K2 Expeditions & Trekking Announces Strategic Partnership with Namla Expeditions
A full traverse of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, crossing the 5,151 m Hispar La to emerge in the Hunza Valley — one of the world's great glacier journeys.
Askole Region — 5,151 m
Adventure Overview
The Snow Lake & Hispar La Trek is a complete crossing of two of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. Starting in Askole at the foot of the Braldu Valley, the route follows the 62 km Biafo Glacier to the vast sub-polar snowfield of Lukpe Lawo — Snow Lake — then climbs to the 5,151 m Hispar La and descends the 53 km Hispar Glacier to Hispar village in the Nagar Valley, Hunza.
Between Askole and Hispar there are no roads, no villages, and no infrastructure of any kind. This is a 16-day commitment to one of the most remote corridors on Earth. The two glaciers combined form one of the largest glacial systems outside Antarctica and Greenland — accessible, by foot, to any trekker with sufficient fitness and prior mountain experience.
The Biafo Glacier surface is not a trail. It is a shifting landscape of broken ice, moraine rubble, melt channels, and crevasse fields. Above Baintha — the last grassy camp — you will not leave the glacier until Hispar village. The high point, the Hispar La at 5,151 m, requires crampons and ice axe on the final 45–50° headwall. Our guides fix ropes on the steepest section.
Snow Lake itself — Lukpe Lawo — is an experience unlike anything else in trekking. A white plateau the size of a small country, ringed by unnamed 6,000 m peaks, with a silence that takes some time to understand. If you make it there, you will have earned it.
Suitable For
This traverse is designed for experienced trekkers who have completed prior high-altitude routes — ideally above 4,000 m — and are comfortable with extended multi-day wilderness travel. Some prior glacier travel experience is expected. Between Askole and Hispar there are no roads, no villages, and no rescue infrastructure beyond what we bring.
Ideal candidates have completed routes such as the K2 Base Camp Trek, the Gondogoro La, or comparable Himalayan and Karakoram treks. Minimum fitness: 6–8 hours of walking per day with a daypack for 16 consecutive trekking days. Begin physical preparation at least 3–4 months before departure.
Route Notes
Highlights
Snow Lake and Hispar La is a remote glacier traverse linking the Biafo and Hispar glacier systems between Baltistan and Hunza.
Terrain
The trek involves moraine, ice, snow-covered glacier, crevasse awareness, and long camp-to-camp days. Route finding can vary each season, especially around Snow Lake and Hispar La.
Camp Life
This is a full camping trek with a mobile kitchen, mess tent, porter support, and careful food planning because resupply is limited once the route leaves Askole.
Support
Local guides, porters, cooks, and route staff coordinate daily movement, camp placement, glacier decisions, and communication between the Baltistan and Hunza sides of the traverse.
Departures & Pricing
Expedition Price
On request
Pricing depends on group size, route support, permits, and preferred departure window.
Listed Dates
Flex
Seats Open
Ask
Departure Dates
Departure Window
Flexible
Share your preferred arrival window and our team will confirm route timing, permits, and local crew availability.
Custom departure windows are confirmed with route timing, permits, and crew availability.
Itinerary
Route Span
Days 1-23
Opening Stage
Day 1: Arrive Islamabad
Final Stage
Day 23: Departure
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 Snow Lake & Hispar La 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 via Gilgit (approx. 20 hours by road). Most clients fly; mountain-weather delays are common — build buffer into your international connection. 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 passing Shigar, Chokpo, and Dasso before the road ends at Askole (3,040 m). 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 steep-walled 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 Glacier 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 surface. Baintha (3,750 m) is the last grassy campsite before two weeks of glacier travel — a green oasis at the glacier's edge. 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 occasional 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 the surrounding peaks grow in scale. Baintha Brakk — The Ogre (7,285 m) — appears prominently 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. Explore the glacial basin on foot. 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 open approach to Lukpe Lawo. The transition from broken moraine glacier to the clean white plateau of Snow Lake is one of the most dramatic moments on any Karakoram trek. Camp at the entry to Snow Lake (4,750 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.
Reach the main Snow Lake camp at 4,800 m. Lukpe Lawo is one of the world's largest sub-polar ice fields — a vast white plateau ringed by unnamed 6,000 m peaks. The silence and scale are extraordinary. Walking time: 2–3 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 and acclimatisation day on Snow Lake (4,800 m). Explore the snowfield on foot. Guides reconnoitre the approach to the Hispar La. 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.
Move across Snow Lake and up the Sim Gang Glacier toward the base of the Hispar La headwall. Increasingly crevassed terrain requires careful route-finding. Camp at High Camp (5,000 m) — the highest campsite on the route. 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.
The crux day. Early start (4:00–5:00 AM) to reach the pass in stable conditions before afternoon instability builds. The final headwall is 45–50° snow and ice, requiring crampons and ice axe; guides place fixed ropes on the steepest section. From the col (5,151 m) the views extend across the entire Karakoram.
The descent onto the Hispar Glacier is steep and requires care. Camp on the Hispar side at approximately 4,400 m. Total time: 7–9 hours. This is the longest and most demanding day of the trek.
The upper Hispar Glacier is wide and heavily crevassed. Navigation follows safe corridors led by our guides. The surrounding peaks — Pumari Chhish (7,492 m), Kanjut Sar (7,760 m) — are immense. Camp at approximately 4,100 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 the long descent of the Hispar. The glacier surface transitions from clean ice to increasingly debris-covered moraine. Camp in the Kanibotin area (3,900 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.
