Biafo Hispar Snow Lake Trek

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

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Duration

21 Days /20 Nights

Languages

English, Urdu

Overview

For the bold-hearted adventurer, few experiences on Earth rival the Biafo-Hispar Snow Lake Trek in northern mountainous region called Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan—a journey across the world’s longest continuous glacial traverse outside the polar regions. Connecting the ancient mountain kingdoms of Baltistan and Hunza-Nager, this epic route threads through stark ice fields, towering granite walls, and high-altitude pastures steeped in cultural and natural significance.

The trek begins either from Askoli in Baltistan or Hispar valley in Nager district, covering the massive Biafo Glacier (63 km) and Hispar Glacier (49 km). At the heart of this icy route lies Snow Lake, a 77-square-kilometer basin of snow and ice, believed to be over 1.5 kilometers deep in places. Guarded by majestic peaks like Kanjut Sar (7,760 m) and Dastaghil Sar (7,885 m), the lake and its surroundings present an overwhelming sense of isolation and grandeur.

The challenging crossing of Hispar Pass at 5,128 meters serves as the dramatic high point of this trek—literally and figuratively—offering a breathtaking view of the Karakoram’s untamed wilderness. The route winds through pristine campsites, creaking glaciers, and wildlife habitats home to ibex, brown bears, and snow leopards. It also carries stories of ancient trade, cultural exchange, and even whispered legends of the Yeti, as once recorded by explorer Eric Shipton and others.

More than an adventure, the Biafo-Hispar Snow Lake Trek is a pilgrimage through time and ice—where geologic wonder meets deep-rooted history. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Karakoram and a bridge between two distinct ethnic cultures, Baltis and Burusho, still echoing their past ties.

If you’re ready to challenge your limits and walk a trail carved by glaciers and legends—this is your moment. Trek the Biafo-Hispar, touch the edge of the Earth. Let’s create a legacy that lasts a lifetime.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the capital city of Islamabad, the scenic beauty of Skardu - a gateway to the Karakoram Range - and the Legendary Hunza & Nagar Valleys.
Enjoy a picturesque road journey to Skardu, surrounded by towering mountains, rivers, and lush valleys.
Discover the serene and breathtaking valley Shigar, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Balti people and undertake an adventurous jeep safari to Askole, the last village before the trek begins.
Trek along the 49km Biafo & Hisper Glaciers, converge at 5,151m Hisper La, forming the world's longest non-polar glacial systems.
Witness the grandeur of numerous tributary glaciers and mountain peaks in the Skardu and Nagar territories.
Enjoy the views around Snow Lake, one of the world's largest basins of snow or ices outside the polar regions, has a depth of 1600m and surrounded by mountain peaks.
Spot rare wildlife on the trek including Ibex and Markhor with rare sightings of Himalayan brown bear and snow leopards.
Enjoy the remote Hisper Valley of Nagar District - the first human settlement in the end of the trek - and the scenic Hoper Valley.
Explore the legendary Hunza Valley, particularly Karimabad, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and Duikar.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the morning, attend a mandatory briefing at the Ministry of Tourism to finalize permits and meet your guides. In the afternoon, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Islamabad: visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh for panoramic views of the capital. Overnight at hotel.

Today we begin our northward journey, driving on the legendary Karakoram Highway or via the scenic Babusar Pass (4,173m) depending on weather and road conditions. The route offers breathtaking views of lush valleys, high mountains, and alpine meadows. Arrive in Chilas by evening. Overnight at hotel.

Drive along the Indus River and turn onto the Jaglot-Skardu Road, a dramatic route that winds between vertical cliffs and roaring rivers. Stop at the Junction Point of the world’s three highest mountain ranges—Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush—and at the Nanga Parbat Viewpoint. Reach Skardu by late evening. Overnight at hotel.

Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude (2,228m). Optional sightseeing includes a visit to Kharpocho Fort, Upper Kachura Lake, and the vibrant Skardu Bazaar. Preparation for the trek begins. Overnight stay at hotel.

Depart early for a bumpy jeep ride through the Braldu Gorge to Askoli, the last inhabited village before the wilderness of Biafo Glacier. The journey winds past Shigar Valley’s lush fields and barren cliffs. Overnight in tents at Askoli (3,000m).

Begin your trek on a trail that slowly ascends along the Biafo Glacier. The trail crosses moraines, scree slopes, and glacial streams before reaching Namla, the first campsite. Overnight in tents.

Trek further along the glacier, navigating boulder-strewn terrain. Mango is a peaceful site surrounded by ice formations and rock towers. Overnight in tents.

A more strenuous day on the glacier. Biantha offers a rare oasis of alpine grass and a water source. Enjoy views of the Latok Peaks towering nearby. Overnight in tents.

