Snow Lake- Biafo Hispar La Trek
2024-25
Trek with k2 basecamp trekkers!
Explore the pristine beauty of Snow Lake with our Snow Lake-Biafo Hispar La Trek. Nestled in the Karakoram Range, Snow Lake is renowned for its breathtaking glacial terrain and crystal-clear waters. This trek offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the world’s most stunning landscapes while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Karakoram region.
TREK
Highlights
Glacial Wonderland: Trek across the vast Snow Lake, marveling at its expansive icy expanse and surreal surroundings. Scenic Beauty: Discover panoramic views of rugged Karakoram peaks and surreal ice formations throughout the journey. Cultural Immersion: Engage with local communities and experience their warm hospitality, gaining insights into Balti traditions and way of life. Adventure and Exploration: Challenge yourself with high-altitude hiking and traverse the awe-inspiring Hispar La pass. Unforgettable Memories: Capture moments under starlit skies and savor authentic Pakistani cuisine while forging bonds with fellow adventurers.
Whats Included and whats not?
- Adherence to Government SOPs/Guidelines: Ensuring safety in case of new pandemic variants.
- Domestic Flights: Includes 20kg checked baggage allowance and 7kg hand carry.
- Hotel Accommodation in Pakistan: Twin sharing rooms.
- Trekking Accommodation in Pakistan: Twin sharing dome tents.
- Trekking Logistics: Provision of all tents, non-personal equipment, and tools.
- All Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages/water during meals.
- Snacks: Includes dry fruits and tea/coffee during the trek.
- Water Refills: Free refills of boiled drinking water during the trek.
- Permit Fees: Covers government trekking permit fees and paperwork.
- Waste Management Fees: Required by the government.
- Skardu City Tour: Includes all entry fees.
- Support Staff: Includes cook, assistants, etc.
- Porters for Personal Luggage: 14kgs per trekker.
- Storage Service in Skardu: For leaving baggage behind before the trek.
- Emergency Satellite Phone: Available for emergencies.
- Trekkng Map and Certificate: Map of the trek and a certificate of achievement.
- Personal Travel Insurance: Recommended partners include Global Rescue.
- Visa to Pakistan: Assistance with five supporting documents.
- International Airfare
- Personal Equipment: Includes trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks, etc.
- Personal Mountain Equipment: Includes crampons, mountaineering boots, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet, etc.
- Extra Nights in Islamabad: Hotel check-in/out at 12 pm.
- Additional Trek Weight/Baggage
- Storage Service in Islamabad
- Tips/Gratuities: For guides, porters, staff, etc.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Includes minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
- Early Windup/Return Costs: Costs due to early return from the trek for any reason.
- Force Majeure Costs: Costs due to events like earthquakes, landslides, floods, etc.
Snow Lake- Biafo Hispar La Trek
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival in Islamabad
Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our representative will escort you to a hotel in Islamabad. After some rest, if you wish to explore Islamabad, our team member can take you on a brief tour of the city. In the evening, attend a briefing session about the trek and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2 - Flight to Skardu
Today, we depart for Islamabad International Airport and fly to Skardu. During the flight, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindukush Range.
Day 3 - Skardu City Tour & Shopping
After breakfast, we’ll embark on an acclimatization hike to Kharpocho and the old castle, just a short distance from Skardu Bazaar. The fort offers stunning views of the Indus River, Skardu, and its surroundings. A drone will be provided to capture memorable footage. In the afternoon, you can visit the bazaar for shopping or sightseeing. Make sure to arrange crampons if needed for the trek; our guide will assist you with arrangements.
Day 4 - Drive to Askoli/Paju
On the fourth day, we will drive to Askoli with our crew and supplies. It’s a 5-7 hour jeep ride from Skardu to Askoli. After a half-hour drive from Skardu, we will reach the Shigar Valley, home to the world’s second-highest peak. The narrow track along the Braldu River will lead us to Askoli, the last village before the K2 Gondogoro La trek. Our porters will join us here or at Paju camp. After a short rest at Korofon camp, where the Biafo Glacier and Baltoro River meet, we will continue to Jhula camp. Depending on our arrival time, we will have lunch at Jhula camp or move to Paju camp for lunch. We will camp overnight at Paju camp.
