Adult
Embark on one of the world’s most remote and breathtaking glacier treks with the Snow Lake and Hisper La Trek – 2025/26. This 21-day journey takes you across 126 km of interconnected glaciers—Biafo and Hisper—forming the longest non-polar glacial traverse on Earth.
Your adventure begins with a thrilling jeep ride from Skardu to Askoli, followed by a multi-day trek through moraine-strewn valleys, ice walls, and high-altitude campsites until you reach the legendary Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo). Standing at 4,585m, this surreal expanse of ice is often blanketed in silence, save for the cracking of distant crevasses and the wind brushing across its surface.
From there, you’ll cross the Hisper La Pass (5,150m), the highest point of the trek, before descending into Hunza Valley, one of Pakistan’s most culturally rich and scenic destinations. Along the way, immerse yourself in ancient trade routes, fascinating legends, and sightings of rare wildlife like the snow leopard or Marco Polo sheep.
This is a physically demanding expedition suited for experienced trekkers—but the views, solitude, and historical intrigue make every step a memory for a lifetime.
21 Days, 20 Nights
Specific Tour, Trekking
12
English
Welcome to Pakistan! Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. This is a rest and preparation day where you can explore the capital at your own pace or purchase any last-minute trekking gear. Islamabad’s calm streets and green surroundings are the perfect prelude to the high-adrenaline adventure ahead.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad
Weather permitting, take a scenic morning flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram. On clear days, enjoy aerial views of Nanga Parbat and the Himalayan–Karakoram Range. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Skardu Bazaar or relaxing. Our team will begin final logistics and permit arrangements.
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu
Today serves as a buffer day in case of flight delays. Use this time for light sightseeing. Optional group hike to Kharpocho Fort in the afternoon offers panoramic views of the Skardu Valley. Our staff finalizes permits, food supplies, and gear checks.
Overnight: Hotel in Skardu
Depart early for an off-road jeep ride to Askoli, one of the last settlements before the glacier zone. The ride takes 6–8 hours, tracing the Braldu River through dramatic terrain. Expect a rugged but visually stunning drive. On arrival, settle into a basic mountain lodge.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Askoli
The trek begins! Depart from Askoli and enter the lower Biafo Glacier region. Today’s trail passes boulder fields, glacial streams, and rugged moraines. Camp is set at Namla, a scenic site flanked by snowy ridges.
Follow a more technical section of the Biafo Glacier today. The terrain is icy and uneven, but the rewards are massive: towering granite peaks, hanging glaciers, and crevassed valleys. Camp is set near the small grazing meadows of Mango.
Distance: ~7 km
Continue trekking through glacial moraines and icy ridgelines to reach Biantha Camp, a broad, green meadow contrasting sharply with the glacial landscape. Views of Latok and Baintha Brak peaks dominate the skyline.
Today is a well-earned acclimatization and rest day. You can explore the meadow, journal, or take a short walk to surrounding ridges for panoramic photos. Biantha is a strategic stop before ascending to higher altitudes and ensures you’re physically prepared for the challenging days ahead.
Overnight: Campsite in Biantha
The trail grows more remote and glaciated as you approach Marfogoro, surrounded by ice fields and silent peaks. Expect to traverse moraine ridges, loose scree, and icy outcrops. As the elevation rises, the temperature dips, but the scenery becomes increasingly surreal.
One of the most anticipated days of the journey. Trek across vast stretches of ice to reach Snow Lake, one of the world’s largest glacial basins. Surrounded by jagged 6,000m–7,000m peaks, this surreal landscape feels like another planet. Camp is set at the base of Hisper La.
Rise early for the most physically demanding but rewarding day — summiting Hisper La Pass (5,150m). From the top, take in sweeping views of Hispar Glacier, Snow Lake, and the valleys of Nagar and Baltistan. Descend carefully to Hisper Base, where camp is set.
Descend through the upper Hispar Glacier, weaving between icy walls and lateral moraines. The route is relatively easier but still rugged and remote. Reach Khani Basa, another wild and scenic location.
Continue the descent along the Hispar Glacier to Yutmaru, a wide valley floor filled with glacial deposits, glistening meltwater streams, and grazing patches. The environment begins to soften, but the grandeur remains.
Trek through terrain filled with rolling hills and glacier-fed streams to reach Bitanmal, a traditional summer pasture for local herders. This is a peaceful location to rest and reflect on the epic journey so far.
Descend through lush grazing lands, quiet valleys, and rocky trails to reach Falaling Chish, a remote camp tucked beneath rugged cliffs. The trail is gentler today, providing a mix of forest-lined streams and alpine meadows.
The final trekking day takes you down from high mountain wilderness into Hispar Village, nestled at the edge of civilization. You’ll feel the contrast between the harsh high-altitude environment and the welcoming warmth of the valley. Celebrate the completion of one of the world’s longest glacier traverses.
Begin your jeep ride to Hunza, passing through the stunning landscapes of Nagar Valley. Arrive in Karimabad, the cultural heart of Hunza. After days of camping, you’ll finally settle into a cozy hotel and enjoy your first hot shower in days.
Overnight: Hotel in Karimabad
Spend the day exploring the historic beauty of Hunza Valley. Visit Baltit and Altit Forts, walk through the lively Karimabad Bazaar, and view majestic peaks like Ultar, Ladyfinger, and Rakaposhi. Watch the sun set from Duikar Viewpoint, one of the highest accessible spots in Hunza.
Overnight: Hotel in Hunza or Gilgit
Take a morning flight from Gilgit or Hunza to Islamabad. Weather permitting, enjoy clear views of the Karakoram one last time. After check-in at the hotel, you can relax or join an optional city tour of Faisal Mosque, Lok Virsa, or Centaurus Mall, followed by a farewell dinner at Monal Restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad
Note: In case of flight cancellation, road transfer via Naran is arranged.
This is a flexible buffer day built in to accommodate weather delays or cancellations on the Gilgit–Islamabad route. If flights went smoothly, it can be used for sightseeing in Rawalpindi, Taxila, or even Peshawar.
Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad
After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your departure. Your Snow Lake and Hisper La expedition concludes with unforgettable memories of glaciers, summits, and the warm people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Note: Post-departure hotel stay is not included.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and start your planning offline.
Yes. Snow Lake is the massive ice basin that connects Biafo and Hisper Glaciers. The Hisper La Trek traverses this area. Variants include:
12–14 days of trekking within the 21-day itinerary, depending on the pace and conditions.
June to September, when trails are accessible, and glacier crevasses are stable.
This is a physically demanding and technical trek requiring good endurance, previous multi-day trekking experience, and comfort with high-altitude conditions.
Trekking permits for Central Karakoram National Park and a restricted area permit—handled by the tour operator.
Highest point: Hisper La – 5,150m, with multiple days above 4,000m. Acclimatization is built into the itinerary.
Yes. Experienced local guides and porters are provided to carry gear and assist.
Yes, due to prolonged exposure above 4,000m. Our itinerary includes rest days and gradual elevation gains to reduce risk.
Only limited medical help is available. We carry a basic first-aid kit and a satellite phone for emergencies. Personal travel insurance is mandatory.
Snow leopards (rare), Himalayan brown bears, ibex, markhor, marmots, and high-altitude birds like lammergeiers and golden eagles.
From $ 6,000
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