Remote technical Karakoram traverse via Panmah, Skam La (5,407 m) and Snow Lake.
Max Altitude5,407 m (Skam La)
Total Duration24 Days
GradeAdvanced
Trekking Days16 Days
Joining CityIslamabad
DeparturesOn Request
Skam La Trek
Skam La (5,407 m) is a rarely traversed, technical high-alpine pass linking the Panmah basin to the upper
Snow Lake region in the Central Karakoram. This remote 24-day expedition travels from Askole through the
Panmah and Nobande–Sobande glacier areas before crossing the pass toward Simgang and returning via Snow
Lake, Baintha and Namla.
Remote Karakoram wilderness
Complex glacier terrain, hidden crevasses, variable icefalls and limited access to outside assistance
make this a serious mountaineering traverse. Roped travel, advanced ice-axe and crampon skills, crevasse
rescue capability, sound acclimatization and an experienced expedition team are required. Wildlife
sightings are never guaranteed.
Route profile
Duration: 24 days
High pass: Skam La, 5,407 m (verify with operator)
Route: Askole – Panmah – Nobande–Sobande – Skam La – Simgang – Snow Lake – Baintha
– Askole
Grade: Advanced technical glacier expedition
Accommodation: Hotels and self-supported camping
Season: Confirm safe departure window and permits with operator
Important: The itinerary is a proposed route, not a guarantee of safe passage.
Conditions can require a route change, delay or cancellation.
24-Day Itinerary
24-day Skam La itinerary
The supplied itinerary is a proposed route. Skardu flights and the technical pass crossing depend on
conditions; confirm equipment, qualified guides, permits and contingency days before departure.
Day 01 Arrival in Islamabad
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Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, meet the Blue Sky team and transfer to your hotel.
Hotel
Day 02 Fly to Skardu or drive to Chilas
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Take the weather-dependent flight to Skardu. If cancelled, begin the two-day Karakoram Highway drive and overnight in Chilas.
Hotel; flight or road
Day 03 Skardu acclimatization or road arrival
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Free day for sightseeing, preparation and acclimatization if the flight operates; otherwise complete the drive from Chilas. Attend any required operator or tourism-office briefing.
Hotel
Day 04 Drive to Askole
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Travel by jeep to Askole, the trekking trailhead in the Braldu Valley.
Camp
Day 05 Trek to Jula
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Begin the approach trek from Askole to Jula. Actual route and timing depend on river and trail conditions.
Camp
Day 06 Trek to Shingrsa
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Continue toward Shingrsa through remote Karakoram terrain.
Camp
Day 07 Trek to Panmah
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Follow the approach toward the Panmah basin.
Camp
Day 08 Trek to Lami Duksa
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Trek onward to Lami Duksa; guides assess glacier and moraine conditions.
Camp
Day 09 Rest day and Choktoi Glacier excursion
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Rest and, conditions permitting, take an excursion toward the Choktoi Glacier.
Camp
Day 10 Trek to Shinchapbi Biana
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Continue the remote glacier approach to Shinchapbi Biana.
Camp
Day 11 Trek to Skinmang
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Trek toward Skinmang, following the route selected by your guide.
Camp
Day 12 Trek to Drenmang
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Continue to Drenmang amid increasingly high-altitude glacier terrain.
Camp
Day 13 Rest and acclimatization day
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Rest and assess conditions for the upcoming technical crossing.
Camp
Day 14 Trek to Nobande–Sobande Glacier
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Move through the Nobande–Sobande glacier area; route finding and crevasse assessment are essential.
Camp
Day 15 Trek to high camp
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Establish a high camp for the Skam La crossing. Check weather, equipment, rope teams and the descent plan.
High camp
Day 16 Cross Skam La (5,407 m) to Simgang
▼
Technical crossing of Skam La into the Simgang area, only when conditions permit. Roped glacier travel, crevasse rescue capability and experienced guides are essential.
Technical crossing; camp
Day 17 Trek to Snow Lake
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Continue toward the Snow Lake snow basin, navigating crevassed terrain as a roped team when required.
Camp
Day 18 Trek to Baintha
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Descend the Biafo glacier system toward Baintha, negotiating ice, moraine and meltwater.
Camp
Day 19 Trek to Namla
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Continue down-glacier toward Namla.
Camp
Day 20 Trek to Askole
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Complete the return trek to Askole.
Camp
Day 21 Drive to Skardu
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Drive to Skardu and attend any required post-expedition debriefing.
Hotel
Day 22 Fly to Islamabad or drive to Chilas
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Take the weather-dependent flight to Islamabad or begin the return road journey via Chilas.
Hotel
Day 23 Islamabad rest day or road arrival
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Free day in Islamabad if flights operate; otherwise complete the road journey from Chilas.
Hotel
Day 24 International departure
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Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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.
Regional map only; not suitable for glacier navigation.
Skam La Gallery
Photographs of Panmah basin, Skam La, Simgang and Snow Lake, when
supplied.
Trip photographs will be added once approved Skam La images are supplied.
Planning & FAQs
Who is this expedition for?
Experienced mountaineers with advanced glacier travel, roped movement and crevasse-rescue skills. The
pass is not suitable for an ordinary trekking group.
Are Skardu flights guaranteed?
No. Weather can force a road journey via Chilas.
What equipment and safety arrangements are included?
Confirm technical equipment, qualified guides, permits, communications, emergency evacuation and
insurance coverage before booking. Standard trekking inclusions alone do not establish technical support.
