Remote glacier traverse from Baltistan to Nagar via Snow Lake and Hispar La.
Max Altitude5,151 m
Total Duration19 Days
GradeStrenuous
Trekking Days10 Days
Joining CityIslamabad
DeparturesOn Request
Biafo & Hispar Trek
The Biafo–Hispar traverse links Askole in Baltistan with Hispar Village in Nagar across roughly 122 km of
remote Karakoram terrain. The route follows the Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo), crosses Hispar La
at 5,151 m and descends the Hispar Glacier. It is a self-supported wilderness expedition rather than a
lodge-to-lodge trek.
Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo)
Named Snow Lake by explorer Martin Conway in 1892, this broad snow basin lies at approximately 4,800 m
amid granite towers and icefields. Reported area and ice-depth estimates vary and should not be treated as
surveyed trip specifications.
Route profile
Glaciers: Biafo (approx. 67 km) and Hispar (approx. 49 km)
High pass: Hispar La, 5,151 m
Typical duration: 19 days; exact itinerary to be confirmed
Trailheads: Askole, Baltistan to Hispar Village, Nagar
Typical season: Early July to late August, conditions permitting
Hispar La and technical demands
Crossing Hispar La requires skilled glacier navigation and may involve roped travel around concealed
crevasses and unstable ice. Fresh snowfall and poor visibility can make the crossing unsafe. Experienced
guides, suitable equipment, acclimatization and contingency days are essential.
Remote wilderness
There are no permanent tea houses or fixed expedition camps along much of the traverse. Parties must
transport food, fuel and camping equipment. Loose moraine, changing streams and glacier conditions can
significantly alter daily progress. Wildlife may inhabit the wider valleys; sightings are not guaranteed.
19-Day Itinerary
19-day Biafo–Hispar itinerary
The itinerary below follows the supplied 19-day route. Skardu flights and high-altitude glacier travel
depend on weather and conditions; confirm contingency days and camps with your guide.
Day 01 Arrival in Islamabad
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Meet the Blue Sky team at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After lunch, enjoy sightseeing in Islamabad, including Faisal Mosque, Daman-e-Koh and local markets, subject to arrival time. Return to the hotel after a traditional Pakistani dinner.
Hotel; sightseeing
Day 02 Fly to Skardu (2,350 m) or drive to Chilas
▼
Transfer early for the weather-dependent mountain flight to Skardu. If the flight cannot operate, begin the two-day drive along the Karakoram Highway and overnight in Chilas, near Nanga Parbat.
Flight or road alternative; hotel
Day 03 Skardu: sightseeing, acclimatization and preparation
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If the flight operated, spend the day sightseeing, acclimatizing and preparing in Skardu. If travelling by road, drive approximately 7–8 hours (about 275 km) from Chilas to Skardu along the Indus River, with views of Nanga Parbat and Haramosh. Overnight at a hotel.
Skardu; hotel
Day 04 Drive to Askole (3,050 m)
▼
After breakfast, travel by jeep along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole, the last permanent settlement of Shigar Valley. Pass traditional villages and orchards before camping.
Drive: approximately 7–8 hours; camp
Day 05 Trek to Namla (3,400 m)
▼
Distribute loads among porters and begin trekking beside the Braldu River. After approximately two hours, climb a steep slope to enter the Biafo Glacier. Continue across boulders and lateral moraine to camp at Namla.
Trek: 5–6 hours; camp
Day 06 Trek to Manggo (3,650 m)
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Trek across boulders and gravel on the Biafo Glacier before reaching comparatively easier moraine and summer pastures. Camp among grass and willow bushes with views of the glacier and surrounding mountains.
Trek: 5–6 hours; camp
Day 07 Trek to Baintha (4,000 m)
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Walk through willow and grassy moraine, then cross the Biafo Glacier, negotiating boulders and crevasses. Continue to Baintha’s grassy ablation valley, with views toward Latok I and Latok II.
Trek: 6–7 hours; camp
Day 08 Rest day at Baintha
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Rest, acclimatize and prepare for the higher glacier stages. Activities depend on weather and the guide’s assessment.
Acclimatization; camp
Day 09 Trek to Karfogoro (4,400 m)
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Walk through an ablation valley with small lakes, willow bushes and wildflowers. Descend onto smoother ice on the Biafo Glacier and climb gradually while navigating crevassed terrain.
