Duration
21 Days
Group Size
5-12 People
Season
Summer
The Snow Lake Trek is an extraordinary journey to one of the most stunning yet least-visited places in the Karakoram. Snow Lake, a vast glacial basin at an altitude of 4,800m, is a hidden gem surrounded by towering ice walls and pristine landscapes. This trek follows the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, offering adventurers the chance to walk on one of the longest glacial systems outside the polar regions.
Altitude: 540 m
Details: Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our team will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel, allowing you to rest after your journey. If you arrive between 9 AM and 12 PM, lunch will be provided, followed by some time to relax. In the evening, all trekkers will gather for a briefing session, covering the trek details, safety measures, and final preparations. If arriving late, the briefing will be conducted in Skardu.
Altitude: 2,498 m
Details: An early morning flight from Islamabad to Skardu offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and Karakoram, including Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the 9th highest mountain in the world. Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day free to explore Skardu. In case of flight cancellation, an alternative road journey to Chilas will be arranged.
Altitude: 2,498 m
Details: After breakfast, we embark on a scenic hike to Kharpocho Fort, offering panoramic views of Skardu town and the Indus River. You may also visit Sadpara Lake, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains. Our team will complete the necessary government documentation for the trek, which may take up to two days.
Altitude: 3,015 m
Details: We begin our 6–8 hour jeep journey towards Askole, the last inhabited village before entering the wilderness. The route follows the Shigar Valley and the Braldu River, passing through dramatic gorges and traditional Balti settlements.
Altitude: 3,571 m
Details: The trek officially begins as we leave Askole, following the K2 Base Camp trail before diverting west onto the Biafo Glacier. We ascend over a rocky shoulder to the left moraine and carefully navigate crevasses before setting up camp at Namla, a scenic grassy site behind a lateral moraine.
Altitude: 3,715 m
Details: Today’s trek involves crossing a complex fracture zone of the glacier, moving along rugged moraine ridges. Expect challenging terrain with loose rocks, requiring focus and stability. We set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo Glacier, in a sheltered grassy area.
Altitude: 4,041 m
Details: Continuing along the glacier’s center, the trek becomes slightly easier compared to the previous days. The day ends at Baintha, a stunning camping spot surrounded by towering Karakoram peaks and grassy meadows.
Altitude: 4,041 m
Details: A well-earned rest day at Baintha allows trekkers to adjust to the high-altitude conditions. You may choose to hike up a ridge for panoramic views of Latok I & II and The Ogre, or relax in the campsite, keeping an eye out for wild ibex on the surrounding slopes.
Altitude: 4,298 m
Details: After breakfast, we embark on a steep ascent onto the glacier. The terrain flattens out, making for a relatively straightforward trek. As we progress, the dramatic Ogre Peak (7,285m) dominates the skyline, and we get our first glimpses of Snow Lake and Hispar La.
Altitude: 4,585 m
Details: We trek across the surreal Snow Lake, an enormous glacial basin that stretches as far as the eye can see. Navigation requires caution due to hidden crevasses. Named by Martin Conway in 1892, Snow Lake is considered one of the most beautiful glacier basins in the world.
Altitude: 5,149 m
Details: Today, we ascend Hispar La, a high-altitude mountain pass linking Biafo and Hispar Glaciers. Though not extremely steep, the elevation makes the climb physically demanding. The views from the top are breathtaking, showcasing an endless sea of ice and peaks.
Altitude: 4,468 m
Details: We start early, descending from Hispar La into a maze of crevasses. The landscape transitions as we reach Kani Basa Glacier, where the confluence of two glaciers creates a dramatic setting for our camp.
Altitude: 4,168 m
Details: A tough trekking day awaits as we cross moraine ridges, scramble up scree slopes, and wade through glacial streams. The reward is reaching Jutmal, a scenic campsite nestled between ice and rock.
Altitude: 3,765 m
Details: A steep descent takes us across another glacier before emerging into the valley below. We camp in Bitanmal, a large meadow used by local herders from Hispar Village.
Altitude: 3,605 m
Details: Our final glacier crossing over Kunyang Glacier leads us onto a well-defined trail, bringing us to the beautiful Falaling Chhish meadows.
Altitude: 2,297 m
Details: A bridge crossing marks the transition from glaciers to Hispar Village, where we are welcomed by lush orchards and terraced fields. Depending on road conditions, we either meet our jeeps for transfer or walk to the campsite.
Altitude: 2,440 m
Details: We leave the wilderness behind, driving through Nagar Valley before joining the Karakoram Highway. Arriving in Karimabad, we check into our hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Details: Allocated for any potential trekking delays; enjoy a day of sightseeing in Hunza Valley.
Visit the historic Baltit and Altit forts, explore Karimabad, and admire the stunning landscapes.
Altitude: 538 m
Details: Morning flight from Gilgit to Islamabad.If flights are canceled, an alternative drive to Naran or Besham will be arranged.
Altitude: 538 m
Details: Allocate this day for potential flight delays, with an early morning departure to Islamabad if necessary. Free day in Islamabad for sightseeing if flights are successful.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Details: Our staff will transfer you to the airport based on your flight schedule. Hotel checkout time is 12 PM.
Altitude: 540 m
Details: Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our team will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel, allowing you to rest after your journey. If you arrive between 9 AM and 12 PM, lunch will be provided, followed by some time to relax. In the evening, all trekkers will gather for a briefing session, covering the trek details, safety measures, and final preparations. If arriving late, the briefing will be conducted in Skardu.
