Pakistan · Trekking

19-Day Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek with Hunza Valley Forts

19 Days Round trip from Islamabad Strenuous pace
View all 6 photos

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek across the rugged terrain of the Biafo Glacier
  • 02 Camp at Manggo and enjoy the rare greenery along the glacier landscape
  • 03 Trek through granite spires toward Baintha with views of Latok-1 and Latok-2
  • 04 Cross the vast ice fields of Snow Lake, one of the largest glacial basins outside the polar regions
  • 05 Cross the challenging Hispar La Pass at 5,150 meters with views of The Ogre and surrounding peaks
  • 06 Traverse the Hispar Glacier with views of Kanjut Sar and Distaghil Sar
  • 07 Explore Altit and Baltit Forts in the scenic Hunza Valley

Experience one of the Karakoram's most legendary high-altitude expeditions on this 19-day journey from Islamabad through Skardu, Askole, Snow Lake, and the Hispar Glacier. Trek across the vast Biafo Glacier to the immense Snow Lake basin, cross the challenging Hispar La Pass at 5,150 meters, and continue through dramatic glacial landscapes surrounded by peaks such as The Ogre, Latok, and Kanjut Sar. Reach the remote mountain village of Hispar before traveling into the scenic Hunza Valley to explore historic Altit and Baltit Forts and enjoy views of Rakaposhi. The adventure concludes with a return journey along the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad.

Experience one of the Karakoram's most legendary high-altitude expeditions on this 19-day journey from Islamabad through Skardu, Askole, Snow Lake, and the Hispar Glacier.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 19 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Strenuous
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Islamabad, Hunza, Skardu, Chilas, Askole, Besham, Biafo Glacier
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Islamabad and City Sightseeing

  • Activity: Airport transfer and sightseeing.
  • Highlights: Faisal Mosque (one of the largest in South Asia), Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, and local artisanal markets.
  • Stay: Hotel in Islamabad.
2
Day 02

Flight to Skardu or Drive via the Karakoram Highway

  • Option A: A 1-hour "Mountain Flight" offering views of Nanga Parbat (8,125m).
  • Option B: 12-hour drive to Chilas via the KKH if flights are grounded by weather.
  • Note: Flight schedules are weather-dependent; flexibility is required.
3
Day 03

Skardu Preparation and Acclimatization

  • Logistics: Final permit processing and gear checks.
  • Acclimatization: If driving, today covers the final 7-8 hour stretch to Skardu (2,350m) along the Indus River.
4
Day 04

Jeep Drive to Askoli

  • Duration: 7-8 hours | Terrain: Rugged 4x4 tracks.
  • Overview: Transition from the Shigar Valley to the Braldu Valley. This is the last permanent settlement before wilderness.
5
Day 05

Trek to Namla on the Biafo Glacier

  • The trek begins. Leave the greenery of Askole behind and step onto the snout of the Biafo Glacier. Navigate loose moraine to reach the first campsite nestled beside the lateral moraine.
  • Time: 5-6 hours | Terrain: Riverbanks and glacial moraine.
  • Experience: First entry onto the Biafo Glacier. Expect boulder hopping and uneven terrain.
6
Day 06

Trek to Manggo

  • Walking along the edge of the glacier, the terrain is a mix of rock and ice. Look out for the "Great Trango" towers in the distance. Mango is a rare green patch offering a break from the grey moraine.
  • Time: 5-6 hours.
  • Highlight: A stunning campsite with rare greenery, grass, and willow bushes set against the stark white of the Biafo Glacier.
7
Day 07

Trek to Baintha

  • A steady ascent through a corridor of granite spires. This day is crucial for acclimatization. Baintha offers grassy meadows and a chance to wash in small streams.
  • Time: 6-7 hours.
  • Mountain Views: Latok-1 (7,145m) and Latok-2 (7,108m).
  • Environment: Cross the glacier to reach the "Ablation Valley," a lush area filled with wildflowers and shrubs.
8
Day 08

Rest and Acclimatization at Baintha

  • Transition further onto the "Highway of Ice." The walking becomes smoother as the moraine gives way to firmer glacier ice.
  • Critical Step: A required rest day to let the body adjust to $4,000m+$ before the pass crossing.
9
Day 09

Trek to Karfogoro

  • As you approach the head of the Biafo, the valley opens up into the legendary Snow Lake - a 16km wide high-altitude ice basin. The scale of the landscape is immense.
  • Time: 7-8 hours.
  • Terrain: Transition from rocky moraine to smooth, gradual ice. Watch for crevasses as the glacier opens.
10
Day 10

Enter Snow Lake

  • Time: 2-3 hours.
  • Safety: The group will rope up due to hidden crevasses.
  • Visuals: A massive basin of ice (Snow Lake) where the Biafo and Simgang glaciers meet.
  • Rope up for safety as you traverse the crevasse-prone flats of Snow Lake. This is a magical campsite surrounded by 360 degrees of white peaks.
11
Day 11

