- Overview
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Snow Lake Trek Pakistan – Biafo Hispar La Expedition
Overview of Snow Lake Trek Pakistan
The Snow Lake Trek Pakistan is one of the most spectacular and remote high-altitude expeditions in the Karakoram Range. This legendary glacier crossing connects the Biafo and Hispar glaciers via Hispar La Pass (5,150m), forming one of the longest non-polar glacier systems in the world. The Snow Lake Trek Pakistan offers an unforgettable adventure through vast ice fields, dramatic Karakoram peaks, and untouched wilderness, making it a dream expedition for experienced trekkers seeking a true alpine challenge.
Highlights of Snow Lake Trek and Hispar La
-
One of the World’s Greatest Glacier Treks
Experience the legendary Snow Lake Trek Pakistan, a remote Karakoram expedition crossing the massive Biafo and Hispar glaciers — the longest glacier system outside the polar regions. -
Cross the Iconic Hispar La Pass (5,150m)
Trek across the spectacular Hispar La, the highest point of the journey, offering panoramic views over Snow Lake, the Karakoram peaks, and endless glacial landscapes. -
Explore the Vast Snow Lake Basin
Walk across the breathtaking Snow Lake plateau, a high-altitude glacial wilderness described by early explorers as one of the finest mountain panoramas on Earth. -
True Remote Expedition Experience
Venture deep into untouched regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, far from commercial trekking routes, surrounded by pristine alpine environments and dramatic ice formations. -
Fully Supported Karakoram Expedition
Enjoy a professionally organized trek with experienced guides, porters, quality camping equipment, and logistical support provided by Alpas Travels. -
Unmatched Mountain Photography Opportunities
Capture extraordinary views of iconic Karakoram peaks including The Ogre (Baintha Brakk), Latok Group, and countless unnamed summits rising above glaciers. -
Diverse Landscapes in One Expedition
Journey from green valleys and traditional villages to high-altitude ice fields, moraine ridges, and vast snow-covered basins. -
Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure in Pakistan
Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a challenging expedition combining endurance, exploration, and world-class alpine scenery. -
Authentic Cultural Encounters
Begin in Baltistan and finish in Hunza, experiencing local mountain communities, traditional villages, and the rich culture of northern Pakistan. -
Signature Karakoram Trekking Experience
The Snow Lake Trek Pakistan is considered one of the most rewarding and prestigious trekking expeditions for serious adventurers worldwide.
Get in touch with us to book!
Snow Lake Biafo Hispar La Trek 2026 - 2027
Bookings open for 2026
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Islamabad
Arrival at New Islamabad International Airport. Meet & Greet and transfer to the guesthouse/hotel in Islamabad which is 45 minutes’ drive away from the airport. Check-in at hotel, you will have time to chill and freshen up. Once the sun sets, we will head towards the Margalla Hills for dinner at the Monal Restaurant which gives you an amazing view of the whole Islamabad city at night. Overnight at the hotel in Islamabad. Breakfast and dinner only.
Day 2
Fly to Skardu
Catch our early morning 1-hour flight to Skardu. We will have a free day in Skardu to explore the city or sort out your equipment. At night, we will have dinner and team introductions. Overnight at the hotel in Skardu.
In case of flight cancellation, we will leave by road which will be an 18 hours journey split over two days. We would either sleep in Chilas or Naran for the night before heading towards Skardu the next day. Breakfast and dinner only.
Day 3
Buffer Day in Skardu
This will be an emergency day in case of flight cancellation. Participants that have already arrived can visit the Skardu bazaar and do last minute trekking shopping and preparation. Overnight at the hotel in Skardu. Breakfast and dinner only.
Day 4
Skardu to Askole (3,050m)
After having breakfast at the hotel, Drive by 4x4 jeeps to Askoli village, the last permanent settlement before entering Central Karakoram National Park. The rugged journey takes 6–8 hours through dramatic valleys and river crossings. Upon arrival, set up camp and meet the trekking support staff and porters. Overnight camping in Askoli.
