Pakistan24 days
Biafo–Hispar Glacier Crossing: Snow Lake & Karakoram — 24 Days
A 24-day high-altitude glacier traverse across two of the world's longest non-polar glaciers, from the Biafo through Snow Lake at 4,845m to the Hispar La pass and down to Hunza Valley.
This expedition traverses the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, two of the world's longest outside the polar regions, over ice, snow, and high-altitude terrain. The route crosses Snow Lake at 4,845 meters—a vast, frozen plateau ringed by Karakoram peaks including the Ogre at 7,813 meters and Kanjut Sar at 7,760 meters—before ascending to the Hispar La pass at 5,151 meters. From the pass, the view extends across both glaciers and toward the peaks above Hunza Valley. The descent follows the Hispar Glacier's maze-like ice formations and ablation valleys before dropping to Hispar Village and eventually to the green valleys of Hunza. The trip begins and ends in Islamabad, with preparatory days in Skardu and a three-day recovery period in Karimabad and Gilgit after the glacier crossing.
Best time to go: June- Sept
Highlights
- Trekking the Biafo Glacier: dramatic ice pinnacles and moraine terrain, with the Ogre (7,813m) towering overhead
- Camping on Snow Lake at 4,845m: vast frozen plateau ringed by Karakoram giants, stargazing on ice
- Crossing the Hispar La pass at 5,151m: panoramic views spanning both glaciers and the valleys beyond
- Navigating the Yutmoro ice formations: maze-like crevasse fields and towering ice walls on the Hispar Glacier descent
- Return to inhabited terrain at Hispar Village: transition from weeks of complete glacier isolation to settled mountain life
- Hunza Valley exploration: Baltit Fort (restored 700-year-old structure), Karimabad Bazaar, and sunset views from Duikar viewpoint
Day by day
1Arrival in IslamabadIslamabad International Airport · Faisal Mosque · Daman-e-Koh viewpoint · Lok Virsa heritage museum · Saidpur village
Arrival at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to hotel. In the morning, rest to recover from the long flight. In the afternoon, a sightseeing tour of Islamabad's main sites: Faisal Mosque, Government buildings along Constitution Avenue, the Pakistan Monument, and Daman-e-Koh viewpoint overlooking the twin cities. Weather and timing permitting, visits to Lok Virsa heritage museum or Saidpur village can be added.
2Islamabad to Skardu by AirIslamabad to Skardu · Skardu · Islamabad airport
Transfer to Islamabad airport for a flight to Skardu at 2,300 meters. Clear weather often allows views of the northern mountains, including Nanga Parbat, from the aircraft. In case of flight cancellation, the journey overland via the Karakoram Highway takes two days. Upon arrival in Skardu, transfer to hotel.
3Skardu — Rest and Optional ExplorationSadpara Lake · Skardu Bazaar · Kharpocho Fort
Free day for rest or optional sightseeing: Sadpara Lake, Skardu Bazaar, and Kharpocho Fort overlooking the city.
4Skardu to Askoli — Braldu Gorge DriveSkardu to Askoli · Askoli · Braldu Gorge
A full-day jeep journey carries you from Skardu to Askoli (3,000m), the last village in Shigar Valley before the Snow Lake trek begins. The six-hour drive cuts through the dramatic Braldu Gorge, a landscape that demands attention at every turn. Lunch stops along the way. You'll reach camp by evening, settling into tents for the night as the mountains close in around you.
5Askoli to Namla — First Trek DayAskoli to Namla · Namla · Shigar Valley · Biafo Bridge · Biafo Glacier snout
First trekking day from Askoli to Namla (3,360m). The walk begins on gentle terrain through the Shigar Valley, then transitions onto the snout of the Biafo Glacier. The group turns left from Biafo Bridge (the right branch leads toward Baltoro Valley and K2). Walking time is six to eight hours, with lunch en route. From this point onward, a full porter caravan accompanies the trek to its end. Overnight in tents.
6Namla to Mongo — Biafo Moraine TraverseNamla to Mongo · Mongo
Second trekking day across the moraines and ablation valley of the Biafo Glacier to Mongo (3,700m). The terrain is rocky and uneven throughout. Walking time is approximately seven hours. Overnight in tents.
7Mongo to Biantha — Entering the GlacierBiantha · Biafo Glacier
From Mongo, the route ascends onto the white ice of the Biafo Glacier itself. Walking becomes more straightforward on the glacier surface, though entry and exit points are technical. The trek reaches Biantha (4,050m) in six to seven hours. This is the first close view of the Latok Group of peaks. The campsite sits in a green meadow. Overnight in tents.
8Biantha — Acclimatization Rest DayBiantha · ridge behind
Rest day to acclimatize at 4,050 meters. Time to wash, rest, and adjust to altitude. The camp offers the chance to hike the ridge behind for views and additional acclimatization. Rope-team practice can be conducted for group members new to glacier travel. Overnight in tents.
9Biantha to Marphogoro — Biafo Glacier CrossingBiantha to Marphogoro · Marphogoro · Biafo Glacier
After a rest day, we undertake a relatively difficult trek of six to eight hours across the Biafo Glacier to Marphogoro (4,400m). Getting onto the glacier is tricky, but once established on the white expanse, the walking becomes more straightforward. Crevasses demand constant attention and careful navigation. The landscape transforms dramatically — the greenery of Biantha campsite now only a memory. We enter the awesome expanse of the Biafo with its jagged ice pinnacles and towering rock formations. The Ogre (7,813m) rises prominently on our right. There is only snow and rock now. Overnight in camp.
