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Home19-Day Trek To Snow Lake Via Hispar La Pass From Islamabad
Description
Embark on an adventurous expedition to the breathtaking Snow Lake atop Hispar Pass. Hike up the snowy trails and see the glorious views of the Sosbun Brakk, Mango Gusor and Bakhor Das mountain ranges and peaks. Also, climb through the majestic Passu & Batura glaciers during this trekking trip and camp near the Hispar Pass.
Highlights
- Trek through Hispar la Pass to reach the iconic Snow Lake
- Explore the mountain kingdom of Baltistan and Gilgit
- Hike on the ancient ice highway, Biafo and Hisper Glacier
- Capture spectacular mountainscape view from the top of Hispar la
- Travel on the ancient Silk Route (Karakoram Highway)
- Experience the picturesque Shigar Hunza Valley
Itinerary Expand All Collapse All
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Day 1- Arrival in Islamabad expand_more
Meet and greet the tour guide, get a trek briefing and transfer to the hotel.
For the rest of the day, explore the bazaars of Rawalpindi and the new town of Islamabad.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 2- Fly Islamabad - Skardu expand_more
Begin with a morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Skardu and then transfer to the resort. (This flight is subject to suitable weather conditions, so if the flight is cancelled, we will drive by road to Narran/Chilas.)
Meals and overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 3- Skardu expand_more
If we travel by road, we will make the journey from Chilas to Skardu. If you travel by air, then enjoy a free day in Skardu.
Overnight in the hotel for meals.
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Day 4- Skardu - Askoli expand_more
Take off in soft-top 4x4 jeeps for a bumpy ride to the trekking point head.
Enjoy the views of Mango Gusor (6208 m) and Bakhor Das (5809 m) peaks.
Camp at 2950 m at Askoli.
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Day 5- Askoli - Namla expand_more
- Walk alongside the Braldu River for about an hour, reach the village of Askoli. This is the last permanent settlement along our trekking route.
- Proceed to the Biafo Glacier.
- After setting foot on the glacier, arrive at Namla campsite at 3400 m.
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Day 6- Namla - Biantha expand_more
Cross an area of crevasses where extreme care is needed. It’s important to follow our guide closely.
Gently ascent the glacier, enjoying spectacular views of Latok 1 (7145 m), Latok 2 (7108 m) along the trek. The track follows the ablation valley past a small lake, then heads out across the lateral crevasses to the smooth white centre of the Biafo Glacier.
Spend the night at the campsite at Biantha at 4025 m on a grassy area with a clear stream flowing through dense willows and alpine flowers.
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Day 7- Biantha - Karfogoro expand_more
Spend the first hour of the trek on a lovely walk along the valley, crossing many small lakes surrounded by willows and wildflowers. This area is the habitat of bears and Himalayan ibex.
Do a gradual climb over smooth ice. If there is fresh snow on the glacier, we must rope up and walk using a flying belay while enjoying stunning views of the Sosbun Brakk (6418 m).
Camp at 4025 m.
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Day 8- Karfogoro - Snow Lake expand_more
Make a predawn departure from the camp to walk safely over the soft snow on the medial moraine.
After two hours of steady plodding, arrive at the intersection of the Sim-gang glacier with Snow Lake.
Camp at around 4780 m close to the Hispar Pass.
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Day 9- Snow Lake expand_more
Enjoy the spectacular views of Snow Lake. For the first 40 years of the last century, explorers believed that Snow Lake was an ice-cap like those in polar regions from which glaciers flow in each direction, its size being estimated at 777 sq. km. Now the lake's estimated size is 77 sq. km. The lake was named by explorer Martin Conway in 1892, who gave a dramatic account of the area in his book "Climbing expeditions in Karakoram - Himalaya".
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Day 10- Snow Lake - Khanibasa expand_more
Make an early morning departure to climb the pass. Gaiters are essential as snow can be deep even in the morning.
Hike in a single file roped together. The route passes through the centre of the pass around giant crevasses and striped, greenish-blue seracs towering on either side. The view of Snow Lake from the top of Hispar Pass at 5151 m is inspirational. Numerous glaciers emerge from Snow Lake and disappear between nameless unclimbed Karakoram peaks. The highest of these peaks is Baintha Brakk (7285 m), Ogre first climbed by Chris Bonington and Doug Scott in 1977. On the other side of the pass, the snow-covered Hispar Glacier stretches as far as the eye can see, and to the north rises the white pyramid of Workman Peak (19,300 ft.).
Descend from the pass to camp on the glacier’s northern moraine at 4580 m.
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Day 11- Khanibasa - Yutmaru expand_more
Soon after leaving our camp, spend about 90 minutes crossing the Khanobasa Glacier. Enjoy spectacular views of Kanji Sar (7700 m), the 29th highest peak globally.
Follow lateral moraine and marvel at the hanging glaciers and frequent avalanches on the southern ice walls. Yutmaru at 4330m is a flat, sheltered field in a valley, surrounded by willows and alpine flowers. It also offers fine views of the Hispar Pass and the Balchish Range.
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Day 12- Yutmaru - Bitanmal expand_more
Go for an hour's leisurely walk through the valley to the Yutmaru Glacier, which we then take about two hours to cross, negotiating high ice walls and deep crevasses.
Do a steep climb that provides panoramic views back to Hispar Pass. As we descend, there are also views of the Kunyan Chish Range (7852 m), the 22nd highest peak in the world. The Pumari chish Glacier flows south from this mighty mountain.
