Snow Lake Hispar Biafo Hispar Pass Trek
$0 per person
Snow Lake Hispar Pass Trek: Perhaps the most remote trek up in the north of Pakistan. You will not see many people in this lonely wilderness in which you will experience a true meeting with nature in its purest form.
For the first 40 years of this century, explorers believed that Snow Lake was a vast ice cap. It was named by explorer Martin Conway in 1892, who has given a dramatic account of this place in his book “Climbing expeditions in the Karakoram – Himalayas”.
As we trek up to this other-worldly place we enter a remarkable world of ice, rock, and sky – occasionally intercepted by a small range of valleys filled with numerous wild flora and fauna. We undertake a 122km walk on the Biafo & Hispar Glaciers, and explore the incredible wilderness of Snow Lake burrowed between the two glaciers.
We finish our trek by descending to the Hunza Valley. Finally, after finishing the trek we travel on transport along the Karakoram Highway to Islamabad.
For more information on the Snow Lake Hispar Pass Trek and the treks that we run there, contact us via:
WhatsApp: +92 347 4598096 | +92 345 4354348
Email: info@rockvalleytours.com
21 Days
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Destination
From Our Gallery
1
Day 1
Departure
Fly to Pakistan
2
Day 2
Arrive Islamabad
After your welcome from Rock Valley Tours at the hotel there will be a trek briefing with your leader and guide and then the rest of the day is free to explore the bazaars of Rawalpindi and the new town of Islamabad. Overnight at the hotel.
3
Day 3
Fly Islamabad - Skardu
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Skardu and then transfer to resort. (This flight is subject to good weather conditions, so if the flight is canceled we will drive by road to Chilas. Meals and overnight at hotel.
4
Day 4
Skardu Free day in Skardu
(If we are traveling by road we will make the journey from Chilas to Skardu). Hotel for meals and overnight.
5
Day 5
Jeep Ride to Askoli
We take soft-top 4x4 jeeps for a bumpy ride to trek head. Enjoy exciting views of Mango Gusor (6208m) and Bakhor Das (5809m) peaks. Camp at 2950m at Thongol/ Askoli. (145 km, 5-6 hours.).
6
Day 6
Thongol/ Askoli - Namla
We begin our trek, as our luggage is distributed among our team of porters, by walking across an incredible wilderness of rock, ice, and sky. After walking alongside Braldu River for about an hour, we reach the village of Askole. This is the last permanent settlement along our trekking route. Another three hours’ walk brings us to the Biafo Glacier, two kilometers wide at this point, which is to be our companion for half of the trek. After setting foot on the glacier, and scrambling across the lateral moraine for about three hours, we arrive at Namla campsite at 3400m. (6-7 hour trek).
7
Day 7
Namla - Biantha
Back on the glacier, we cross an area of crevasses where extreme care is needed. It’s important to follow our guide closely. Once across the crevasses, we make a gentle ascent of the glacier, enjoying spectacular views of Latok 1 (7145m), Latok 2 (7108m) along the trek. The track follows the ablation valley past a small lake, then heads out across the lateral crevasses to the smooth white center of the Biafo Glacier. Our campsite is at Biantha at 4025m on a grassy area with a clear stream flowing through dense willows and alpine flowers. (6-7 hour trek).
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Day 8
Biantha - Karfogoro
The first hour of the trek is a lovely walk along the valley, crossing many small lakes surrounded by willows and wildflowers. This area is the habitat of bears and Himalayan ibex. Once on the glacier, we make a gradual climb over smooth ice. If there is fresh snow on the glacier we must rope up and walk using a flying belay while enjoying stunning views of Sosbun Brakk (6418m). camp at 4025m (7-8 hour trek).
9
Day 9
Karfogoro - Snow Lake
We make a pre-dawn departure from the camp so that we can walk safely over the soft snow on the medial moraine. After two hours of steady plodding, we arrive at the intersection of the Sim-gang glacier with Snow Lake. We camp at around 4780m close to the Hispar Pass. (2-3 hour trek).