Day 5
Trek to Namla (3,570m)
Begin the Snow Lake Trek following the K2 Base Camp trail before turning onto the Biafo Glacier. Trek across moraine terrain and glacier sections with stunning Karakoram scenery. Reach Namla campsite, protected by a lateral moraine with impressive glacier views. Overnight camping. All meals will be served by the camp staff.
Distance: 12km, Duration: 7-8 Hours
Day 6
Namla to Mango (3,720m)
Continue trekking along the Biafo Glacier, navigating moraine ridges and rocky terrain. The route requires careful footing but rewards trekkers with expansive glacier landscapes. Camp at Mango on a grassy area beside the glacier. Overnight camping.
Distance: 7km, Duration: 5-6 Hours
Day 7
Trek to Biantha (4,040m)
Follow a wide glacier route resembling an icy highway before exiting onto green pastures at Biantha Camp. Surrounded by towering peaks, this scenic campsite offers one of the most beautiful settings of the trek. Overnight camping.
Distance: 11km, Duration: 6-7 Hours
Day 8
Acclimatisation Day at Biantha
Rest and acclimatization day essential for high-altitude adaptation. Optional short hikes provide views of the Latok peaks and The Ogre. Relax, explore alpine surroundings, or photograph wildlife such as ibex often seen nearby. Overnight camping.
Day 9
Biantha to Marfogoro (4,300m)
A gradual ascent onto higher glacier terrain brings dramatic views of Snow Lake and surrounding peaks. Crevasse zones require careful navigation as the landscape becomes increasingly remote. You will get to witness awesome views of many peaks including The Ogre (7,813m) and also we will get the first views of the Hispar La and Snow Lake. Camp at Marfogoro with panoramic Karakoram vistas.
Distance: 11km, Duration: 5-6 Hours
Day 10
Trek to Snow Lake Base Camp (4,590m)
Reach the legendary Snow Lake, a vast glacial basin at the meeting point of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. Surrounded by endless ice and towering peaks, this is one of the most iconic trekking locations in Pakistan. Overnight camping near Snow Lake. Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor, gave Snow Lake the name in 1892 and described this area as “beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold a finer.”
Distance: 10km, Duration: 7-8 Hours
Day 11
Cross Snow Lake & Trek to Hispar La (5,150m)
Cross the immense Snow Lake plateau and ascend gradually to Hispar La Pass, the highest point of the trek. Enjoy breathtaking views stretching across glaciers toward Hunza and Baltistan. Descend slightly to camp near the pass. Overnight camping. The views at Hispar La are fantastic looking down Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake, The Ogre and another side down Hispar glacier to peaks into Hunza.
Distance: 11km, Duration: 5-6 Hours
Day 12
Trek to Kani Basa (4,468m)
Descend onto the Hispar Glacier, navigating crevasses and glacial terrain. Spectacular views of Kanjut Sar and surrounding peaks accompany the journey. Camp at Kani Basa in a scenic ablation valley. Overnight camping.
Distance: 4km, Duration: 5 Hours
Day 13
Trek to Jutimal or Yutmaru (4,130m)
Traverse moraine ridges, glacier streams, and rocky terrain during a challenging but rewarding trekking day. Arrive at Jutimal campsite located beside the glacier on grassy ground. Overnight camping.
Distance: 10.5km, Duration: 6-7 Hours
Day 14
Trek to Bitenmal (3,760m)
Continue descending along easier terrain as vegetation gradually reappears. Cross side glaciers before reaching the lush meadows of Bitenmal, a traditional grazing area used by local herders. Overnight camping.
Distance: 8km, Duration: 6-7 Hours
Day 15
Trek to Falaling Chhish (3,600m)
Cross the final glacier sections and follow trails into greener valleys. Stream crossings and alpine landscapes lead to the wide meadows of Falaling Chhish. Overnight camping.
Distance: 5km, Duration: 4-6 Hours
Day 16
Trek to Hispar Village (2,900m)
Final trekking day to Hispar Village, where orchards and terraced fields contrast beautifully with the glacier landscapes behind. Meet transport vehicles and celebrate completion of the Snow Lake Trek. Overnight stay near Hispar.