10Marphogoro to Snow Lake — Camping on IceMarphogoro to Snow Lake · Snow Lake
Trek of six to seven hours across ice and snow to Snow Lake (4,845m), an expansive frozen plateau ringed by Karakoram peaks. The group camps on the lake itself, requiring cold-weather preparation and extra insulation for sleep. Throughout the day, crevasse risk demands full rope-team procedures. The night sky offers stargazing and Milky Way visibility from the ice. Overnight in tents on the lake.
11Snow Lake to Hispar La Pass — The High PointHispar La pass
Physically demanding day ascending to the Hispar La pass (5,151m) over six to seven hours. Slopes average around 30 degrees; the thinner air at altitude makes the ascent challenging despite gentle gradient. Rope-team protocols remain essential for crevasse avoidance. On reaching the summit, the view encompasses the Biafo Glacier behind and the Hispar Glacier ahead, along with the peaks above Hunza Valley. Historical accounts describe this panorama as unsurpassed among mountain views. A sunrise from the pass—if weather permits a rest day—is a defining experience of the trek. The pass can be unstable in afternoon conditions; the guide and trek leader assess daily whether to rest on the pass, descend to Snow Lake for an additional rest day, or proceed to the next camp. Overnight in tents at or near the pass.
12Hispar La to Kani Basa — Descent to Green GroundHispar La to Kani Basa · Kani Basa · Hispar La pass · Kani Basa Glacier
A demanding day ahead: more than eight hours of walking from Hispar La pass down to Kani Basa at 4,510 metres. An early start is essential, ensuring we cross the pass before snow softens in midday warmth. The descent demands constant attention to crevasses, which remain a hazard as we make our way down. We cross the Kani Basa Glacier, a significant stretch of exposed ice and snow. As we descend, Kanjut Sar rises dramatically at 7,760 metres, dominating the landscape above the glacier. The reward comes at journey's end: a green campsite, a genuine relief after several days confined to snow and ice. Overnight in camp.
13Kani Basa to Jutmal — Yutmoro Ice MazeKani Basa to Jutmal · Jutmal · Yutmoro Glacier
Seven-hour trek toward Yutmoro, crossing the Yutmoro Glacier en route to Jutmal (4,200m). The route through the glacier is labyrinthine, with high crevasse-laden ice walls narrowing the passage. After exiting the glacier, a loose rock face must be climbed to reach camp. Streams are crossed on the approach. The campsite overlooks the Hispar Glacier. Overnight in tents.
14Jutmal — Rest DayJutmal
Rest day at Jutmal to recover and acclimatize. Overnight in tents.
15Jutmal to Shiqam Bares — Rocky TerrainJutmal to Shiqam Bares · Shiqam Bares
Trek across rocky terrain to Shiqam Bares (4,150m). Overnight in tents.
16Shiqam Bares to Bitanmal — Glacier and Cliff ClimbingBitanmal · Pumory Glacier · ablation valley
Eight-hour trek to Bitanmal (3,850m). The route crosses the Pumory Glacier, a technical crossing but less complex than Yutmoro. A stream crossing precedes entry into the ablation valley. A cliff descent is required to reach the campsite, then a second climb is necessary to exit the valley. This section is exhausting. Overnight in tents.
17Bitanmal to Hispar Village — Return to HabitationBitanmal to Hispar Village · Hispar Village · Hispar stream
Final trekking day of roughly four hours from Bitanmal (3,850m) to Hispar Village (3,280m). The walk is relatively gentle, following streams and a path that becomes increasingly defined. A bridge crosses the Hispar stream. A final climb along an established path brings the group into the village, marking the end of three weeks of high-altitude glacier travel. Villagers typically gather to welcome trekkers. Overnight in tents or basic village accommodation.
18Hispar Village to Karimabad by JeepHispar Village to Karimabad · Hunza Valley
Jeep journey from Hispar Village (3,280m) to Karimabad in Hunza Valley (2,770m). The first views of the lush, green Hunza Valley surrounded by white peaks provide stark contrast to weeks on ice.
19Karimabad — Rest and RecoveryKarimabad
Rest day in Karimabad. Time for laundry, walking through the town, and sitting on a terrace to observe the valley. An optional traditional music night can be arranged. Overnight at a hotel.
20Karimabad — Hunza Valley TourBaltit Fort · Karimabad Bazaar · Duikar · Baltit Fort hilltop
Full-day exploration of Hunza Valley. Baltit Fort, a 700-year-old structure built by porters accompanying a Balti bride to the Mir (ruler) of Hunza, is the primary stop. The fort, constructed in a Ladakhi architectural style, features indigenous woodwork and served for centuries as the administrative headquarters and residence of the Mirs. It now functions as a museum displaying artifacts and musical instruments from Hunza and is maintained by the Aga Khan Foundation Cultural Board, which oversaw its recent restoration. The fort's hilltop location offers comprehensive views across Hunza and neighboring valleys. Additional stops include Karimabad Bazaar and the sunset viewpoint at Duikar. Overnight at a hotel in Karimabad.
21Karimabad to GilgitKarimabad to Gilgit · Gilgit · Rakaposhi viewpoint
Departure from Hunza Valley and drive to Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. A stop at Rakaposhi viewpoint provides tea and views. Afternoon sightseeing in Gilgit. Overnight at a hotel.
22Gilgit to IslamabadIslamabad · Gilgit airport
Morning transfer to Gilgit airport for a flight to Islamabad. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and afternoon free time. In case of flight cancellation, the group drives overland, stopping in Besham or Naran for the night.
23Islamabad — Optional Sightseeing and FarewellIslamabad
A full day in Islamabad with optional sightseeing, or a restful day at leisure. If flights are cancelled, you may drive from Besham or Naran. The group gathers for a farewell dinner before an overnight stay.
24Islamabad — Return Flight HomeIslamabad airport
Early morning or midnight transfer to Islamabad airport for your international return flight home, marking the end of our services.