Mountain Ski Expeditions
Cross Country Skiing in the Mighty Karakorams
Overview
Skiing is as thrilling as mountaineering especially in the Karakoram Mountain Region of Pakistan. With its longest glacier system surrounded by gigantic mountains, ski in the Karakorams would be a heartwarming experience.
Among numerous spots for cross country ski, an expedition starting at Braldu Glacier in Shimshal Valley crossing Lupka La (5544m) entering Snow Lake in Biafo Glacier and finally reaching Askole has become a popular destination. Alternatively the trip can take place at Khani Basa of Biafo Glacier then crossing Hispar Pass (5050m) to enter into Snow Lake finally reaching Askole.
Yet another fascinating option starts at Panmah Glacier, skiing around Nobande Sobande Glacier entering into Simgang Glacier via Sim La (5850m) leading towards Snow Lake finally terminating at Askole again.
Skiers can take advantage of climbing a peak up 6500 meters of altitude without paying any additional permit fee.
The recommended season to start a ski trip is the last week of April or the first week of May. There are many more spots for skiing in Pakistan but the summary of 3 most popular routes is given below.
Ski Expedition Facts
Expedition Name: K2
Expedition Code: ATP-XP-01
Expedition Zone: Restricted Zone
Approach route: Islamabad-Skardu-Askole-Concordia-K2 Base Camp
Expedition Grade: Extremely Hard
Duration: 60 days
Average Daily walk: 6-7 hours
Trekking days (in & out): 12
Days at base camp & above: 41
Hotel Nights: 08
Best Time: December to March
Visa Category: Mountaineering & Trekking
Visa Sub Category: Mountaineering
Permit Requirement: A mountaineering permit is required as the expedition falls in the restricted zone.
Gallery
Locations for Ski Expedition
Option A. Braldu Glacier & Snow Lake Ski Expedition
Trip code: ATP-ST-01
Route: Islamabad-Gilgit-Karimabad Hunza-Shimshal-Shimshal Pass-Braldu Glacier-Lupke La-Snow Lake-Askole-Skardu-Islamabad.
Recommended duration of Expedition: 26-28 days (7 hotel nights & 19-20 camping nights)
Option A on map
Option B. Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Ski Expedition
Trip code: ATP-ST-02
Route: Islamabad-Gilgit-Karimabad Hunza-Hispar-Khani Basa-Hispar Pass-Snow Lake-Askole-Skardu-Islamabad.
Recommended duration of Expedition: 26 days (6 hotel nights & 20 camping nights)
Option B on map
Option C. Nobande Sobande Glacier & Snow Lake Ski Expedition
Trip code: ATP-ST-03
Route: Islamabad-Skardu-Askole–Panmah Glacier–Nobande Sobande Glacier–Sim La–Snow Lake-Askole-Skardu-Islamabad.
Recommended duration of Expedition: 27 days (6 hotel nights & 21 camping nights)
Option C on map
Option D. Naltar & Hopar Ski Expedition
Trip code: ATP-ST-04
Route: Islamabad-Gilgit-Naltar-Hunza-Hopar-Gilgit-Islamabad.
Recommended duration of Expedition: 15 days (7 hotel nights & 8 camping nights)
Option D on map
Option E. Deosai Plains Ski Expedition
Trip code: ATP-ST-05
Route: Islamabad-Astore-Deosai Plains –Thale Khor-Skardu -Islamabad.
Recommended duration of Expedition: 20 days (7 hotel nights & 13 camping nights)
Option E on map
Note:
The option of taking a flight to Skardu after arrival in Islamabad on day 1 is possible depending upon the arrival time of international flight.
If the flight operates for Skardu on day 2, drive to Askole on day-4 is possible to gain an extra day for climbing/acclimatisation