Biafo & Snow Lake Trek

Overview

The Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek in Pakistan takes you through a high-altitude glacier basin stretching over 16 kilometers in width. This spectacular region is located at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers and served as an ancient ice highway connecting two great mountain kingdoms — Hunza in the west and Baltistan in the east. The combined length of the Biafo-Hispar glacier is 120 kilometers, making it the second-longest glacier in the world outside the Polar Regions.

Plan Your Journey

DayDestinationResidence
1 Arrival in Islamabad Hotel
2 Flight to Skardu or drive to Chilas (12–13 hrs) Hotel
3Drive to Skardu (if coming from Chilas) or rest day in Skardu Hotel
4 Drive to Askoli (6–7 hrs by Jeep) Camp
5 Trek from Askoli to Namla (5–6 hrs) Camp
6Trek to Mango (6–7 hrs) Camp
7Trek to Bainta (6–7 hrs) Camp
8 Rest day at Bainta for acclimatization Camp
9Trek to Napina (5–6 hrs, enter Snow Lake region) Camp
10 Trek to Snow Lake (Lukpe La Base Camp) (6–7 hrs) Camp
11 Cross Lukpe La Pass (5135m) and descend to Hispar Glacier – Camp
12 Trek to Hispar La Base Camp (5–6 hrs) Camp
13Trek to Hispar Village (6–7 hrs) Camp
14. Drive to Hunza (5–6 hrs) Hotel
15 Drive to Gilgit and flight to Islamabad (or drive to Chilas) Hotel
16 Drive to Islamabad (if coming from Chilas Hotel
17 Debriefing and onward journey ZFly
Transportation

Airport transfers (Islamabad and Skardu).
Air-conditioned minibuses for Ministry of Tourism briefings and sightseeing.
Domestic flights (Islamabad to Skardu, PK 451).
– 4×4 jeeps for members and Toyota Loader for equipment (Skardu to Jhola and Hushe to Skardu).

Accommodation:

2 nights at Grand Hotel Islamabad (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis.
2 nights at Shangri-La Midway or Panorama Inn, Skardu (full board).
3 nights at Blue Sky Hotel, Masherbrum Inn, Dewan-e-Khans, or K-2 Motel, Skardu (full board).
Note: Alternative accommodations will be provided if mentioned hotels are unavailable.

Additional Services:

Low-altitude porters for luggage and equipment transport.
Porter Sirdar for way up and down.
Experienced English-speaking guide, cook, and assistant cook.
Fuel generator, dining tent, sleeping tents, and kitchen equipment.
Trekking and base camp foods (Chinese, Pakistani, Continental, and Italian cuisine).
Fresh fruits, soft drinks, and beverages

Equipment Provided:

Sleeping tents with foam underlay and mattresses
Dining tent with inner and underlay
Kitchen tent, mess tent, shower tent, and toilet tent
Kitchen crockery, lamps, and cooking stoves
Bamboo sticks for high camps
Wooden boxes and plastic containers for food packing

Taxes and Fees

Trekking permit fee
CKNP management fee
Camping fees during trek
Guide daily wages, kit, and equipment
Bridge crossing fees
$1000 pollution fee guarantee
Documentation with Gilgit-Baltistan Council
International air ticket reconfirmation
Visa support letters

Baggage Allowance:

25kg per member (extra luggage will incur a 140 porter charge).
Paradise Karakoram Treks Tours reserves the right to adjust services due to unforeseen circumstances.
Extra days’ accommodation will incur a150 charge per night.
Note: Flight cancellations due to weather conditions may affect confirmed reservations.

Exclusions

nternational air ticket and airport taxes
Visa fee for Pakistan and personal insurance
Cargo fee and custom charges for import/export
Extra wages for personnel beyond our service packages
Sleeping bags, personal clothing, and climbing gear
Tips for drivers, local staff, and high-altitude porters
Phone Thuraya satellite calls
Walky-talky for above base camp service
Soft drinks
Laundry

Travel Insurance

Cancellation
Accidents
Health
Emergency evacuation
Companies like Global Rescue Travel Insurance offer suitable policies

Additional Costs

Road blocks or unforeseen events may incur extra costs.
Clients splitting from the group will incur additional charges.
Extra hotel nights will be charged to group members. – Government fee or new conditions may incur additional costs.

Reservations and Payment

50% advance payment required 50 days prior to arrival.
Balance payment due upon arrival in Pakistan.

Refund Policy

Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior to departure.
25% cancellation charge if cancelled less than 15 days prior to arrival.
No refund if cancelled after arrival or during the trip.

Environmental Responsibility

Organic waste: dispose on-site
Non-organic waste: take off-site

Visa Requirements

Valid passport required
Pakistani visa obtainable with invitation letter from Paradise Karakoram

Booking Advice

Book your trip at least 3–4 months prior to arrival in Pakistan to ensure smooth preparations

Important Safety Advice

For your safety and well-being, Paradise Karakoram Treks & Tours recommends:
Purchasing personal travel and health insurance.
Obtaining membership with a reputable emergency response organization.
We suggest Global Rescue Service, which provides:
• Helicopter evacuation
• Medical assistance
• Travel support

Having this membership will ensure prompt assistance in case of emergencies.
Note: Paradise Karakoram Treks & Tours will not be responsible for evacuation costs or medical expenses.

Enjoy the Freedom!