Snow Lake Hisper La Trek
A thrilling trekking holiday on a challenging journey through remote villages, ancient glaciers, and snow-covered passes. Experience stunning natural beauty and witness the convergence of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. The trip of a lifetime.
Snow Lake Hisper La Trek
$3200 Per Person
18 Days Trek
From Islamabad to Islamabad
Difficulty Level
Medium
Fitness Level
High
Duration
18 days
Elevation
5100M/16830FT
Details & Itinerary
Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is a challenging yet breathtaking high-altitude adventure in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. This 120 km journey traverses the mesmerizing Snow Lake, a vast glacial expanse, and crosses the Hispar La Pass (5,151m), linking Biafo and Hispar glaciers. The trek offers unparalleled views of untouched wilderness, towering peaks, and serene ice fields.
Trek Highlights
Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo): A surreal expanse of ice and snow, considered one of the most remote and beautiful glacial basins in the world.
Hispar La Pass (5,151m): A challenging high-altitude pass offering panoramic views of the Karakoram peaks and glaciers.
Biafo Glacier: One of the longest glaciers outside polar regions, stretching 63 km through rugged landscapes.
Hispar Glacier: A 49 km glacier merging with Biafo at Hispar La, creating an extraordinary glacial highway.
Majestic Karakoram Peaks: Unmatched views of towering giants like Kanjut Sar, Baintha Brakk (The Ogre), and Distaghil Sar.
Remote Wilderness: A pristine environment far from civilization, ideal for those seeking solitude and raw nature.
Baintha Campsite: A serene campsite surrounded by towering peaks and lush alpine meadows.
Diverse Terrain: Experience dramatic landscapes, including glacial moraines, ice fields, high passes, and rocky trails.
Cultural Encounters: Interaction with local Balti porters, gaining insight into their traditions, resilience, and way of life.
Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see rare species like ibex, snow leopards, and the Himalayan brown bear in their natural habitat.
Services Include
- All-terrain vehicles Islamabad – Islamabad.
- Full board during the trekking.
- All material of collective use during the trekking trip: tents, dining tent, folding tables and chairs, mats, Cook, kitchen helpers & porters throughout the trekking tour.
- Permission of national parks.
- Pakistani staff guidelines.
Services Not Included
- All-terrain vehicles Islamabad – Islamabad.
- Full board during the trekking.
- Individual room and tent. (If you want this extra service $180)
- Cold drinks during the trek.
- Laundry during the trek
- Unforeseen expenses caused by uncontrollable circumstances such as cancellations or flight delays, blocked roads, weather conditions, natural disasters …
- Any other expenses not mentioned in SERVICES INCLUDE
Risks and Hazards
- Falls and trips resulting in physical injury e.g. slipping on ice or falling off the path.
- Altitude illness including but not limited to AMS, HACE and HAPE.
- Getting lost or becoming separated from group
- Severe bad weather and conditions when camping
- Climatic injuries (dehydration, sun burn, heat exhaustion, hypothermia or heat stroke). Temperatures of up to 40 Celsius may be experienced during the the trek.
- Crossing a river with no bridge resulting in drowning and/ or a fall.
- Rock fall and landslides – Gilgit-Baltistan is at a risk of rock fall and landslides as well as many sections of the trek.
- Snow and ice avalanches, Lightning strike.
- Wildlife, pack animals (e.g. donkeys or horses) or stray dogs. Pack animals have been known to knock people off the path. Dogs can attack and bite, we advise you discuss rabies vaccination with your doctor.
- Earthquake. There is a high risk of earthquake in Karakoram Mountains.
- Risk of fire in the hotel or lodge.
- Endemic local diseases. We advise you discuss vaccinations with your doctor before departure.
- Physiological injury such as heart attack, appendicitis, hernia, toothache etc. in a remote area.
- Road traffic. Gilgit-Baltistan is a prone to landslides and rock fall and has many sections with high degree of exposure.
- Flight accident or Contaminated food and/ or water.
Day 1: Islamabad Arrival
We’re delighted to welcome you to Islamabad, and we’ve arranged for our driver to pick you up from the airport if you’re arriving within 24 hours of the start of the tour. Once you arrive at the hotel, take some time to relax and refresh yourself. It’s a good idea to arrive in Islamabad a day early to settle in and be well-rested for the start of the tour on day one. Please note that accommodation pre-tour is not included.
On the first day of the tour, our team will gather for an exciting introduction, team briefing, and welcome lunch. We’ve got a fantastic dinner spot in Islamabad that we can’t wait to share with you! After dinner, our team will return to the hotel early to ensure everyone gets a good night’s rest. We’ve got an early morning flight to catch, and we want everyone to be energized and ready for the adventure ahead!
Day 2: Fly to Skardu
We have an exciting plan for our group to catch an early morning flight to Skardu, the largest city in Baltistan. If the weather cooperates, we’ll have the opportunity to witness breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat and other majestic peaks in the region.
Once we arrive in Skardu, our guests will have the whole day to relax and explore the city and its bazaar at their leisure. Additionally, we’ll be finalizing our trekking permits at the local government office and enjoying a delicious dinner together as a group.
During the dinner, we’ll be formally introducing you to our esteemed friend and lead guide, who will be with us throughout the trek. It’s going to be an amazing adventure!
Day 3: Market Day in Skardu
The AA team is hard at work today, getting everything ready for our upcoming adventure. We’re busy shopping for delicious food and packing up all of the necessary group supplies. While we take care of these important tasks, our guests are free to explore the vibrant city of Skardu. There are plenty of exciting activities to do, from visiting the Kharpocho Fort to wandering through the local bazaar or venturing out into the surrounding desert.
