The Biafo Glacier is a 63 km (39 mi) long glacier in the Karakoram Mountains of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan which meets the 49 km (30 mi) long Hispar(Nagar) Glacier at an altitude of 5,128 m (16,824 ft) at Hispar La (Pass) to create the world’s longest glacial system outside the polar regions. This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms, Nagar (immediately south of Hunza) in the west with Baltistan in the east. The traverse uses 51 of the Biafo Glacier’s 63 km and all of the Hispar Glacier to form a 100 km (62 mi) glacial route.
Snow Lake is located 16,000 feet 4,877 m above sea level and is approximately 10 miles 16 km wide. The basin lies at the head of the Biafo and Hisparglaciers, which spread down from the Hispar Pass in opposite directions, forming a 61-mile (100 km) river of ice that is among the world`s longest continuous glacier systems outside of the polar regions. The central Karakoram, first explored and mapped in 1937 and 1939, is perhaps the wildest of all. It is an area of vast glaciers, high mountains, and remote passes.
The length of Biafo Glacier is 68 kilometers 42 miles long with a total area of 625 sq. km. It starts at Korofong above Askole village. Hisper Glacier is 52 Kilometers long. It is only the Hisper pass, which separates the Hisper Glacier and Biafo Glacier. However, most geographers consider the two glaciers as one; they call the Biafo-Hisper Glacier. If that be so then the 120 kilometers 75 miles long biafo Hispar Glacier probably becomes the second longest glacier in the world.
Approaching Snow Lake following a broad highway of Ice, a huge glaciated basin at 4500 meters, there could be a couple of crevasse areas where it will be necessary to rope up. Here we have the opportunity to view Biantha Brak, (7284 m), Snow Lake Peak, and Simkiang Glacier. From here we ascend the Hisper La and camp on the summit, which gives us panoramic sunset and sunrise views of the whole Biafo – Hispar.
| Departure/Return Location | International Airport, Islamabad |
| Departure Time | Mountain Range: Karakoram |
| Elevation: 6251m | Best Time: Mid-May to End-August |
| Duration: Days | Zone: Open |
Arrive at the airport and then transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.
Early morning flight to Skardu (flights are subject to weather), if unable to fly we will depart for Skardu by road with an overnight stay at Chilas. Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
In case of flight has operated we will go for a sightseeing tour of Skardu and in case no flight, the day will be used for overland travel from Chilas to Skardu (total drive is 22 – 24 hrs from Islamabad to Skardu). Overnight stay in a hotel at Skardu.
Sight saw in Skardu final packing for the Trek.
After breakfast, we will embark jeeps for a full day ride on a winding jeep trail to Askole – The last inhabitance on our way to the Great Glaciers. (Tent)
Today we will leave the last inhabited village of Askoli. For the remaining portion of our journey, we will rely on our local team who will carry our food and equipment and sustain our Trek. We start the trek and walk along the turbulent waters of the Braldu River, after 2 hours we climb a steep slope to enter into the Biafo glacier. Most of the day we will walk on the boulders and along the lateral moraines (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Mango, this is a short and moderate trek on the glacier to Mango. (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Baintha. we cross the jumbled boulders to the moraine ridges in the center of the glacier. Soon we reach the ‘miracle highway’ of white ice which provides easier walking cross over to the east side of the glacier to make camp at Baintha. This is a splendid camping place, with lush grassland, an abundance of flowers and birds, and the chance to spot shy ibex on the mountain slopes above the camp. (Tent)
Rest day at Baintha, since the alpine loveliness of this camp is not something to be rushed, bearing in mind that there is absolutely nothing in the way of greenery beyond this point for some considerable distance. This rest stop also allows the porters the opportunity to bake a supply of Balti bread and chapattis to last them over the coming days. There is the very worthwhile option today of ascending a peak above the camp for fantastic views down the glacier and across to the Latok group of mountains and the Ogre. (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Simgng. We will trek on the crevassed Biafo to Simgang Biafo junction. A hard & long day rewarded with breathtaking views of dozens of nameless peaks from 5060 m to Sosbun Brakk 6413 m. (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Snow Lake. This will be a strenuous walking day so far but the most rewarding and perhaps the most memorable day of your life. Cruising first the crevassed glacier & later the upper ice flow, follow the footsteps of Conway, Shipton, and Workmans to reach Snow Lake. The workman, on their first sight of this magical place, is bound to declare it “A huge basin of ice & snow that seemed in no way of this world” (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Khani Basa. Today we will wake up early in the morning and leave as soon as we are done with breakfast, we will try to reach the pass before sunrise. From the top of Hispar Pass (5150m), some of the finest views of the Karakorum, Ogre Peak (7285m) in the background of Snow Lake’s wide plateau and Hispar Glacier stretching as far as the eye can see, with the white pyramid of Workman peak to its north. After a refreshment and photo stop, we will proceed to another side of the pass which takes three hours to reach the campsite at Khani Basa. Most of the day we will walk through deep soft snow in a single file with rope to avoid the hidden crevasses. (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Yutmuro.Today we will traverse through and cross the Khanibasa glacier which takes around 2 hours. During the day we have spectacular views of Kanjut Sar 1 (7700m) and the glaciers. The great number of wildflowers makes again this day pleasant. (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Bitanmal. An easy stroll through Ablation Valley brings us to the Yutmaru glacier, which takes approximately 2 hours to reach the viewpoint of Hisper Pass in the backdrop. The campsite of Bitanmal is filled with willow bushes and wildflowers. (Tent)
Rest day at Bitanmal and Explore around (Tent)
After breakfast Trek to Hispar village. An early start is essential each morning as we descend the Hispar Glacier. This is because the side streams that must be negotiated are much less formidable before the heat of the day (and associated snow melt) swells them to impassable proportions. After crossing the Kiang Glacier, there is a steep climb to regain the path that leads through the grazing grounds of Daltanas and Falolingkish. One large stream has to be crossed just before Falolingkish, and then a footbridge leads across to Hispar Village. (Tent)
After breakfast, we will drive to Karimabad. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel and check in. The afternoon will be free at leisure or go for a walk around. Overnight stay in a hotel in Karimabad.
After breakfast, we will depart for Chilas, en route lunch stop at Gilgit, will also visit the local bazaar. Afternoon drive to Chials. Overnight stay in a hotel at Chilas.
Early morning we will depart for Islamabad, via Babusar pass. Overnight stay in a hotel in Islamabad.
After breakfast, we will full day sightseeing in the twin city Islamabad/Rawalpindi. The rest of the time is reserved for shopping.
Transfer to the airport for flight back home
Please Note: Gilgit Baltistan flights are subject to weather and backlog, in case of flight cancellation we will travel by road, and one night in Islamabad will be adjusted for overland travel.
Services included as following
Hotels:
Transport:
4 X4 Jeeps:
Jeeps from Skardu – Askoli- Skardu
Trekking and Base Camp Food:
Food (during the stay at base camp (we will serve breakfast, lunch, and Dinner)
Porters:
Carry on member’s climbing gear, foodstuff, camping crew, etc., up to base camp and return to the Jeep Roadhead. All porters insurance
Staff: Guide, Cook, and assist cook wages, camp food, transport, and insurance
Camping Equipment:
Mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent mattress, chairs, Tables
Kitchen utensils:
Complete kitchen utensils (crockery)
General Services:
Services not included in the given price