Biafo Hispar Snow Lake Trek
The Snow Lake (Biafo & Hispar Glaciers)
Overview
Biafo and Hispar glaciers are listed among the longest glaciers out of the polar region. A trekking route from Baltistan to enter the legendary Hunza valley is the longest glacial traverse. Starting our walk from Askole, we hike on Biafo Glacier and arrive at the vast bowl of snow called as Snow Lake surrounded by peaks of 6000M and above.
Snow Lake covers an area of 77 square kilometres. The great explorers have mentioned the area in their accounts while Tillman witnesses the presence of a mythical creature, Yeti as he saw the footprint of the beast around Snow Lake.
Trek Facts
Trek Name: The Snow Lake Trek (Biafo Hispar and Snow Lake Trek)
Trek Code: ATP-TR-04
Trekking Zone: Open Zone
Route: Islamabad-Chilas-Skardu-Askole-Biafo Glacier-Snow Lake-Hispar Pass-Hispar Glacier-Hispar Village-Karimabad Hunza–Gilgit-Islamabad.
Best time: Early June to Mid-September
Maximum Elevation:5151 meters
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Trek Duration: 19 nights/20 days (6 hotel nights & 13 camping nights)
Visa Category: Tourist
Visa Sub Category: Tourist
Permit Requirement: A trekking permit is not required as the trek falls in the open zones.
Gallery
Trek locations on map
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the Islamabad International Airport, transfer to hotel. 500m, Hotel
Day 2. Islamabad–ChilasDrive to Chilas (via Besham -12 hours & via Babusar Pass -10 hours) 1265m, Hotel
Day 3. Chilas–SkarduDrive to Skardu (7-8 hours) 2250m, Hotel
Day 4. SkarduFinal preparations in Skardu 2250m, Hotel
Day 5. Skardu–AskoleDrive to Askole by Jeeps. (6-7 hours) 3000m, Hotel
Day 6. Askole–NamlaTrek to Namla (7-8 hours) 3690m Tents
Day 7. Namla–MangoTrek to Mango (5-6 hours) 3660m, Tents
Day 8. Mango–BainthaTrek to Baintha (5 hours) 3990m, Tents
Day 9. Baintha–MarfogoroTrek to Marfogoro (6-7 hours) 4410m, Tents
Day 10. Marfogoro–Snow LakeTrek to Snow Lake (7 hours) 4750m, Tents
Day 11. Snow LakeFree day at Snow Lake 4750m, Tents
Day 12. Hispar PassTrek to Hispar Pass (5-6 hours) 5150m, Tents
Day 13. Hispar La PassTrek to Hispar La Base Camp (5 hours) 4770m, Tents
Day 14. Khani BasaTrek to Khani Basa (6 hours) 4511m, Tents
Day 15. YutmaruTrek to Yutmaru (6 hours) 4300m, Tents
Day 16. Pumari ChhishTrek to Pumari Chhish (5-6 hours) 4080m, Tents
Day 17. BitanmalTrek to Bitanmal (6 hours) 3660m, Tents
Day 18. Bitanmal–Hispar VillageTrek to Hispar Village (4 hours) 3383m, Tents
Day 19. KarimabadDrive to Karimabad Hunza (7 hours) 2400m, Hotel
Day 20. KarimabadFree day in Karimabad Hunza 2400m, Hotel
Day 21. Karimabad–NaranDrive to Naran (9 hours). 2400m, Hotel
Day 22. Naran–IslamabadDrive to Islamabad (6 hours) Hotel
Day 23. Hotel–AirportOnward flight home.
Note: The flight between Islamabad and Skardu is subject to weather conditions.