- Overview
- Itinerary
- Gallery
Snow Lake is an expansive glacial basin, stretching over 16km, nestled at high altitude and situated at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. It's at the meeting point of these glaciers, known as the Hispar La, that this region boasts the greatest concentration of glacial ice outside of Antarctica. These frozen rivers connect two ancient mountain kingdoms: Hunza to the West and Baltistan to the East. Due to its remote location, Snow Lake serves as a sanctuary for various wildlife, including the Himalayan bear, ibex, markhor, and the elusive snow leopard.
For centuries, this region has captivated Himalayan explorers. In 1892, Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor, bestowed the name "Snow Lake" upon this area and described it as "the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold." Renowned mountaineer Eric Shipton referred to it as "the last blank on the map," adding to its allure.
Rising majestically above the sprawling glaciers are the towering peaks of the Karakoram. Among them are Kanjut Sar (7,760m), Distaghil Sar (7,885m), and Makrong Chhish (6,607m). The Latok group, consisting of Latok I (7,145m), Latok II (7,108m), Latok III (6,949m), and Latok IV (6,456m), as well as Baintha Brakk (The Ogre) (7,285m), contribute to the grandeur of this mountainous landscape. The Ogre gained fame after a challenging ascent in 1977 by British climbers Doug Scott and Chris Bonington, with a grueling descent resulting in Scott enduring multiple leg fractures and a week-long journey to Base Camp.
The trek commences by following the trail to K2 Base Camp before turning westward onto the Biafo Glacier on the first day. Over the next few days, the path follows rocky moraine ridges on the glacier, with Namla, Mango, and Baintha serving as grassy campsites behind lateral moraines. From Baintha camp, we venture onto the glacier, following the expansive ice highway that offers a more comfortable walking experience compared to the earlier sections with loose rocks.
Upon reaching the pinnacle of our journey at Hispar La, standing at an elevation of 5,151m, we begin our descent into Hunza. As we arrive at Hunza village, we complete our traverse, transitioning into a region characterized by distinct language and culture, setting it apart from Baltistan.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ISLAMABAD (540M)
- Arrive in Islamabad
- Sightseeing in Islamabad
- No meals
We meet you on arrival at Islamabad airport and drive to the hotel. At some point during the day, your leader will give the trek briefing and check your gear. The rest of the day is free to explore Islamabad and pack your bags.
DAY 2: FLY TO SKARDU (2,228M), IF CANCELLED DRIVE KKH TO NARAN (2,409M)
- Flight to Skardu
Bus to Naran (5 hours) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- K2 Motel in Skardu
- PTDC in Naran
This morning we take the PIA flight to Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan. If there is a cancellation of this flight then today we will start driving Karakoram Highway (“KKH”). It takes two days to drive KKH and on the way we have one night at the hotel in the town of Naran.
DAY 3: JEEP DRIVE TO ASKOLE (3,048M)
- Drive by jeep to Askole (6 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Prepare for an exhilarating journey along a winding jeep trail, featuring thrilling sections with steep inclines. Just a short distance from Skardu, we cross the Indus River at a bridge near its convergence with the Shigar River. Continuing our drive, we venture into the expansive Shigar Valley, passing by charming villages and their lush fields.
As we progress, we reach the next confluence of rivers and begin tracing the upstream path of the Braldu River. The gorge grows steeper and the landscape more arid as we ascend. Along the way, we encounter a handful of villages adorned with green fields nourished by irrigation and shaded by apricot trees. The final village in this valley is Askole.
The duration of the drive to Askole can vary depending on the condition of the road, which fluctuates from year to year. The Braldu section is susceptible to landslides that may obstruct the route. However, the skilled local drivers possess the expertise to address any challenges that arise, devising solutions to clear the road or utilizing alternate jeep routes.
DAY 4: TREK TO NAMLA (3,566M)
- Walking 12km (7 to 8 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Our trek commences from Askole, initially following the well-trodden path towards K2 Base Camp. However, at Korofong, we diverge from this main trail and venture westward onto the Biafo Glacier. Ascending over a shoulder, we proceed along the left lateral moraine, traversing a path marked by loose rocks and an occasionally faint trail. As we progress, we descend onto the glacier itself, then make our way back to the left bank upon reaching Namla. This picturesque spot offers a delightful campsite nestled within a grassy area, sheltered by a lateral moraine.
