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General
Snow Lake Trek (2025-26) – 21 days
Snow Lake Trek (Pakistan), also known as Biafo Hispar Trek, is one of the most remote and pure nature adventures in the world. The trail is unparrallel to any other trails in the world. Before reading any further, please have a look at our top trekking adventures apart from snow lake trek given in the table below.
| Snow Lake Trek Options | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Snow Lake Trek (17 days)– TREK ONLY | US$2,290 | €2,020 |
| Snow Lake Trek (21 days)– ALL INCLUSIVE | US$2,890 | €2,550 |
| Snow Lake Trek & K2 Base Camp (35 days) – ALL INCLUSIVE | US$4,690 | €4,135 |
| Karakoram Grand Traverse (35 days) – ALL INCLUSIVE | US$6,475 | €5,710 |
| View all TREKKING PEAK HOLIDAYS | – | – |
| View all K2 TREKKING HOLIDAYS– ALL INCLUSIVE | – | – |
Dates & Cost – Snow Lake Trek (USD 2,995)
Summers are ideal for Snow Lake trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your dates of arrival and departure from Pakistan. These months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in Karakoram region of Pakistan. We have at least 2 guaranteed departures every year. Our dates and costs are given below. Snow lake trek costs USD 2,990 during July departures.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03-Aug-2025 | 23-Aug-2025 | US$ 2,890 | Available | US$ 340 | Book Now |
| 03-Aug-2026 | 23-Aug-2026 | US$ 2,890 | Available | US$ 190 | Book Now |
Highlights – Snow Lake Trek
Snow lake trek has a lot to offer. Given below are main highlights of snow lake trek:
- Hispar La Pass (5,149m).
- Snow Lake – high altitude glacial basin – 16kms wide (also known as Lukpe Lawo
- Trek along Biafo Glacier (3rd longest outside polar region) and Hispar glacier
- Circular trek to scenic Hunza Valley from Braldu Valley
- Views of dozens of peaks between 5,000m to 8,000m including Latok group, The Ogre, Kanjut Sar, Kunyang Chishh, Pumari Chhish, Disteghil Sar, Trivor Sar, Lupghar Sar, Sosbun Brakk, etc.
- Views of Glaciers (e.g. Kani Basi, Kunyang and more) , glacial lakes, waterfalls and streams
- Meadows of Falaling Chhish
- Karakoram Highway
- Cultural tour of Hunza Valley
- Sightseeing in Skardu and Islamabad
Itinerary – Snow Lake Trek
The itinerary for snow lake trek is given below.
Day 01: Arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 540 m
Our guide(s) will receive you from the airport. Soon you will be transferred to hotels. On this day, our participants can relax and recover from their long journey.
Pickup information
It is very easy to spot our guide, holding orange placards with our company’s logo and your name on it. You must arrive at Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad. International flights normally arrive at midnight or in the afternoon. You must give us the details of your flights, both inbound and outbound at least five days prior to your arrival in Pakistan. Our staff/guide will receive you at the gates of international arrivals unless you are taking a connecting flight from another city of Pakistan. The guide/staff will transfer you to our partner hotel. In case you do not require airport transfer, please inform us in advance.
After lunch and some rest at the hotel (ideally if you are arriving in the morning between 9am to 12pm), our guide/representative will pickup all our guests around 6pm for briefing and remaining payments at our office followed by a dinner. If you are coming late, we will manage remaining payments and briefing in Skardu.
Day 02: Fly to Skardu, Karakoram
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
Participants on this morning will take the spectacular flight from Islamabad airport to Skardu airport. You will be able to see Nanga Parbat if clouds allow. After arrival in Skardu, the day is free. Incase of flight cancellation, overnight stay in Chilas.
Skardu
Day 03: Spend free day in Skardu
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 2,498 m
After breakfast, the participants will walk to Kharpocho fort in Skardu, which is located up on a mountain. The Kharpocho fort gives a splendid view of the Indus and Skardu town. The participants will also have an option to take a tour to Sadpara Lake followed by free shopping time in Skardu Bazaar.
During sightseeing, our staff will take care of further government documentation required in Skardu. This can sometimes take two days. We have contingency days towards the end of the trek incase of any delays.
Day 04: Drive to Askole village (3.015)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,015 m
The participants will begin the jeep safari towards Daso, the passage will go through the Shigar valley. The journey will be followed on the sides of Braldu river which extends to Askole. Askole will be the last village on our route; the participants will start walking after leaving jeeps behind. However at times the participants may begin their walk before arrival in Askole but it depends on the road conditions. Overall it will take you between six hours to eight hours in covering the distance.