Continue the trek towards the heart of the Karakoram. The glacier widens, and crevasses become more common. Camp at Marfogoro, surrounded by giant peaks. Overnight in tents.

Reach the famed Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) – a high-altitude glacial basin at 4,877 meters. Stretching over 16 km, it's one of the world’s largest snowfields and source of the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers. This surreal wilderness is surrounded by 6,000-meter peaks. Overnight in tents.

An early morning departure for the most demanding day—crossing the Hispar La, the high pass linking Baltistan with Nagar Valley in Hunza. Expect panoramic views over the Hispar Glacier, Snow Lake, and towering peaks. Descend to Khani Basa on the Hispar side. Overnight in tents.

Begin the descent down the Hispar Glacier, passing snowfields and rock outcrops. Camp at Yutmur, a high-altitude campsite above the glacial river. Overnight in tents.

Trek through an increasingly green landscape with meadows and wildflowers. The path demands caution, but views of Pumari Chhish Peak (7,492m) are stunning. Overnight in tents.

Today’s walk leads through glacial moraines and grassy platforms. Camp at Bitan Mal, one of the most beautiful campsites on the trek. Overnight in tents.

Final trekking day! Reach Hisper Village, a remote but welcoming community and the first human settlement since Askoli. Celebrate the completion of this epic glacier crossing. Overnight in tents.

Drive along the scenic Nagar River to Karimabad, Hunza’s cultural heart. Enjoy the first signs of civilization and paved roads. Check in to hotel and relax. Overnight stay.

Enjoy a well-earned rest day. Explore Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and the Duikar Viewpoint for sweeping views of Rakaposhi and Ultar. Optional visit to local cafés and souvenir shops. Overnight stay at hotel.

Depart for Naran via the lush valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan and cross Babusar Pass again. Enjoy views of Lulusar Lake and alpine meadows. Overnight in Naran (in tents or hotel, based on availability).

Drive back to Islamabad along the scenic Kaghan Valley. Arrive by afternoon and enjoy a short walk around Saidpur Village or Rawal Lake. Overnight at hotel.

Spend your last full day exploring Islamabad or take a short drive to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient Buddhist monasteries and museums. Final evening at leisure for shopping or dinner in Islamabad. Overnight stay.

Early morning transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your homebound flight. End of services.

Included/Exclude

All domestic flights and ground transportation, including airport transfers
Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during the tour
Dome tent accommodation on a twin-sharing basis during trekking
Single supplement available on request (including for solo female travelers)
Camping gear (member, mess, kitchen, and toilet tents)
Kitchen equipment and cooking utensils
All meals during trekking (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Hot drinks: coffee, green tea, and hot water
Fresh and packed meals as per itinerary
Satellite phone for emergencies
Professional tour guide
Support staff: cook, assistants, helpers, and porters
Insurance for all support staff
Basic First Aid Kit
Trekking permits and paperwork
Waste management fee
Toll and bridge crossing charges
Visa assistance

Visa fee
Personal travel insurance (for foreign participants)
International flight tickets
Personal clothing (shoes, jackets, trousers, etc.)
Personal trekking equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, etc.) – can be arranged on request
Extra hotel nights not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities for staff
Personal or miscellaneous expenses
Anything not listed under “Services Included”

Tour's Location

Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

FAQs

The Biafo Hisper Snow Lake Trek is ranked as one of the most strenuous hikes in the world and obviously demands a good physical condition. This trek is the combination of Biafo glacier in Skardu and Hisper glacier in Nagar district and is suitable for people with great enthusiasm and determination for trekking besides being physically fit. The age is not a limit - it’s the zeal for a high adventure and love for nature besides being physically fit for this ultimate adventure.

Please share your plan, dates and other people planning to travel with you so that we can arrange accordingly.

To easily do this trek, you need to be able to walk along a rugged terrain, including rough, rocky trails and glacial track on an average 8 hours a day while gaining a fair amount of altitude. To get acclimatized, you will be required to go through some hard physical exercises and some expert advice before doing this trek. Running, long walks, hiking, cycling, cardio exercises, and yoga can be a great help.

Starting from an elevation of 2500m in Skardu town, you find yourself at 5151m at the summit of Hisper La which is obviously the maximum altitude.

There is a detailed list of must-carry and optional equipment’s which covers the required equipment and baggage to carry. If you have previous trekking experience, you may select your personal requirement.