DAY 5: TREK TO MANGO (3,720M)
- Walking 7km (5 to 6 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Leaving our camp behind, we descend onto the glacier and navigate alongside a fracture zone, carefully treading near its edge. Progressing towards the center of the glacier, we navigate through a series of moraine ridges, grappling with the loose rocks that make this leg of the journey more demanding. Finally, we establish our camp at Mango, situated on the left bank of the Biafo Glacier. This location offers a welcome respite, as it rests upon a serene grassy area, providing a tranquil setting for our stay.
DAY 6: TREK TO BAINTHA (4,035M)
- Walking 11km (6 to 7 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Leaving our campsite, we descend once again onto the glacier. The trail now leads us up the center of the glacier, following a wide and well-trodden path of ice. Compared to yesterday's challenges, the walking becomes easier on this ice highway. We transition to the right side of the glacier and leave its icy embrace, arriving at a serene grassy area known as Baintha. This picturesque spot serves as our camp for the night.
DAY 7: ACCLIMATISATION DAY AT BAINTHA (4,035M)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Today is a well-deserved rest day for both you and the trek crew, allowing for acclimatization to the high altitude. You can choose to relax in camp or, if you're feeling energetic, embark on a walk up the ridge behind the camp. From there, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the magnificent Latok group and the awe-inspiring Ogre. Keep an eye out for sightings of Ibex, which are often spotted on the grassy slopes above the camp.
DAY 8: TREK TO MORFOGORO (4,300M)
- Walking 11km (5 to 6 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
As we resume our journey, we follow a steep and occasionally loose trail to rejoin the glacier. Once back on the glacier, the walking becomes more straightforward as we traverse the flat icy terrain. Depending on the conditions, there may be open crevasses along the way, requiring us to rope up for safety. We are rewarded with remarkable vistas of various peaks, including the imposing Ogre towering at an altitude of 7,813m. Today marks our first glimpse of the majestic Hispar La and the renowned Snow Lake. Our camp for the night is set at Morfogoro, nestled off the glacier, offering a tranquil resting place for our weary but inspired souls.
DAY 9: TREK TO KARPOGORO (4,680M)
- Walking 7km (5 to 6 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Once we find ourselves back on the central glacier, the terrain becomes more favorable as we tread upon flat ice, facilitating easier progress. However, we must remain vigilant as the presence of crevasses increases today as we ascend higher on the glacier. We walk together, maintaining awareness of our surroundings.
DAY 10: TREK HISPAR LA BASE CAMP (4,590M)
- Walking 3km (5 to 6 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Our objective for the day is to reach the southern end of the expansive snowy flat expanse known as Snow Lake. Navigating through a network of crevasses, we make our way towards this high-altitude glacial basin spanning over 16km at the convergence of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. At an elevation of 4,590m, we establish our camp at Hispar La Base Camp.
DAY 11: CROSS SNOW LAKE AND TREK TO HISPAR LA (5,151M)
- Walking 11km (5 to 6 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Continuing our journey, we traverse the vast expanse of Snow Lake and commence the ascent to Hispar La. The climb to the pass, while not excessively steep, demands considerable effort at this altitude. We must also remain cautious of the crevasses scattered in this area. The views from Hispar La are truly breathtaking, with the sight of the Biafo glacier flowing down to Snow Lake and the imposing presence of The Ogre. On the opposite side, we behold the magnificent Hispar glacier snaking its way towards the peaks of Hunza. Our camp for the night is set on the glacier itself at Hispar La, situated at an altitude of 5,151m.
DAY 12: TREK TO KANI BASA (4,511M)
- Walking 4km (5 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
With an early start, we begin our descent from Hispar La, maneuvering through a crevassed terrain. As we progress, the glacier gradually flattens out. Further along our path, we encounter the Kani Basa glacier, where the collision of the two glaciers creates a fracture zone. Negotiating this area, we finally arrive at our campsite in Kani Basa, nestled within a grassy ablation valley, offering splendid vistas of the majestic Kanjut Sar (7,760m).
DAY 13: TREK TO YUTMARU (4,130M)
- Walking 10.5km (6 to 7 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Today presents us with a formidable challenge as we navigate a series of moraine ridges, requiring our utmost focus and determination. Traversing these uneven terrains of loose scree, we ascend amidst the rugged landscape. Along the way, we encounter several glacial streams that we must carefully cross. As dusk settles in, we find solace and respite at our campsite located on the right side of the glacier, known as Yutmaru.