Day 05: Trek to Namla (3,571m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,571m
Time: 7-8 hours
The trek starts by following the K2 Base Camp trail and then turns west onto the Biafo Glacier. The trail ascends over a shoulder to reach the left moraine and descends on to the glacier then back on to the left bank where the grassy camping site called Namla is located behind a lateral moraine.
Day 06: Trek to Mango (3,715m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 3,715m
Time: 5-6 hours
After crossing a fracture zone on the glacier we reach the centre of the glacier where we follow moraine ridges, underfoot there is loose rock making this a challenging day. We set up camp on the left bank of the Biafo in a grassy area.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 07: Trek to Baintha (4,041m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,041m
Time: 5-6 hours
The route continues up the centre of the glacier on a broad highway of ice making the walking easier than yesterday. We cross to the right and come off the glacier to a grassy area where Baintha camp is located.
Day 08: Acclimatization and rest (4,041m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,041m
This is a rest day for you and the porters in order to help with acclimatization to the high altitude. You can relax in camp or if feeling energetic walk up a ridge behind camp with fine views of Latok group and The Ogre. Look out for Ibex that can often be seen grassy slopes above.
Day 09: Trek to Morfogoro (4,298m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,298m
Time: 5-6 hours
The trail is steep and loose to get onto the glacier however once there we follow the flat glacier making relatively straightforward walking. Further along the glacier there are some crevasses to be aware of where depending on the conditions we might rope up to safeguard our passage. There are superb views of many peak including The Ogre (7,813m) and also we will get the first views of the Hispar La and Snow Lake.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 10: Trek to Hispar La Base Camp (4,585m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,585m
Time: 5-6 hours
Today we walk to the south end of a large snowy flat area known as Snow Lake finding our way through a network of crevasses. Snow Lake is a high altitude glacial basin over 16km wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor, gave Snow Lake the name in 1892 and described this area as “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.”
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 11: Cross Snow Lake and trek to Hispar La (5,149m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 5,149m
Time: 5-6 hours
Today we traverse across the vast Snow Lake area and make the ascent to Hispar La. The climb to Hispar La is not too steep although it always feels quite strenuous at this altitude, we also have to be aware of the crevasses in this area. The views at Hispar La are fantastic looking down Biafo glacier to Snow Lake and The Ogre and other side down Hispar glacier to peaks in Hunza.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 12: Trek to Kani Basa (4,468m)
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 4,468m
Time: 6-8 hours
After an early start we descend from Hispar La crossing a crevassed area and then later on the glacier flattens out. We have to cross Kani Basa glacier which is facture zone where the two glaciers collide. Shortly afterwards we reach our camp located in a grassy ablation valley with good views of Kanjut Sar (7,760m).
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 13: Trek to Jutmal (4,168m)
On this day
Altitude: 4,168m
Time: 6-7hours
This is a challenging day as we have to find our way through a series of moraine ridges; climb a loose scree slope then cross several glacial streams. Jutmal camp is on a grassy area along the side of the glacier.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 14: Trek to Bitanmal (3,765m)
On this Day
Altitude: 3,765m
Time: 7-8 hours
After an hour we descend down a steep bank to cross another side glacier then back to the valley as before where the walking is good. Camp at Bitanmal is in a large meadow often used by herders from Hispar village.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 15: Trek to Falaling Chhish (3,605m)
On this Day
Altitude: 3,605m
Time: 4 hours
We make the last side glacier crossing over the Kunyang Glacier, then walk up by a steep path and cross a stream to get to the meadows at Falaling Chhish.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 16: Trek to Hispar Village (2,297m)
On this Day
Altitude: 2,297m
From our camp at Falaling Chhish we cross a bridge to reach Hispar village. You will certainly notice the vibrant green of the orchards and terraced fields after the black and white scenery of the Hispar Glacier. Depending on the condition of the road we may meet our jeeps in the village if the road is broken then we have a further walk followed by a short drive to our last camp on this trek.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 17: Drive to Karimabad (2,440m)
On this Day
GPS Data
We take a jeep for a couple of hours to Nagar village along a rather narrow track before reaching the Karakoram Highway. We drive up the road to Karimabad where we check into a hotel and the rest of the day is free to wash up, relax and explore the town.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 18: Contingency day/sightseeing
On this Day
This day is allocated for any potential delays during trekking. We do not want our guests to miss their domestic flight due to delays. These delays can be caused by multiple factors including (but not limited to) road blocks. This time can be utilised for sightseeing of Hunza valley.
Hunza valley is very beautiful and today we have the chance to explore Karimabad, it is an interesting town spectacularly situated on a hillside to the north of the road with views of the fertile valley below (due to their extensive irrigation system) and a glimpses of snowy mountains. We will visit the forts of Alti and Baltit dating from the 13th century the Baltit fort, once the home of the ruling Mir, guards the valley and is now a museum and the Alti fort is even more dramatic perched above the Hunzariver. In the afternoon we drive to Gilgit.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 19: Fly to Islamabad
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m
On this day the participants will take a flight from the airport in Gilgit to Islamabad airport. You will have a good time to relax at the hotel in Islamabad.
