Snow Lake, The Hispar La Trek

Snow Lake, The Hispar La Trek

 

Snow Lake, The Hispar La Trek lies at the head of the Biafo and Hispar La pass in the Pakistani Karakoram mountain range, surrounded by a high-altitude glacier basin that is more than 16 kilometers wide.

When the Biafo, Snow Lake, and Hispar glaciers are combined, the total length is 120 kilometers, making it the second-longest glacier outside of the Polar region in the world. Trekkers will find paradise in Pakistan’s mountain kingdom of Baltistan, Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake, Hispar la, the Karakoram Range, and the Hunza Valley, which all offer clean air, breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to get back in touch with nature.

Only a small number of other trekking groups visit the secluded and pristine Snow Lake-Hispar La Trek area of the Karakoram mountain range. For many wild animals, such as the Himalayan bear, ibex, Markhor, and snow leopard, it is their last stronghold because it is a remote area. It is improbable that you will encounter other hikers on the snow Lake Hispar La trek trails due to their remoteness. Also referred to as the “highway of ice,” Snow Lake, Hispar La, and Biafo Glacier Trail unite the two Great Mountain Kingdoms—Baltistan to the east and Hunza to the west.

For hikers and mountaineers, the Snow Lake Hispar La trek is perhaps the most demanding and rewarding in the Karakoram region. There are certain areas that require roping up. Occasionally you have to climb over the moraine ridges covered by loose rocks, traverse several tributary glaciers and cross glacial streams. The Snow Lake – Hispar La trek offers some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain views and dreamy campsites.

Pakistan’s green capital city of Islamabad is where the Snow Lake-Hispar La Trek begins. After meeting and greeting you at the Islamabad International Airport, your guide will drive you to the group hotel. In the afternoon, the group will receive a briefing regarding the Snow Lake Trek. You will fly from Islamabad to Skardu with an amazing view of the mountains the following day. The magnificent Nanga Parbat, K2, Gondogoro La circuit, Baltoro Glacier, and other breathtaking snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram Range can all be seen along the way. The remainder of the day is spent sightseeing and getting ready for the Skardu snow lake hike after checking into the hotel.

 

The capital of Pakistan’s Baltistan region is Skardu. It is the escape route to Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek Pakistan, Broad Peak, Gondogoro La Trek Circuit, K2 Base Camp Trek, and K2 Basecamp. Baltistan was one of the largest kingdoms of the Himalayas. Similar to the Tibetan language in Tibet, the Balti language is spoken by the people of this ancient mountain kingdom. Trekking and climbing groups typically make their last-minute purchases and equipment upgrades for their treks in Skardu. Spend two days in Skardu, then drive along the mighty Indus, Shigar, and Braldu rivers via the Shigar Valley to arrive in Askoli. Askoli is the final village in the breathtaking Shigar Valley before you start hiking into Karakorum’s wilderness.

The Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek begins with a night spent in the camp beneath the stars. The trail follows the K2 Base Camp trail before turning west onto the Biafo Hispar glacier. Over the next few days, the trail follows loose rocky moraine ridges on the Biafo glacier; you will stay at the Namla and Mango camps before arriving at Biantha campsite. Today is a free day to rest, which will help your body adjust to the high altitude. Resting and acclimatization days are essential during the Snow Lake Trek. They also allow you to enjoy the splendor of some of the most picturesque mountains that you will find nowhere else in the world.

You re-enter the Biafo glacier from Baintha camp and proceed to follow it, also referred to as the “highway of ice.” Comparing this section of the glacier to the loose rock earlier in the trek, it is comparatively easier to walk on. Once you’ve rested at Marfogoro and Karfogoro, cross the snow lake and hike to Hispar La, where you can camp at 5,151 meters above sea level and spend the night in a tent. The Biafo Glacier, the Snow Lake, the Ogre, the Hispar Glacier, and other snow-covered mountains of Hunza Valley are all magnificently visible from the summit of Hispar La.