10
Day 10 - 11
Two days at Snow Lake
For the first 40 years of the last century, explorers believed that Snow Lake was an ice-cap like those in polar regions from which glaciers flow in each direction, its size is estimated at 777 sq.km. Now the lake’s estimated size is 77 sq.km, The lake was named by explorer Martin Conway in 1892, who gave a dramatic account of the area in his book “Climbing expeditions in the Karakoram - Himalaya".
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Day 12
Snow Lake - Khanibasa
We make an early morning departure to climb the pass. Gaiters are essential as snow can be deep even in the morning. We walk in single file, roped together. The route passes through the center of the pass around giant crevasses and striped, greenish-blue seracs towering on either side. The view of Snow Lake from the top of Hispar Pass 5151m is inspirational. Numerous glaciers emerge from Snow Lake and disappear between nameless unclimbed Karakoram peaks. The highest of these peaks is Baintha Brakk (7285m) also called Ogre, first climbed by
Chris Bonington and Doug Scott in 1977. On the other side of the pass, the snow-covered Hispar Glacier stretches as far as the eye can see, and to the north rises the white pyramid of Workman Peak (19,300 ft.). We descend from the pass to camp on the glacier ’s northern moraine at 4580 m. (7-8 hour trek).
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Day 13
Khanibasa - Yutmaru
Soon after leaving our camp we spend about 90 minutes crossing the Khanobasa Glacier. During the walk, we can enjoy spectacular views of Kanji Sar (7700 m), the 29th highest peak in the world. From here we follow lateral moraine and marvel at the hanging glaciers and frequent avalanches on the southern ice walls. Yutmaru at 4330m is a flat, sheltered field in a valley, surrounded by willows and alpine flowers. It also offers fine views of the Hispar Pass and the Balchish Range. (5-6 hour trek).
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Day 14
Yutmaru - Bitanmal
An hour's easy walk through the valley to the Yutmaru Glacier, which we then take about two hours to cross, negotiating high ice walls and deep crevasses. Once across the glacier, we make the steep climb which provides us with panoramic views back to Hispar Pass. As we descend there are also views of the Kenyan Chish Range (7852m), the 22nd highest peak in the world. The Pumari cherish Glacier flows south
from this mighty mountain. We walk along a path 100m above Hispar Glacier to reach our campsite at 3902. (6-7 hour trek)
14
Day 15
At Bitanmal
Our Bitanmal valley campsite is a wide open summer pasture surrounded by willows and flowers. In summer the shepherds from Hispar Village move here to live with their herds of goats, sheep and yaks. It’s a perfect place for a rest day.
15
Day 16
Through Hispar Village
A lovely, relaxing walk through green pastures past willows and cedars and among herds of goats, sheep, cattle and donkeys. Soon we meet the south bank of Hispar River, and a wide alluvial fan rippling in terraces down to a cliff above the river. We cross a wooden bridge over the river and climb steeply to enter the Hispar village and its mud houses, apricot, willow & poplar trees, and fields of wheat, peas, beans, along with the ever-present wild poppies and marijuana. After spending some time here, we walk for another hour to our camp close to a roaring river at 3200m. (5-6 hour trek).
16
Day 17
Jeep Drive Huru - Hunza
In the morning we walk for two hours through the dry landscape to Huru and board soft-top 4x4 jeeps for the short ride to Karimabad., the capital of Hunza Valley. You are never short of spectacular views here - Rakaposhi (7788m ), Ultar 1 (7388 m), Ultar 2, and Golden Peak tower above the valley. Afternoon free, meals and overnight at hotel. (2 hours trek & 2 hours by jeep).
17
Day 18
Hunza Karimabad
Day free at Karimabad to explore the valley and to visit the Altit and Baltit forts. These are reminders of the times when Hunza was an important staging post on the Karakoram branch of the Silk Route. The forts were erected by the locals to protect themselves against invaders coming mostly from Central Asia over the high passes. Overnight at the hotel. Time permitting we may drive 35km further north along the Karakoram Highway to the picturesque village of Passu for thrilling views of the Passu & Batura glaciers. Meals and overnight at hotel. Hunza cultural dance in the evening.
