Biafo Glacier Trek

Arrive at Islamabad International Airport. Transfer to hotel. Evening team briefing: route overview, gear check, permit documentation, and introduction to your guide team. Overnight Islamabad.

After immigration and baggage collection, a Namla Expeditions representative meets the group in the arrivals area and coordinates the hotel transfer. At check-in, the team confirms delayed baggage, emergency contacts, insurance details, dietary information already supplied, and the next morning’s schedule. The first full briefing introduces the Biafo Glacier Trek route, transport and weather contingencies, luggage separation, communications, and outstanding equipment questions. The remainder of the day is intentionally unstructured for rest, hydration, and recovery after international travel.

Fly to Skardu (1 hour) or drive the Karakoram Highway (approximately 20 hours by road; not recommended as a single day). Flights are subject to mountain weather and may be delayed. Final equipment checks and porter briefings in Skardu. Overnight Skardu hotel.

The operations team checks the latest airline and weather information before leaving the hotel and coordinates the airport transfer, tickets, and expedition baggage. Mountain flights remain weather-dependent; if a cancellation occurs, Namla Expeditions explains the available road contingency and revises later stages without compressing essential acclimatisation or safety time. After landing, the group collects all luggage before transferring to the hotel. A short arrival briefing covers meals, local timing, equipment access, and the next day’s plan.

Drive from Skardu to Askole by 4WD jeep along the Braldu Valley road. Approximately 7–8 hours on a rough, unpaved road through the villages of Shigar, Chokpo, and Dasso. Askole (3,040 m) is the last settlement before the glacier. Overnight in Askole (guesthouse or camp).

The group leaves after breakfast with personal bags and expedition loads secured in the assigned vehicles. Namla Expeditions drivers and field staff assess road, river, traffic, and weather conditions throughout the journey; stops are made for permits, meals, photography, and comfort only where parking is safe. Travel time can change after landslides or road works, so the day remains flexible. On arrival, rooms or tents are allocated, luggage is checked, and the guide gives a short briefing before dinner and rest.

Trek begins. Follow the right bank of the Braldu River through terraced fields and into the canyon above Askole. Suspension bridge crossings over the Braldu. Camp at Korophon (3,100 m). Walking time: 3–4 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Continue up the Braldu Valley along moraine terraces. A second suspension bridge crossing near Joula. The valley narrows as you approach the Biafo snout. Camp at Joula (3,200 m). Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Climb onto the lateral moraine then onto the Biafo Glacier. Baintha (3,750 m) is the last grassy campsite — the final green before twelve days of ice. Walking time: 6–7 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

First full glacier travel day. The Biafo surface is broken moraine, meltwater channels, and ice formations. Navigation follows the right bank margin where the footing is steadiest. Camp at Mango (4,200 m). Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Continue up the Biafo. The glacier narrows and peaks grow in stature. Baintha Brakk — The Ogre (7,285 m) — dominates the skyline to the north. Camp at Snake Camp (4,380 m). Walking time: 5 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Approach the wide upper basin where the Sim Gang Glacier joins the Biafo from the north. The landscape opens dramatically. Camp at Upper Biafo (4,550 m). Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Rest and acclimatisation day at Upper Biafo (4,550 m). An essential physiological adjustment before ascending to Snow Lake at 4,800 m. Views of The Ogre (7,285 m) and the Latok group. Guides assess conditions for the Snow Lake approach.

A rest or acclimatisation day is managed actively and may change with weather and team condition. Priorities are sleep, regular meals, hydration, foot care, drying clothing, charging essential devices, and repairing equipment. When appropriate, the guide leads a short, unhurried acclimatisation walk before returning to the same sleeping altitude. Each participant reports headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, sleep problems, or other concerns privately and promptly. Staff reorganise loads and supplies, and the evening briefing confirms whether the planned route can continue safely.

The glacier broadens into the vast white plateau of Lukpe Lawo — Snow Lake (4,800 m). One of the world's largest sub-polar ice fields, ringed by unnamed 6,000 m peaks. The scale is disorienting in the best possible way. Walking time: 4–5 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Full rest day at Snow Lake (4,800 m). Explore the plateau on foot, photograph the surrounding peaks, and allow your body to fully acclimatise before the return descent. UV exposure at this altitude is extreme — full sun protection essential throughout the day.

A rest or acclimatisation day is managed actively and may change with weather and team condition. Priorities are sleep, regular meals, hydration, foot care, drying clothing, charging essential devices, and repairing equipment. When appropriate, the guide leads a short, unhurried acclimatisation walk before returning to the same sleeping altitude. Each participant reports headache, nausea, unusual fatigue, sleep problems, or other concerns privately and promptly. Staff reorganise loads and supplies, and the evening briefing confirms whether the planned route can continue safely.

Begin the return journey down the Biafo. The route is familiar and pace is typically faster than the ascent. Camp at Upper Biafo (4,550 m). Walking time: 4–5 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Continue the descent. The glacier narrows again and moraine becomes more prominent underfoot. Camp at Snake Camp (4,380 m). Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Long descent back toward the glacier margin. The moraine transitions to more defined path as you approach Baintha. Camp at Baintha (3,750 m) — back on the last grassy ledge. Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Leave the glacier behind and descend through moraine terraces above the Braldu River. Camp at Joula (3,200 m). Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Final trekking day. Return to Askole via the suspension bridges over the Braldu. The village marks the end of the glacier journey. Overnight in Askole (guesthouse or camp). Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, the camp crew packs the shared equipment and the porter team receives the day’s allocated loads while participants carry their personal daypacks. The lead guide sets a sustainable pace over the terrain described above, with planned stops for water, food, layer changes, and regrouping before exposed, loose, or glaciated sections. On reaching camp, the team checks in with the guide, changes into dry layers, hydrates, and inspects feet and equipment. Dinner is followed by a weather, health, and route briefing for the next stage.

Drive back to Skardu by 4WD jeep along the Braldu Valley road. Approximately 7–8 hours. Overnight Skardu hotel — the first hot shower since Askole.

The group leaves after breakfast with personal bags and expedition loads secured in the assigned vehicles. Namla Expeditions drivers and field staff assess road, river, traffic, and weather conditions throughout the journey; stops are made for permits, meals, photography, and comfort only where parking is safe. Travel time can change after landslides or road works, so the day remains flexible. On arrival, rooms or tents are allocated, luggage is checked, and the guide gives a short briefing before dinner and rest.

Fly from Skardu to Islamabad (1 hour) or drive the Karakoram Highway. Mountain-weather delays are possible. Overnight Islamabad hotel.

The operations team checks the latest airline and weather information before leaving the hotel and coordinates the airport transfer, tickets, and expedition baggage. Mountain flights remain weather-dependent; if a cancellation occurs, Namla Expeditions explains the available road contingency and revises later stages without compressing essential acclimatisation or safety time. After landing, the group collects all luggage before transferring to the hotel. A short arrival briefing covers meals, local timing, equipment access, and the next day’s plan.

Depart Islamabad International Airport. Transfer at the appropriate time for your international flight.

The operations team checks the latest airline and weather information before leaving the hotel and coordinates the airport transfer, tickets, and expedition baggage. Mountain flights remain weather-dependent; if a cancellation occurs, Namla Expeditions explains the available road contingency and revises later stages without compressing essential acclimatisation or safety time. After landing, the group collects all luggage before transferring to the hotel. A short arrival briefing covers meals, local timing, equipment access, and the next day’s plan.