Distance: 15km, Duration: 7-8 Hours
Day 17
Drive to Hunza
Scenic drive along the Nagar River toward Hunza Valley via the Karakoram Highway. Check into hotel in Aliabad or Karimabad and enjoy a hot shower and comfortable rest after the expedition. Free evening to explore Hunza.
Day 18
Fly to Islamabd OR Drive to Chilas / Naran
Early Morning Flight to Islamabad from Gilgit. In case of flight delays or cancellation, begin return journey south via road through dramatic mountain landscapes. Travel along the Karakoram Highway or Naran Valley depending on road conditions. Overnight stay en route.
Day 19
Contingency Day in Islamabad
This will be a contingency day in case of any problems getting back from Gilgit due to flights OR arrive in the capital via road. It will be a free day in the capital city and we will end it with dinner a group dinner. Breakfast and dinner only.
Day 20
Flight back home!
The hotel check-out time is 11am. Airport transfers will be provided today for your flight back home. If you want, you can extend your stay in Islamabad in which we will assist you and make necessary arrangements. Breakfast only.
- Return flights between Islamabad-Skardu/Gilgit-Skardu (for 20 days package)
- Hotel Accommodation in Skardu
- Hotel Accommodation in Hunza
- Hotel Accommodation in Islamabad (for 20 days package)
- Camping during the trek (Sleeping bags your own, 2 persons eachcamp)
- All meals during the trek
- 4x4 transport from Skardu to Askole & Hispar to Hunza
- Group generator for charging electronics
- Letter of Invitation to Pakistan for visa
- Thoraya Satellite Phone (call charges not included)
- Generator Services during Trek for lighting and charging
- Services of expert cook and low altitude porters
- 15kgs of personal baggage during trek
- Trekking Permits / Central Karakoram National Park Permit fees
- Insurance of crew i.e. Cook, porters/staff
- International flights from your country to Pakistan
- Visa application fees
- Porter services exceeding 15kgs
- Sleeping bags and personal nature
- Extras at hotels like bottled water, drinks, laundry, phone calls.
- Insurance liability and other under force majeure conditions, medical aid
and helicopter rescue coverage of members etc. - Sleeping bags, mattress, gloves and down jackets.
- Travel Insurance of member
- Tips made to porters, cooking staff, guides
- Jeep rent for local excursion (if any, as like Deosai etc.)
- Extra hotel nights in Skardu, Hunza or Islamabad
- Any other services not mentioned above
Payment:
Payments can be made by Bank Transfer OR Wise (all major cards and most currencies). A deposit of $500 is required to secure your position on the tour.
Bank Name: United Bank Limited (UBL)
Title: Alpas Travels
Account Number: 2653336543442
IBAN: PK06UNIL0109000336543442
Swift code: UNILPKKA
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your tour for some reason, our cancellation policy is:
• 2+ months in advance: Full refund minus deposit.
• 1-2 months in advance: 50% refund minus deposit.
• < 1 month in advance: 25% refund minus deposit.
• < 2 weeks in advance: Too last minute! No refunds, but we can move
- 1 Down Sleeping Bag preferably 1000g fill power
- 1 Down Jacket
- 1 Parka Jacket
- 1 Fleece Jacket
- 2 Thermals/ Inner Layer
- 2 Trekking Pants
- 1 Helmet, 1 Harness, 2 carabiners for Gondogoro La (can be rented from Skardu)
- 2 Pair of waterproof trekking boots
- 1 Pair of Gaiters
- Headlamp
- 1 Sleeping Mattress
- 1 Pair of Trekking Poles
- Gloves
- Sunblock SPF 150 minimum
- Personal Medication
- 30-40L Backpack for you to carry during trek, 60-70L backpack/duffel bag with
rest of the stuff carried by porters
- Water bottle / Hydration Pack
- Wool socks
- Sunglasses
- Maximum 5 t-shirts, full sleeves will protect your arms from the sun
- Undergarments
- Toiletries
The Snow Lake Trek Pakistan is located in the Karakoram Range of Gilgit-Baltistan. The trek crosses the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, connecting Baltistan with the Hunza region via Hispar La Pass.
