Are you ready to embark on one of the most epic and remote treks in the world? The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is a legendary adventure that takes you deep into the heart of the Karakoram Range, offering a rare glimpse into a pristine, untouched wilderness. This trek is not just about conquering high-altitude passes or walking on glaciers; it’s about immersing yourself in a world of breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and unparalleled adventure.
At K2 Expeditions & Trekking, we’ve been guiding adventurers through this incredible region since 2012. With our expertise, commitment to safety, and passion for the mountains, we ensure that your journey is not only unforgettable but also seamless and secure.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Snow Lake Hispar La Trek, including highlights, itinerary, safety measures, and how to book your spot.
Unmatched Expertise: With over a decade of experience, we are the trusted local experts in the Karakoram region.
Small Group Sizes: We limit our groups to a maximum of 12 people for a personalized and intimate experience.
Safety First: We’ve partnered with Global Rescue to provide 24/7 medical and evacuation support, ensuring your safety at every step.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich traditions of the Balti and Hunza people, explore ancient forts, and connect with local communities.
Flexible Booking: Change your dates, adjust your itinerary, or modify payments without extra costs.
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and physical challenge. Here’s what makes it so special:
Snow Lake: A stunning high-altitude glacier basin often referred to as the “Frozen Ocean.”
Hispar La Pass (5,151m): Cross this iconic pass for panoramic views of the Ogre, Biafo, and Hispar Glaciers.
Biafo Glacier: Trek along the “Ice Highway,” one of the longest glacier systems outside the polar regions.
Remote Wilderness: Explore a region so untouched that very few trekkers venture here.
Cultural Gems: Discover hidden medieval forts, interact with local communities, and walk in the footsteps of ancient Silk Route traders.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot ibex, Markhor, and even the elusive snow leopard in their natural habitat.
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is a challenging yet rewarding journey that spans approximately 120 kilometers of glaciers, high-altitude passes, and lush valleys. Starting in Islamabad, the trek takes you through the heart of the Karakoram Range, crossing the Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake, and Hispar La Pass, before descending into the enchanting Hunza Valley.
This trek is designed for experienced adventurers who are physically fit and ready to embrace the challenges of high-altitude trekking. With our expert guides and support staff, you’ll be in safe hands every step of the way
✔️ Professional Mountain Guide: All treks are led by experienced and licensed mountain guides, as required by local regulations.
✔️ Airport Transfers: Transfers for both domestic and international flights.
✔️ Internal Flights: Includes all flights within Pakistan and associated airport transfers.
✔️ All Land Transport: Transportation as per the itinerary.
✔️ Accommodation: Comfortable hotel stays and camping accommodations along the way.
✔️ All Meals: Fully inclusive meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 22.
✔️ Permit Fees: Covers all necessary permits for trekking and access to restricted areas.
✔️ Complete Trekking Support: The services of porters, cooks, and supporting staff to assist throughout your journey.
✔️ Camping Equipment: Sleeping tents, mattresses, mess tents, kitchen and toilet tents, and all necessary camping equipment (e.g., kitchen supplies, tables, and stools).
✔️ Team Insurance: Insurance coverage for field crew and low-altitude porters (excluding helicopter rescue).
✔️ Field Crew Wages and Kits: Payment and basic equipment provision for local guides, Sirdars, porters, and assistants.
✔️ Miscellaneous Services: Includes airport porterage, toll taxes, parking fees, and reconfirmation of domestic air tickets.
❌ Travel insurance
❌ International flights and visa fees
❌ Tips for guides and support staff
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra food, etc.)
❌ Extra luggage fees at the airport
❌ City tours in Islamabad and Skardu
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is a legendary journey that takes you deep into the heart of the Karakoram Range, offering breathtaking views of glacial landscapes, towering peaks, and untouched wilderness. This trek is a true test of endurance and spirit, perfect for adventurers seeking a challenge and a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.
What sets this adventure apart? Our unwavering commitment to your safety, flexibility, and peace of mind. We’ve partnered with Global Rescue, the world’s leading provider of medical, security, and travel risk management services, to ensure you’re in safe hands every step of the way. From emergency evacuations to support, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Snow Lake Hispar La Trek, including dates, pricing, safety measures, and how to book your spot.
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek begins and ends in Islamabad, Pakistan’s vibrant capital. The trek takes you through some of the most stunning and remote landscapes on Earth, including the legendary Snow Lake, a vast glacial basin surrounded by towering peaks, and the challenging Hispar La Pass, which connects the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers.