Altitude: 2,498 m
Details: An early morning flight from Islamabad to Skardu offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and Karakoram, including Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the 9th highest mountain in the world. Upon arrival, you will have the rest of the day free to explore Skardu. In case of flight cancellation, an alternative road journey to Chilas will be arranged.
Altitude: 2,498 m
Details: After breakfast, we embark on a scenic hike to Kharpocho Fort, offering panoramic views of Skardu town and the Indus River. You may also visit Sadpara Lake, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains. Our team will complete the necessary government documentation for the trek, which may take up to two days.
Altitude: 3,015 m
Details: We begin our 6–8 hour jeep journey towards Askole, the last inhabited village before entering the wilderness. The route follows the Shigar Valley and the Braldu River, passing through dramatic gorges and traditional Balti settlements.
Altitude: 3,571 m
Details: The trek officially begins as we leave Askole, following the K2 Base Camp trail before diverting west onto the Biafo Glacier. We ascend over a rocky shoulder to the left moraine and carefully navigate crevasses before setting up camp at Namla, a scenic grassy site behind a lateral moraine.
Altitude: 3,715 m
Details: Today’s trek involves crossing a complex fracture zone of the glacier, moving along rugged moraine ridges. Expect challenging terrain with loose rocks, requiring focus and stability. We set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo Glacier, in a sheltered grassy area.
Altitude: 4,041 m
Details: Continuing along the glacier’s center, the trek becomes slightly easier compared to the previous days. The day ends at Baintha, a stunning camping spot surrounded by towering Karakoram peaks and grassy meadows.
Altitude: 4,041 m
Details: A well-earned rest day at Baintha allows trekkers to adjust to the high-altitude conditions. You may choose to hike up a ridge for panoramic views of Latok I & II and The Ogre, or relax in the campsite, keeping an eye out for wild ibex on the surrounding slopes.
Altitude: 4,298 m
Details: After breakfast, we embark on a steep ascent onto the glacier. The terrain flattens out, making for a relatively straightforward trek. As we progress, the dramatic Ogre Peak (7,285m) dominates the skyline, and we get our first glimpses of Snow Lake and Hispar La.
Altitude: 4,585 m
Details: We trek across the surreal Snow Lake, an enormous glacial basin that stretches as far as the eye can see. Navigation requires caution due to hidden crevasses. Named by Martin Conway in 1892, Snow Lake is considered one of the most beautiful glacier basins in the world.
Altitude: 5,149 m
Details: Today, we ascend Hispar La, a high-altitude mountain pass linking Biafo and Hispar Glaciers. Though not extremely steep, the elevation makes the climb physically demanding. The views from the top are breathtaking, showcasing an endless sea of ice and peaks.
Altitude: 4,468 m
Details: We start early, descending from Hispar La into a maze of crevasses. The landscape transitions as we reach Kani Basa Glacier, where the confluence of two glaciers creates a dramatic setting for our camp.
Altitude: 4,168 m
Details: A tough trekking day awaits as we cross moraine ridges, scramble up scree slopes, and wade through glacial streams. The reward is reaching Jutmal, a scenic campsite nestled between ice and rock.
Altitude: 3,765 m
Details: A steep descent takes us across another glacier before emerging into the valley below. We camp in Bitanmal, a large meadow used by local herders from Hispar Village.
Altitude: 3,605 m
Details: Our final glacier crossing over Kunyang Glacier leads us onto a well-defined trail, bringing us to the beautiful Falaling Chhish meadows.
Altitude: 2,297 m
Details: A bridge crossing marks the transition from glaciers to Hispar Village, where we are welcomed by lush orchards and terraced fields. Depending on road conditions, we either meet our jeeps for transfer or walk to the campsite.
Altitude: 2,440 m
Details: We leave the wilderness behind, driving through Nagar Valley before joining the Karakoram Highway. Arriving in Karimabad, we check into our hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.
Details: Allocated for any potential trekking delays; enjoy a day of sightseeing in Hunza Valley.
Visit the historic Baltit and Altit forts, explore Karimabad, and admire the stunning landscapes.
Altitude: 538 m
Details: Morning flight from Gilgit to Islamabad.If flights are canceled, an alternative drive to Naran or Besham will be arranged.
Altitude: 538 m
Details: Allocate this day for potential flight delays, with an early morning departure to Islamabad if necessary. Free day in Islamabad for sightseeing if flights are successful.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Details: Our staff will transfer you to the airport based on your flight schedule. Hotel checkout time is 12 PM.
Embarking on the Snow Lake Trek requires careful preparation to ensure your safety, comfort, and success. We have categorized the required gear into three distinct lists to help you pack efficiently for this incredible adventure.
These mandatory items are crucial for your trek and should be included in your packing list:
For theSnow Lake Trek, additional technical gear is required:
While not mandatory, these items may add comfort and convenience to your trekking experience:
Embarking on the Snow Lake Trek requires careful preparation to ensure your safety, comfort, and success. We have categorized the required gear into three distinct lists to help you pack efficiently for this incredible adventure.
These mandatory items are crucial for your trek and should be included in your packing list:
For theSnow Lake Trek, additional technical gear is required:
While not mandatory, these items may add comfort and convenience to your trekking experience:
Call us directly if you need any urgent help. Our agents will help you.
Email us directly if you need any help. Our agents will help you.
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