Once you cross Hispar La Pass and descend into Hunza Valley, you will have reached the highest point of your journey. Trek to Bakhtur Baig, Shigham Baris, and Kani Basa after crossing the Hispar La. Follow the glacier’s edge on foot from Shigham Baris to Bitenmal. Reach the Bitenmal campsite by going through the meadows that are home to wildflowers and streams. The shepherds from the village of Hispar spend the summers in Bitenmal. The huts of the welcoming Shepards in the area can be found here. They might offer you dairy products and fresh milk.

Spend the night at Bitenmal and hike to Hispar village the next day. The first civilization you will encounter after leaving Askoli is Hispar village. After spending a relaxing final camping night in Hispar village on your Snow Lake Hipar La Trek, proceed by car to Karimabad the following day. Formerly known as the Hunza Valley, its capital is Karimabad. Discover Karimabad by going to the UNESCO-listed Baltit and Altit Forts, as well as the local bazaar. When the Balti people traveled from Baltistan to Hunza via Snow Lake 700 years ago, they built Baltit Fort. Baltistan shared cultural and ethnic ties with the eastern Ladakh region.

It should come as no surprise that Ladakhi/Tibetan architecture, bearing some similarities to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, had an influence on the construction of the Baltit Fort. You’ll see that the language and culture of the Hunza region differ greatly from those of Baltistan.

After the sightseeing of Karimabad, drive along the Hunza River on the kkh (Karakoram Highway) towards Gilgit with Rakaposhi (7,788 meters) in the backdrop. The administrative and capital center of Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan region is Gilgit. Spend the night in Gilgit and spend the final evening in Pakistan by taking a Mountain View flight back to Islamabad the following day. The following morning, we will transfer you to Islamabad airport to take the flight back to your home country.

The Snow Lake Hispar La Trek is incredible. You’ll make some amazing memories thanks to the breathtaking landscape, striking snow-dusted peaks, dazzling glaciers, striking gorges, cascading waterfalls, and well-known mountains. We are confident that your experience on the Snow Lake-Hispar La Trek in Pakistan will leave you with enduring memories.

Detailed Trip Itinerary

 

Day 01 (Islamabad Arrival)

• Greetings from Pakistan. You’re going to the Islamabad International Airport today.
• After a friendly greeting at the airport, our representative will transport you to your Islamabad hotel.
• As a welcome beverage, the hotel will serve you tea or coffee. Take this chance to socialize with other trekkers.
• Take a nap to recuperate from your lengthy flight after the drink. We will get together over dinner to go over specifics regarding your trek to Snow Lake, The Hispar La.
• Transfer to hotel for overnight stay

 

Day 02 (Islamabad – Skardu & Kachura) (7,316 ft.) (45 Minutes flight) 

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Drop guests at Islamabad Airport
• Pick Guests from Skardu Airport
• Head towards Kachura to explore
• Shangrila Resort
• Kachura Valley
• Upper Kachura Lake
• Xoq Valley
• Return to Skardu
• Transfer to hotel for night stay
• In Case of flight Cancellation we will head towards Skardu via Karakoram High way to reach Skardu (14-16 Hours’ Drive)

 

Day 03 (Preparation Day in Skardu)

• Breakfast early in the Morning
• While we are getting your paperwork, transportation, and base camp hike logistics ready, you have one more day to explore. Savor the trip to Gondogoro La, Leila Peak, Mitre Peak, Muztagh Tower, Vigne Glacier, and other mountain valleys while visiting this historic town.
• Located on the southern bank of the Indus River, which divides the Himalayas from the Karakorum, is Skardu. There are several stores lining both sides of the main road in a lengthy bazaar.
• Yadgar Chowk, a memorial containing the names of those who lost their lives defending Gilgit Baltistan from Dogra tyranny in 1947–48, is the hub of the town.
• Visit Kharpocho Fort
• The primary attraction is the Kharpocho Fort. See the historic Kharpocho Fort, which was erected in the latter half of the 16th century atop a rock that provided a view of the town.
• Visit the Kharpocho Fort first, then proceed to Sadpara Lake to view its pristine blue water.
• On the way back, stop by the well-known 8th-century Buddha rock. Buddha Rock provides proof that Buddhism existed in the region prior to the coming of Islam in the fourteenth century.
• Good night on your bed; tomorrow you will be spending the night in tents with sleeping bags until you get back to Skardu.

