Snow Lake is a glacial basin located at an altitude of 4,800m above sea level, with a width of approximately 16km. The basin lies at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers and spreading down the Hispar Pass in opposite directions, forms a 100km long continuous glacier system, among the world’s longest. Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor and the one who named it Snow Lake, described it as: “Beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold finer.” I defer to Mr Conway. Such wonders were made to be beheld. Biafo and Hispar glaciers meet at Hispar La making this system the greatest concentration of glacial ice outside Antartica. This vast river of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms; Hunza in the west with Baltistan in the east. Snow Lake area was described by the famous mountaineer explorer Eric Shipton as ’the last blank on the map’. As this region is so remote it serves as the last stronghold for many animals including Himalayan bear, ibex, markhor and the snow leopard. Towering high above Biafo and Hispar glaciers are jagged peaks, these include Kanjut Sar (7,760m), Distaghil Sar (7885 m.) Makrong Chhish (6,607m), Latok group (Latok I: 7,145m, Latok II: 7,108 m, Latok III: 6,949m, Latok IV: 6,456m) and Baintha Brakk/The Ogre (7,285m). The Ogre was famously first climbed in 1977 by Britons Doug Scott and Chris Bonington when they had an epic descent with Scott breaking both of his legs and took a week to reach Base Camp.
Islamabad International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Meeting upon arrival at Islamabad Airport and transfer to centrally air-conditioned hotel Blue Sky. After bar b Q lunch in hotel we move for sightseeing tour of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which includes a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum, World biggest mosque The Shah Faisal Mosque, Shakir Parian, Daman e koh for taking a bird eye view of Islamabad. Passing by government buildings of the federal capital we will stop at Jinnah Super Market to see most expensive carpets from China, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan at bargaining price. Our dinner will traditionally be in Afghan Restaurant. Evening return to hotel for overnight.
After an early breakfast at our hotel we depart for Chilas, driving on the Karakoram Highway (The Silk Road) along the river Indus. Our first stop will be at Taxila museum for one hour to see the world best collection of Gandhara art. It is the same place from where Buddhism spread to China, Japan, Korea and to Central Asia. We will stop for lunch at Hotel in bustling city of Besham. We will make also make several photos stops en route e.g. at Shatial rock inscriptions and at other viewpoints. On arrival at Chilas transfer to hotel Indus for overnight.
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Skardu, through world deepest gorges of the river Indus. We will take a photo stop at point where all the three highest mountain ranges of the world meet and then at the foot of Nanga Parbat the ninth highest mountain in Himalayan range. We will come across many villages en route were people are living in traditional way without getting influenced by modern culture. Skardu is the capital town of Baltistan or little Tibet. Satpara and Katchura lake are the main attractions of the area. In the town one can visit Khorpocho Fort perched on a high cliff and antique shops. At Skardu our accommodation will be at the very interesting Concordia motel, famous among trekkers and mountaineers for its calm and quite location and excellent Chinese food.
After breakfast at our hotel we will drive to the end of the jeep road crossing the fertile and green valley of Shigar, famous for its fruit orchards, wooden temples and mosques. At Thongol our stay will be in tents.
After breakfast at the campsite we shall start our trek and will reach Askole, a legendary village on the way to K-2. This is the last civilization some 500 years old and we buy goat and chicken to be consumed during the trek. We will continue our walk up to Qaiser ground, locally known as Shaghran. Packed lunch en route. Dinner & overnight in tents.
After breakfast start trekking along Biafo Glacier. The first campsite is Namla. Meals & overnight at the campsite at 3400 meters above sea level
Trekking in the heart of Biafo Glacier we will reach Mungo, where yak herders from Askole live during the summer. It has beautiful green grassy grounds. Altitude of campsite is 3650m above sea level.
Baintha is the local name for Ogre, this is an easy day walking on the glacier. Hispar Pass can be viewed while walking. Baintha camp is at 4020m above sea level.
Napina is a green campsite in an ablation valley with fresh water but there are no bushes etc. On the way you may cross several small crevasses. Campsite is at 4400m above sea level.
This a steady walk on snow covered ice. Today we shall rope up to avoid the danger of snow bridged crevasses. Camp at 4780m above sea level. You are on the edge of Snow Lake. This lake has depth of I mile as per the latest research.
Day free at the campsite for acclimatization. Optional walk to explore the vast snow lake from where several treks lead to Shimshal. We may come across the rare species of snow leopard here.
Today we shall cross the Hispar Pass at 5151 m. At the beginning it is an easy walk up to the top of pass. On the top there are several giant crevasses. Descending to Khanibasa again requires you to be roped. Camp at 4580m above sea level.
On the way you can see the view of the smooth white dome of Kanjut Sar at 7760 m. The campsite is at 4330m on a flat, sheltered field in the ablation valley with running water. Few bushes and wildflowers surround the campsite.
We cross some ice walls and crevasses. Water is a long way from the track so fill your bottles before leaving the campsite. Camp at 4150m.
This is a tiresome day of boulder hopping. Behind, you can see the last views of Hispar Pass Dachigan to Hispar Village (5/7 HRS).
This is an easy day of walking through pastures in the ablation valley past willow and cedar shrubs. Crossing several deserted dwellings, we reach Hispar Village at 3250m. There is a guest house without kitchen or toilet facilities.
Again, we will cross some small dwellings and reach at Huru at 2800m.
The jeep track come up to this place and our jeep will be waiting to take us back to civilization. After breakfast we move in 4 by 4 powered jeeps and pass by famous village of Nagar and then drive to Karimabad, the Capital of Hunza. On arrival transfer to hotel Hunza View or similar for overnight.
After breakfast we shall visit Baltit Fort museum and Altit Village. These are the Palaces of Ruler of Hunza over 700 years old located on the Silk Road connecting China with Europe. We will also enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding mountains especially four peaks above 7000 m including Rakaposhi and Ultar. After lunch we will move to Gilgit via Silk Road or Karakoram Highway. We pass near the base camp of Rakaposhi the 27 highest peak and the steepest place on earth. We will transfer to hotel Indus located on the banks of River Gilgit
After breakfast at the hotel we shall drive to Gilgit Airport for flight to Islamabad. This is a most fascinating flight when you take the view of the highest peaks of the earth in such a concentrated form. The view of Nanga Parbat is superb especially its successive ridges, elegantly adorned in thick coat of ice and so far, engulfed 48 mountaineers. We will also observe world biggest earth filled dam Tarbella on river Indus on our right. This is one-hour flight and after arrival at Islamabad transfer to hotel Shalimar
This day is at leisure to explore the ancient city of Rawalpindi. Its Raja Bazaar is the hub of business spread in dark and mysterious lanes. The whole day is not enough to explore Kalan Barar, Sarafa Bazzar, Moti Bazzar, Barra Bazar, Saddar Bazzar etc. This day may also be utilized on road journeys from Gilgit to Islamabad in case of flight cancellation due to inclement weather.
After breakfast at hotel transfer to airport for your onward journey. Assistance at departure
