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Pakistan · Trekking
The journey
Explore one of the longest continuous glacier systems in the world on this high-altitude trek through Northern Pakistan. Journey from Islamabad and Skardu to Askole, Snow Lake, Lukpe La, Baraldu Glacier, Shimshal Pass, and Shimshal Valley, crossing dramatic landscapes of rock, ice, and sky. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of major Karakoram peaks, remote glacier camps, green pastures, and summer settlements before finishing in Hunza Karimabad. This is a demanding expedition for trekkers seeking a true wilderness experience in the Karakoram mountain range.
Explore one of the longest continuous glacier systems in the world on this high-altitude trek through Northern Pakistan.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Skardu, followed by a transfer to the resort. This flight is subject to good weather conditions, so if the flight is cancelled, we will drive by road to Chilas or Naran.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
If we are traveling by road, we will make the journey from Chilas or Naran to Skardu.
Meals and overnight at the hotel.
Take soft-top 4x4 jeeps for a bumpy ride to the trek head.
Enjoy exciting views of Mango Gusor (6208m) and Bakhor Das (5809m) peaks.
Camp at 2950m at Thongol. (145 km, 5-6 hours.)
Begin our trek as our luggage is distributed among our team of porters, walking across an incredible wilderness of rock, ice, and sky.
After walking alongside the Braldu River for about an hour, we reach the village of Askole. This is the last permanent settlement along our trekking route.
Another three hours' walk brings us to the Biafo Glacier, two kilometers wide at this point, which is to be our companion for half of the trek.
After setting foot on the glacier and scrambling across the lateral moraine for about three hours, we arrive at Namla campsite at 3400m. (6-7 hour trek)
Back on the glacier, we cross an area of crevasses where extreme care is needed. It's important to follow our guide closely.
Once across the crevasses, we make a gentle ascent of the glacier, enjoying spectacular views of Latok 1 (7145m) and Latok 2 (7108m) 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.
Our campsite is at Biantha at 4025m on a grassy area with a clear stream flowing through dense willows and alpine flowers. (6-7 hour trek)
The first hour of the trek is 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.
Once on the glacier, we make 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 Sosbun Brakk (6418m).
Camp at 4025m. (7-8 hour trek)
Make a pre-dawn departure from the camp so that we can walk safely over the soft snow on the medial moraine.
After two hours of steady plodding, we arrive at the intersection of the Sim-gang Glacier with Snow Lake.
Camp at around 4780m close to the Hispar Pass. (2-3 hour trek)
Today our trek starts toward the high pass. Walk for around 6 hours to reach the base camp.
Arrive at base camp.
Set camp at around 4780m close to the Lukpe La Pass. (6-8 hour trek)
Today our trek starts early in the morning to cross the high pass at 5700m, descending toward the Baraldu Glacier.
Spend a short time at the top to enjoy the view of the Simyang, Skamla, and Simla glaciers.
Walk for around 6 hours to reach the Baraldu base camp.
Arrive at base camp. (6-8 hour trek)
Today our trek descends toward the Baraldu Glacier.
Walk for around 6 hours to reach camp.
Arrive at camp. (7-8 hour trek)
Today our trek continues descending toward the Baraldu Glacier.
Walk for around 6 hours to reach camp.
Arrive at camp. (6-8 hour trek)
Start our trek on the same glacier toward Wasim Nala, with a difficult trek on rocky mountains.
Arrive at camp. (6-7 hours trek)
Overnight stay at camp.
A lovely, relaxing walk through green pastures past willows and cedars and among herds of goats, sheep, cattle, and yak.
Cross the Baraldu River depending on the weather condition. Good weather could make it easier to cross the river and save one more day.
After spending some time here, walk for another hour to our camp close to a roaring river at Chikor. (5-6 hour trek)
Walk in the wide open valley running east to west, with two lakes located just before the Shimshal Pass. In summer, we find yaks, goats, and sheep roaming the green pastures.
In the afternoon, one could walk over to Shuwart summer settlement, consisting of 60 houses. Inevitably, we might get invited for dinner, a great chance to visit local houses and also to taste energetic nomad food made from yak's cheese, butter, and wheat flour.
Camp overnight. (4/5 hours, 4735 m)
Follow the same trek we passed through on our way to Shuwart. It will take us a much shorter time because of the continuous gradual descent of the trek.
Camp overnight. (5/6 hours)
Follow a stream flowing from Shuwart to Pasth Furzain. There are many summer settlements along the way.
Pitch our tents at a small settlement with only two houses. It is a beautiful valley, and water is easily accessible here.
Camp overnight. (4/5 hours)
Cross one small river on today's trek, which will be great fun and adventurous as the water level rises.
Camp/guesthouse overnight. (5/6 hours)
Full day for a village visit, or extra time for trekking.
Jeep ride to Karimabad Hunza.
Reach Hunza and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel. (7/8 hours trek + 2/3 hours drive)
Early morning drive by air-conditioned transport on the Karakoram Highway toward Besham or Naran. Lunch on the way.
Proceed toward Besham or Naran.
Arrive in Islamabad. Departure for your next destination.
Overnight at the motel. (11/12 hours)
The route
The fine print
Travel cost.
Jeep as per itinerary.
Hotel accommodation on a 4-person sharing basis.
Sleeping tents on a 3-person sharing basis.
Three meals a day during travel and trekking.
Kitchen equipment, crockery, fuel, and related camping gear.
Services of a Pakistani guide, cooks, porters, and helpers.
Bridge taxes.
LA crossing charges.
Low- and high-altitude porters.
10 kg personal porter weight allowance.
Climbing rope.
Domestic and international airfare and airport taxes.
Any expense due to cancellation of flights, landslides, natural calamities, acts of God, or force majeure beyond the control of our staff and suppliers.
Any expense of a personal nature not specified.
Trekking equipment.
Tips and hotel portage during the trek.
Gear & Clothing
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 no 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 while on the trek, bus, or jeep.
Luggage
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 the 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 for safely keeping your passport, travel documents, and money.
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, the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Ratings are all relative, since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their 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 Vibram or other deep lug sole 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
Logistics
Your 20 days finish where they began, in Islamabad.
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