Full Board
Strenuous
June to September
20 Days
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is one of the most iconic high-altitude treks in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan, traversing the enormous Snow Lake Glacier (5,150m), one of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions. This expedition links the Braldu Glacier with the Hispar Glacier, offering unparalleled views of towering peaks such as K2, Rakaposhi, Masherbrum, and Latok. Starting from Askoli, the trek passes through remote villages, alpine meadows, and glaciated terrain, culminating at the breathtaking Snow Lake. Trekkers cross glaciers, moraines, and high passes while experiencing the raw wilderness of northern Pakistan. The trek ends with a descent to Hispar Village and a scenic drive through Hunza.
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is arguably the most wilderness-intensive glacier journey on the planet. This 22-day expedition traverses the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, which together form a 120km-long corridor of ice—the longest glacial system outside the polar regions.
The snow lake pakistan trek leads you to a massive high-altitude glacial basin at the head of the Biafo Glacier. Surrounded by jagged granite spires and pristine white snowfields, this trek is a favorite for those seeking the ultimate isolation of the Karakoram. Our snow lake hispar trek cost includes a full-service expedition team to navigate this remote “highway of ice,” connecting the ancient kingdoms of Baltistan and Hunza via the formidable Hispar La (5,151m).
How hard is the Snow Lake Hispar La Trek? This expedition is rated as Strenuous, exceeding the difficulty of the standard K2 Base Camp route.
The snow lake trek pakistan requires walking in roped teams. Because of hidden crevasses on the Biafo Glacier and the ascent to Hispar La, trekkers must be familiar with basic ice safety, including the use of crampons and ice axes.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Domestic flights & all ground transport | International airfare, visas & insurance |
| Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing) | Personal trekking gear & sleeping bags |
| Trekking permits & camping fees | Meals outside itinerary & extra hotel nights |
| Trek accommodation (twin-sharing tents) | Excess baggage charges |
| All meals during trekking days + snacks | Emergency evacuation & rescue costs |
| Licensed trekking guide & full support staff | Tips & gratuities |
| Porterage for personal luggage (fixed allowance) | Personal expenses outside of those specified |
| CKNP waste management fee | Early departure or trek withdrawal costs |
| Secure baggage storage in Skardu | Gear rental unless specified |
| Satellite phone (emergency use) & first-aid kit | Force majeure expenses |
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport
Transfer to hotel for rest and trek preparation
Fly to Skardu (45-minute flight)
Check-in and rest
Trek preparations
Sightseeing: Skardu Bazaars, Kharpocho Fort, Sadpara Lake
Gear check and paperwork
Overnight in Skardu
Drive (~7 hours) to Askoli, the trek starting point
Overnight in tents or local guesthouse
Trek 6–7 hours through scenic valleys
Camp at Namla
Trek 5–6 hours through alpine terrain
Camp at Mango
Trek 5–6 hours
Panoramic glacier views
Camp at Bianttha
Acclimatization day
Short hikes around Bianttha
Trek 6 hours through high-altitude terrain
Camp at Marfogoro
Trek 6 hours to higher elevations
Camp at Karphogoro
Trek 6 hours along glaciers
Camp at Hispar La Base Camp
Trek 6 hours to Snow Lake
Set up camp and enjoy glacier vistas
Cross Snow Lake
Trek 4 hours to Kani Basa
Camp at Kani Basa
Trek 6 hours
Camp at Bakhtur Baig
Trek 7 hours
Camp at Shigham Baris
Trek 6 hours
Camp at Bitenmal
Trek 4 hours
Overnight at Hispar Village
Drive ~4 hours
Overnight stay in Karimabad
Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort
Drive 3 hours to Gilgit
40-minute flight
Transfer to hotel for rest
Reserved for delays
Optional city sightseeing
Transfer to Islamabad International Airport
Fly to home country
The snow lake hispar trek cost for a 22-day all-inclusive expedition starts at $3,500 USD. This premium pricing covers the specialized logistics required for such a remote route, including high-altitude porters, roped safety equipment, and all domestic flights.
This trek is best suited for experienced trekkers. While it is not a “climb,” the requirement for roped travel and the extreme remoteness means you should have previous experience with high altitude trekking or multi-day glacier expeditions.
The total expedition duration is 22 days, with 14–15 days spent entirely on the wilderness trail. The total walking distance is approximately 120 kilometers, making it one of the longest glacial traverses in the world.
Karakoram Treks specializes in high-risk, high-reward glacier trekking. We provide veteran guides from Baltistan and Hunza who have crossed the Hispar La dozens of times. Our focus on safety, roping protocols, and dietary nutrition ensures you can focus on the beauty of the Karakoram.
Sofia Laarsa –
An unforgettable journey in the Karakoram. The team was extremely organized, food was surprisingly good even at higher camps, and the scenery was beyond imagination. Highly recommended for serious trekkers.