Snow lake & Hispar La Trek

Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek 

Snow Lake and Hispar La are among the most extraordinary and remote treks in Pakistan, offering breathtaking landscapes and a challenging route for seasoned trekkers. Snow Lake, known locally as Lukpe Lawo, is a glacial basin surrounded by towering peaks, while Hispar La is a high mountain pass connecting the Biafo Glacier with the Hispar Glacier. This trek takes adventurers through some of the most pristine and rugged parts of the Karakoram Range.

Trek Highlights

1. Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo): A massive glacial expanse located at an altitude of about 4,877 meters (16,000 feet), Snow Lake is one of the largest basins of snow in the world. The surreal beauty of this frozen landscape, surrounded by dramatic peaks, provides an unparalleled experience.

2. Hispar La (5,151 meters/16,896 feet): The pass serves as a natural divide between the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, making it one of the longest glacier systems in the world (over 120 kilometers). The crossing of Hispar La offers sweeping views of majestic peaks, including Kanjut Sar and Distaghil Sar.

3. Remote Wilderness: This trek ventures deep into the heart of the Karakoram Range, far from civilization, giving trekkers an unmatched sense of solitude and connection to nature.

4. Cultural Encounters: Trekkers pass through remote villages and interact with the hardy local Balti and Hunza people, who live in these harsh environments. Their culture and lifestyle offer a fascinating insight into life in the high mountains.

Trek Details

• Duration: Typically 18–21 days.

• Trek Grade: Strenuous (suitable for experienced trekkers with high-altitude experience).

• Best Time to Visit: July to August.

• Maximum Altitude: 5,151 meters at Hispar La.

• Total Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers.

• Start Point: Askole (accessible via Skardu).

• End Point: Hispar Village (in the Hunza Valley).

Trek Itinerary Overview

Day 1. Arrival overnight stay at hotel in Islamabad.

Day 2. Flight Islamabad to Skardu Overnight at hotel in Skardu.

Day 3. Free day at Skardu Overnight at hotel in Skardu.

Day 4. Askole Village (3000m): The day early morning leave for Skardu to Askoli by jeep it takes 6 to 7 hrs. Overnight camp in Askoli village.

Day 5. Askoli to Namla (3400m) its 6 to 7 hrs an easy three to four hrs walk from Askoli to Kisser’s polo Ground then start trek to another stage overnight at Namla Campsite.

Day 6. Namla To Mango (3400m) early morning we leave Namla to Mango after having breakfast it takes four to five hrs .Crevassed area to the highest ridge on the glacier. Overnight at Mango campsite.

Day 7. Mango to Baintha (3650 M) this is the Day 6 from where we have to leave this place towards to Baintha. The first stage is too hard today due to glacier and second one is normal overnight at Baintha Campsite.Day 08

Day 8. Baintha to Marphogoro (4350m) Camp, trek. seven to eight hours of walking. Getting on to the glacier is tricky. Once on it, the walk is pretty straight forward on the white glacier. However, we are careful to avoid crevasses here. The greenery of Baintha campsite is only a memory now. We are in the dramatic and awesome expanse of the Biafo with its jagged pinnacles. The Ogre (7,813 m.) towers high above us on our right. There is only snow and rock now. Overnight at Marphogoro Campsite.

Day 9. Marphogoro to Snow Lake (4800m) The trek takes about 6 to 7 hours over ice and snow. Once again we are careful to avoid crevasses along the way. Snow Lake is a magical place. Be sure to get out of the tent to experience the stars in the night. It is an unforgettable experience. Overnight at Snow Lake Campsite.

Day 10. Snow Lake (4800m) Camp, rest day. After Lunch Photography overnight at Snow lake Campsite.

Day 11. Snow Lake to Hishper La (5150m): Camp, trek. Six to seven hour walk on slopes of about 30 degrees takes us to the top of the pass. Once again, we are careful to avoid crevasses. Even though the climb is on gentle slopes, we find it difficult due to the rarefied air. When on top we see a panorama described by an early explorer: “Beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has been my lot to behold.” On one side the Biafo lies and on the other side we look towards the Hishper Glacier and the peaks above Hunza valley. The view of sunrise from the pass is another sight to behold. Overnight at Hishper pass CampsiteDay 12

Day 12. Hishper La Kani Basa (4500m): Camp, trek. This is a long day’s walk and can take more than 8 hours. We want to make sure that we leave the pass early before the snow becomes soft. On the way down, once again, we are careful to avoid crevasses. We will have to cross the Kani Basa Glacier before we can camp on a green campsite, which is a welcome sight and site after being on snow for the last few days. On the way we can see the famous Kanjut Sar (7,760 m.) towering high above the Kani Basa Glacier. Overnight at Camp Kani Basa campsite.

Day 13. Kani Basa (4500m): Camp, rest. A well needed day to relax after a tough walk through Hispar La and snow. Overnight at Camp Kani Basa Campsite.

Day 14. Kani Basa to Jutmal (4200m): Camp, trek. This will take about 7 hours and on the way we will cross the Jutmal Glacier. It is tricky here as the route through the glacier is like a maze with high ice walls. After crossing it, another hurdle that we face is the climb up on a loose Hispar Glacier. Some streams have to be crossed on the way. Overnight at Jutmal Campsite.

Day 15. Jutmal to Bitanmal (3600 m): Camp, trek. This section takes about 8 hours. On the way Pumory Glacier is crossed and also a stream. The crossing of Pumory is not that difficult as the Jutmal. However, once again, we have to descend on to the ablation valley and once again we have to climb the cliffs on our right to get to the campsite. This is an exhaustive process. Overnight at Bitanmal Campsite.

Day 16. Bitanmal to Hishper Village (3400 m): Camp, trek. Another short day of about 4 hours. Some streams have to be crossed on the way, but the walking is relatively gentle. A bridge over the Hispar stream has to be crossed and then a climb on a good path brings us into the village proper. It is strange to see habitation as the villagers gather around us. Overnight at Hishper Village Campsite.

Day 17. Hishper Village to Karimabad. After breakfast descend in jeep along a bumpy road for about 2 hours until we reach the Karakoram Highway (KKH). We then turn north and drive along this great road for a while until we come to the Karimabad on Karakoram Highway. Towering over the green and fertile oasis of the Hunza valley are the ice ridges and peaks of one of the giants of Karakoram, Rakaposhi (7788m). In the evening we will watch sun set panorama at Duiker.

Day 18. Free day in Hunza Valley. Keep enjoy in graceful Hunza Valley overnight stay at Hotel in Karimabad.

Day 19. Drive to Chilas overnight stay at Hotel in Chilas.

Day 20. Drive to Islamabad overnight stay at Hotel in Chilas.

Day 21. Departure

Challenges and Considerations

• High Altitude: The altitude can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), so acclimatization is critical.

• Remote Trekking: This trek is extremely remote, with no easy access to medical facilities, meaning that trekkers must be well-prepared and self-sufficient.

• Glacier Navigation: The trek involves walking on glaciers with potential hazards such as crevasses, requiring experience in using equipment like crampons and ropes.

Why Choose the Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek?

This trek is ideal for adventure seekers looking for a challenging and less-trodden path, with rewards including spectacular mountain views, glacier crossings, and a deep sense of adventure. It combines the raw beauty of Snow Lake with the adventure of crossing a major high-altitude pass, making it one of the most iconic treks in the Karakoram.