 

Day 04 (Skardu – Shigar – Askole) (141 km) (3,000m) (8 Hours’ Drive) 

• Breakfast early in the morning
• To get to Askoli, you will travel through the Shigar Valley and the Mighty Indus today before arriving by car along the Braldu River. The last known human settlement in Shigar Valley is Askoli.
• The only thoroughfare in Askole is flanked by irrigated fields of potatoes, corn, and groves of apricot trees. On the booth side of the street are wooden houses. Discover the small village, meet the locals, and discover daily life in this high-altitude community.
• This village will supply the majority of your porters for the Snow Lake Trek.
• Your first night in Askoli will be spent under the stars in a sleeping bag in the camp. Situated 3,000 meters above the raging Braldu River is this village. Enjoy your Snow Lake Hipar La Trek’s first camping night.
• Night stay at camps in Askoli

 

Day 05 (Askole – Namla) (3,560m) (7 Hours trek) 

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Today, the trekking session of Snow Lake and Hispar la trek will start by following the K2 Base Camp trail and then turning west onto the Biafo Glacier.
• The path climbs over the lateral moraine to the left moraine, then drops back onto the Biafo glacier before returning to the left bank, where a lateral moraine hides the Namla grass camping area. Gorgeous day for trekking with breathtaking views of the mountains.
• Spend the night at Namla Camp

 

Day 06 (Namla – Mango) (3,700m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• A breathtaking sunrise view of the snow-covered Karakoram Mountains greets you as you awaken. After a leisurely breakfast, carry on your stroll along the glacier’s edge. To get to the center point, cross a fracture zone on the Biafo glacier and proceed along the moraine ridges.
• This trekking day is going to be difficult because of the loose rocks on the Biafo glacier.
• Lovely stroll atop the Biafo Glacier, overlooking the stunning snow-capped Karakoram Mountains.
• Camp in the grassy area on the left side of the Biafo Glacier.

 

Day 07 (Mango – Biantha) (4,030m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• You will carry on walking today on the Biafo glacier’s lateral moraine, also referred to as the “highway of ice.”
• It’s easier to walk on this glacier than it was yesterday. After leaving the Biafo glacier, turn right and cross into a grassy area where Baintha camp is located.
• Camping at Biantha for the night stay.

 

Day 08 (Rest Day)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Today is the day for rest and acclimatization for the Biafo Hispar Trek and Snow Lake.
• It will be easier for your body to adjust to the thin air at this high altitude if you take a rest day here. You can unwind in the camp or stroll up a ridge behind it to enjoy beautiful views of the Ogre and the Latok group.
• It’s the ideal setting for pictures. Keep an eye out for the Ibex, which is frequently spotted on the grassy incline above the camp.
• Camping at Biantha for the night stay.

 

Day 09 (Biantha – Marfogoro) (4,300m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• To get back to the Biafo Glacier, take a steep and unmarked trail, limb on the moraine, and carry on strolling on the glacier. Somewhere further along the Biafo glacier, you might find some crevasses. Fix the ropes and form a line to avoid the hidden crevasses beneath the snow for your own safety.
• There are exceptional mountain views that are unmatched anywhere else in the globe. Admire the breathtaking Ogre (7,813m) and Kanjut Sar. You will also get to see the Snow Lake and Hispar La for the first time.
• Spend the night at Marfogoro Camp.

 

Day 10 (Marfogoro – Karfogoro) (4,680m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Enjoy stunning views of the sunrise over the Hispar Pass and across the snow lake when you wake up. Have a leisurely breakfast and continue walking on the highway of ice with spectacular views of the Karakoram Range.
• Enjoy an amazing day of trekking on a trail that has been used for centuries by adventurers, monks, fighters, and traders.
• Stay the night at the campsite Karfogoro.