The domestic flights sometime get cancelled due to weather conditions. In case of flight cancellation, you will drive to Naran or Besham for overnight. It takes eight hours by a vehicle.
Islamabad
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 20: Contingency day for flight cancellations
On this Day
GPS Data
Altitude: 538 m
This day is allocated for any potential delays in case the domestic flight does not operate the previous day. Our guests will depart early morning from Chilas to Islamabad which can take up to ten hours. However it will be a free day in case the participants make it to Islamabad on the domestic flight. This time can be utilized for sightseeing in Islamabad.
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing room at Chateau Royale (see pictures), Prestige Residence (see pictures) or equivalent standard partner hotel (depends on occupancy) in Islamabad. |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner + tea/coffee and snacks |
Day 21: Fly to home country
On this Day
Meals included: Breakfast Our staff will transfer all our guests to the airport on their respective departure timings. The checkout time of all our partner hotels is 12pm.Holiday Information
Inclusions for both International & local trekkers
- All domestic flights (Checked Baggage Allowance: 20kg, Hand Carry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- All hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing room)
- All trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- All camping site fees and bridge fees
- All trekking logistics (all tents, non-personal equipment and tools etc)
- All meals in Pakistan, except those specifically mentioned under “What’s Not Included” section.
- Snacks, including dry fruits and tea/coffee, during the trek
- Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Waste Management Fee (USD 190) for Central Karakoram National Park (mandatory)
- Islamabad and Skardu city tours including all entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porterage -personal luggage (14kgs) and mountaineering equipment (8kgs)
- Storage service for baggage in Skardu (for leaving a bag behind before going on the trek)
- First aid medicine kit (basic)
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Exclusions for both International & local trekkers
- International Airfare & Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents will be provided)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- All Hotel/Restaurant Meals (5 Lunches & 6 Dinners) (Price range per meal US $4 to $9)
- Government Permit Fee of USD 300 USD 150 for Gilgit Baltistan Council’s GB Adventure (increased in Sep 2024/decreased in May 2025)
- Bottled water & beverages (e.g., 1.5L bottled water costs approximately USD 0.30)
- Personal equipment (e.g. trekking shoes, down jacket, walking sticks etc)
- Personal mountain equipment (crampon, mountaineering boot, ice axe, harness, two carabiners, helmet etc)
- Extra nights in Islamabad (hotel check in/out is 12pm) – additionalUSD 67 per night
- Excess or additional weight/baggage during the trek:USD 11 per kg
- Storage service for baggage in Islamabad:USD 18 per bag/piece
- Tips/gratuities for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (minibar, bottled water, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
- Early Windup/Return Costs (e.g. early return from trek due to any reason)
- Costs due to Force Majure (e.g. earthquake, landslide, floods, etc)
REGISTER NOW & PAY LATER
| Pakistan Tours’ Social Responsibility |
| 1 foreign trekker = 1 child’s education |
| Pakistan Tours will sponsor one girl’s primary education for every foreign trekker who visits Pakistan for Snow Lake and Hispar La adventures. The sponsorships will be for one year at local schools in the Karakoram on need basis. All our trekking adventures are special to us because of the tough porters from the Balti community who make trekking and mountaineering in Karakoram possible and in 2019 we decided to give back to our remote mountain communities as part of our CSR initiative. How educating girls will makes a difference? Educating girls will help to reduce infant mortality rate, maternal mortality, child marriages, population explosion and malnutrition. At the same time, it will help to increase numbers of educated children, involvement in political process, support for diversity and co-existence. In conclusion, our initiative will contribute in improving socio economic growth that is much needed in the remote mountains of Karakoram. Our participants can also donate separately. Details on this initiative can be requested. |
Overview – Snow Lake Trek
Although it is considered a challenging trek, Snow lake trek doesn’t require any technical or mountaineering skills to cross Hispar La but it is rather a high altitude walk where you traverse through snow lake and Hispar La. The increase in altitude is very gradual and to help with the walk, acclimatization is required.
The participants will walk at an average of 6 to 8 miles every day that can take between 5 to 6hours. The walking trail is mostly made of rubble and stone except when walking on glaciers
You might also want to check out our 24 days Karakoram Trek which is a circular trek.
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Snow Lake Trek - Pakistan
Gilgit Baltistan
Snow Lake Trek (2025-26) – 21 days Snow Lake Trek (Pakistan), also known as Biafo Hisper.
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