Walk along a path 100 m above Hispar Glacier to reach our campsite at 3902 m.
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Day 13- Bitanmal expand_more
Have some rest in the Bitanmal valley. Bitanmal valley campsite is a wide-open summer pasture surrounded by willows and flowers. In summer, the shepherds from Hispar Village move here to live with their herds of goats, sheep and yaks. It’s a perfect place for a rest day.
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Day 14- Hispar Village expand_more
Walk through the green pastures, past willows, cedars and among the herds of goats, sheep, cattle and donkeys.
Meet the south bank of Hispar River and a vast alluvial fan rippling in terraces down to a cliff above the river.
Cross a wooden bridge over the river and climb steeply to enter the Hispar village and its mud houses, apricot, willow & poplar trees, and fields of wheat, peas, beans, along with the ever-present wild poppies and marijuana.
After spending some time here, walk for another hour to our camp close to a roaring river at 3200 m.
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Day 15- Hispar - Huru - Hunza expand_more
In the morning, walk for two hours through the dry landscape to Huru and board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for the short ride to Karimabad., the capital of Hunza Valley. You are never short of spectacular views here - Rakaposhi (7788 m ), Ultar 1 (7388 m), Ultar 2, and Golden Peak tower above the valley.
Enjoy a free afternoon.
Meals and overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 16- Karimabad expand_more
Be free at Karimabad to explore the valley and visit the Altit and Baltit forts.
If time permits, we may drive 35 km further north along the Karakoram Highway to the picturesque village of Passu for thrilling views of the Passu & Batura glaciers.
Enjoy Hunza cultural dance in the evening.
Meals and overnight stay at hotel.
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Day 17- Hunza - Chilas expand_more
Begin with a morning excursion to the Upper Hunza to enjoy the views of Passu Peak, Passu Glacier, Batura and other peaks of Karakoram.
Drive back along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas.
Meals and overnight stay at a hotel.
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Day 18- Chilas - Islamabad expand_more
Proceed towards Islamabad with your Pakistani mountain guide.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
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Day 19- Departure expand_more
Proceed to the airport and board your return flight.
What's Included
- Accommodation on a twin-share basis at standard category hotels in towns
- 2-person tent during camping; Meals: half board at hotels
- Full board during the trek
- Transport: Air-conditioned bus on Karakoram Highway, soft-top 4x4 jeeps for Hunza
- Camping Facilities: 2-person dome tents with mattresses, dining tent with folding table & chairs, kitchen tent and staff, toilet tent; Portage of 15 kg during the trek
- Tips & Portage at airport & hotels
- Entrance fees at sites & museums
- English-speaking Pakistani mountain guide
What's Excluded
Domestic/International airfares and airport taxes
Any expenses due to cancellation of flights, landslides, other natural calamities or acts of God beyond the control of Rock Valley Tours, their staff and suppliers
Any expenses of a personal nature not mentioned above
Know before you go
- While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as carry-on to keep items that you will use during while on the trek, bus or jeep.
- Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended.
- Day Pack. Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket and other items you may like to use while on the trek.
- Extra carry-on. For storing city clothes in Skardu.
- Money Belt. A small fanny pack, money belt or around the neck passport bag is suggested to keep your passport, travel documents, and money safe.
- Sleeping Bag. As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700 meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass at 5151 meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degree F or -18 degree C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy-bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth.
- Trekking Boots. The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes.
- Camp Shoes. Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls.
- Crampons You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having a better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. ( Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar and Wartum Peak
- Thermal socks. The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions, cotton socks are best. For whose who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended.
- Liner Socks. A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above.
- Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet.
- Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above.
- Rain gear. A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants.
- Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea.
- Ski Hat. Covers your ears properly, use one with cotton liner. A woollen cap is also good.
- Mittens or Gloves. Woollen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions when the temperature drops quickly.
- Brimmed Sun Hat. Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as the sun is low and hits your eyes.
- Bathing Suit. Men can take bath by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.
- Toiletries. Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chapstick /lip balm, skin lotion and laundry soap.
- With your knowledge of Pakistani culture, you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable and easy to wash and dry. In good weather, you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for the evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon as the sun goes down.
- Men could wear shorts once we are through the populated areas, that means from the third day of the trek. Women are advised to use cotton salwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals.
- Headgear
- Parka
- Wool shirt & trousers
- Sweater
- Cotton shirt & pants
- Gloves & Mittens
- Rain/wind suit
- Cotton & Wool undergarments
- Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic)
- Boots (Trek & Camp)
- Belt!
- Down Jacket
- Salwar Kameez (Cotton)
- Spare laces for boots
- Miscellaneous Items
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Washcloth
- Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep
- Water bottle, with a durable screw top
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp with flashlight + extra batteries and bulb
- Insect repellent
- Swiss Army knife, or a similar one
- Nylon cord for a clothesline
- Personal medical kit
- Pocket size sewing kit
- Lighter or matches for general use
- Wrist Watch
- Thermarest. We provide close-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort
- Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing your used clothes
- Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues
- An interesting book
- Notebook and pen for journaling
- Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars
- Binoculars
- Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies and extra lenses
- Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee)
- Water purification tablets
Meeting Point
Airport Avenue, Islamabad Gandhara International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.Price Details
| Standard | |
| 1 To 4 | USD 2950 Per Person |
This is a group tour | |