Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek in Pakistan: Complete Guide by the Numbers

Katharine Levins
May 28
3 min read

Updated: May 30

porters crossing Hispar La during an expedition — Porters crossing Hispar La during an expedition

The Snow Lake and Hispar La trek is one of the most remote and extraordinary trekking routes in the Karakoram range of northern Pakistan. This glacial traverse connects two of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions—Biafo and Hispar—and leads hikers across high mountain passes, untouched wilderness, and isolated alpine camps.

In this guide, we break down the Snow Lake trek by the numbers—distance, altitude, duration, difficulty, and more—to help you prepare for one of the most rewarding expeditions in Pakistan.

Planning your next expedition? Explore our fully guided Snow Lake & Hispar La trek with Moving Mountains.

Snow Lake to Hispar La: A High-Altitude Traverse Between Glaciers

This once-in-a-lifetime trek connects the Biafo Glacier from Askole in Baltistan to the Hispar Glacier, leading into the Nagar Valley of Hunza. It crosses the mighty Hispar La Pass, forming one of the longest continuous glacial systems in the world—stretching over 100 kilometers through the heart of the Karakoram.

Along the way, trekkers traverse through:

Baltistan Region — Starting point in the village of Askole
Central Karakoram Mountains — Home to countless unnamed peaks and vertical granite towers
Hunza Valley (Nagar side) — Exit point through lush alpine terrain and traditional villages

Trekking Distance and Duration: 145 Kilometers Over 15 Days

The full trek from Askole to Hispar Village spans approximately 145 kilometers and typically takes 12 to 15 trekking days, depending on weather, conditions, and team pace. Including drive-in and contingency days, the full journey is usually 18 to 20 days from Islamabad to return.

Total trekking distance: 145 km
Average trekking hours per day: 6 to 9
Glacier travel: Over 60% of the trek is on glacial terrain
Technical level: Non-technical but physically demanding with crevasse navigation

Want to see what each day looks like? View the full Snow Lake trek itinerary.

Snow Lake Glacial Basin: 16 Kilometers of Ice and Silence

Snow Lake, or Lukpe La, is a vast glacial basin at 4,900 meters surrounded by towering ice peaks. It stretches roughly 16 kilometers wide, with walls of ice and rock enclosing the surreal amphitheater. Snow Lake is often cited as one of the most beautiful mountain sights in the world.

This area sees very few visitors each year, making it one of the most pristine and untouched trekking destinations in Asia.

mountains rise up against the backdrop of snow lake — Mountains rise up against the backdrop of Snow Lake

Hispar La Pass: 5,151 Meters Above Sea Level

The high point of the trek is the Hispar La Pass, a non-technical but demanding snow-covered saddle sitting at 5,151 meters. Crossing this pass is the crux of the trek and requires excellent weather, glacier rope teams, and prior acclimatization.

Pass elevation: 5,151 meters
Altitude gain from base camp: Approximately 800 meters
Viewpoints: Panoramic views of peaks like Snow Dome, Hispar Sar, and Khani Basa

Preparing for altitude? Read our high-altitude trekking guide.

a climber flies his drone at snow lake — A climber flies his drone at Snow Lake

Remote Glacier Camps: 10+ Nights Under the Stars

You’ll spend more than 10 nights camping on glaciers or in alpine zones along the way. Campsites range from lush meadows to icy plateaus, with highlights including:

Namla Camp – First night on glacier
Baintha Camp – Overlooked by the Latok group
Marphogoro Camp – Gateway to Snow Lake
Hispar High Camp – Pre-pass staging ground
Bitanmal and Falolingkish – Descending toward Hispar Village

Each site is chosen for its natural beauty, safety, and proximity to water sources.

the milky way as seen from the Karakoram — The Milky Way as seen from the Karakoram

Zero Signal, Full Wilderness Experience

The Snow Lake and Hispar La route is one of the most off-grid treks in Pakistan. There is no mobile phone coverage from the moment you leave Skardu until you reach the Nagar Valley side.

We provide:

Satellite phone communications
Emergency evacuation plans
Experienced local guides and porters
All permits and logistical support

Is the Snow Lake Trek Right for You?

This trek is ideal for experienced hikers seeking remote, high-altitude adventure. While it is non-technical, it involves long days on ice, significant altitude gain, and glacier safety knowledge.

Difficulty level: Strenuous
Best time to go: Mid-June to mid-August
Group size: Small group expeditions only
Guides: All expeditions are led by certified local guides

Curious about other challenging treks? See our K2 Base Camp expedition for another iconic Karakoram adventure.

Fast Facts Recap

Feature	Detail
Total Trek Distance	145 km
Highest Point	Hispar La – 5,151 m
Duration	18–20 days
Glacier Campsites	10+
Snow Lake Width	16 km
Trekking Difficulty	Advanced
Communication	Satellite only
Region	Baltistan to Hunza

Book Your Snow Lake Trek with Moving Mountains

Are you ready for one of the world’s most remote and visually stunning treks? Join Moving Mountains for a fully supported, expertly guided expedition to Snow Lake and Hispar La.