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Biafo Hispar Snow Lake Trek

21 Days
Max Guests : 40
Wifi Available
Jan - Dec

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Biafo Hispar Trek is one of demanding trek among all treks within Pakistan. The name of this trek is actually the combination of two last villages of both valleys Shigar & Nagar.

In the Shigar valley, you lead up to Askole which is last inhabitant settlement and Hispar is last inhabitant village of Nagar Valley. Although this trek is an open zone, it is extremely strenuous, involving long stretches of glacier walking along this 115kms ice corridor. This trek is recommended fully guided along essential trekking tools, likely ropes, and crampons. As it takes you far from the permanent settlement and is rich in wildlife, including Himalayan Brown Bears. Starting at Askole, the route follows the K2 treks for a short way before branching up the Biafo Glacier.

The first of this trek, up the lower section of the Biafo glaciers, is particularly difficult. Above the junction of the Sim Gang and Biafo Glaciers, off to the north as you approach Hispar Pass, is the Snow Lake, a huge expanse of ice covering around 80 square kilometers. Snow Lake named in 1892 by the British explorer Matin Conway. The 5150m Hispar Pass provides stunning views in good weather; west down the Hispar Glacier towards Hunza and east back to the peaks surrounding Snow Lake and Sim Gang Glacier. The trek down to Hispar village along the north edge of Hispar glacier is difficult in places, crossing four side glaciers en route.

Biafo Glacier (60 km. long) and Hispar Glacier (61 km. long) meet at the 5151 m. Hispar Pass to form one of the longest glacial systems outside the polar regions. This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms; Hunza in the west with Baltistan in the east.

In olden times warriors from Hunza would use this natural pathway to invade the peoples of Askolie in Baltistan. Later, the well known sport of “Polo,” a Balti word meaning ball, served as a more positive outlet for aggression between these two kingdoms and matches were played on stretches of level ground in this locality.

Because the Biafo-Hispar region is very remote it serves as the last stronghold for many animals; including Himalayan bear, ibex, markhor and the snow leopard. H.W. Tilman, an English adventurer, claimed he saw footprints of the Yeti during his trek there in 1937.

At the base of Hispar Pass on its eastern flank rests Snow Lake, a basin of ice (16 km. wide) surrounded by granite pinnacles yet to be climbed. Glaciologists have conducted various experiments on the lake and have found the ice to be approximately 1.6 km. deep. Some go as far as to say that Snow Lake represents the last of the original ice cap in the earth’s temperate zones.

The first segment of the journey from Islamabad to Askolie is identical to that of the K-2 Trek (see enclosed). We begin our walk from Askolie towards K-2 then shortly head west onto the Biafo Glacier. After trekking three to four days we arrive at Baintha Campsite located on an ablation valley below the granite peaks of the Ogre (7813 m.).

The walk takes us past glistening clear lakes, bright spots of green grass, glorious wild flowers and the ever present vertical snow covered peaks hanging above to complete this dazzling scene. The next two days take us over the white covered Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake. We then make the exhilarating walk up to Hispar Pass continuously overwhelmed by the incredible views.

Having reached the highest point of our journey atop Hispar Pass (5151 m.) we begin the descent into Hunza; a land where the language, culture and ethnic background is vastly different than that of Baltistan. We follow the Hispar Glacier past massive mountains such as Kanjut Sar (7760 m.) and Disteghil Sar (7885 m.) reaching the end of the glacier in four to five days.

The green oasis of Hispar Village awaits us signaling only another dayÍs walk before a jeep transports us to Karimabad, Hunza. First sight of the lush valley of Hunza is breathtaking and in some ways makes up for the nostalgia one feels after completing a long walk. We spend one night in Karimabad then we are off to Gilgit by way of the KKH. Depending on weather conditions we then fly or drive back to Islamabad.

Highlights – Snow Lake Trek

Snow lake trek has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of snow lake trek:

Hispar La Pass (5,149 m)
Snow Lake – high altitude glacial basin – 16 kms wide
Trek along Biafo Glacier (3rd longest outside polar region) and Hispar glacier
Circular trek to scenic Hunza and Nagar Valley.
Views of peaks between 5,000 m to 8,000 m including Latok group,
The Ogre, Kanjut Sar etc
Views of Glaciers (e.g. Kani Basi, Kunyang and more) , glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
Meadows of Falaling Chhish. Karakoram Highway.
Cultural tour of Hunza and Nagar Valley. Sightseeing in Skardu and Islamabad