Each day is carefully planned to balance adventure with acclimatization, ensuring you’re prepared for the high-altitude challenges. From lush valleys to icy glaciers, every step of the journey is a feast for the senses.
We understand that trekking in remote regions comes with risks. That’s why we’ve partnered with Global Rescue to provide:
Emergency Medical Support: Access to medical professionals available.
Evacuation Services: In case of emergencies, Global Rescue will handle your evacuation, whether by land or air.
Travel Risk Management: Stay informed about potential risks and receive real-time updates.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations. Your safety is our top priority, and having the right insurance ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.
Early Bird Discounts: Secure your spot early to lock in the best prices and avoid peak-season surcharges.
Flexible Payment Plans: Pay in four convenient installments to ease the financial burden.
No Surcharge Guarantee: The price you see at the time of booking is the price you pay, no matter when you travel.
Fully Refundable Deposit: A deposit of $170 is required to confirm your booking. This deposit is fully refundable if the trip is canceled due to COVID-19, security issues, or political unrest in Pakistan or your home country.
Accommodation:
Comfortable 3-4 star hotels in Islamabad and Skardu.
Shared tents during the trek (private tents available for an additional fee).
Meals:
All meals are provided, featuring a mix of Pakistani, continental, and vegetarian options.
Breakfast: Cereal, eggs, bread, chapatis, jam, and honey.
Lunch: Sandwiches, dried fruit, and nuts.
Dinner: Soups, local starters, rice, curry, and desserts like cakes and custard.
Special dietary needs? Let us know when you book!
Transportation:
Airport transfers in Islamabad.
Domestic flights to Skardu (weather permitting) or a scenic road journey along the Karakoram Highway.
Support Staff:
Licensed mountain guides, porters, and cooks who are local experts.
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is a challenging adventure that requires:
Excellent Physical Fitness: Be prepared for 6-8 hours of trekking daily on rugged terrain.
Altitude Awareness: The trek reaches altitudes above 5,000 meters, so proper acclimatization is crucial.
Medical Check-Up: Consult your doctor before the trip and ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
Keep your trekking gear under 17 kg, including your sleeping bag and mattress.
We’ll weigh your bags before the trek and store any extra items at our Skardu office for free.
A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months.
Visa: A trekking visa is required for the region. Apply early, as processing can take 6-8 weeks.
E-Visa: Available for many nationalities. Check with the nearest Pakistani embassy for details.
Extend your adventure with guided city tours in Islamabad and Skardu:
Islamabad: Visit the iconic Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument, and Lok Virsa Museum.
Skardu: Explore Kharpocho Fort, Sadpara Lake, and the bustling local markets.
Limited Spots: Our small group sizes mean spots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Early Bird Discounts: Lock in lower rates by booking early.
Flexible Payments: Pay a deposit now and the balance upon arrival in Pakistan.
The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is more than just a trek; it’s a journey into the soul of the Karakoram. With our commitment to safety, flexibility, and exceptional service, you can focus on what truly matters – the adventure of a lifetime.
Contact us today to book your spot or customize your itinerary. Let’s make your dream trek a reality!
Arrival and Pickup
Our guide will meet you at Islamabad International Airport, holding an orange sign with our company logo and your name. Please provide your flight details at least five days before arrival.
Transfer to Hotel
You’ll be transferred to a hotel to rest after your journey. If arriving between 9 am and 12 pm, after lunch and some rest, we will meet at 6 pm for a briefing and any remaining payments, followed by dinner. For late arrivals, payments and briefings will be handled in Skardu.
Accommodation
Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel (subject to availability).
GPS Data: Altitude: 2,498m
In the morning, participants will take a scenic flight from Islamabad to Skardu, with views of Nanga Parbat if the weather is clear. After arriving in Skardu, the rest of the day is free.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel (based on availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
Altitude: 2,498m
After breakfast, participants will hike up to Kharpocho Fort, which offers stunning views of the Indus River and Skardu town. They can also choose to visit Sadpara Lake and enjoy free time shopping in Skardu Bazaar.
Meanwhile, our staff will handle the necessary government paperwork in Skardu, which may take up to two days. We have extra days planned at the end of the trek in case of any delays.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Concordia Motel, Mountain Lodge, or a similar hotel (based on availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
GPS Data: Altitude: 3,015 m
Participants will start a jeep safari toward Daso, passing through the Shigar Valley alongside the Braldu River, heading to Askole—the last village on the route. From Askole, the trek begins, though sometimes walking starts earlier, depending on road conditions. The journey takes 6 to 8 hours.
