Full Board
Strenuous
June to September
29 Days
The Lukpe La Trek is an epic high-altitude expedition through one of the most remote and least-traveled regions of the Karakoram Range. This demanding route links the legendary Braldu Glacier with the immense frozen basin of Snow Lake, often described as the largest non-polar ice field on Earth. The Lukpe La Trek (also known as the Braldu Pass Trek) is one of the most demanding and prestigious high-altitude journeys in the world. This is not a standard hike; it is a full-scale alpine expedition that bridges the remote Shimshal Valley with the legendary Snow Lake basin.
Starting from the high-altitude village of Shimshal, the route follows the Braldu Glacier to the summit of the Lukpe La Pass (5,700m). From the top, you are rewarded with a rare, panoramic view of the highest peaks of the Karakoram, including K2 and the Latok group. The trek then descends into the “White Highway”—the massive glacial intersection of Snow Lake and the Biafo Glacier—ending in the village of Askole. For those seeking the “Last Frontier” of mountain travel, the Lukpe La trek is the pinnacle of adventure.
Crossing steep valleys, glaciated terrain, and high mountain passes, the trek reaches its climax at Lukpe La, a dramatic ice pass that reveals sweeping views of some of the Karakoram’s most iconic peaks, including K2, Latok, and The Ogre (Baintha Brakk). The journey concludes at Snow Lake, a surreal white expanse at nearly 5,000 meters, offering an unmatched sense of isolation and raw wilderness. Another trek we highly recommend is our Shimshal Pass Trek, an experience that is as rewarding as it is strenuous.
What is the Lukpe La trek difficulty level? This trek is rated as Technical/Challenging. It is significantly more difficult than the K2 Base Camp or Gondogoro La treks.
The Lukpe La trek involves significant time on active glaciers. Trekkers must be comfortable with:
This is a high-exposure trek where altitude sickness is a real risk without proper pacing.
Our Lukpe La itinerary includes multiple acclimatization days to ensure a safe crossing of the pass.
| 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 |
Lukpe La stands at an impressive 5,700 meters (18,700 feet). It is higher than the Everest Base Camp and requires excellent physical fitness and previous high-altitude experience.
Lukpe La trek cost for a full 22-day expedition typically starts at $3,500 USD. This includes high-altitude porters (HAPs), technical equipment, satellite communication, all permits, and domestic flights within Pakistan.
The best time to visit Lukpe La is between July and mid-August. Outside of this window, the pass is often blocked by heavy snow, or the crevasses on the Braldu and Biafo glaciers become too dangerous to navigate.
While they share the same region, the Lukpi La trek is a traverse that includes a 5,700m pass. A standard Snow Lake trek usually enters and exits via the Biafo Glacier or crosses the Hispar La. The Lukpe La route is considered the more difficult and “alpine” version of the journey. If you are interested in trekking to the Snow Lake, check out our 22-Day Snow La Trek via Hispar La.
It is situated on the border between the Shimshal region (Hunza) and the Shigar region (Baltistan), serving as a high-altitude gateway between the two mountainous districts.
Jason B. –
From Islamabad to the mountains, everything was perfectly coordinated. The trekking routes were well chosen, campsites were beautiful, and the staff went above and beyond to help us.