards Snow Lake. Overnight in tents (4,410m).
10: Marfogoro to Karpogoro
Trek across the glacier with views of Latok Group and The Ogre. Overnight in tents (4,680m).
11: Karpogoro to Hispar La Base Camp
Trek to the base of Hispar La, entering the true Snow Lake basin. Overnight in tents (4,750m).
12: Free Day at Snow Lake
Explore the vast icefield of Snow Lake at leisure. Overnight in tents.
13: Cross Hispar La to Kani Basa
Cross the Hispar La pass (5,151m), the highest point of the trek, and descend to Kani Basa. Overnight in tents.
14: Kani Basa to Yutmaru
Continue descent along the Hispar Glacier. Overnight in tents.
15: Yutmaru to Bitanmal
Trek towards the edge of the Hispar Glacier. Overnight in tents.
16: Bitanmal to Hispar Village
Final glacier descent to Hispar Village, the first settlement since Askole. Overnight in tents/guesthouse.
17: Hispar Village to Karimabad Hunza
Drive to Karimabad. Overnight in hotel at Karimabad.
18: Rest Day at Karimabad Hunza
Visit Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and local bazaars; sunset at Duiker viewpoint. Overnight in hotel.
19: Karimabad to Gilgit/Naran
Drive along the Karakoram Highway. Overnight in hotel.
20: Naran to Islamabad
Drive via Babusar Pass back to Islamabad. Overnight stay in Islamabad.
21: Departure
Transfer to airport for departure flight.
Included and not included
Listed as included
- 02 nights hotel in Islamabad (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- 02 nights hotel in Skardu (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- 02 nights hotel in Hunza (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Pick up from group when arrive and drop to the airport when group departure — Air-condition van from Islamabad to Islamabad
- Flight Tickets Islamabad–Skardu
- Sightseeing the capital city of Islamabad
- Jeeps from Skardu – Askole – Hispar Village – Karimabad
- Food during the Tour/Trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner served during camping)
- Porters for personal luggage and camping equipment on the trek
- Hispar La / Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) trekking permit and fee
- Camping equipment (tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, mattresses)
- Experienced trekking guide and support staff
- Tips for baggage handling at airports & hotels
- Fees: Bridge crossing, cable crossing, camping
- International flights ticket re-confirmations
- Custom clearing assistance
Listed as not included
- Member international flight tickets
- Helicopter emergency rescue fees / Members' climbing gears
- Member personal insurance
- Sleeping bag and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks
- Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of purely personal nature
- Custom clearing charges (import and export of equipment)
- Any unforeseen expenses (like road block extra hotel stay or if members stay more days at high camps) will be paid according to the number of days basis.
As listed in the programme's service details; confirm the current inclusions when you plan your dates.
Places on this route
Destination guides for the places this itinerary passes through:
Compare other treks
| Programme | Days | Best time | Highest point | Zone | Tent nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairy Meadows Trek & Hunza Tour | 12 | Mid-May to End of November | 3,300 m | Open | 0 |
| Laila Base Camp & Haramosh La Trek | 14 | July to Mid September | 4800m | Open | 8 |
| Rakaposhi/Diran BC Trek & Hunza Tour | 14 | Mid-May to September | 4,000m | Open | 4 |
| Rush Lake Trek & Hunza Tour | 15 | Mid-May to End-August | 4694 m | Open | 6 |
| Spantik Base camp Trek | 15 | June to End-August | 4300m | Open | 6 |
| Mashabrum Base camp Trek | 16 | June to End-September | 4200m | Permitted | 6 |
| Nanga parbat Mazeno Pass Trek | 17 | June to End-August | 5390 m | Open | 11 |
| K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La Trek | 18 | Late June to End-August | 5,150 m (K2 Base Camp) and the Gondogoro La crossing | Restricted (Permit Required) | 13 |
| K2 Base Camp Trek | 18 | Late June to Early September | 5,150 m (K2 Base Camp) | Restricted (Permit Required) | 9 |
| Beautiful Hushe valley Trek | 25 | Mid-June to End-August | 5650m | Permitted | 15 |
| Great Karakoram Traverse | 32 | Mid-June to End-August | 5500m | Permit needed | 23 |