DAY 14: TREK TO SHIGAM BARIS (4,170M)
- Walking 8km (6 to 7 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
With the dawn of a new day, our journey continues by embarking on the crossing of a side glacier. Slowly and steadily, we ascend over loose scree, embracing the delicate beauty of the diverse flowers that grace our path whenever it reveals itself. Progressing through this rocky terrain, we eventually reach our destination, the enchanting Shigam Baris. Nestled amidst a small grassy campsite, this tranquil haven provides a perfect sanctuary for us to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate.
DAY 15: TREK TO BITANMAL (3,760M)
- Walking 16.5km (6 hours walking)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
After an hour of trekking, we navigate a descent down a steep bank, leading us to a smaller glacier originating from a neighboring valley. Crossing this icy expanse, we find ourselves back in the familiar embrace of the valley we know so well, where the trail conditions undergo a marked improvement. With each step forward, the walking becomes noticeably easier as we proceed on our path toward Bitanmal. As we arrive at our destination, we are greeted by the sight of this campsite nestled within a vast meadow, a favored spot for local herders from Hispar village. In this idyllic setting, characterized by its tranquility and natural beauty, we settle in for a restful overnight stay, surrounded by picturesque vistas that captivate the senses.
DAY 16: TREK TO HISPAR VILLAGE (2,302M)
- Walking 15km (7 to 8 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Camping
Venturing forth from our camp at Bitanmal, we embark on a descent further down the valley, embracing the natural splendor that surrounds us. Our expedition commences with the traversal of a small glacier, originating from a side valley. As we forge ahead, Hispar village comes into view, a welcome sight signaling our imminent arrival. This marks our first encounter with civilization since we embarked from Askole, granting us a glimpse of human habitation amidst the untamed wilderness. Crossing a sturdy bridge, we eventually set foot in the welcoming embrace of Hispar village. Here, amid the picturesque backdrop of vibrant green orchards and fields, we find ourselves surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. Our campsite, nestled in a verdant grassy area near the village, provides a tranquil retreat where we can unwind and bask in the tranquility of our surroundings.
DAY 17: DRIVE TO KARIMABAD (2,438M)
- Drive to Karimabad (4 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Hotel in Hunza
We embark on a scenic jeep ride for a couple of hours, making our way to Nagar village. The route we traverse is a narrow track that eventually leads us to the renowned Karakoram Highway. From there, we continue our journey towards Karimabad, where we settle into a comfortable hotel. With the rest of the day at our leisure, we can freshen up, unwind, and take the opportunity to wander around and immerse ourselves in the charm of this vibrant town.
DAY 18: MORNING SIGHTSEEING IN KARIMABAD, AFTERNOON DRIVE TO GILGIT
- Sightseeing in Karimabad
- Drive to Gilgit (4 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Hotel in Gilgit
The picturesque Hunza Valley awaits us, offering breathtaking beauty, and today we have the opportunity to explore Karimabad, a captivating town nestled on a hillside to the north of the road. From here, we can soak in the enchanting views of the lush and fertile valley below, as well as catch glimpses of snow-capped mountains gracing the horizon. Our exploration includes visits to the ancient forts of Alti and Baltit, which trace their origins back to the 13th century. The Baltit Fort, once the residence of the ruling Mir, stands as a sentinel over the valley and has been transformed into a museum, providing insights into the region's rich history. Perched even more dramatically above the Hunza River, the Alti Fort offers an awe-inspiring sight. In the afternoon, we embark on a drive to Gilgit, continuing our journey through this remarkable region.
DAY 19: FLY TO ISLAMABAD (IF CANCELLED DRIVE KKH)
- Flight to Islamabad
Bus to Chilas (5 hours)
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Hotel in Islamabad
- Hotel in Chilas
We take the morning flight to Islamabad (inshallah!). If the flight does not operate due to cancellation we start the drive the KKH to Chilas.
DAY 20: SPARE DAY IN ISLAMABAD/ DRIVE KKH
- Sightseeing in Islamabad
- Drive to Islamabad on KKH (8 to 9 hours) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Hotel in Islamabad
If we flew to Islamabad yesterday then we will spend today sightseeing. If driving the KKH we arrive in Islamabad in the late afternoon. In the evening we will have a final group meal to celebrate our mountain journey.
DAY 21: FLY BACK HOME
Flight back home