18
Day 19
Hunza - Besham/ Narran
Morning excursion to the Upper Hunza to enjoy views of Passu Peak, Passu Glacier, Batura and other peaks of Karakoram. Drive back along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. Meals and overnight at a hotel. (230 km, 6 hours).
19
Day 20
To Islamabad
On to Islamabad, overnight at hotel. (385 km, 12 hours)
20
Day 21
Fly home
Transfer to athe irport for your departure flight.
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SERVICES INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
SERVICES INCLUDED:
Accommodation: on a twin-sharing basis in the hotels in towns. HP's hotel accommodation in towns, Camping Equipment: We Provide high-quality equipment to clients making their adventure the most. Comfortable and enjoyable even on the harsh and hard part of the world Dome 3 tents during trekking and at the base camp, Toilet Tent Kitchen Equipment: Mess Tent with full Kitchen Equipment, Table & chairs, Kitchen utensil Meals: Full board Darning camping and base camp, We provide the Excellent quality food during your adventure when you start your Trek from Shimshal to BC and back to Hunza, (fallboard). In Pakistan, RVT is the only expedition outfitter which provides fresh meat and vegetable at the base camps from time to time. Break Fast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea or coffee, Food for HPs during traveling and trekking Our Staff: We would not say our staff is the best one in Pakistan, you would say this after you Experience their punctuality, Experience, good and humorous attitude with you. Their daily allowance, Food, kit & equipment, insurance, accommodation, RVT Traveling Exp, like Islamabad to Shimshal and Back to ISB, TRANSPORTATION: 4x4 Jeeps etc. with all expedition Luggage. Road head to Trek Head & back. TPT for HPs from their home to back, HP & Porterage: Low Porters from Road to Base Camp, and HPs for High Passes, and back to trek head, including food. Kitchen. And 12.50 Kg of member luggage. Climbing Equipment. Fixing rope, ice screw, snow bars. Invitation letter for apply visa Are you a Frequent Visitor in Pakistan? If you are coming to Pakistan for Expeditions, Trekking and you wish to keep your equipment in Pakistan, You are more Then welcome to keep your equipment In our store either in Islamabad or you can keep them in Hunza. Like many other climbers, expedition, and trekking organizers you can keep them. This is a free service that only RVT offers to facilitate its clients. OFFICIAL FORMALITIES: Submission of application for climbing permit and coordination with the ministry of Tourism in order to update climbers with the progress. Arrangements of the first meeting with Guide and Ministry Briefing/de-briefing in the Ministry of tourism. Processing application for satellite permit (if required) Documentation for import and export of mountaineering cargo***COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Following Mentioned services are not included in our price, but some of them can be arranged at your request Any Meals at the hotel or on the way are not included in the cost. Cost of any soft drinks, Any domestic/international airfare, transportation in an airport for pick and drop. Airfare from ISB-GLT-ISB US$ Depend on Government policies change Personal trekking equipment like the sleeping bag sacks Shoes and all personal expenses such as mineral water, telephone, liquor, etc Porter for to go high camp, any additional expanse Porter for personal Extra luggage on the trek, Trekking permit fee US$ 50 per person. Horse for the trek. Medicines and any expense of personal nature, Rescue Helicopter charges 12,000 U$ in case of use for rescue, any helicopter rescue is not included in the price for staff. Cook helper, porters & Sardar. Transfers to the airports for participants, Optional excursions, or deviations from the scheduled tour Room service, gratuities for personal services, items of a purely personal nature Any expense due to forced majors, cancellation of flights, landslides, evacuation or accident, or delay beyond the control of the land operator Covid-19 PCR test and vaccination certificate Luggage and Cargo: Before your arrival and departure, RVT takes care of your luggage. Clearance of Cargo before arrival, Clearance of your Cargo after your departure to your home. Storage of your unwanted belongings in Islamabad or Skardu, which you do not need during your adventure, Miscellaneous: Mail delivery at the base camp Reconfirmation of international flight tickets The arrangement