Cross Hispar La Pass

  • Time: 6-7 hours.
  • The Summit: Panoramic views of The Ogre Peak (7,285m) and the Workman Peak.
  • Descent: Steep walk through soft snow to the Khani Basa campsite.
  • The most challenging day. A steep climb to the pass rewards you with a view of two massive glacial systems meeting. Descend carefully onto the Hispar Glacier to reach Kani Basa.
12
Day 12

Traverse the Hispar Glacier to Yutmuro

  • Day 12: Cross the Khanibasa Glacier to Yutmuro (4,300m). Views of Kanjut Sar 1 (7,700m).
  • Navigate the complex moraines of the Hispar Glacier. The views shift toward the peaks of the Hunza and Nagar valleys, including Distaghil Sar.
13
Day 13

Continue the Hispar Glacier Traverse to Bitanmal

  • Day 13: Trek to Bitanmal (3,600m). The terrain becomes easier as greenery returns.
  • The terrain becomes greener as you leave the heavy ice behind. Cross the Kani Basa glacier (a side-glacier) to reach the lush summer pastures of Bitanmal.
14
Day 14

Final Trek to Hispar Village

  • Duration: 3 hours.
  • The first signs of civilization. Walk through the irrigation channels and apricot orchards of Hispar, a remote and traditional mountain community.
  • Conclusion: Reach Hispar Village (3,100m), marking the end of the trek, overnight in camp.
15
Day 15

Drive to Karimabad in Hunza Valley

  • Day 15: 3-hour jeep drive to Karimabad.
  • A scenic jeep drive takes you to the heart of the Hunza Valley. Enjoy a hot shower and a celebratory dinner overlooking Rakaposhi.
16
Day 16

Explore Hunza Valley and Its Historic Forts

  • Day 16: Exploration of Altit and Baltit Forts (UNESCO Heritage sites). Views of Rakaposhi (7,788m) and Ultar Peak.
  • Visit the 800-year-old Baltit and Altit Forts. Experience the local culture and markets of Karimabad.
17
Day 17

Return Journey via the Karakoram Highway to Besham

  • Day 17: 12-hour drive via KKH to Besham.
  • Begin the return journey via the Karakoram Highway, stopping at the junction of the three world's greatest mountain ranges.
18
Day 18

Drive Back to Islamabad

  • Day 18: 8-hour drive to Islamabad.
  • Drive back to the capital via the scenic Babusar Pass or the Kohistan canyon.
19
Day 19

Final Departure from Islamabad

  • Day 19: Final airport transfer.
  • Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying the memories of the Snow Lake wilderness.
Biafo Glacier moraine, Snow Lake ice basin, Hispar La Pass

Where this trip takes you

Biafo Glacier moraine, Snow Lake ice basin, Hispar La Pass

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Islamabad 7 cities · 19 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Permits & Logistics: All trekking permits, toll taxes, and bridge fees
  • Transport: Private 4x4 jeeps for Skardu/Askole and Hispar/Hunza routes; airport transfers
  • Accommodation: Hotel stays in Islamabad, Skardu, and Hunza (twin sharing); high-quality North Face or similar mountain tents during the trek
  • Expert Team: Licensed mountain guide, specialized high-altitude cook, and kitchen assistants
  • Porters: Local porters to carry all group gear, food, and up to 15kg of personal luggage per trekker
  • Full Board Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (freshly prepared), plus snacks and tea during the trek
  • Safety Gear: Mess tent, toilet tent, folding chairs, tables, and basic first aid kits, including pulse oximeters

What's Not Included

  • International Travel: Flights to/from Pakistan and visa fees
  • Insurance: Mandatory personal travel insurance covering high-altitude helicopter rescue
  • Personal Gear: Sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles (though rental can be arranged)
  • Tips: Gratuity for porters, guides, and drivers (an essential part of local trekking culture)
  • Extras: Laundry, mineral water at hotels, satellite phone calls, and emergency evacuation costs

What to bring

  • Footwear: Broken-in high-ankle trekking boots + camp shoes (Crocs or light trainers)
  • Clothing: 4-season layering system (moisture-wicking base layers, fleece mid-layer, GORE-TEX outer shell, and a heavy down jacket for nights below -10°C)
  • Technical Gear: Crampons (4-point or 12-point, depending on ice conditions), ice axe (for Hispar La), and a climbing harness with carabiners
  • Headgear: Warm beanie, sun hat, and high-quality Category 4 glacier sunglasses (UV protection is critical on Snow Lake)
  • Sleeping: -20°C rated sleeping bag and an insulated sleeping mat (R-value 4+)
  • Personal Hygiene: Biodegradable wet wipes, sunblock (SPF 50+), and water purification tablets/filters

Know before you go

  • Connectivity: There is zero mobile coverage for about 12 days on the glacier. Blue Sky provides a satellite phone for emergencies.
  • The Terrain: You will be walking on "living ice." Expect loose rocks, hidden crevasses, and narrow moraine ridges. Roping up is mandatory during the Snow Lake traverse.
  • Weather: Even in mid-summer, temperatures at Snow Lake can drop significantly at night. Blizzards can occur at the Hispar La pass at any time.
  • Visa Tip: Ensure your visa clearly states "Trekking" and not just "Tourism," as security checkpoints on the way to Askole are strict.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tour start
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 19 days finish where they began, in Islamabad.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 3,190 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total