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Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek Pakistan - 19-Day Karakoram Adventure

Experience the World's Longest Non-Polar Glacier Trek

Embark on the Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek, an unforgettable high-altitude trekking adventure through the majestic Karakoram Mountains in northern Pakistan. This challenging trek is perfect for experienced hikers seeking to explore one of the most remote and beautiful regions in the world. With breathtaking views of glaciers, towering peaks, and hidden valleys, the trek promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

Trek Highlights & What Makes This Journey Special

Your journey makes your way to Snow Lake, a vast glacial basin surrounded by towering peaks and massive glaciers. This serene, untouched landscape is often considered one of the most scenic spots in the world, offering panoramic views that will leave you in awe. Trekking through Snow Lake feels like stepping into a pristine, otherworldly environment—perfect for adventurers seeking peaceful isolation in nature.

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Cross the Legendary Hispar La Pass (5,150m)

After Snow Lake, the trek takes you to Hispar La, one of the highest and most challenging mountain passes in the Karakoram at 5,150. The crossing of Hispar La is a test of endurance, offering trekkers spectacular views of some of the tallest mountains in the world.

 

Journey Through Ancient Silk Route Villages

Along the trek, you’ll pass through traditional villages in Baltistan & Gilgit, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and hospitality. The Balti people’s warmth and rich heritage offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. This cultural experience adds an authentic touch to your adventure in Pakistan.

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2025 Fixed Departures & Pricing

  • June 23 - July 11 $4100 (Available)

  • July 14 - August 1 $4100 (Available)​​

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What's Included in Your Snow Lake Trek:

  • All hotel accommodation in between hiking days

  • Islamabad Airport pick up and drop off 

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all days

  • All ground transportation (excluding personal taxis in Islamabad and Skardu)

  • All on-the-ground logistics and trek planning

  • Experienced Guide

  • Trekking Permits/National Park permit fees

  • Letter of Invitation to Pakistan for Trekking & Mountaineering Visa

  • Internal flights within Pakistan to and from Islamabad

  • Up to 20 kgs of porter services per person

  • Group generator for charging electronics

  • Dining table, chairs, and a mess tent

What's Not Included:

  • Flights to Pakistan

  • Visa application fees

  • Any pre-tour or post-tour accommodation

  • All personal gear and equipment

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)

  • Tips for staff

  • Porter services exceeding 20 kgs

Complete 19-Day Snow Lake & Hispar La Itinerary

1 

Arrival in Islamabad

  • Arrival: Today is day 1 of the tour. We will start with a group meeting at 5pm and then enjoy a group dinner together before an early morning departure for Skardu the next day.

  • Activities: Rest and adjust to the time zone. If time allows, explore Islamabad.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.

2

Islamabad to Skardu (By flight)

  • Morning: Early morning flight from Islamabad to Skardu (weather permitting).

  • Arrival: Check into your hotel in Skardu.

  • Activities: Rest day to adjust to the altitude. Visit local sights such as Skardu Bazaar, Shangrila Resort, or the Skardu Fort.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.

3

Preparation day in Skardu

  • Today the team will make final preparations gathering food, finalizing permits & organizing group gear before we depart early tomorrow. 

  • Activities: Rest day to adjust to the altitude. Visit local sights such as Skardu Bazaar, Shangrila Resort, or the Skardu Fort.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Skardu.

4

Skardu to Askole (By jeep)

  • Morning: Drive from Skardu to Askole (6-8 hours).

  • Arrival: Arrive in Askole, the last village accessible by road, and camp.

  • Activities: Organize gear and prepare for the trek ahead.

  • Overnight: Camp in Askole.

5

Askole to Namla (Trek, 7-8 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 12 km

  • Elevation: 3,570 m

  • Trek Details: Start trekking on the K2 base camp trail and then soon turn towards Biafo glacier. This will be the first day of the trek and we will trek both on the moraine and on the glacier itself until we make our way to a grassy campsite for the night. 

  • Overnight: Camp in Namla.

6

Namla to Mango (Trek, 5-6 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 7 km

  • Elevation: 3,715 m

  • Trek Details: Start the day by crossing a fracture zone eventually leading us to the middle of the Biafo glacier and an ice highway. Camp in a grassy area off of the glacier. 

  • Overnight: Camp in Mango.

7

Mango to Baintha (Trek, 6-7 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 11 km

  • Elevation: 4,041 m

  • Trek Details: Continue on the glacial highway trekking 11km towards Baintha camp where we will be met with a beautifully grassy campsite contrasting to the desolate glacier beside us. 

  • Overnight: Camp in Baintha

8

Rest & Acclimatization day at Baintha

  • Trek Distance: 0 km

  • Elevation: 4,041 m

  • Trek Details: Rest, take a shower in a stream nearby, do laundry and acclimatize to prepare for the coming days. 

  • Overnight: Camp in Baintha.

9

Baintha to Morfogoro (Trek, 5-6 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 11 km

  • Elevation: 4,298 m

  • Trek Details: Today we will start the day by crossing the moraine to get back on the glacier. Once on, there are several crevices and depending on conditions we may rope up. Today Snow Lake & Hispar La should come into view depending on weather for the first time. 

  • Overnight: Camp at Morfogoro.

10

Morfogoro to Snow Lake & Hispar La Base Camp (Trek, 8 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 10 km

  • Elevation: 4,585 m

  • Trek Details: Trek towards the iconic Snow Lake which Sir Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor described it as "beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold..." The basin is 16km wide and along with the Hispar Glacier creates a 100km long glacier system that is one of the longest outside of the polar region. Today we will camp at the foot of Hispar La.

  • Overnight: Camp at Hispar La Base Camp.

11

Hispar La to Kani Basa (Trek, 9 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 15 km

  • Elevation: Hispar La 5,1550 m to Kani Basa 4,468 m

  • Trek Details: Today will be a challenging day but the day we have been preparing for. We will rope up and begin the ascent of Hispar La saying goodbye to the mighty Snow Lake. We will cross the crevice filled pass starting in Baltistan and ending in Gilgit. After the pass we will have a approximately 4 hour trek to Kani Basa. 

  • Overnight: Camp at Kani Basa. 

12

Kani Basa to Jutmal (Trek, 6-7 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 11 km

  • Elevation: 4,140 m

  • Trek Details: Today we will mostly be crossing glacial moraine with many, many rocks and some river crossings. We will end the day with a nice grassy campsite. 

  • Overnight: Camp at Jutmal.

13

Jutmal to Bitanma (Trek, 6-7 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 8km

  • Elevation: 3,760 m

  • Trek Details: Cross two glaciers today before we descend into a valley where the walking is easy. 

  • Overnight: Camp at Bitanma.

14

Bitanma to Falaling Chhish (Trek, 4-5 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 5 km

  • Elevation: 3,600 m

  • Trek Details: Make the last glacier crossing of the trek and up a path to end up at the meadows of Falaling Chhish where we will have a beautiful campsite. 

  • Overnight: Camp at Falaling Chhish.

15

Falaling Chhish to Hispar Village to Aliabad (Trek, 7-8 hours)

  • Trek Distance: 15 km

  • Elevation Gain: 2,297 m

  • Trek Details:  Today is our last day trekking! We will leaving Falaling Chhish making our way closer to Hispar. On the way you will begin to notice more signs of life with terraced farms and houses. We will end the trek in Hispar and make our way to Aliabad for the night where we can expect a hotel with hot water!

  • Overnight: Hotel in Aliabad.

16

Aliabad

  • Activities: There are no activities planned today. Guests are free to spend the day as they please - doing nothing, exploring nearby Karimabad or just enjoying our hotel in Aliabad before enjoying a group dinner together. 

  • Overnight: Hotel in Aliabad.

17

Aliabad to Gilgit

  • ​​Activities: After a leisurely morning in Aliabad, we'll depart for Gilgit early afternoon and pray to the flight gods for good weather the following morning. 

  • Overnight: Hotel in Gilgit.

18

Gilgit to Islamabad (By Flight)

  • Morning: Fly from Gilgit to Islamabad

  • Arrival: Check into group hotel in Islamabad.

  • Activities: Rest and recuperate after the trek. Take time to savor the experience, explore more or perhaps enjoy a coffee at one of Islamabad's nice cafes. We'll have our final group dinner tonight celebrating what we have just accomplished. Note, in case of flight cancellation (an unfortunately frequent occurrence) we will drive the scenic KKH over Babusar Pass and end up in Islamabad in the night. 

  • Overnight: Hotel in Islamabad.

19

Departure from Islamabad

  • Activities: There are no activities planned for the day. Checkout before noon from the hotel. 

  • Departure: Transfer to Islamabad International Airport for your departure.

Trek Difficulty & Physical Requirements
 

  • The Snow Lake & Hispar La trek is rated as **extremely strenuous** and suitable only for experienced high-altitude trekkers.

  • Key challenges include: Maximum Altitude:5,150m (16,896ft) at Hispar La Pass 

  • Technical Requirements: Rope team glacier crossing, crevasse navigation 

  • Daily Distances: 5-15km with 6-9 hours trekking 

  • Weather Conditions: Extreme cold, potential storms, UV exposure 

  • Prerequisites: Previous high-altitude experience above 4,000m recommended

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Best Time for Snow Lake Trek: Weather & Seasonal Guide

  • Optimal Season:June to August

  • June:Stable weather, fewer crowds, some snow crossings 

  • July:Peak season, warmest temperatures, best conditions 

  • August:Good weather continuing, end of season access

  • Weather Considerations:

    • - Temperatures range from -5°C to 15°C - Potential for sudden weather changes - Snow conditions affect Hispar La crossing difficulty

Snow Lake & Hispar La: Frequently Asked Questions

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How difficult is the Snow Lake trek compared to other Pakistan treks?

The Snow Lake trek is considered one of Pakistan's most challenging treks, more difficult than K2 Base Camp due to it's even more nature, glacier crossings and the technical Hispar La pass.

 

Do I need previous glacier experience?

While not mandatory, previous high-altitude and glacier experience is highly recommended. Our guides provide technical instruction, but basic mountaineering knowledge is beneficial.

 

What's the success rate for crossing Hispar La?

Weather-dependent, but our experienced guides achieve a 95% success rate. We carry contingency plans for weather delays.

 

How does this compare to other glacier treks worldwide?

This is the longest non-polar glacier trek globally, offering unmatched wilderness immersion compared to popular treks in Nepal or Peru.

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