+92 3469535097
[email protected]
Biafo & Hispar glaciers are among the longest glaciers in the world. A trekking route from Baltistan to Hunza Valley on these glaciers is the longest glacial traverse in the world apart from the snow lands of the two poles. The trekking route is rarely done, which makes it more interesting as the campsites are clean and less polluted. Starting our walk from Askole, we climb up Biafo Glacier and arrive at the vast bowl of snow called Snow Lake, which covers an area of 77 square kilometers. The great world explorers mentioned the area in their accounts, while Bill Tilman claimed to witness the presence of a mythical creature, the Yeti, as he saw its footprint around Snow Lake. Biafo Glacier is also known as the home of the brown bear. Geologists and other experts have measured the glacier’s depth to be as deep as one and a half kilometers (about one mile) at points. Hispar Pass is a vast plateau of snow and ice from where trekking routes lead to Nagar, Hunza, and Shimshal. Crossing the Hispar La at 5151m/16,998ft, we descend into the Nagar region. Although we cross the trek’s highest point, we must still negotiate several glacier tails flowing down from the mountains. The reward for this effort is the lovely green campsite before arriving in Nagar and then driving to Hunza Valley. This strenuous trek tells many stories of the ethno-cultural link between the Brushosof Hunza and Nagirand, the Baltis of the erstwhile Shigar state.
Welcome to Pakistan! Upon arrival at Islamabad International Airport, our team will greet and transfer you to the group hotel. Take the day to relax and recover from your journey. Later, we’ll have a group briefing about the trek, and depending on timing, you may opt for some sightseeing in Islamabad, a purpose-built city since 1961. Overnight at Hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Today, weather permitting, take a scenic flight to Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Karakoram range, including Nanga Parbat (weather permitting, views of K2 and Gondogoro Pass). Explore local bazaars, historical forts, and scenic lakes. Alternatively, drive to Chilas if flights are canceled. Overnight at Hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Explore Skardu, the capital of the ancient Baltistan Kingdom. Visit Kharpocho Fort for panoramic views and Organic Village for organic farming insights. Afternoon optional activities include a jeep tour to Satpara Lake or exploring local markets. Overnight at Hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We start our day early with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore the captivating town of Shigar, a place steeped in history and culture. This medieval gem is home to the stunning Shigar Fort, also known as Fong Khar, which doubles as a heritage palace and a testament to the region’s rich architectural legacy. Nearby, the Khanqah Moalla and Amburiqu mosques draw visitors with their intricately carved wooden windows and serene meditation cells, offering a glimpse into centuries-old craftsmanship and spiritual traditions.
The adventure continues with an exhilarating jeep ride through the picturesque landscapes of the Shigar Valley. As we pass lush fields and dramatic mountain scenery, the road gradually narrows into a rugged mountain trail. This path leads us to Askole, the final inhabited village on our route to the majestic glaciers—a gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of the Karakoram range.
This journey through Shigar and beyond promises a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for explorers and adventurers alike. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we leave the last inhabited village, Askole. After one hour’s walk, we come across an old polo field called Kesar polo ground. Passing through a rock gap, we enter the Biafo glacier. The Biafo Glacier is 63 Km long, descends from the central peaks of the Karakoram, and flows east into the Braldu Valley at a point about 10 Km east of Askole. After two and a half hours of treks and a long up-and-down walk, we reached lunch place. We take a lunch break at the campsite, and after lunch, we start trekking towards Namla. After two-hour walks over a steep, we reach Namla camp site. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Trekking to Mango Meadow: A Day of Adventure
After breakfast, we begin our trek, following the glacier’s central moraine ridges for three hours. Along the way, we pause for lunch at a spot where the glacier twists into dramatic formations. The trail then becomes more challenging as we navigate through boulders and ice, eventually reaching the central moraine for easier progress.