Later in the day, we’ll gather for another fantastic group dinner, giving us the chance to share stories and get to know each other even better. If the group is arriving overland from Islamabad, please note that the entire schedule will be pushed back by one day to allow for a rest day in Skardu. We’ve built in buffer days to ensure that everyone has enough time to recharge and enjoy this incredible experience to the fullest!
Day 4: Skardu to Askole (3,050m) – The Last Village
- Travel Distance: 140 km (8-9 hours by jeep).
- Details:
The drive takes you through the Shigar Valley, with its lush fields and apricot orchards, before entering the rugged terrain leading to Askole. This small village marks the last inhabited point before the wilderness. - Campsite: Tent camping in Askole.
Day 5: Askole to Namla (3,400m)
- Trekking Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours).
- Details:
Start trekking along the Biafo Glacier, navigating rocky moraines and icy surfaces. The trail offers views of distant peaks and the glacier’s shimmering expanse. Namla, located near the glacier, is your first campsite. - Campsite: Tent camping at Namla.
Day 6: Namla to Mango (3,660m)
- Trekking Distance: 10 km (5-6 hours).
- Details:
Trek deeper along the Biafo Glacier, crossing crevasses and icy ridges. The views become more dramatic with the peaks surrounding the glacier. Mango offers a serene camping spot amidst rocky terrain. - Campsite: Tent camping at Mango.
Day 7: Mango to Baintha (4,040m)
- Trekking Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours).
- Details:
The trail ascends further along the glacier, revealing expansive views of Baintha Brakk (The Ogre). Baintha is a grassy oasis amidst the rugged landscape, ideal for resting and enjoying the alpine scenery. - Campsite: Tent camping at Baintha.
Day 8: Rest Day at Baintha – Acclimatization and Exploration
- Details:
Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring the meadows around Baintha. Take short hikes to nearby viewpoints or relax at the campsite. This rest day is crucial for preparing your body for higher altitudes. - Campsite: Tent camping at Baintha.
Day 9: Baintha to Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) (4,570m)
- Trekking Distance: 14 km (6-7 hours).
- Details:
The trek to Snow Lake is a surreal experience as you traverse the vast glacial basin of the Biafo Glacier. Snow Lake, surrounded by jagged peaks, is one of the most remote and stunning locations in the Karakoram. - Campsite: Tent camping at Snow Lake.
Day 10: Snow Lake to Hispar La Base Camp (4,890m)
- Trekking Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours).
- Details:
Move closer to the base of Hispar La Pass, navigating steep ascents and icy landscapes. The towering peaks and the vastness of Snow Lake create an awe-inspiring backdrop throughout the day. - Campsite: Tent camping at Hispar La Base Camp.
Day 11: Cross Hispar La Pass (5,151m) to Hispar Glacier (4,750m)
- Trekking Distance: 15 km (8-9 hours).
- Details:
This is the most challenging day of the trek. Crossing Hispar La Pass involves navigating steep inclines and descents on ice. At the top, breathtaking panoramic views of the Karakoram peaks await. The descent takes you onto the Hispar Glacier. - Campsite: Tent camping on the Hispar Glacier.
Day 12: Khani Basa to Hispar Village (3,200m)
- Trekking Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours).
- Details:
Trek along the Hispar Glacier, a frozen highway surrounded by towering ice walls and peaks. The terrain is rugged but offers unmatched beauty. Khani Basa provides a peaceful camping spot amidst this icy wilderness. - Campsite: Tent camping at Khani Basa.
Day 13: Hispar Village to Hunza (2,438m)
- Travel Distance: 90 km (6-7 hours by jeep).
- Details:
Drive through the scenic Nagar Valley, passing Rakaposhi and other stunning Karakoram peaks. Arrive in Karimabad, the heart of Hunza, and explore iconic spots like Baltit Fort and Duikar Viewpoint. - Overnight Stay: Hotel in Karimabad.
Day 14: Sightseeing Karimabad and Drive to Gilgit, 3 Hours Drive
Today marks a well-deserved rest day for the group after completing the long trek. No planned group activities are scheduled, and participants are free to use the time to reflect, rest, catch up on laundry, and enjoy good food. The only scheduled event is a group dinner later in the day, where everyone will reunite and share stories from their day off.
Day 15: Departure from Hunza
Details:
Explore Hunza’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes in the morning. From here, return to Gilgit for onward travel, either by flight or road. Bid farewell to the Karakoram, taking memories of Snow Lake and Hispar La with you.
Day 16: Fly Back to Islamabad, 40 Minutes
Rest Day in Gilgit: contingency day in case of delays incurred during the trek due to weather.
Day 17: Contingency Day Islamabad in Case of Delays
Today marks the end of an incredible journey as we take an early morning flight from Gilgit to Islamabad. Upon our arrival, we will either have a well-deserved, relaxing day in Islamabad, where we can reflect on our experiences and share stories with each other, or we will embark on an adventurous drive along the Karakoram Highway en route to Islamabad in case of flight delays.
No matter which option we choose, we will have a chance to indulge in an epic feast together, savoring the flavors of the local cuisine and toasting to the unforgettable memories we have created over the past few weeks. It’s a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to our fellow trekkers and the beautiful landscape of Pakistan, but we leave with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the experiences we’ve shared.
Day 18: Departure Day-Fly Back Home
In consideration of any potential travel complications returning from Gilgit-Baltistan, we have added an extra day to our itinerary in Islamabad. Our priority is to ensure that our group does not experience any undue stress or pressure after completing such an epic hike.
Today has been set aside as a free day in the city, where we will enjoy group breakfast and dinner. Following our final meal together, it will be time to bid farewell to our unforgettable journey and the amazing individuals who have been a part of it.