Across the World’s Greatest Non-Polar Glacier Wilderness
Embark on one of the greatest wilderness journeys in the world with Hunza Explorers on the Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek. This extraordinary expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Karakoram Range, following the legendary glacier route between Askole in Baltistan and Hispar Village in Nagar Valley.
The Biafo and Hispar Glacier system forms one of the world's longest continuous glacier traverses outside the polar regions. Crossing this vast frozen wilderness is a true expedition, taking trekkers through an extraordinary world of ice, snow, towering granite peaks and some of the most remote landscapes in Pakistan.
Our journey begins in Askole, the historic gateway to some of the Karakoram's greatest adventures. From here, we enter the wilderness and follow the mighty Biafo Glacier, gradually leaving behind the last permanent settlements and moving deeper into a landscape dominated by mountains and ice.
The trek follows a historic route that has long connected Baltistan with Nagar and Hunza across the high mountains. For centuries, these remote passes and glacier routes formed important connections between isolated mountain communities and the wider networks linking Central Asia, China, Tibet and the Indian subcontinent.
One of the defining moments of the expedition is reaching Snow Lake, known locally as Lukpe Lawo. This immense high-altitude snow basin is surrounded by a spectacular amphitheatre of jagged Karakoram peaks and vast glaciers. Its sheer scale and isolation make it one of the most remarkable wilderness landscapes on Earth.
From the upper reaches of the Biafo Glacier, the journey continues towards Hispar Pass, at approximately 5,150 metres, which connects the Biafo and Hispar glacier systems. Crossing this high pass is one of the expedition's greatest achievements, opening the route towards the remote Hispar Glacier and the valleys of Nagar.
The trek then descends along the Hispar Glacier, passing through another extraordinary world of ice, mountains and remote camps before eventually reaching Hispar Village. Completing the journey from Askole to Hispar means crossing one of the most spectacular and demanding glacier landscapes in the Karakoram.
The Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek is not simply about reaching a destination. Every stage of the expedition offers a new perspective on the immense scale of the Karakoram. Days are spent walking across moraine, glacier ice, snowfields and remote mountain terrain, while nights are spent camping beneath some of the world's most dramatic peaks.
This is a journey into genuine wilderness. Once beyond the villages, there are no hotels, roads or permanent tourist facilities. The expedition relies on a fully supported trekking team, with guides, porters, cooks and carefully planned camps helping to make the journey through this remote environment possible.
The region also has a rich history of exploration. Early mountaineers and explorers were drawn to these glaciers by their immense scale and the mystery of the unmapped Karakoram. British explorer H. W. Tilman was among the early explorers who travelled through this remarkable region, helping to bring international attention to the wilderness surrounding Snow Lake, the Biafo Glacier and the Hispar Glacier.
The trek offers exceptional opportunities for photography and for experiencing the raw power of one of the world's greatest mountain ranges. Vast glacier corridors, towering peaks, dramatic campsites and the extraordinary expanse of Snow Lake create a constantly changing landscape unlike any conventional trekking route.
Although often described as a classic expedition, the Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek is a serious high-altitude adventure. Trekkers must be prepared for long walking days, glacier travel, changing weather and the physical demands of crossing remote terrain at high elevation. Good fitness, previous trekking experience and a strong sense of adventure are essential.
For those ready to venture beyond the established trails, this expedition offers an unforgettable crossing from Baltistan to Nagar Valley through the heart of the Karakoram. From the vast ice of the Biafo Glacier and the extraordinary wilderness of Snow Lake to the high crossing of Hispar Pass and the long descent along the Hispar Glacier, every stage of the journey delivers a new level of adventure.
Join Hunza Explorers on the Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek and experience one of Pakistan's most legendary high-altitude expeditions—a complete crossing of glaciers, mountains and remote wilderness that connects the remarkable landscapes of Askole, Snow Lake, Hispar Pass and Nagar Valley.
The Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek is one of the Karakoram’s ultimate wilderness expeditions, taking you far beyond established trekking routes into an immense world of glaciers, high passes and untouched mountain landscapes. This is not simply a trek to a single destination; it is an extraordinary journey across the Karakoram, connecting Askole in Baltistan with Hispar Village in Nagar Valley.
You will trek across the legendary Biafo Glacier, enter the vast wilderness surrounding Snow Lake, cross the high Hispar Pass and continue along the remote Hispar Glacier. Each stage reveals a different side of the Karakoram, from immense glacier corridors and snow-covered basins to towering peaks, dramatic campsites and some of the most isolated landscapes in Pakistan.
The historical significance of the route adds another dimension to the adventure. For generations, the high mountain corridor between Baltistan and Hunza served as a connection between remote communities, while later explorers helped introduce the extraordinary landscapes of Biafo, Snow Lake and Hispar to the wider world.
What makes this expedition truly special is the sense of complete immersion in wilderness. Once the trek begins, roads and permanent settlements are left behind as you travel for days through a landscape shaped entirely by ice, snow and mountains. Camping beneath the peaks of the Karakoram Range, crossing one of the world's greatest non-polar glacier systems and completing the journey from Baltistan to Nagar creates an achievement and experience that few trekking adventures can match.
With Hunza Explorers, you undertake this demanding expedition with an experienced support team, allowing you to focus on the adventure while experiencing one of the most spectacular and legendary glacier treks in Pakistan.
We list Islamabad as the start and end point, but pick-up and drop-off can be arranged from any airport, border, or city in Pakistan.
A valid passport is required for all international travellers, with sufficient validity for the planned journey and applicable entry requirements. International travellers must obtain the…
Quick answers to common questions about the Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek.
No FAQs match your search.
Yes. This is a demanding high-altitude expedition involving long trekking days over glaciers, moraine, snow, ice and uneven mountain terrain. Previous multi-day trekking experience, good physical fitness and the ability to cope with remote wilderness conditions are strongly recommended.
Technical mountaineering experience is not normally required for the standard trekking route. However, glacier conditions can change, and trekkers must follow the instructions of the expedition guides at all times.
No fixed departures are open right now. Switch to the Private Tour Request tab and we will plan dates for your group.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