Passing stunning views of Hispar Pass, we arrive at Mango Meadow, a lush green valley offering breathtaking vistas. Near the junction of the Biafo and Baintha glaciers, we set up camp in a grassy area surrounded by bushes. With a bit of luck, you may spot mountain ibex on nearby cliffs, adding a touch of wildlife to this incredible journey. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rest Day at Baintha. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We start the trek on a green meadow early in the morning after breakfast. After the one-hour walk, we reach a crevassed iced field by roping up to safeguard against hidden crevasses through a crevassed iced field, roping up to Biafo and Simgang glaciers to Marfogoro camp under a beautiful rocky peak, a grassy campsite in an ablation valley with fresh water and wildflower is called Marfo goro camp. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we start trekking on the icy glacier. This is a steady walk on snow-covered ice to the Sim Gang Basecamp, closer to Hispar La. Today, we get incredible views on our way; most impressive is the Sosbun Brak and Snow Lake, marking the intersection of Biafo and Hispar glaciers. The name Snow Lake was given in 1892 by W Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor. This vast basin of snow and ice (about 9.5 Km), circled with snow-capped granite peaks, offers a breathtaking panorama. Crossing many services and climbing a little upside, we will arrive at Stony Karfo Goro camp. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, we start early, climbing steadily towards the vast pass plateau. Today, we will use rope and travel together to negotiate the central section of the Hispar Glacier, where several giant crevasses exist. Then, a reasonably gentle climb to the crest of the pass rewards us with one of the most incredible views at campsites, with stunning views straight down the Hispar Glacier and into the mountains of the Nagar region. The great expanse of the Sim Gang basin and the mighty peak of the Bainth braq, Ogre latoq, are the mesmerizing views on the Shigar side. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, we have an early start. Descending to Khanibasa again requires being roped up from the crest of the pass. After about one hour or two, the glacier flattens out, and soon, we leave the snow and can unrope. The trail carries on through scree and moraines, flanked with ice falls, to reach our campsite, Khani Basa, situated in an ablation valley by the Khani Basa Glacier. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast and an early start, Today We cross the Khani Basa glacier and get superb views of the smooth white dome of Kanjut Sar at 7760 m. There are some awkward moraines to cross and several small streams, which are best crossed as early in the morning as possible before the glacial waters begin to flow. Our campsite is at Jutmal, on a flat, sheltered field in the Ablation Valley with running water, bushes, and wildflowers. We cross some ice walls and crevasses along the way to Yutmaru Glacier, a tributary of Hispar Glacier having views of Kanjut Sar, Pumari Chish, and Kunjang Chish after some walk from Yutmaru Glacier. Beyond Yutmaru, the path follows a series of pleasant meadows with streams flowing through them. Water must be filled in bottles as there is no water along the trail, then we will arrive at Dachigan campsite. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Another full trekking day with spectacular mountain views of the Karakoram range. After an hour of trekking, you will descend a steep bank to cross to the other side of the glacier, then back to the valley as before, where the trekking becomes smoother. You will arrive at the Bitenmal campsite early in the afternoon. Bitenmal is a large meadow that is used by the herders from the Hispar village. The Shepards from the Hispar village often offer fresh milk and other dairy products to trekkers and visitors. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today, you will trek to Hispar village by crossing a bridge and a small glacier. After crossing the glacier, you will see Hispar village further down the valley, the first sight of civilization since you left Askoli. You will undoubtedly notice the vibrant green of the orchards and terraced fields after the black and white scenery of the Hispar Glacier. Depending on the road conditions, you may meet the jeeps before the Hispar village. If the road is terrible, jeeps can not go beyond the town, so you must walk down to the campsite. The campsite in Hispar village is located on grassy land. Enjoy the last camping night of Snow Lake – Biafo & Hispar La Trek in your sleeping bag under the stars. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Drive to Besham via KKH – around 8 hours drive. Overnight in Hotel. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The driving time from Besham to Islamabad is approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. The journey covers a distance of around 260 kilometers (162 miles) via the Karakoram Highway (N-35) and offers scenic views of mountains and rivers along the way. Overnight in camp. (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Early Morning transfer to Islamabad International Airport to fly back.
