Itinerary
Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Welcome to Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan! Most international flights land at Islamabad International Airport in the morning, where your guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. After a chance to rest and recover from your journey, a group briefing will be held to discuss the Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek. If time allows, you can explore the city on a self-guided tour to see its landmarks and cultural highlights.
Day 2: Flight to Skardu (2,228m)
Enjoy a scenic 45-minute flight from Islamabad to Skardu, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, including Nanga Parbat (8,126m) and K2. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and spend the day exploring Skardu’s local bazaars, ancient forts, and nearby lakes.
Note: If the flight is canceled due to weather, you will drive to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway (461km, 8-9 hours).
Day 3: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation in Skardu
Spend the day exploring Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram expeditions. Visit the historic Kharpocho Fort, take a jeep ride to Satpara Lake or Kachura Lake, and soak in the region’s rich culture. If the flight was canceled, this day will be used to drive from Chilas to Skardu.
Day 4: Drive to Askoli (3,000m)
Begin your adventure with a 7-hour jeep ride through the Shigar Valley along the Braldu River to Askoli, the last human settlement in the region. Explore the quaint village, meet the locals, and prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 5: Trek to Namla (3,566m)
Start trekking on the trail toward K2 Base Camp, then veer west onto the Biafo Glacier. Pass through scenic moraines and grassy campsites to reach Namla.
Day 6: Trek to Mango (3,720m)
Continue across the Biafo Glacier, navigating crevasses and loose rocks. Enjoy stunning views of the snow-covered Karakoram mountains.
Day 7: Trek to Baintha (4,035m)
Walk along the lateral moraine of the Biafo Glacier, known as the “Highway of Ice,” and set up camp in a grassy area with mesmerizing mountain views.
Day 8: Rest and Acclimatization at Baintha
Take a well-deserved rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. Optional hikes offer views of Latok Peaks and The Ogre, or simply relax at camp and enjoy the serene environment.
Day 9–11: Trek to Hispar La Base Camp
Continue trekking through Marfogoro and Karphogoro to reach the Hispar La Base Camp. Traverse the glacier, navigating crevasses and enjoying the unmatched beauty of Snow Lake, a 16-kilometer-wide glacial basin.
Day 12: Cross Hispar La Pass (5,150m)
Ascend the majestic Hispar La Pass, offering panoramic views of Snow Lake, the Biafo Glacier, and the surrounding peaks.
Day 13–17: Trek to Hispar Village
Descend toward Hunza Valley, passing through scenic campsites at Kani Basa, Bakhtur Baig, and Bitenmal. Finally, reach Hispar Village, where lush green fields contrast beautifully with the icy landscapes.
Day 18: Drive to Karimabad
Take a jeep ride to Karimabad, the heart of Hunza Valley. Explore the town, enjoy a hot shower, and relax in a comfortable hotel after weeks in the wilderness.
Day 19: Sightseeing in Karimabad and Drive to Gilgit
Visit the UNESCO-listed Altit and Baltit Forts, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and stunning views of the Hunza Valley. Afterward, drive to Gilgit for an overnight stay.
Day 20: Fly Back to Islamabad
Take a 40-minute scenic flight back to Islamabad. Reflect on the incredible journey and cherish the memories of this unforgettable trek.
