Introduction
The Biafo-Hispar Snow Lake Trek is often described as the most epic glacier traverse outside the polar regions. Covering an icy stretch of 126 kilometers, this trek connects the ancient kingdoms of Askoli (Little Tibet) in the east to Hunza (Nagar) in the west, via Hispar La (5,150m) – a vast, frozen highway that links the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers.
This timeless route, once part of the Silk Road network, has seen everything from early explorers and yeti legends, to ancient polo players from Hunza and Askoli. Glaciologists have even confirmed snow depths up to a mile thick at Snow Lake, a legendary plateau of eternal ice.
Trekking here isn’t just about the challenge — it’s about experiencing untouched wilderness, wildlife like snow leopards and Himalayan bears, and finally entering Karimabad, the serene capital of Hunza — the Valley of Eternal Youth.
Trek Overview
- Tour Duration: 23 Days
- Camping Nights: 17
- Hotel Nights: 5
- Maximum Altitude: 5,150 meters (Hispar La Pass)
- Trek Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best Season: June to August
- Trek Zone: Restricted (permits required)
- Location: Karakoram Range, Pakistan
Why This Trek is Unique
✅ One of the longest glacier treks outside the polar zones
✅ Walk across the vast Snow Lake, a world-famous glacial basin
✅ Cross Hispar La (5,150m), linking Baltistan to Hunza
✅ Encounter rare wildlife like snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and bears
✅ Visit historic Altit and Baltit Forts in Hunza
✅ Follow footsteps of Silk Route traders, British explorers, and mountaineers
✅ Led by Ahmed, your experienced local guide
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Rawalpindi/Islamabad
Airport pickup, welcome briefing, and gear check. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Chilas via Karakoram Highway
Scenic journey through Hazara, Kohistan, and Indus River valley.
Day 3: Drive to Skardu
Witness Nanga Parbat (8125m) from the junction point near Chilas. Enter Baltistan.
Day 4: Drive to Askoli (3,050m)
A 4×4 adventure to the gateway of the Biafo Glacier.
Day 5: Trek from Askoli to Namla (3,300m)
Start your trek with views of Bakhordas Peak and the Biafo snout.
Day 6: Namla to Mango (3,600m)
Walk past glacial rivers, rugged terrain, and wildflowers.
Day 7: Mango to Biantha (4,000m)
Enter the Biafo Glacier proper, with epic mountain backdrops.
Day 8: Rest Day at Biantha
Acclimatization and glacier training. Enjoy the alpine meadow.
Day 9: Trek to Marfogoro (4,400m)
Venture deeper into icy wilderness; expect crevasses and frozen streams.
Day 10: Trek to Snow Lake (4,800m)
Welcome to the legendary Snow Lake, one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth.
Day 11: Rest and Explore Snow Lake
Photography, glacier study, and full day to admire this vast ice plateau.
Day 12: Snow Lake to Hispar Base
Climb gradually toward Hispar La with views of Pumari Chhish and Snow Dome.
Day 13: Cross Hispar La (5,150m)
A monumental crossing with sweeping views of the Hispar Glacier.
Day 14: Trek to Khani Base Camp
Descend over slippery rock and snow into Hispar Valley.
Day 15: Trek to Yutmaru
Green pastures begin to emerge. Spectacular views of peaks all around.
Day 16: Trek to Pumari Chhish Viewpoint
Get close to the mysterious and rarely seen Pumari Chhish.
Day 17: Trek to Bitanmal
Camp by river banks with views of Boio Glacier and Karun Koh.
Day 18: Reach Hispar Village (3,000m)
End of glacier zone. First signs of civilization.
Day 19: Drive to Karimabad, Hunza
Arrive in the Valley of Eternal Youth. Visit Altit and Baltit Forts.
Day 20: Drive to Gilgit
Shopping and sightseeing in Gilgit Bazaar, crossing the Hunza River.
Day 21: Drive to Besham via KKH
Long drive through valleys with overnight stop in Besham.
Day 22: Drive to Islamabad
Final journey back to the capital.
Day 23: Transfer to Airport – Departure
Farewell and transfer for international flight.
Wildlife & Cultural Highlights
- Wildlife: Snow leopards, ibex, markhor, Himalayan bears, marmots
- Flora: Alpine meadows, glacier lichens, thousands of wildflowers
- Culture: Balti hospitality in Askoli, Hunzai traditions in Karimabad
- Heritage: 700-year-old forts, ancient glacial trade route, local polo folklore
Gear Recommendations
- Mountaineering boots & glacier crampons
- Down sleeping bag (-15°C recommended)
- Waterproof jacket and thermals
- Ice axe & walking poles
- UV-protected sunglasses and sunscreen
- First aid kit & water filter
What’s Included
- All transportation (domestic flights, 4x4s, jeeps)
- Professional trekking crew, porters, and kitchen staff
- All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, etc.)
- All meals during trek
- Hotel accommodation in cities
- Trekking permits and Hispar access clearance
- Guided tours in Hunza
Final Thoughts
The Biafo-Hispar Snow Lake Trek is more than just a hike — it’s an expedition across history, geology, and legend. You’ll trace the footsteps of ancient warriors, Silk Road traders, and modern adventurers as you traverse the most remote glacial corridor in the world.
This journey is for the bold, the passionate, and those who crave stories few others will ever tell.