Accommodation: Camping in twin-sharing dome tent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner + snacks (dry fruit/chocolate) for trek, appetizer (soup/fried-snacks) before dinner and dessert/fruits after dinner
Activity: Start of Trekking
Details: The trekking begins by following the trail to Biafo Glacier. Cross the lateral moraine and trek to the grassy campsite at Namla, offering magnificent mountain views. Overnight in a tented camp.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Glacier Trekking
Details: Traverse the rugged terrain of the Biafo Glacier. Watch for crevasses and keep an eye on the stunning scenery as you make your way to Mango Camp, a small grassy area beside the glacier.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Glacier Hike
Details: Follow the lateral moraine of the Biafo Glacier, with slightly easier trekking compared to previous days. Baintha Camp is set in a beautiful grassy area, providing an ideal spot for acclimatization.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Rest Day
Details: Take a rest day to acclimatize to the high altitude. Optionally, hike up to a ridge for stunning views of the Latok group and Ogre peaks.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Trekking on Biafo Glacier
Details: Continue trekking on the Biafo Glacier, navigating around crevasses as you ascend towards Marfogoro. The stunning view of Snow Lake and the surrounding peaks becomes increasingly visible.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Trek to Snow Lake
Details: Trek across the famous Snow Lake, a 16km-wide glacial basin. Marvel at the awe-inspiring views of the Karakoram range as you head to Karphogoro Camp.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Glacier Traverse
Trek :6 Hours, 8 KM
Details: Cross the vast Snow Lake to reach Hispar La Base Camp. Set up camp at the base of Hispar La and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity: Summit Hispar La Pass
Details: Ascend to the top of Hispar La Pass (5,150m), the highest point of the trek. Enjoy panoramic views of Snow Lake, Hispar Glacier, and the surrounding peaks.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: 4,510m, Time: 5 hours, Distance: 8km)
Descend from Hispar La, navigating a series of crevasses and crossing the Kani Basa Glacier. The grassy campsite offers a stunning view of Kanjut Sar.
Overnight: Full-service Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Time: 6 hours, Distance: 10km
Continue descending on the glacier, crossing glacial streams and moraine ridges. Your camp for the night is on the right side of the glacier.
Overnight: Full-service Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Time: 7 hours, Distance: 12km
The day involves crossing a side glacier and navigating loose scree before arriving at the scenic campsite of Shigham Baris.
Overnight: Full-service Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Time: 6 hours, Distance: 11km
Trek through smoother terrain as you descend, crossing the glacier back into the valley. You’ll arrive at Bitenmal, a large meadow used by local herders.
Overnight: Full-service Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Time: 4 hours, Distance: 9km
You’ll make your way to Hispar Village, crossing a bridge and a small glacier. Enjoy the vibrant greenery after days of glacier trekking.
Overnight: Full-service Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: 4 hours)
Leave Hispar and drive along the Nagar River to Karimabad, the capital of Hunza. The rest of the day is free to explore the town.
Overnight: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the UNESCO-listed Baltit and Altit forts, perched high above the Hunza Valley. After sightseeing, drive to Gilgit.
Overnight: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
GPS Data: Altitude: 540m
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Skardu to Islamabad aiport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. Incase of flight cancellation, you will drive to Chilas for overnight. It takes eight to ten hours by a vehicle.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
This day is reserved for any potential delays if the domestic flight didn’t operate the previous day. Guests will depart early in the morning from Chilas to Islamabad, which can take up to ten hours. If participants arrive in Islamabad on the domestic flight, they’ll have a free day to explore the city.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale, Prestige Residence, or a similar hotel (subject to availability).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus tea, coffee, and snacks included.
Meals: Breakfast
Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.
Third Time’s a Charm: Snow Lake Hispar La Trek with K2 Expeditions & Trekking
This was my third trek with K2 Expeditions & Trekking, and it continues to exceed my expectations. The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey through the heart of the Karakoram. The scenery is simply breathtaking – towering peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and vibrant wildflowers.
K2 Expeditions & Trekking, as always, provided top-notch support. The guides were experienced and knowledgeable, ensuring our safety and well-being throughout the trek. The porters were incredibly hardworking and always cheerful. The food was delicious and plentiful, providing the energy we needed for each day’s challenges.
The highlight of the trek was undoubtedly reaching Snow Lake, a mesmerizing glacial lake nestled amidst towering peaks. The views were simply awe-inspiring. Crossing the Hispar La, one of the highest passes in the Karakoram, was another unforgettable experience.
I highly recommend this trek to anyone seeking a challenging and rewarding adventure in the mountains. K2 Expeditions & Trekking is the best choice for this journey, providing a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience.