Snow Lake Hispar La Trek in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan

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2026 Karakoram trek

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek

Traverse the Biafo and Hispar glaciers via Snow Lake and the 5,151m Hispar La on one of Pakistan’s greatest Karakoram trekking journeys.

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Highest point

5,151 m

Trip length

20 days

Difficulty

Very strenuous / Glacier traverse

Best season

July – August

Group size

4–12 people

Region

Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake & Hispar La

About the trek

Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek 2026

The Biafo–Hispar Snow Lake Trek links two immense Karakoram glaciers across Hispar La. Beginning near Askole, the route climbs the Biafo Glacier through Baintha and into the vast high-altitude ice basin known as Snow Lake or Lukpe Lawo.

After crossing Hispar La at 5,151 metres, the journey descends the Hispar Glacier toward Nagar. Roped glacier travel, hidden crevasses, remote camps and consecutive long days make this a serious expedition-style trek for experienced walkers.

Walk across the massive Biafo Glacier and Hispar Glacier highway

Camp at the legendary Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo), a colossal high-altitude ice basin

Cross the challenging Hispar La pass at 5,151 meters

Traverse directly from the Shigar Valley in Baltistan to Hunza Valley/Nagar

Enjoy spectacular views of the Latok Group, Ogre (Baintha Brakk), and Karakoram peaks

Day-by-day route

Detailed trek itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Islamabad
Airport pickup, transfer to hotel, and official expedition briefing.
Day 2
Fly to Skardu or Drive via KHH
Scenic 45-minute flight to Skardu (or drive along Karakoram Highway in case of flight cancellation).
Day 3
Rest & Preparation in Skardu
Final briefing, official paperwork, porter organization, and equipment check.
Day 4
Jeep Drive to Askole / Korofon
Exhilarating 4x4 jeep drive along the Braldu Gorge to Askole village (3,000m), gateway to the Karakoram wilderness.
Day 5
Trek to Jhola / Namla
Begin the trek moving along the river and stepping onto the snout of the Biafo Glacier to reach Namla Camp.
Day 6
Trek to Mango
Hike across lateral moraine along the edge of Biafo Glacier to the green campsite at Mango (3,650m).
Day 7
Trek to Baintha
Continue along the ablation valley and glacier lateral moraine to Baintha (3,990m), a grassy campsite with wild alpine flowers.
Day 8
Rest & Acclimatization Day at Baintha
Day for rest, gear checking, and short hikes to higher slopes for acclimatization.
Day 9
Trek to Sim Gang / Karfogoro
Navigate onto the white surface of Biafo Glacier, trekking surrounded by granite towers to Karfogoro Camp (4,380m).
Day 10
Trek to Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo)
Hike into the center of Snow Lake (4,780m), a grand 16km wide basin of snow and ice under the shadow of dramatic peaks.
Day 11
Trek to Hispar La Base Camp
Move across snow fields to establish high camp at the foot of Hispar La (4,900m).
Day 12
Cross Hispar La Pass (5,151m) to Hispar High Camp
Early morning climb to the top of Hispar La (5,151m) for panoramic Karakoram views, then descend onto Hispar Glacier.
Day 13
Trek to Kani Basa
Descend Hispar Glacier across moraines and side stream crossings to reach Kani Basa (4,510m).
Day 14
Trek to Yutmaru
Traverse past side glaciers with sweeping views of the Hispar valley peaks to reach Yutmaru Camp.
Day 15
Trek to Dachigan / Bitanmal
Hike through summer pastures used by Nagar shepherds to Bitanmal campsite.
Day 16
Trek to Hispar Village & Drive to Karimabad (Hunza)
Final trek leg to Hispar Village, meet jeeps, and drive to the lush Hunza Valley (Karimabad).
Day 17
Explore Hunza Valley
Visit historic Baltit & Altit Forts, explore local markets, and celebrate completed trek.
Day 18
Drive to Chilas / Naran
Return journey along the Karakoram Highway towards Chilas or Naran.
Day 19
Drive to Islamabad
Arrive in Islamabad for evening debriefing, shopping, and farewell dinner.
Day 20
Departure
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for outbound flights.

Trek experience

Fully supported Karakoram camping

The local team manages permits, transport, porter logistics, camps and meals so trekkers can focus on safe pacing and the landscape. Exact camps remain flexible for trail, glacier and weather conditions.

What is covered

Included & not included

Included

Airport assistance and scheduled in-country transfers
Hotels in Islamabad and Skardu
Domestic transport in the planned itinerary
Trekking permits and local coordination
All meals during camping days
Experienced guide, cook and porter team
Group camping, kitchen and dining equipment
Staff wages, meals and insurance

Not included

International flights and Pakistan visa
Personal clothing, boots and sleeping bag
Travel and helicopter evacuation insurance
Tips, personal expenses and unlisted meals
Costs caused by weather delays or early return

Preparation

Fitness & essential skills

Prepare with sustained hill walking, a loaded daypack and consecutive long days. Bring broken-in boots, layered clothing and insurance covering trekking and evacuation to 5,151 m.

Common questions