 

Day 11 (Karfogoro – Hispar La Base Camp) (4,590m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• You will hike to the base camp of Hispar la today. Step out onto the southern edge of Snow Lake, a sizable expanse of covered ground covered in snow, and make your way through a web of crevasses. At the head of the Hispar and Biafo glaciers is a high-altitude glacial basin called Snow Lake that stretches over 16 kilometers in width. In 1892, Snow Lake was named after its first foreign visitor, Martin Conway, who said of the area that it was “beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold a finer.”
• You will reach the Hispar la base camp after six hours of hiking on the snow lake.
• Night stay at Hispar La base Camp in tents

 

Day 12 (Hispar La Base Camp – Snow Lake – Hispar La) (5,150m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• You will resume your trek on the snow lake today in the direction of Hispar la Pass. Go through the huge Snow Lake region and climb up to the pass called Hispar La Pass. Although the ascent to Hispar La Pass is not particularly steep, the altitude may make it feel very taxing. Watch out for any hidden cracks in this area.
• After trekking for 6 hours on Snow Lake, you will arrive at the top of hispar la Pass. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Biafo Glacier, the Snow Lake, the Ogre, the Hispar Glacier, and other snow-capped mountains in the Hunza Valley from the summit of Hispar La.
• Night stay at camps in Hispar La

 

Day 13 (Hispar La – Kani Basa) (4,510m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Awaken to a stunning sunrise view that spans the Biafo glacier, the snow-covered Hunza
• Mountains, and the snow-lake. Eat something, prepare your equipment, cross Hispar la, and hike down towards Hunza Valley to reach Kani Basa. The remainder of the hike is on flat terrain after you cross a few crevasses in the glacier. Pass through the fracture zone where the Hispar and Kani Basa glaciers meet, known as the Kani Basa glacier.
• The camping area at Kani Basa will be reached after you cross the fracture zone. Kani Basa camp is on a grassy ablation valley with a beautiful view of Kanju Sar (7,760m).
• Spend the night in camps at Kani Basa camp side.

 

Day 14 (Kani Basa – Bakhtur Baig) (4,470m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• We have an exciting trekking day ahead of us on our Pakistani snow lake trek today. To reach Bakhtur Baig camp, continue descending the Hispar glacier toward the Hunza Valley.
• You will pass through multiple moraine ridges, ascend over loose scree slopes, and cross multiple glacial streams. Enjoy the afternoon free to set up camp on the right side of the glacier.
• Staying overnight at Bakhtur Baig camp

 

Day 15 (Bakhtu Baig – Shigham Baris) (4,170m) (7 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Get up early and keep going down the glacier. Reach the Shigham Baris campsite by hiking through a field of wildflowers, climbing over loose scree, and crossing a side glacier. The lovely Shigham Baris Camp is situated on lush grassland.
• Spend the night at Shigham Baris camp.

 

Day 16 (Shigham Baris – Bitenmal) (3,760m) (6 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Another full day of trekking that offers breathtaking views of the Karakoram Range. After an hour of hiking, you will return to the valley where the hiking gets easier by descending a steep bank to cross to the other side of the glacier.
• Early in the afternoon is when you will arrive at the Bitenmal campground. The Herpar village’s herders use Bitenmal, a sizable meadow. Trekkers and guests are frequently served fresh milk and other dairy products by the shepherds from the Hispar village
• Spend the night at Bitenmal Camp.

 

Day 17 (Bitenmal – Hispar Village) (2,300m) (4 Hours trek)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• You will cross a small glacier and a bridge on your trek to Hispar village today.
• It’s been two weeks since you left Askoli and returned to civilization. Notice the vibrant green of the orchards and terraced fields after the black-and-white scenery of the Hispar Glacier.
• Depending on the state of the road, meet the jeeps before the village of Hispar. You will have to walk down to the campsite if the road conditions are such that jeeps are unable to travel past the village. The Hispar village campground is situated on grassy terrain.
• Snuggle up under the stars on your final camping night at Snow Lake – Biafo & Hispar La Trek.

