Trekking · Advanced
Biafo Hispar Snow Lake Trek
Traverse the World's Longest Glacial System Outside the Polar Regions
Start
Askole, Baltistan
End
Hispar Village, Hunza
Duration
18–22 days
Max Altitude
Snow Lake ~5,128 m
Difficulty
Expedition Level
Best Season
June – August
Overview
The Biafo-Hispar Snow Lake Trek is one of the most legendary high-altitude wilderness treks on earth. Linking two of the Karakoram's mightiest glaciers — the Biafo (67 km) and the Hispar (49 km) — through the vast Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) plateau at 5,128 m, this epic route passes through remote valleys, icefalls, and moraine camps rarely seen by outsiders. Starting from Askole in Baltistan and finishing in Hispar village near Hunza (or vice versa), the full traverse covers approximately 180 km in 18–22 days. This is a serious expedition-grade trek requiring proper acclimatization, experienced guides, and full camping equipment.
Itinerary (20-Day Full Traverse)
Day 1
Skardu to Askole by jeep (115 km, 6–7 hrs).
Day 2
Acclimatization in Askole; briefing and equipment check.
Day 3
Trek Askole to Korophon (3,100 m) — 5 hrs.
Day 4
Korophon to Bara Pani (3,500 m) — 6 hrs alongside Biafo Glacier.
Day 5
Bara Pani to Baintha (3,980 m) — 6 hrs, enter glacier moraine.
Day 6
Rest day / acclimatization at Baintha.
Day 7
Baintha to Marpogoro (4,200 m) — 7 hrs on glacier.
Day 8
Marpogoro to Sim Gang I (4,450 m) — 6 hrs.
Day 9
Sim Gang I to Sim Gang II / Snow Lake approach (4,800 m) — 6 hrs.
Day 10
Rest / acclimatization at Snow Lake base.
Day 11
Sim Gang II to Snow Lake Camp (5,128 m) — 5 hrs (crampons required).
Day 12
Snow Lake traverse to Hispar La approach (5,000 m) — 6 hrs.
Day 13
Hispar La (5,151 m) summit — descend to Hispar Glacier camp.
Day 14
Hispar Glacier Camp I to Camp II (4,200 m) — 7 hrs.
Day 15
Camp II to Jutmaru (3,800 m) — 6 hrs.
Day 16
Jutmaru to Bitanmal (3,400 m) — 6 hrs.
Day 17
Bitanmal to Hispar Village (3,050 m) — 5 hrs.
Day 18
Hispar to Nagar by jeep, then Karimabad / Hunza.
Day 19–20
Buffer days / rest in Hunza; fly or drive back.
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