The full Snow Lake Trek typically takes 20 days, including 12 trekking days, and travel between Islamabad, Skardu and Hunza.
The Snow Lake Trek is generally considered more difficult than the K2 Base Camp Trek. Snow Lake involves longer glacier travel, remote wilderness, fewer rescue options, and more technical terrain requiring strong endurance and prior trekking experience.
K2 Base Camp is physically demanding due to altitude and duration but follows a more established route with regular camps and support.
Trek participants need to be in good shape and capable of trekking over mixed
terrain for long distances (maximum 8 hours). On average our trekking days are
5-6 hours per day. We employ many local porters and mules to help us carry the supplies that will make the trek a comfortable and rewarding experience.
No! Mountaineering experience isn’t required for this trek. No technical mountaineering skills are required. However, trekkers must be prepared for roping up for glacier travel, uneven terrain, and occasional rope use depending on conditions.
Snow Lake sits at approximately 4,590 meters, while Hispar La Pass — the highest point of the trek — reaches about 5,150 meters above sea level.
For the purpose of charging phones, batteries, cameras etc., we carry a petrol
generator with us from the first day of trekking till Concordia. Generators won’t be
available after crossing Gondogoro La as the mules can’t cross the pass.
Breakfast: Typically includes an omelet/fried eggs, corn flakes, fried Pakistani bread (paratha), chai/coffee, honey and butter.
Lunch: Lunch menu is kept light, which includes a mix of local bread, noodle soup, dry fruits, biscuits, crackers and chai/green tea.
Dinner: Dinner includes a mix of vegetables, rice, noodle dishes, daal, meat (mutton or chicken), and other tasty dishes served up by our experienced cook.
Contrary to the narratives often portrayed in mainstream news, Pakistan has proven to be one of the most secure countries in the opinion of many famous travelers and travel bloggers. Alpas Travels is committed to dispelling the prevailing negative stereotypes linked to the country by unveiling a facet of Pakistan that rarely receives media attention.
Late spring usually brings warmer weather, although there may still be lingering snow in the high mountain regions. Fall journeys, on the other hand, tend to be cooler, and the urban areas are less sweltering. Be prepared for a diverse range of weather conditions. You might find yourself bundled up in your down jacket at times, while in cities like Lahore and Islamabad, temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees.
The prices are determined for accommodations in twin-sharing rooms, and if you prefer single occupancy, there is an additional cost for hotel rooms and cottages. Our lodgings during the trip encompass a delightful variety, ranging from guesthouses, hotels, and cottages. Please note that the hotel rooms in the mountain regions do not come with air-conditioning, although rest assured, the accommodations in Lahore and Islamabad – the two warmest destinations – are equipped with air-conditioning.
To conclude the tour, we enjoy a night's stay in a 4-star hotel in Islamabad or Lahore for group tours and 3-star for expeditions.
Connectivity is limited at times. Though cities have decent signals and wifi, mobile signals in Gilgit Baltistan territory are unreliable. Wifi is slow (if even available) and many areas have no signal. We’ll arrange local SIM cards for you if desired, but overall don’t count on doing video calls or uploading videos unless we’re in a city.
On mountaineering expeditions, there's no connectivity except satellite phones.
Hygiene standards in Pakistan can be less than ideal. The accommodations we have selected, such as hotels and guesthouses, maintain clean facilities. However, when we venture on the road, we may encounter restroom conditions that can be less than pleasant. Additionally, the quality of food can pose challenges, and it's not uncommon to experience stomach discomfort. Rest assured, we will make every effort to locate clean and safe food options and aid anyone who may become ill, as this is a common occurrence when traveling in this region.
You can easily apply for a Pakistan tourist visa online for the normal tour groups. But for the trekking & mountaineering expeditions, you need to apply for trekking & mountaineering visa in the tourist visa section on the website.
Apply on the only official Pakistan e-visa website. You can start your application on the NADRA website here: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visit-visas/
As an average, it takes no more than 1 week to get the visa approval.
Tips and instructions will be shared upon booking a spot.
You can find ATMs in the cities, but better to bring cash for the Northern Areas and preferably converted to Pakistani Rupees PKR.
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