Biafo Hispar Snow Lake Trek

Arrive in Pakistan’s capital and enjoy a brief cultural tour. Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Your guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a half‑day city tour—visit landmarks such as Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument and Lok Virsa Museum. (Hotel, ~500m)

Long drive through dramatic valleys and mighty rivers. Begin the overland journey via Karakoram Highway. The drive through Besham and Babusar Pass spans 10–12 hours, with stunning mountain and river scenery throughout. (Hotel, ~1265m)

Scenic drive along the Indus, entering the realm of giants. A 7–8 hour drive along the Indus and Shigar rivers brings you into Baltistan. Gain altitude gradually and settle in Skardu for rest and pre‑trek preparations. (Hotel, ~2250m)

Rest, explore Skardu, and prep gear for the glacier ahead. Spend the day sightseeing and finalizing your trek logistics. Prepare gear and purchases while soaking in views of towering Baltistan peaks. (Hotel)

Drive to the last settlement; overnight in tents. Drive approx. 6–7 hours to Askole—the last settlement before entering the Biafo Glacier wilderness. Camp near the village and meet your trekking crew. (Tents, ~3000 m)

Trek over rocky terrain to grassy meadows at Namla. Trekking begins along the K2 Base Camp trail before veering off at Korofong onto the Biafo Glacier lateral moraine. Expect loose rocks and moraines before descending to a scenic grassy meadow at Namla. (Tents, ~3690 m)

First real day on glacier ice, surrounded by rugged beauty. Descend onto the glacier and navigate fracture zones and moraine ridges. Finally arrive at Mango campsite on a grassy bank beside the glacier, often lush with wildflowers and streams. (Tents, ~3660 m)

Camp in a lush alpine basin below towering granite spires. Day of steady ascent onto the glacier ice highway. Conditions improve as terrain flattens. Camp in a broad green meadow with panoramic views and the chance to spot ibex or other wildlife. (Tents, ~3990 m)

Optional hike, photography, or peaceful mountain rest. Rest day to adjust to high altitude. Optional ridge walk offers stunning views of the Ogre and Latok peaks. Relaxation here helps ensure a safer, more enjoyable trek forward. (~3990 m)

Strenuous day crossing icy stretches and fractured glacier. A longer day of glacial walking as you approach upper Hispar and Biafo ice. Terrain becomes steeper, with occasional rope‑up sections near crevassed areas. Marvel at peaks including The Ogre (7 813 m) on the skyline. (Tents, ~4410 m)

Camp in one of the most isolated and magical places on Earth. Continue across flatter glacier terrain into Snow Lake’s vast basin—an expansive snowy bowl surrounded by granite pinnacles. Set up camp in this ethereal glacial expanse. (~4750 m)

Photograph vast snowfields and soak in the solitude. Free day to explore the icy basin, take photographs, or marvel at the isolating beauty of this glacier bowl stretching over 16 km. Use the rest to recover before ascending to Hispar La. (~4750 m)

Trek to the high point of the journey (5,150 m). Cross the glacier and begin final ascent to the pass. Crevasse navigation and moderate climbing required. The pass offers breathtaking views of both glacier systems and surrounding mountainous giants. (Pass at ~5150 m)

Careful descent into the Hispar Valley’s wild reaches. Descend the Hispar Glacier, negotiating fracture zones before reaching grassy ablation valleys at Kani Basa. Enjoy views of Kanjut Sar (7760 m) dominating the skyline. (Tents, ~4511 m)

Rugged terrain with glacier rivers and rocky passages. Traverse moraine ridges and glacial streams across rugged terrain. Camp at Yutmaru beside Glacier’s edge on terrain that gets gradually greener as altitude lowers. (Tents, ~4130 m)

Beautiful shepherd camps and meadows appear again. Continue descent. By evening reach Bitanmal in a breezy alpine meadow, shepherd huts nearby, possibility of fresh local dairy. Camp in this pastoral setting as civilization nears. (~4080 m→~3660 m)

Final trekking day to the first human settlement in days. After crossing a small glacier and streams, you arrive at the first village in nearly two weeks. A simple green campsite near orchards, you’ll feel connection to local life again. (~2302 m)

Jeep journey into the fabled Hunza Valley. Jeep across picturesque mountain roads into Hunza Valley. You arrive in Karimabad, stay overnight at a hotel and begin to witness cultural contrasts between Nagar and Baltistan. (~2440 m)

Visit Baltit & Altit Forts; shop & enjoy mountain hospitality. Explore the Hunza region—visit Baltit and Altit Forts, stroll through bazaars, and take in views of Rakaposhi and other giants from this terraced valley town. (~2440 m)

Leisurely drive along the Hunza River to Gilgit. A scenic drive along the river through Hunza’s mountains leads to Gilgit. Check into your hotel and relax or explore the small city. (~1400 m, hotel)

Drive over high pass into lush Kaghan Valley. Instead of returning directly to Islamabad, enjoy a picturesque drive through the Babusar Pass (4,173 m) and descend into the verdant Kaghan Valley. Arrive in Naran, a charming alpine town surrounded by pine forests and glacial rivers. Check into your hotel and relax amidst cool mountain air. Optional visits include Saif-ul-Mulook Lake or a walk along the Kunhar River. (Hotel, ~2,409 m)

Return to the capital with time to relax or explore. After breakfast, begin the 6–7 hour drive back to Islamabad, descending through the lush valleys of Kaghan and Hazara. Arrive in the capital and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner or take some time to explore local markets for last-minute souvenirs. (Hotel, ~500 m)

Airport transfer and goodbye to the land of glaciers and legends. Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your onward flight, carrying unforgettable memories of the wild glaciers and valleys of northern Pakistan.