Trek: 7–8 hours; camp
Day 10 Trek to Snow Lake (4,750 m)
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Enter the vast snow basin of Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo). Travel as a roped team to manage hidden crevasse hazards and continue toward the junction with the Sim Gang Glacier. The proposed camp is near the pass, around 4,900 m; the exact camp elevation needs confirmation.
Trek: 2–3 hours; proposed camp ~4,900 m
Day 11 Cross Hispar Pass (approximately 5,150 m) to Khani Basa
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Begin early and ascend toward Hispar La. From the pass, enjoy views across Snow Lake and toward the Hispar Glacier and surrounding peaks. Descend carefully toward Khani Basa, travelling roped where crevasse conditions require.
Trek: 6–7 hours; technical glacier crossing; camp
Day 12 Trek to Yutmuro Glacier (4,300 m)
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Traverse and cross the Khani Basa Glacier, taking approximately two hours for the crossing. Continue amid views of Kanjut Sar and the surrounding glaciers to an ablation-valley camp at Yutmuro.
Trek: 5–6 hours; camp
Day 13 Trek to Bitanmal (3,600 m)
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Walk through the ablation valley and cross the Yutmuro Glacier. Enjoy views back toward Hispar Pass before reaching the willow- and wildflower-filled campsite at Bitanmal.
Trek: 6–7 hours; camp
Day 14 Trek to Hispar Village (3,100 m)
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Follow the Hispar River on an easier final trek to Hispar village, marking the end of the glacier traverse. Overnight in camp.
Trek: approximately 3 hours; camp
Day 15 Drive to Karimabad
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Travel by jeep through Nagar Valley to Karimabad in Hunza. Enjoy views toward Ultar, Rakaposhi and Golden Peak from the town. Overnight at a hotel.
Drive: approximately 3 hours; hotel
Day 16 Free day in Karimabad
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Enjoy a free day in Hunza, with optional visits to Altit and Baltit forts, local orchards and viewpoints overlooking the Nagar Valley and surrounding peaks.
Sightseeing; hotel
Day 17 Drive to Besham
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Travel south along the Karakoram Highway, with mountain views en route, to Besham for an overnight hotel stay.
Drive: approximately 12 hours; hotel
Day 18 Drive to Islamabad
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Continue the road journey to Islamabad and overnight at a hotel.
Drive: approximately 8 hours; hotel
Day 19 International departure
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Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. End of services.
Airport transfer
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Professional English-speaking mountain guide (government requirement; confirm current rule)
Pakistan visa supporting documents
Airport transfers for domestic and international flights
Internal flights and associated transfers (confirm applicability; Skardu flights are
weather-dependent)
All land transport in the itinerary
Accommodation as described
All meals and applicable permit fees
All staff, porters and cooks
Wages and basic kit for guide, sirdar, porter cook and assistants
Insurance for field staff and low-altitude porters, excluding helicopter rescue
Porterage at airports and hotels; tolls and parking
Staff wages and kit arranged by operator
Full trekking service, including food and group equipment; personal equipment excluded
Staff Wages, Equipment and Insurance: Staff insurance, fair wages in line with regional porter welfare guidelines, and food and lodging for mountain staff and porters.
Certified Guide: A licensed, government-registered English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Personal travel insurance
Pakistan visa fees
Tips for local guides and support staff
Miscellaneous personal expenses
Islamabad lunch and dinner
Confirm all flights, overland transfers, glacier safety equipment, permits,
porter arrangements and evacuation provisions before booking. Staff insurance does not replace personal
travel insurance.
Route map
Askole → Biafo Glacier → Snow Lake → Hispar La → Hispar Glacier → Hispar Village.
Regional map only, not a glacier-navigation map.
Biafo & Hispar Gallery
Photographs of Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake, Hispar La and Hispar Glacier,
when supplied.
Trip photographs will be added once approved Biafo–Hispar images are supplied.
Planning & FAQs
Is this a technical trek?
Yes. Crevasse navigation, roped glacier travel, unstable moraine and changing river crossings require
suitable experience and qualified guides.
How long does the traverse take?
This is a 19-day itinerary, including a rest day at Baintha and a weather-dependent flight or road
journey to Skardu. Confirm contingency arrangements with the operator.
Are accommodation and supplies available en route?
Plan for a fully supported camping expedition carrying food, fuel and group equipment.
What images should I upload?
Add approved photographs to images/trekking/biafo-hispar-trek/. The first image alphabetically becomes
the hero.
