Fixed Departure 2024/2025:
- 11 July until 4th August
- 6th August until 30 August
- 15th August 8 September
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Fixed Departure 2024/2025:
The Biafo Hisper and Snow Lake Trek offers a magnificent traverse across the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. This remarkable journey spans 110 km and takes you through the captivating landscapes of the 30-square-mile Snow Lake. It’s a challenging but profoundly rewarding expedition that follows in the footsteps of the renowned explorer, Eric Shipton, who first embarked on this adventure in 1930.
Embarking on the Biafo Hisper and Snow Lake Trek is not just an adventure; it’s a transformative experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a profound appreciation for the beauty of our planet. As you undertake this journey, you’ll be joining the ranks of fearless explorers who have ventured into these remote and spectacular landscapes.
This 25-day itinerary takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Pakistan, offering unique experiences and unforgettable moments. From the bustling cities of Islamabad and Skardu to the tranquil villages along the trekking route, you will witness the natural beauty and rich culture of this region. Prepare yourself for a journey of a lifetime as you immerse in the wonders of the Karakoram Range.
As the adventure commences from Askole (3090m), we initially follow the famous K2 trek. However, the true adventure begins when we divert our path toward the Biafo Glacier trail. Crossing this awe-inspiring glacier, you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of towering peaks such as the Ogre (7285m) and the majestic Latoks. The untouched beauty of countless virgin peaks will create a spectacle leaving you in awe.
During the Biafo Hisper and Snow Lake Trek, we explore the main divide of the inner Karakoram, including a daring crossing of the formidable Hispar Pass, which stands tall at 5151m. This pass presents a challenge that only adds to the sense of achievement when conquered. The thrill of standing atop this pass is unparalleled as you witness the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
After our trek across the glaciers and conquering the Hispar Pass, our adventure culminates in Nagar. We embark on a thrilling jeep ride from here that takes us to the enchanting Hunza Valley. This picturesque valley is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural wonders. Prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty of the Karakoram as you immerse yourself in the untamed grandeur of one of the world’s most striking mountain ranges.
The Biafo Hisper and Snow Lake Trek offer more than just a physical challenge. It is a chance to retrace the footsteps of legendary explorers who ventured into these uncharted territories, driven by a thirst for discovery and the spirit of adventure. As you walk these trails, you’ll feel connected to the pioneers of the past, sharing in their passion for exploration and discovery.
This epic trek is an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself fully in the awe-inspiring majesty of nature. The landscapes you encounter will leave you humbled and filled with wonder. The vastness of the glaciers, the ruggedness of the terrain, and the serenity of the mountain peaks will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Islamabad-Karakoram
Upon your arrival in Islamabad, you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. After some relaxation, kickstart your journey with an exciting sightseeing tour of both the old City of Rawalpindi and the modern City of Islamabad. Marvel at the vibrant bazaars in Rawalpindi before heading to Islamabad to visit some key attractions like the Lok Virsa Museum, Faisal Mosque, and Shakespearian Gardens. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Islamabad before retiring for an overnight stay at your hotel.
a) Flight to Skardu (Subject to weather conditions): Catch the PK-451 flight (09:30 – 10:30) to Skardu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
b) Alternative Route to Chilas (11-12 hours): In case of flight cancellation, opt for a scenic coach journey to Chilas (480 km) via the renowned Karakoram Highway. Enjoy an overnight stay at a hotel in Chilas.
a) Free Day in Skardu: Spend a leisurely day in Skardu, soaking in the picturesque surroundings.
b) Drive to Skardu (07-08 hours): For those driving, continue your adventure to Skardu (275 km). Along the way, treat yourself to the breathtaking views of the majestic Nanga Parbat (8125m) at the confluence of the Indus River. Enjoy an overnight stay at a hotel in Skardu.
Embark on a thrilling jeep ride to Askole, the last village boasting around 50 charming houses. Witness the locals cultivate their own cereals, vegetables, and fruits while tending to their herds of Sheep, Goats, Yaks, and Dzos. Spend the night camping under the stars.
Set out on a 6-7 hour hike, treating yourself to panoramic views of the boulder-strewn Biafo Glacier stretching Northwest. Camp in a flat area beside a side stream adorned with willow bushes.
Embark on a 5-6 hour walk, gently climbing for a couple of hours amidst unstable boulders. Relish the impressive view of Latoks Peaks ahead as you cross crevasses to reach the green campsite by a side stream, surrounded by grass and willow bushes.
Continue your 5-6 hour journey, initially along the valley before heading across the lateral crevasse to the smooth White Center of the Biafo Glacier. The campsite at Baintha, also known as Conway’s camp, offers a delightful grassy area with a clear stream flowing through dense willow shrubs and flowers.
Take a well-deserved rest day, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the mountains and glaciers surrounding your campsite. Use this day to explore the surroundings and acclimatize to the altitude. Enjoy your meals and overnight stay in tents.
Ascend gently for 4-5 hours along the gorge, crossing over crevasses to reach the easy white ice. Set up camp at a green site with fresh water, also known as Marpogoro. Spend the night in tents.
Continue your journey for 4-5 hours, facing constant breezes and a gradual ascent. The glacier broadens as the Sim and Biafo glaciers meet. Gaiters and rope are necessary due to the almost 1.5 km deep ice. Camp at the eastern margin of the glacier, guarded by a crevasse field. Overnight in tents.
Walk for 4-5 hours on snow-covered ice, being cautious of crevasses. Cross the intersection with Sim Gang Glacier and Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) with ice flowing at about 300m per year. Camp at the snow-covered area. Overnight in tents.
Spend the day exploring the vast expanse of Snow Lake. This remarkable area was first explored in 1892 by W. Martin Conway and later confirmed by Eric Shipton in 1937. Overnight in tents.
Start very early in the morning for a steady climb (20-30 degrees) to the top of Hispar Pass. The summit offers spectacular views from all sides. Camp on the wide flat top of the pass. Overnight in tents.
5-6 hours descend with hidden crevasses, on boulders, scree, and moraine, near the junction of Khani Basa Glacier. The Hispar glacier side of the pass is more crevassed than the Biafo side. Have a view of Kanjut Sar (7760m), the 29th highest peak in the world at the head of the KhaniBasa glacier. Overnight in a tent.
Take another traditional rest day to rejuvenate. Celebrate the success and good luck as some groups find it challenging to crossover due to bad weather. Overnight in tents.
Traverse Khani Basa Glacier for 5-6 hours, offering fine views of Kanjut Sar (7760m). Camp near Yutmaru Glacier in a flat, sheltered field. Overnight in tents.
Walk for 5-6 hours, hopping over boulders, with the last views of Hispar Pass top, until reaching the middle of Hispar Glacier. Continue to the north, where the Ablation Valley widens into a sheltered grassy pasture. Overnight in tents.
Walk for 5-6 hours, crossing Kunyang Glacier and continuing on a gentle walk to Hispar Village. Cross the Hispar River on a wire pulley. Hispar Village is a small settlement with about 120 houses, a school, a small clinic, and a wooden mosque. Overnight in tents.
Drive by jeep to Karimabad (4-5 hours). It’s quite an adventurous drive through a narrow gorge leading to the Hoper Valley in Nagar and then proceed to Hunza on the conventional road. Upon arrival in Hunza, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Visit the historic Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old gem that once served as the residence of the Mir of Hunza. The fort sits on a rocky outcrop at the base of the Ultar Nala. Explore the even older Altit Fort, dating back 200 years before Baltit Fort. In the evening, take a leisurely walk in the Karimabad Bazaar while soaking in the magnificent views of Rakaposhi (7788m), Diran (7266m), Golden Peak (7027m), Ultar (7388m), and Distaghill Sar(7885m).
Start your day early and drive to Atta Abad Lake, a mesmerizing sight formed after a rockslide blocked the Hunza River on January 4, 2010. Behind the barrier, a 22 km long lake developed. Make a photo stop at Attabad Lake before continuing your drive to Gulmit. Optionally, take a boat ride on the lake and then proceed to Khunjerab Pass (4730m), where you will witness stunning landscapes and the border check post between Pakistan and China. The Karakoram Highway (KKH) links Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, to Islamabad via the Khunjerab Pass. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at a hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Gilgit covering a distance of 150 km (approximately 3-4 hours). Transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the bazaar and visiting Kargah to see the impressive Budgha carvings. Gilgit, an essential point on the Silk Route, has been influenced by various invading cultures and was once a part of the Buddhist Kingdom from the 3rd to 11th century. Today, it serves as the capital town of Northern Pakistan and thrives on the Karakoram Highway, connecting it to China. Along with Baltistan, Diamer, and Ghizer, Gilgit forms one of the administrative divisions of Northern Areas.
a) Flight to Islamabad (Subject to weather conditions): Take the PK-606 flight (07:45 – 08:40) back to Islamabad and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
b) Alternative Route to Besham (9-10 hours): In case of flight cancellation, embark on a scenic 345 km drive to Besham. Overnight at a hotel in Besham.
Enjoy a leisurely day in Islamabad or Besham, depending on your travel arrangements. Take this time to rest and explore the local surroundings. Enjoy your overnight stay at a hotel, reminiscing about the incredible journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Pakistan.
Transfer to the airport for your homeland flight, marking the end of your adventurous journey through the majestic Karakoram Mountains.
(Note: This itinerary is subject to weather and local conditions. Flexibility is required to adapt to any changes that may arise during the trip.)