of high-altitude porters (if required). Rock Valley Tours has the best high-altitude porters in Pakistan. The arrangement of high-altitude tents (VE 25 North Face Tents) on payment. A farewell dinner will be hosted from RVT in one of the best restaurants or hotels in Rawalpindi/Islamabad with your staff who will be coming back with you from the base camp or your adventure. Taxes Fees & Tipping: The following fees and taxes are included in our quotation, for members, RVT crew and Camping fees, Bridge crossing Fees (Porter, porter Sardar, and RVT staff Tip is not included in the cost) Note: If any member splits from the expedition for his/her own reason, that member will bear all transportation costs on the way back to Rawalpindi. In case of damage to the base camp tent or any Equipment, the trek member will be charged the original value of the Equipment. Payment Procedure: * 50 % Advance on date block & confirmation of services, minimum 02 months before the commencement of trek nonrefundable. * 50 % balance payable before one month of trek Start (IMPORTANT) Foreigner clients must share their passport copy, 02 passport size Photograph full detail for trek permission requirement. If any member leaves the trek at any stage, the organization will not be liable to refund the payment. Using drugs or intoxication of any kind is strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught using any kind of substance on buses or during the trip will be expelled from the trip on the spot. That person will not be eligible for any kind of refund. We reserve the right to cancel the trip without prior notice for any reasons deemed appropriate by them. In such a case the registered participants will receive a full refund. On an adventure trip of this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond the control of organizers can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the Leader of the group and Guide will decide what the best alternative is, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group Smoking in transport is strictly prohibited. Participants must hold a valid Computerized CNIC/Passport Card. Time management/punctuality is strictly recommended. Participants are advised to use Non-Slippery Shoes/Boot/Joggers/DMS. Participants must NOT wear Heel/Dress Shoes. On steep ascends in mountainous areas, air-conditioned buses will be operational on an on-off basis to keep the vehicles from overheating. The RVT will not be responsible for any injury/damage/loss.GEAR AND CLOTHING LIST for Trekking
Personal gear & Clothing.
While on an organized trek, it is best to pack all items for your trip in one large piece and one carry-on. The large piece must be a duffel bag (weighing not more than 12.5 Kg.) because duffels are easier for porters to carry. A small day pack is suggested as a carry-on to keep items that you will use while on the trek, bus, or jeep.Luggage
Large duffel bag with a lock. It is not recommended to put your stuff in a backpack as the straps might get damaged while being transferred from bus to jeeps, jeeps to campsites, and during loading and unloading by porters each day. A small padlock that fits through the zipper of your duffel bag is recommended.Day Pack:
Large enough for camera gear, cap, sunglasses, water bottle, jacket, and other items you may like to use while on the trek.Extra carry-on:
For storing city clothes in Skardu, Hunza, Chitral,Money Belt:
A small fanny pack, money belt, or around-the-neck passport bag is suggested for keeping safe your passport, travel documents, and money.Packing list for your Duffel:
Sleeping Bag:
As we shall be sleeping for four nights at Concordia at 4,700meters or at Snow Lake and Hispar Pass, Shimshal Pass, at 5151meters above sea level, so the bag should be rated for 0 degrees F or -18 degrees C. Ratings are all relative since the amount of insulation needed for a particular person to stay comfortable depends on their rate metabolism. A down bag will be warmer for its weight and pack smaller but does not retain its insulative properties when wet. A waterproof breathable shell or a bivy bag will keep the bag dry. A synthetic bag keeps you warm even when wet and is a less expensive alternative, but will weigh more for a given amount of warmth.Trekking Boots:
The single most important item on this list. Never take brand new boots on a trek, make sure they are well broken-in before departure. Good trekking boots are hard to get in Pakistan. If you are buying a new pair from abroad, look for medium-weight boots of fabric or a fabric/leather combination. They should provide adequate ankle support. A Vibrum or other deep-lug will protect you from rocks and add support. Always use thick socks when trying shoes so that you get the correct size. Short shoes can jam your toes painfully during steep descents. You could also try to get new “Grouted” shoes that provide protection against water and are good while walking in rain or through the snow. Make sure you can fit crampons on your shoes, as it is vital for crossing different passes.Camp Shoes:
Jogging shoes or sneakers to slip in at the end of the day. Tiva sandals are ideal for this trek, as you can use them while crossing streams and also at the campsite for strolls.Crampons/ Showgriper:
You may need crampons on certain treks, sometimes only for one day. It helps in having a better grip on hard snow to have crampons fitted to your boots. Look for easy to fix ones. ( Check with us for your specific trek if you need the crampons or not). From our regular trek list, you would need to bring crampons for Gondogoro La, Biafo Hispar, and Wartum PeakThermal socks:
The socks you wear are a critical element. A cotton/wool combination is useful while on the glacier, and for warmer conditions, cotton socks are best. For those who are sensitive to wool synthetic/cotton socks are recommended.Liner Socks:
A thin, wickable material. Polypropylene, Capilene, Thermax, and Drylete all work very well. Silk does not work nearly as effectively as any one of the above. Polyester Fleece/Pile Jacket or Pullover. Stays warm even when wet. Polyester Fleece Pants. Good for afternoon strolls, same as above.Rain Gear:
A rain suit available from the local market is best for rain, doubles as a windbreaker, and fits over pile jacket and pants. Wicking Long Underwear (tops & bottoms). Wick moisture to keep you warm and comfortable and dry quickly. Two suits are a good idea.Ski Hat:
Covers your ears properly, use one with a cotton liner. The woolen cap is also good.Mittens or Gloves:
Woolen gloves are useful when at higher elevations and during windy conditions when the temperature drops quickly.Brimmed Sun Hat:
Very important for this trek, as when we start the trek and till we arrive at Concordia, we are generally walking towards east. This can be annoying in the morning as the sun is low and hits your eyes.Bathing Suit:
Men can take baths by the rivers or occasional lakes in ablation valleys.Toiletries:
Keep everything you normally use. Just remember to bring effective sunscreen, chapstick /lip balm, skin lotion, and laundry soap.CLOTHING
With your knowledge of Pakistani culture, you are well aware of precautions to be taken while traveling through remote areas. Cloths for the trek should be durable, comfortable, and easy to wash and dry. In good weather, you will spend much of your time in a T-shirt or medium shirt and outdoor trousers. You will need warmer clothes for the evening in the camps. Temperature falls rapidly as soon as the sun goes down. Men could wear shorts once they are through populated areas, which means from the third day of the trek. Women are advised to use cotton shalwar kameez (loose long shirts and baggy trousers) the traditional Pakistani dress, as these are comfortable during warm conditions, and also appreciated & respected by the locals.- Check List
- Headgear
- Parka
- Wool shirt & trousers
- Sweater
- Cotton shirt & pants
- Gloves & Mittens
- Rain/wind suit
- Cotton & Wool undergarments
- Socks (Cotton & Wool/synthetic)
- Boots (Trek & Camp)
- Belt!
- Down Jacket
- Shalwar Kameez (Cotton)
- Spare laces for boots
- Miscellaneous Items
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Washcloth
- Bandanna/Scarf, for covering your mouth while riding in a jeep.
- Water bottle, with a durable screw top.
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp with flashlight + extra batteries and bulb
- Insect repellent
- Swiss Army knife, or a similar one
- Nylon cord for a clothesline
- Personal Medical Kit
- Pocket size sewing kit
- Lighter or matches for general use
- Wrist Watch
- Optional Items
- We provide closed-cell matrices but you may want to supplement for additional comfort.
- Stuff sacks of various sizes for storing your used clothes.
- Toilet paper or travel pack of tissues.
- An interesting
- Notebook and pen for a journal.
- Snacks: personal choice of dried fruit, candy, energy bars.
- Camera, film, extra batteries, cleaning supplies, and extra lenses.
- Sports gear (playing cards/Frisbee)
- Water purification tablets