Snow Lake Hispar La Trek: 22 Day Glacier Trekking Expedition

Trek Type

Full Board

Trek Difficulty

Strenuous

Best Time

June to September

Duration

20 Days

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek Overview

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).

  • Expedition Style: Full-board camping on ice and moraine.
  • Trek Distance: Approximately 120km (75 miles) across continuous glacier.
  • Route: Askole (Baltistan) to Hispar Village (Hunza).
  • Booking Window: July to August 2026.

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek Highlights

  • The Infinite Highway of Ice: Journey across the combined biafo hispar snow lake trek route, covering over 100km of continuous glacial walking.
  • Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo): Stand in a 16km-wide high-altitude snow basin at 4,800m, a landscape so vast and white it was once described as the “last great wilderness.”
  • Cross the Hispar La (5,151m): Conquer the high pass that serves as the bridge between the Balti and Hunza cultures, offering panoramic views of the Latok and Baintha Brakk (The Ogre) peaks.
  • Rare Wildlife Encounters: The snow lake trek region is a known habitat for the elusive Himalayan Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex.
  • Cultural Cross-Over: Experience the dramatic transition from the rugged Baltistan region to the lush, terraced orchards of the Hunza Valley.

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek Difficulty and Altitude

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.

Technical Skills and Gear

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.

Altitude and Physical Endurance

  • Maximum Altitude: 5,151m at the summit of Hispar La.
  • Camping on Ice: For at least 6 to 8 nights, you will be camping directly on the glacier. This requires significant mental resilience and high-quality cold-weather gear.
  • Endurance: You will be trekking 6–9 hours a day on a shifting landscape of ice, slush, and rocky moraine.

Snow Lake Hispar La Trek Inclusions/Exclusions

InclusionsExclusions
Domestic flights & all ground transportInternational airfare, visas & insurance
Hotels in Islamabad & Skardu (twin-sharing)Personal trekking gear & sleeping bags
Trekking permits & camping feesMeals outside itinerary & extra hotel nights
Trek accommodation (twin-sharing tents)Excess baggage charges
All meals during trekking days + snacksEmergency evacuation & rescue costs
Licensed trekking guide & full support staffTips & gratuities
Porterage for personal luggage (fixed allowance)Personal expenses outside of those specified
CKNP waste management feeEarly departure or trek withdrawal costs
Secure baggage storage in SkarduGear rental unless specified
Satellite phone (emergency use) & first-aid kitForce majeure expenses

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival in Islamabad
  • Arrival at Islamabad International Airport

  • Transfer to hotel for rest and trek preparation

Day 2 Fly to Skardu
  • Fly to Skardu (45-minute flight)

  • Check-in and rest

  • Trek preparations

Day 3 Sightseeing and Preparation in Skardu
  • Sightseeing: Skardu Bazaars, Kharpocho Fort, Sadpara Lake

  • Gear check and paperwork

  • Overnight in Skardu

Day 4 Skardu to Askoli
  • Drive (~7 hours) to Askoli, the trek starting point

  • Overnight in tents or local guesthouse

Day 5 Trek from Askoli to Namla
  • Trek 6–7 hours through scenic valleys

  • Camp at Namla

Day 6 Trek from Namla to Mango
  • Trek 5–6 hours through alpine terrain

  • Camp at Mango

Day 7 Trek from Mango to Bianttha
  • Trek 5–6 hours

  • Panoramic glacier views

  • Camp at Bianttha

Day 8 Rest and Acclimatization at Bianttha
  • Acclimatization day

  • Short hikes around Bianttha

Day 9 Trek from Bianttha to Marfogoro
  • Trek 6 hours through high-altitude terrain

  • Camp at Marfogoro

Day 10 Trek from Marfogoro to Karphogoro
  • Trek 6 hours to higher elevations

  • Camp at Karphogoro

Day 11 Trek from Karphogoro to Hispar La Base Camp
  • Trek 6 hours along glaciers

  • Camp at Hispar La Base Camp

Day 12 Trek from Hispar La Base Camp to Snow Lake
  • Trek 6 hours to Snow Lake

  • Set up camp and enjoy glacier vistas

Day 13 Cross Snow Lake and Trek to Kani Basa
  • Cross Snow Lake

  • Trek 4 hours to Kani Basa

  • Camp at Kani Basa

Day 14 Trek from Kani Basa to Bakhtur Baig
  • Trek 6 hours

  • Camp at Bakhtur Baig

Day 15 Trek from Bakhtur Baig to Shigham Baris
  • Trek 7 hours

  • Camp at Shigham Baris

Day 16 Trek from Shigham Baris to Bitenmal
  • Trek 6 hours

  • Camp at Bitenmal

Day 17 Trek from Bitenmal to Hispar Village
  • Trek 4 hours

  • Overnight at Hispar Village

Day 18 Drive from Hispar Village to Karimabad
  • Drive ~4 hours

  • Overnight stay in Karimabad

Day 19 Sightseeing in Karimabad and Drive to Gilgit
  • Visit Baltit Fort and Altit Fort

  • Drive 3 hours to Gilgit

Day 20 Fly from Gilgit to Islamabad
  • 40-minute flight

  • Transfer to hotel for rest

Day 21 Contingency Day in Islamabad
  • Reserved for delays

  • Optional city sightseeing

Day 22 Departure Back Home
  • Transfer to Islamabad International Airport

  • Fly to home country

1 review for Snow Lake Hispar La Trek: 22 Day Glacier Trekking Expedition

  1. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the snow lake hispar trek cost for 2026?

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.

Is the Snow Lake Hispar La Trek safe for intermediate trekkers?

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.

How long is the biafo hispar snow lake trek?

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.

What is the best time for a snow lake Pakistan trek?

Why book the Snow Lake Hispar La Trek with Karakoram Treks?

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.