Price Includes

Implementation of Covid SOPs/Guidelines & Complimentary Safety Pack (sanitizer, 1 mask & glove per day)
Airport pick and drop.
Best tourist class hotels accommodation
All meals during trek
Sleeping tents, mattresses, kitchen tents
Kitchen equipment, crockery, fuel, cooking, camping, cleaning and related gear
Services of English speaking guide, expert cook and low altitude porters
15 kg of personal baggage during trek.
Porterage at airport and hotels, toll taxes and parking fee etc.
Trekking fee and permit process.
Insurance of crew; i.e. guide, cook, porters/staff
Safety rope and basic necessary gear.
All land transport involved in the itinerary.
One Ice axe and safety ropes for the group

Price Excludes

Driver Service Fee
Guide Service Fee
Room Service Fees

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Islamabad and Transfer to Hotel

You will be greeted by the team of Tour De Rakaposhi at Islamabad International airport. Then transfer you along with your luggage to a centrally located hotel in Islamabad. Overnight stay in Islamabad.

Day 2 Fly to Skardu or Drive to Chilas/Besham (Mini Van 480 km).

Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the northeast. On a clear day, we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. (It is quite possible adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days).
b) In case of cancellation of flight drive 10-12 hrs by air-conditioned coach/car to Chilas (480 km) Overnight at Chilas.

Day 3 Drive to Skardu from Chilas In case of flight cancellation (275 km).

Overnight Masherbrum Hotel. Preparations for our trek and depending on our time of arrival into Skardu, there may be time to visit the town and possibly an excursion to Kachura Lake situated at the edge of the valley. Skardu is the regional capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus, and Basha Rivers.
b) If we are driving the road journey today will be 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km) or 10-12 from Chilas. On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m) overnight stay in Skardu.

Day 4 Drive to Askole 3000m (Approx 7-8 hours).

We will travel by jeep with our crew and supplies along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole. Villages in Shigar have changed little in over five hundred years; farms with fields of barley, wheat, and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow, and apricot trees. The apricot is a very important crop in the north, having a multitude of uses for the Balti and Hunzakut people. Villagers greet us as we pass through on the rugged dirt and stone road that leads to Baltoro. As we approach, the landscapes become desert-like, and once within the sheer valley of the Braldu, it is necessary to cross the river several times by suspension bridges. At various points, the road may have collapsed due to erosion and we will transfer the gear across on foot to a vehicle on the other side.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping in Askole.

Day 5 Trek to Namla 3650m/11,800 ft (Approx 6-8 hours).

The walk from Askolie to Namla is on an easy gentle plain first and then becomes difficult as we get on to the snout of Biafo Glacier. This will take about 6 to 8 hours. The first sight of the pinnacles of the Paiyu Group is stunning.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 6 Hike to Mango 3700m/12,130ft (Approx 7 hours).

This can take 7 hours or more. We walk on the moraines of Biafo Glacier as well as in an ablation valley.
This is not an easy walk as we trek on rocks most of the time.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 7 Trek to Biantha 4000m/13,120ft.

From Mongo, we get on to the white Biafo Glacier where the walking is easier and then we diagonally walk across the Biafo to reach its other side near Biantha. The difficult parts here are getting onto the glacier and then getting off it. This takes about 6 hours of walking and will give us our first sight of the Latok Group. The campsite is located in a green meadow.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping

Day 8 Acclimatisation at Baintha 4000m/13,120 ft.

Camp, rest day. Wash up, relax, read, climb on a steep ridge for outstanding views behind the camp, sing and dance with the porters! There are several different walking options for today, and in particular, there is a small peak above the camp which can be climbed to give fantastic views across to the peaks of Ogre and Latok.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 9 Trek to Marphogoro 4400m/14,430 ft (Approx 6-8 hours).

Six to eight hours of walking. Getting onto the glacier is tricky. Once on it, the walk is pretty straightforward on the white glacier. However, we are careful to avoid crevasses here. The greenery of Biantha campsite is only a memory now. We are in the dramatic and awesome expanse of the Biafo with its jagged pinnacles. The Ogre (7,813 m.) towers high above us on our right. There is only snow and rock now.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 10 Trek to Snow Lake 4800 m/15,750 ft (Approx 6-7 hours).

The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours over ice and snow. Once again we are careful to avoid crevasses along the way.
Snow Lake is a magical place. Be sure to get out of the tent to experience the stars in the night. It is an unforgettable experience!
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 11 Trek to Hisper Pass 5151m/16,895 ft (Approx 6-7 hours).

A 6 to 7-hour walk on slopes of about 30 degrees takes us to the top of the pass. Once again, we are careful to avoid crevasses. Even though the climbs on gentle slopes, we find it difficult due to the rarefied air. When on top we see a panorama described by an early explorer: “Beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has been my lot to behold.” On one side the Biafo lies and on the other side, we look towards the Hispar Glacier and the peaks above Hunza valley. The view of sunrise from the pass is another sight to behold.

Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 12 Trek to Kani Basa 4500m/14,760 ft (Approx 8 hours).

This is a long day’s walk and can take more than 8 hours. We want to make sure that we leave the pass early before the snow becomes soft. On the way down, once again, we are careful to avoid crevasses.

We will have to cross the Kani Basa Glacier before we can camp on a green campsite, which is a welcome sight and site after being on snow for the last few days. On the way, we can see the famous Kanjut Sar (7,760 m.) towering high above the Kani Basa Glacier.
.Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping

Day 13 Trek to Jutmal 4200m/13,780 ft (Approx 7 hours).

This will take about 7 hours and on the way, we will cross the Jutmal Glacier. It is tricky here as the route through the glacier is like a maze with high ice walls. After crossing it, another hurdle that we face is the climb up on a loose cliff face. Once up the face, we now enter a beautiful campsite with lovely views across the Hispar Glacier. Some streams have to be crossed on the way.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 14 Hike to Bitanmal 3600m/ 11,800 ft (8 hours).

This section takes about 8 hours. On the way, Pumory Glacier is crossed and also a stream. The crossing of Pumory is not that difficult as the Jutmal. However, once again, we have to descend on to the ablation valley and once again we have to climb the cliffs on our right to get to the campsite. This is an exhaustive process.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 15 Trek to Falaling Chhish 3600m/11,800 ft (Approx 4

One more glacier to cross! This is Kunyang Glacier. The walking does get a little easier. However, crossing the Kunyang is tedious and the climb on rocks on the other side can be difficult. This is a short day consisting of about 4 hours. Our camp is in a shepherd’s meadow where villagers from Hispar bring their yaks for the summer. The view of Makrong Chhiish (6,607 m.), on the other side of Hispar Glacier, is outstanding.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping

Day 16 Hike to Hispar Village 3400m/ 11,150 ft (Approx 4 hours).

Another short day of about 4 hours. Some streams have to be crossed on the way, but the walking is relatively gentle. A bridge over the Hispar stream has to be crossed and then a climb on a good path brings us into the Hispar village, the first habitation we will have seen since leaving Askole.
Meals: (Include: B-L-D) O/N Camping.

Day 17 Trek to Huru 3000m/ 9,840 ft and Drive to Hunza (Approx 4-5)

This takes about a few hours of walking on a jeep road and here our epic trek ends. We further drive to Hunza.
Meals: Breakfast O/N Camping.

Day 18 Drive to Besham 1280m (10-12 hours).

Early Morning after breakfast drive to Besham short stay en route for photography, Lunch, and toilet stop.
Overnight stay in Besham.

Day 19 Drive to Islamabad (Approx 7 hrs).

Early morning we will drive to Islamabad, en-route we will visit the Taxila Museum. Construction of Taxila museum started in 1918, its foundation stone laid by Lord Chelmsford, Viceroy of India in 1918.
Construction was concluded in 1928 and the museum was opened for the public by Sir Habibullah then the ministry for Education. Sir John Marshall who was going to be retired from the post of Director General of Archaeological Survey of India in 1928, could not complete its original plan. The government of Pakistan constructed the northern gallery in 1998. There are 4000 objects displayed, including stone, stucco, terracotta, silver, gold, iron, and semiprecious stones. Mainly the display consists of objects from the period 600 B.C to 500 AD. Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cults are well represented through these objects discovered from three ancient cities and more than two dozen Buddhist stupas and monasteries, and Greek temples.
Taxila Museum has located 35 km from Islamabad on the Grand Trunk Road to Peshawar. It is famous for the remains of Gandhara art. Most of the sites at Taxila, dating back 600 BCE to 500 CE, are located around the Taxila Museum. We will reach Islamabad in the evening.

Day 20 Rest day in Islamabad/Contingency day.

Overnight stay in Islamabad.
Extra ‘cushion’ day!
*Note: Day 20 will be used as a ‘cushion’ day in case of delays in travel due to weather, route change, health, acclimatization issues during the trek, etc.
For those who want to escape the heat of the city a very pleasant excursion is up to the former British hill station at Murree. The faded remnants of the town’s colonial past can be seen in its gable-roofed buildings and small Anglican churchyard, whilst the grassy lawns of the imposing Hotel Cecil make a splendid place to enjoy afternoon tea. This excursion is not included in the trip price but if several members of the group wish to make this journey a private vehicle and driver can be hired locally for a very modest sum. Back in Rawalpindi, we enjoy a final evening meal usually taken at one of the best restaurants in Islamabad.