Day 5 - Trek to Namla
Begin the Snow Lake Hispar La trek with a 6-7-hour trek from Askoli to Namla, a grassy campsite situated behind a lateral moraine. The trail initially follows the K2 Base Camp route before turning west onto the Biafo Glacier, passing through verdant fields and rocky terrain.
Accommodation: Camp at Namla
Details: Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking
Day 6 - Trek to Mango
Continue the trek towards the heart of the glacier, navigating moraine ridges and loose rock. Set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo Glacier amidst a serene grassy area.
Accommodation: Camp at Mango
Details: Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking
Day 7 - Trek to Baintha
An early start leads us on a trek to Baintha camp, offering panoramic views of the Karakoram Range. The path involves glacier crossings and moraines, offering a slightly easier trekking day.
Accommodation: Camp at Baintha
Details: Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking
Day 8 - Rest Day at Baintha
Today is reserved for rest and acclimatization at Baintha camp. Whether exploring the surroundings, taking short hikes, or simply relaxing, keep an eye out for Ibex on the grassy slopes above.
Accommodation: Camp at Baintha
Day 9 - Trek to Marfogoro
From Baintha, embark on a challenging trek to Marfogoro. The trail climbs steeply amidst loose terrain before reaching the glacier, where we navigate around stunning ice formations and potential crevasses, with views of The Ogre (7,813m) and the Hispar La pass.
Accommodation: Camp at Marfogoro
Day X - Trek to Snow Lake
Embark on a special trekking day towards Snow Lake, a vast snowy expanse at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, surrounded by towering peaks.
Accommodation: Camp at Snow Lake
Details: Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking
Day 11 - Trek to Hispar La Base Camp
Climb towards the expansive Snow Lake area before approaching the Hispar La base camp. The journey includes a steady ascent to the Hispar La pass, rewarding us with breathtaking views of surrounding peaks and the Biafo Glacier stretching towards Snow Lake. The descent along the Hispar Glacier reveals an array of peaks extending into Hunza.
Accommodation: Camp at Hispar La Base Camp
Details: Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking
Day 12 - Crossing Hispar La to Kani Basa
Cross the Hispar La Pass (5151m) and descend to Kani Basa, navigating carefully through potential crevasses amidst breathtaking views of peaks and glaciers.
Accommodation: Camp at Kani Basa
Details: Approximately 7-8 hours of trekking
Day 13 - Trek to Jutmal or Yutmaru (4,138m)
Prepare for a challenging day navigating moraine ridges, scree slopes, and glacial streams, ending at Jutmal camp nestled beside the glacier.
Accommodation: Jutmal Camp Details: Approximately 6-7 hours of trekkin
Day 14 - Trek to Bitanmal
esume trekking towards Bitanmal, descending a steep slope to cross a side glacier before returning to the valley. Camp in spacious meadows frequently used by local herders.
Accommodation: Camp at Bitanmal
Details: Approximately 7-8 hours of trekking
Day 15 - Trek to Falaling Chhish
Navigate the final side glacier crossing over Kunyang Glacier, ascend a steep trail, and ford a stream to reach the scenic meadows of Falaling Chhish.
Accommodation: Camp at Falaling Chhish
Details: Approximately 4-5 hours of trekking
Day 16 - Trek to Hispar Village
Conclude the trek with a descent through valleys and meadows to Hispar Village, experiencing the transition from alpine terrain to lush greenery. Set up camp nearby and reflect on the journey.
Accommodation: Camp at Hispar Village
Day 17 - Drive to Karimabad - Hunza
Complete the adventure with a scenic drive to Nagar village via the Karakoram Highway, arriving in Karimabad to settle into a hotel and explore the town’s charms.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hunza
Day 18 - Hunza Sightseeing and Drive to Gilgit
Today, explore Hunza’s cultural delights and vibrant bazaars. Later, drive to Gilgit, the administrative center of Gilgit-Baltistan, enjoying picturesque views along the Hunza River.
Accommodation: Hotel in Gilgit/Skardu
Day 19 - Flight to Islamabad
Fly back to Islamabad or drive if necessary, with time to relax at a hotel in Islamabad. Prepare for departure or additional stay as desired.
Accommodation: Hotel in Islamabad
Day XX - Departure to Home Country
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your return journey, concluding the unforgettable Snow Lake Hispar La trek.