● Important medicine/first aid kit
● Hiking backpack and sticks
● Head-torch/flashlight with extra batteries
● High altitude sleeping bag
● Sunglasses
● Sunblock and lip balm
● Water bottle
● Glows and warm pairs of socks
● Warm cap, hat, and scarf
● Full sleeves shirt and thermal suit
● Waterproof trousers and raincoat
● Trekking shoes and flip-flops
● Trekking poles
● Warm layers of clothing
● Camera with additional batteries (optional)
● Cell phone with charger and charging bank (optional)
● Binoculars (optional)

Certain basic equipment’s (either brand new or in used condition) can be purchased in Skardu but it’s not guaranteed whether you can get everything you want. The equipment includes tents, mattresses, backpack, hiking rope, sunglasses, crampons, harness, helmet, trekking poles, gloves, socks, jackets, trousers, etc. Price for used equipment is negotiable. Most trekking groups/expeditions sell equipment on their way back instead of carrying back home.

We are a Member Company of Pakistan Association of Tour Operators (PATO) and helicopter rescue plan is part of the program we offer.

For any rescue mission we are required to deposit advance payment in favor of PATO out of which a small percentage is non-refundable (will be discussed at the time of confirmation) while rest is refundable (in case service was not availed). This entire amount is required to be paid by the client in advance. If there is any insurance policy on part of the client that can cover the impending bill, that needs to be submitted.

We do. We can organize customized tours/treks for solo trekkers and groups of any volume, but we prefer not more than 12. All we need is the information on the interest, dates, and number of persons with special instructions if any.

The maximum size of our groups is 2 persons and the average size of our groups is 8 members. We can handle any size of group but we prefer between 15 and 20.

During this trek, all three meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be served to the participants. A combination of Foreign and Pakistani meals will be included in our food plan. The ingredients for the food will be procured in Pakistan. Breakfasts will have coffee, cereal, tea, eggs, muesli/porridge, bread/chapatti included. Lunches will be consumed during lunch breaks on the trek with options include canned/tinned meals (meat, fish), pickles, crackers, chapatti, pate, cheese etc. Weather has a very important role in deciding our lunch menu for the day; the participants will begin the lunch with consuming or end it with tea or coffee, juice, soup etc.

The dinner will always be served in the mess tent and the participants will gather to eat the food freshly prepared by the cooks travelling with our group. The first few days of the trekking, fresh vegetables will be served in food if they are fresh and healthy. All the participants who are vegetarian, they must communicate with our office and inform us on advance basis if they need a vegetarian food plan during the trek.

During the trek, Iodized water will be available for the participants throughout the mornings, while taking breaks and camping. Everyone will be consuming spring water every time its available otherwise if we run out of options for the participants may drink glacier water that possibly have silt. The kitchen containers which are very large in size are used to keep the water storage and it is also helpful in settling down the silt particles at the bottom. If any participants have any issue with odor of iodine, they may bring their own supplies of bi-carbonated soda. Traditional methods are effective and work very well for everyone there is no harm in the experimentation of new methods.

While few nights will be spent in the capital city of Islamabad and the town of Skardu, the rest of the nights will consist of camping in tents between the magnificent mountains. The accommodation arrangement is Islamabad is of standard hotels while our hotels selected in Skardu town are among the best. Rooms at our provided hotels will be on twin sharing basis with en-suite amenities.
At the time of camping, the participants will be sharing a tent fit for two persons. If any participant is coming alone on this trek, he/she will be accommodated with one of the other members for tent and room sharing. For strangers and solo trekkers, first preference will be given to same gender stays. Nevertheless, a participant can opt for separate tent of hotel rooms as he/she likes, however additional cost will be incurred for making separate arrangement. Any participants seeking separate accommodation must inform our office in advance.

During the trekking days, our guide will wake up the participants for coffee or a warm cup of tea which we be followed by a decent breakfast inside the mess tent. There will be plenty time before the breakfast to pack the bags. After the breakfast the camps will be closed, and the porters will get back to their work handling supplies and luggage ahead of the participants to reach at the lunch site and make preparation for meals. Porters will repeat the process as they will follow ‘trek earlier’ approach in order to prepare dinner for the participants. Standard trek duration before the lunch will be between 3-4 hours.
Generally, one hour is required for the lunch which makes it a very good time to gain your strength back, relax, write and read etc.
Trekking after the lunch will be shorter as compared to trek before the lunch. Once you arrive at the next camp site, the camps will already be setup or in progress. Upon arrival to the camp the participants will be served a hot beverage and dinner will be served when it’s prepared. Participants can rest, read, write, socialize, film and photograph upon reaching a camp. Temperature decreases at night normally; participants can get comfortable in their sleeping bags and get a good sleep before next day.

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city. For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/ Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

Portable chargers, storage cards and extra batteries may be required during the trekking holiday. We advise you to make a relevant list of adapters, sockets and any other kind of electrical items you might require keeping your devices function as long as possible.

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

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Pearl Tours & Travel

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