Snow Lake is a high-altitude glacier, over 16 km wide, located at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. It can be accessed from Skardu-Askoli, which lies on the right bank of the Biafo Glacier. The Biafo Glacier stretches 68 kilometers through the Karakoram Range, south of the Baltoro Glacier, and leads to the Hispar Glacier.
This is a strenuous trek for experienced trekkers, involving the crossing of peaks ranging from 5,500 meters to 7,300 meters. Snow Lake, a famous destination, is situated just 500 meters behind the Hispar La pass and is considered one of the best spots for skiers and small peak climbers. The trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains surrounding the Hispar Glacier. After passing through summer pastures, the route leads to Hispar village, where jeeps are available to transport trekkers to Karimabad Valley.
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Upon your arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our expedition team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, a comprehensive expedition briefing will be conducted covering the trekking itinerary, safety procedures, permits, environmental guidelines, and equipment checklist. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Islamabad, including Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and the city's vibrant local markets.
Destination: Islamabad
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad Airport for one of the world's most spectacular mountain flights to Skardu. During clear weather, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Nanga Parbat, the Himalaya, and the Karakoram Range. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax before the expedition begins. In case of flight cancellation due to weather conditions, the journey will continue by road via the scenic Babusar Pass (4,173 m) with an overnight stay in Chilas.
Destination: Skardu (or Chilas in case of flight cancellation)
Flight Time: Approximately 1 hour
Alternative Road Journey: Islamabad to Chilas – 461 km (10–12 hours)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is reserved for acclimatization, sightseeing, and final expedition preparations. Visit the lively Skardu Bazaar and the historic Kharpocho Fort overlooking the Indus Valley. Final equipment checks and permit formalities are completed before departing for Askole. If traveling overland, this day will be used to complete the drive from Chilas to Skardu.
Destination: Skardu
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, depart by 4×4 jeep through the spectacular Braldu Valley to Askole, the last permanent village before entering the remote Karakoram wilderness. The drive follows mountain rivers, rugged cliffs, and traditional Balti villages before reaching the starting point of the Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek.
Destination: Askole
Distance: Approximately 125 km
Driving Time: 6–8 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The expedition officially begins as porters organize and distribute expedition loads before following the Biafo River into the heart of the Karakoram. The trail passes the junction of the Baltoro and Biafo routes before ascending onto the moraine-covered Biafo Glacier. Along the way, enjoy impressive views of the pyramid-shaped Bakhor Das Peak.
Destination: Namla
Distance: 14–16 km
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue trekking deeper into the Biafo Glacier valley. Towering cliffs, glacial streams, and snow-covered peaks create an increasingly dramatic landscape as the expedition progresses toward Mango Camp.
Destination: Mango Camp
Distance: 10–12 km
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's trail leads to the famous Baintha Camp, one of the most beautiful campsites along the Biafo Glacier. Surrounded by magnificent granite peaks and vast glacial scenery, the campsite offers spectacular panoramic views of the Karakoram.
Destination: Baintha
Distance: 10–12 km
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A full acclimatization day allows your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Enjoy short walks around the campsite, photography, and breathtaking mountain scenery while the porters prepare supplies for the upcoming Snow Lake crossing. In the evening, experience traditional Balti music and cultural interaction with the porter team.
Destination: Baintha
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The route becomes increasingly adventurous as you continue across the Biafo Glacier. Walking over glacial ice and moraine requires careful footing, while the scenery grows even more spectacular with towering peaks surrounding the glacier.
Destination: Marfogoro
Distance: 10–12 km
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's trek continues steadily across rocky moraine and glacier terrain. As you gain altitude, enjoy magnificent panoramic views across the vast Biafo Glacier and surrounding snow-covered peaks before reaching Karphogoro Camp.
Destination: Karphogoro
Distance: 10–12 km
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue across the upper glacier to Hispar La Base Camp, the final campsite before crossing the legendary Hispar La Pass. Spend the afternoon resting, preparing equipment, and enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Destination: Hispar La Base Camp
Distance: 8–10 km
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is the highlight of the expedition as you traverse the legendary Snow Lake, one of the world's largest glacial basins outside the polar regions. Continue to the summit of Hispar La Pass, where breathtaking panoramic views of the Karakoram reward your efforts before descending toward the Hispar Glacier.
Destination: Hispar La Camp
Distance: 10–12 km
Trekking Time: 8–10 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Descend carefully from Hispar La across glacier terrain where snow conditions may vary considerably. Cross snowfields, navigate around crevasses, and continue over moraine before reaching the grassy campsite at Khani Bassa, surrounded by magnificent views of the Balchish Range.
Destination: Khani Bassa
Distance: 8–10 km
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue descending through the spectacular Hispar Valley while enjoying glaciers, waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and magnificent mountain scenery. The trail gradually becomes less technical as the expedition leaves the higher glacier environment.
Destination: Bakhtur Baig
Distance: 10–12 km
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's route follows the Hispar Glacier through increasingly greener landscapes. Crystal-clear streams, alpine meadows, and abundant mountain scenery make this one of the most enjoyable trekking days of the return journey.
Destination: Shigham Baris
Distance: 12–14 km
Trekking Time: 7 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Continue descending through beautiful valleys with easier terrain compared to previous days. As vegetation becomes more abundant, enjoy a pleasant walk toward Bitanmal while leaving the high glacier environment behind.
Destination: Bitanmal
Distance: 12–14 km
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Complete the final trekking day as you arrive in Hispar Village, where civilization returns after many days in the wilderness. Celebrate the successful completion of one of the Karakoram's greatest trekking adventures.
Destination: Hispar Village
Distance: 8–10 km
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, drive through the spectacular Hunza Valley to Karimabad, one of Pakistan's most beautiful mountain towns. Spend the evening relaxing while enjoying magnificent views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Peak.
Destination: Karimabad
Driving Time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the morning exploring the cultural treasures of Karimabad, including the historic Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Eagle's Nest Viewpoint, and the colorful local bazaar. Later, drive to Gilgit for an overnight stay.
Destination: Gilgit
Driving Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Gilgit Airport for your flight to Islamabad. During the short flight, enjoy one final aerial view of the spectacular Karakoram Mountains before arriving in Pakistan's capital.
Destination: Islamabad
Flight Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A reserve day is included in the itinerary to accommodate possible weather-related flight delays from Gilgit. If flights operate as scheduled, the day can be spent sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing in Islamabad.
Destination: Islamabad
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward international flight. Our team will assist you with airport formalities and bid you farewell, concluding your unforgettable Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek through one of the world's greatest glacier wildernesses.
Destination: Departure
Accommodation: —
Meals: Breakfast
The trek is considered one of Pakistan's most challenging high-altitude treks. It involves glacier walking, crevasse crossings, and the 5,128 m Hispar La Pass. It is recommended for experienced trekkers.
The best trekking season is mid-July to mid-August, when weather conditions are generally most stable and the pass is safer to cross.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended. While technical climbing isn't required, trekkers should be comfortable with glacier travel and long trekking days.
Most itineraries take 15–22 days, depending on acclimatization, weather conditions, and travel logistics.
Yes. International trekkers generally require the necessary permits and should trek with a licensed local guide due to the remoteness, glacier hazards, and safety requirements.
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