Experience one of the most remote and breathtaking treks in northern Pakistan. This expedition takes you into a wild, untouched wilderness where encounters with fellow humans are rare, but encounters with nature are profound.
Snow Lake, named by explorer Martin Conway in 1892, was long thought to be a vast ice cap. Conway’s dramatic account in Climbing Expeditions in the Karakoram – Himalayas brought this extraordinary region to the world’s attention.
Over 21 days, you will trek approximately 122 km across the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, navigating a remarkable landscape of ice, rock, and sky. Along the way, small ablation valleys burst with alpine flowers and provide glimpses of the region’s unique flora and fauna. Snow Lake itself, nestled between these glaciers, feels otherworldly—a true high-altitude paradise for adventure seekers.
The journey concludes as you descend to the picturesque Hunza Valley, soaking in the grandeur of the Karakoram, before traveling along the Karakoram Highway back to Islamabad. This trek is perfect for those looking for solitude, raw natural beauty, and a high-altitude adventure that few experience.
Trek Facts
Mountain Range: Karakoram
Altitude: Minimum 2,500m – Maximum 5,400m
Trek Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 21 Days
Best Time: July – September
Fly to Pakistan from your home country.
Arrival in Islamabad. Welcome by Rock Valley Tours. Trek briefing with your leader and guide. The rest of the day is free to explore Rawalpindi and Islamabad bazaars. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Skardu. Transfer to the resort. (Flight subject to weather; if canceled, drive to Chilas). Overnight at the hotel.
Explore Skardu town, rest, and prepare for the trek. If traveling by road, drive from Chilas to Skardu. Overnight at the hotel.
Board soft-top 4×4 jeeps to trek. Enjoy views of Mango Gusor (6208m) and Bakhor Das (5809m). Camp at Thongol/Askoli (2950m). (145 km, 5–6 hours).
Start trekking, luggage distributed among porters. Walk along the Braldu River to Askoli village, the last permanent settlement. Trek across Biafo Glacier and lateral moraine to Namla campsite (3400m). (6–7 hours).
Cross glacier crevasses carefully. Ascend gently, enjoying views of Latok 1 (7145m) and Latok 2 (7108m). Arrive at Biantha (4025m), a grassy campsite with a stream. (6–7 hours).
Walk along the valley, cross small lakes, then gradually climb the glacier. Rope up if there is fresh snow. Enjoy views of Sosbun Brakk (6418m). Camp at 4025m. (7–8 hours).
Early departure to cross soft snow on the medial moraine. Reach the intersection of Sim-gang Glacier and Snow Lake. Camp at ~4780m near Hispar Pass. (2–3 hours).
Explore Snow Lake (estimated size 77 sq.km). Named by Martin Conway in 1892. Witness glaciers, ice formations, and dramatic Karakoram peaks.
Climb the pass with gaiters, roped together for safety. View Snow Lake from Hispar Pass (5151m) and descend to the northern moraine of Hispar Glacier. Camp at 4580m (7–8 hours).
Cross Khanibasa Glacier (90 minutes), follow the lateral moraine, and marvel at hanging glaciers and avalanches. Camp at Yutmaru (4330m) amid alpine flowers. (5–6 hours).
Cross Yutmaru Glacier (2 hours), climb steeply with panoramic views of Hispar Glacier and Chish Range (7852m). Camp at 3902m. (6–7 hours).
Relax at the Bitanmal valley campsite. Surrounded by alpine flora, grazing goats, sheep, and yaks.
Walk through green pastures, crossing the Hispar River. Enter Hispar village with mud houses, apricot trees, and wheat fields. Camp near the river at 3200m. (5–6 hours).
Walk 2 hours to Huru, then ride in 4×4 jeeps to Karimabad, Hunza Valley. Spectacular views of Rakaposhi (7788m), Ultar 1 (7388m), Ultar 2, and Golden Peak. Afternoon free. Overnight at the hotel.
Free day in Karimabad. Visit Altit and Baltit forts. Option to drive 35 km north to Passu for views of Passu & Batura glaciers. Cultural dance in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
Morning excursion to Upper Hunza, then drive along the Karakoram Highway to Chilas. Overnight at the hotel. (230 km, 6 hours).
Drive to Islamabad. Overnight at the hotel. (385 km, 12 hours).
Day free to explore the city or relax. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to Islamabad airport for your international flight home.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+92 347 4598096
info@rockvalleytours.com