 

Day 18 (Hispar Village – Karimabad) (2,400m) (4 Hours’ drive)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• You will drive to Karimabad today via the Nagar River after leaving Hispar Village. After an hour-long jeep ride via a relatively small route to Nagar Village, the Karakoram Highway is reached at the Hunza River’s intersection.
• You will arrive in Karimabad by following the Karakoram Highway along the Hunza River to Ganish Village. After leaving the kkh, turn right, and check into a hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind, explore the town, and wash up. Savor the comforts of a real bed and a hot shower.
• Overnight stay in Karimabad.

 

Day 19 (Karimabad – Gilgit City) (3 Hours’ drive)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• The Burushaski language, which is spoken in Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza Valley, differs from the Balti language spoken in Baltistan.
• Karimabad is situated on a hillside north of the Karakoram Highway, offering views of the snow-capped mountains and the lush valley below, which is made possible by their sophisticated irrigation system.
• Explore the 13th-century Altit and Baltit Forts, which are listed by UNESCO. Perched above the Hunza River, the even more dramatic Altit Fort is visible as it guards the valley.
• The historical Baltit Fort, once the residence of the ruling Mir (King), is now a museum.
• Transfer to hotel in Gilgit for overnight stay

 

Day 20 (Gilgit – Islamabad) (45 minutes flight)

• Breakfast early in the morning
• Drop guests at Gilgit Airport
• Reaches Islamabad

 

OR

 

• In the event that inclement weather forces the cancellation of the flight, you will proceed from Karakoram Highway, you will move by Karakoram Highway till you reach Hazara Motorway and head to Islamabad.
• With Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters), the ninth-highest mountain in the world, as your backdrop, you can travel with an amazing view.
• After a while, continue on the Karakoram Highway and pass through the Kaghan Valley and Babusar Pass (4,067 meters) to reach Mansehra City.
• Rejoining the Karakoram Highway from Mansehra, you will travel through the historically significant and culturally rich cities of Hassan Abdal, Taxila, and Abbottabad before arriving in Islamabad.
• It will be late afternoon when you arrive. 

 

Day 21 (Spare Day in Islamabad)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• You have the entire day to explore the green capital city of Islamabad if you were able to catch a flight there yesterday.
• See the Islamabad Monument, Parliament Square, and the Faisal Mosque before traveling to the nearby city of Rawalpindi.
• The historical and traditional city of Rawalpindi will introduce you to the flavors of southern Pakistan. Situated on the Pothohar Plateau, which is well-known for its long history of Buddhism, particularly in the nearby town of Taxila.
• Enjoy a local Pakistani curry at the Magnificent Food Streets for your final meal in Pakistan after a full day of sightseeing.
• Transfer to hotel for overnight stay

 

Day 22 (Departure | Fly Back Home)

• Breakfast at early in the morning
• You will be taken to Islamabad International Airport for your flight home after breakfast “Snow Lake, The Hispar La Trek ” has ended.

 

Services Included

• All internal (Domestic) air tickets and related airport transfers
• English-speaking guide
• Private transport with driver
• Accommodations (Hotels and Camps)
• All Meal (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• All camping ground fees, Mess tents, sleeping tents, Kitchen tents with chairs,
• All fees associated with trekking permits, royalty, toll taxes, entry tickets, parking fees etc.
• Every piece of kitchenware, including cutlery, crockery, fuel, and other associated
• All Wages and basic kits of guide, sirdar, Porter’s cook and assistants
• Insurance for crew members such as porters and guides (except helicopter rescue)
• Satellite phones
• Solar Panel or generator

 

Service not included

• International Flight tickets
• Travel Insurance
• Pakistan Visa Fee
• Photography & Videography
• Personal Nature Expense
• Items which are not mentioned in “Services Include”

 

Regards:   

PYARA SKARDU ADVENTURE CLUB & TRAVEL AGENCY