Fast facts
Country Visited
Pakistan
Visas
Yes*
Vaccinations
Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information
Singles
A single supplement is not always possible on this trip. In many instances campsite size is limited and it will be necessary to share with another team member. This also applies to mountaineering expeditions. Single supplement in hotels is available. Please contact Shams Alpine Mountaineering & Trekking Pvt Ltd for specific detail, relevant to your trip.
Entry points
K2 Base Camp can be reached from Islamabad by plane or by road to Skardu city and drive to Askoli where your trek to the Baltoro Glacier begins. The second way is from China via Khungerab National Park, through KKH and joins the Skardu road at Thalechi.
Leader
Discover the spectacular hidden Karakoram with English speaking,
world renowned Shimshali mountain guides
Adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you contact us with any concerns. We are happy to answer any questions.
Responsible travel
The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimize the impact of our presence.
Snow Lake & Biafo Hispar La Trek
Trip Duration: 20 days
Season: From late June to mid of September
Grade: Moderate trek with some technical sections
Activities: Trekking, Climbing & exploring the traditional valleys
Accommodation: 17 days trip, 10 days trek, 08 nights hotel,09 nights camp
About this Trip
Snow Lake is an exceptional trek, and not as popular as Baltoro although equally spectacular scenery surrounds you.
The trek starts from Askole village to Biafo Glacier which you trek up until it meets up with Hispar Glacier and Snow Lake before going up Hispar La (5,100m). This forms one of the longest glacial systems, approx 115 kms, outside the Polar Regions. This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms; Hunza in the west with Baltistan in the east. It creates a spectacular “white highway” across the heart of Karakoram. At its southern extremity, the terminal end of the Biafo overlooks the Braldu river and the route toward the Baltoro and K2. Just a few kms from Askoli to the east of the Hispar pass spreads the remarkable Snow Lake, (Lukpe Lawo) 4,500 m, with a surface of ten by five kilometers, surrounded by the imposing granite towers and peaks, this is a magnificent area to see and etch in one’s memory for ever.
The elegant peaks of the Latoks (7,151m), the Ogre 7,285m (Baintha Brakk), and about 40 peaks over 6,000m and 10 over 7,000m line Snow Lake and the glaciers. There are numerous unclimbed peaks above 5,000m to add to the remarkable view of this area.
According to Galen Rowell, the American mountaineer and photographer who made the first climb up Lukpilla Brakk, the area features “the greatest procession of granite spires of the entire Karakoram, spires that seem too march along the glacier like a series of organ pipes”.
Today the mountain people who venture onto these glaciers are porters and guides who are escorting expeditions and trekking parties. The glacial expanses of the Biafo and Hispar and their tributaries, remain a harsh and authentic high-altitude wilderness. Expeditions are infrequent, and even the most ambitious of trekker will forever be struck by the pristine majestic beauty as you watch the sunset and sunrise on the edge of Snow Lake below Hispar La. It is a memorable breathtaking sight before you.
This trek starts with a memorable flight past Nanga Parbat 8,125m and down into Skardu 2,300m, followed by a Jeep ride through the beautiful, fertile Shigar river valley, through many Baltistan villages and picturesque farming countryside to Askole, 3,000m.
The next morning you will begin the spectacular trek up the Biafo Glacier to its junction at Snow Lake 4,500m and then over Hispar La and down the Hispar Glacier to Hispar Village where the Jeep will meet you for the ride to Karimabad, Hunza and a hotel.
Short Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Islamabad – Hotel
Day 02 Fly to Skardu or (drive to Chilas) – Hotel
Day 03 Day free in Skardu, – sightseeing, K2 Museum (second day of the drive to Skardu) Hotel
Day 04 Jeep transfer to Askole Village 3,000m (6-7hrs) – Camp
Day 05 Trek to Namla 3,400m (6-7hrs) – Camp
Day 06 Trek to Mango 3,650m (5-6hrs) – Camp
Day 07 Trek to Baintha 3,950m (5-6hrs) – Camp
Day 08 Trek to Marfogoro 4,410m camp on glacier side (5-6hrs) – Camp
Day 09 Trek to Snow Lake 4,500m (5-7hrs) – camp on snow – Camp
Day 10 Rest day in Snow Lake) camp on snow – Camp
Day 11 Trek to Khanibasa 4,00m crossing over Hispar La 5,150m (6-7) – Camp
Day 12 Trek to Yutmaru 4,300m (5-6hrs) – Camp
Day 13 Trek to Dachigan 3,960m (6-7hrs) – Camp
Day 14 Trek to Bitanmal 3,660m (4-5hrs) – Camp
Day 15 Trek to Hispar Village 3,250m (4-5hrs) –Guest House or Camp
Day 16 Jeep drive to Karimabad Hunza (3hrs) – Hotel
Day 17 Drive to Gilgit (2hrs) – Camp
Day 18 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas – Hotel
Day 19 Day free in Islamabad or second day of drive to Islamabad – Hotel
Day 20 Depart from Islamabad to home – Hotel
Services Includes
Experienced English speaking high altitude Guide
Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and cooking and eating utensils and mess tent.
Wages for guides, cook and porters
Acclimatization days at Shimshal Pass
Good quality accommodation in cities and towns in twin bed shared rooms. Single room supplement is available.
Internal Jeep transport by private vehicle
Tented camps on shared basis while trekking
Porters will carry your large pack – one waterproof kit bag per client, – weight not to exceed 15kgs. Excess baggage will incur extra porter wage.
Safety equipment included and medical kit
Porters, Guides, Cook and all staff’s insurance
Invitation letter for travel to Pakistan to assist your visa application
Single supplement (may be requested)
Service does not include
Bottled water, aerated drinks, alcohol, laundry and other items of personal nature
Meals except where indicated in the itinerary
Personal snacks, energy bars, energy gels, sweets
Personal gear, sleeping bags, ice axe, crampons, and harness
Personal phone calls and laundry
Tips
International airfares, Travel Insurance, Airport and departure taxes.
Single supplement
Medications, ground evacuations and helicopter rescue charges of any kind.
Any other service not mentioned in this condition sheet.
Guides and porters
Our local guides and porters are all experienced, handpicked and trained by Shaheen Baig and Qudrat Ali (directors of Shams Alpine) to ensure that our clients have the best opportunity for success with comfort. A porter will carry your kit bag and you will be expected to carry your own day pack which should be large enough to carry all you will need throughout the day e.g. sunscreen, raincoat, water bottle, camera, spare long sleeved clothing, snow protection glasses, sun protection gloves, hat and scarves, snack food, etc.