Pass the junction with the Pumari Chhish Glacier on the left bank. Close views of Pumari Chhish (7,492 m) and its satellite peaks. Camp at approximately 3,600 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.
The glacier moraine gives way to a more defined path. Bitanmal (3,200 m) marks the lower margin of sustained glacier travel. Scrub vegetation appears for the first time since Baintha. 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.
Final descent from the glacier snout to Hispar village (3,050 m) in the Nagar Valley. Hispar marks the end of the trek and the first road access since Askole — 16 days of glacier travel complete. 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.
Drive from Hispar via the Nagar Valley and Hunza to Gilgit. The road follows the Hispar River down to the Karakoram Highway, then west to Gilgit (approximately 6–7 hours). Overnight Gilgit hotel.
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 Gilgit Airport to Islamabad (50 minutes) or drive the Karakoram Highway (12–14 hours). 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.
Field Planning
Fitness
The sustained challenge comes from four compounding factors: (1) distance — approximately 115 km of glacier travel; (2) altitude — camped above 4,500 m for five consecutive nights, with a high point of 5,151 m; (3) terrain — continuous glacier travel on ice and moraine with no maintained path; (4) remoteness — two or more days from any road at all times until the final descent.
Begin 3–4 months before departure:
Acclimatization
The itinerary builds gradually but remains physically demanding because of distance, glacier surface, cold nights, and remoteness. Prior multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended.
Equipment
Bring warm layered clothing, waterproof boots, gaiters, strong sleeping bag, trekking poles, glacier sunglasses, sun protection, and traction or rope equipment if advised by the operations team.
Safety
All Namla Expeditions guides hold Wilderness First Aid certification and carry HACE/HAPE emergency medications (Dexamethasone, Nifedipine) and a portable altitude chamber (Gamow bag). The team carries a satellite communicator at all times. Emergency evacuation coordinates for key points along the route are filed with PTDC and local rescue services before departure.
All porters receive GBTA-mandated insurance, appropriate footwear, and weather-protective clothing. Loads are capped at 25 kg. Porters are briefed on emergency procedures, route conditions, and load protocols before departure. Porter welfare and expedition safety are inseparable.
The Biafo–Hispar Trekking Area Permit and NOC are processed through PTDC and the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department. We require passport copies and NTS forms at least 3 weeks before departure. Permit-related delays are managed by our team in Skardu; processing typically takes 5–7 working days.
Permits
All trekking permits are arranged by Namla Expeditions as part of the package: the Biafo–Hispar Trekking Area Permit (Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism), any applicable Shimshal Nature Trust access permit, and the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant government department. We require full passport copies and NTS forms at least 3 weeks before departure. Processing typically takes 5–7 working days.
The trek begins in Askole (3,040 m), reached by 4WD jeep from Skardu along the rough Braldu Valley road (approximately 7–8 hours). The trek ends at Hispar village in the Nagar Valley, Hunza. A vehicle is pre-positioned at Hispar for the return drive to Gilgit and Islamabad. All vehicle logistics are handled in-house.
For a group of 6–8 trekkers, expect 22–28 porters for the full traverse. Porter wages, insurance, footwear, and weather-protective clothing are provided per GBTA regulations. Loads are capped at 25 kg. Kitchen staff (head cook and assistant) are included.
All trekking nights are in four-season expedition tents with sleeping mats. Trekkers supply their own sleeping bag (rated −15°C minimum). Nights in Islamabad, Skardu, and Gilgit are in hotels (twin-share; upgrades available on request).
What's Covered
Included
Not Included
Common Questions
You must be capable of trekking 6–8 hours a day for up to 16 consecutive trekking days carrying a daypack of 6–10 kg. Prior high-altitude experience above 4,000 m is strongly recommended. Prior glacier travel with crampons is required for the Hispar La crossing.
Mid-July to mid-August is the optimal window. Before late June the Hispar La can carry significant avalanche risk. By September the approach re-accumulates unstable snow and temperatures at Snow Lake drop sharply. We schedule all departures within the mid-July to mid-August window.
The Hispar La (5,151 m) requires crampons and basic ice axe use on the final headwall (approximately 45–50°). Guides fix ropes on the steepest section. This is not technical mountaineering, but it is not a hiking pass. Trekkers must be comfortable moving on steep snow.
For a group of 6 trekkers, expect 22–28 porters covering gear, kitchen staff, and a head cook. Loads are capped at 25 kg per GBTA regulations. We handle all porter selection, briefing, wages, insurance, and equipment.
Guides carry HACE/HAPE medications (Dexamethasone, Nifedipine) and emergency oxygen. Anyone with severe symptoms must descend immediately. Helicopter evacuation from the glacier is possible in good weather but may take 8–24 hours to arrange. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is mandatory.
Yes. The route can be completed starting with a drive to Hispar village, ascending the Hispar Glacier, crossing the Hispar La, and descending the Biafo to Askole and Skardu. Logistics are nearly identical. Contact us to discuss.
From the Field Notes
How heat, snow, rockfall, meltwater, glacier movement and access disruption change route decisions in the Karakoram.
What changing ice, moraine, snow, meltwater and access mean for teams travelling on the Baltoro and Biafo glacier systems.
A clear account of the skilled Balti porters who move Karakoram expeditions—and the welfare, pay and respect their work requires.
From the same region
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A 35-day specialist Mitre Peak expedition via Askole, the Baltoro Glacier, and Concordia with permits, porters, base camp, and local logistics.
A 28-day Pastore Peak expedition via Askole, Baltoro, Concordia, and the upper Godwin-Austen Glacier with guides, permits, and camp support.
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