Accommodation consists of tented camps throughout the trek, with hotels or guesthouses in cities. A professional support team handles logistics, ensuring safety and comfort in the high mountains.
- Duration 29 days
Price From E 1470 E 1250
Overview
The Lukpi La (Braldu Pass) and Snow Lake Trek is one of the most exhilarating and challenging adventures in the Karakoram, reserved for those seeking a true high-altitude wilderness experience. Starting from Askole Village, the gateway to the great glaciers of Baltistan, this extraordinary trek follows rugged trails along the Braldu Glacier before ascending to Lukpi La (Braldu Pass) — a dramatic crossing that opens into the vast glacial expanse of Snow Lake, Sim La, and Skam La.
At an altitude of nearly 5,000 meters, Snow Lake is a breathtaking basin of snow and ice roughly ten by five kilometers in size, encircled by towering granite peaks and untouched summits. On clear days, trekkers are rewarded with mesmerizing views of K2, Latok (7,151m), and the legendary Ogre (Baintha Brakk, 7,285m) — among the most striking mountains in the world. Traversing this immense frozen plateau, often described as a “white highway through the Karakoram,” is both physically demanding and spiritually awe-inspiring.
This journey is a blend of adventure, isolation, and unparalleled beauty — a true expedition into the heart of the Karakoram where few have ventured and even fewer forget.
Tour Highlights
- Traverse one of the world’s most remote routes, linking the Braldu Glacier to the vast Snow Lake basin deep in the Karakoram.
- Cross Lukpi La Pass (Braldu Pass), an exhilarating high-altitude crossing surrounded by towering ice walls and dramatic granite spires.
- Witness breathtaking views of iconic peaks, including K2, The Ogre (Baintha Brakk 7,285m), and Latok (7,151m) on clear days.
- Experience the legendary Snow Lake, a surreal expanse of snow and ice stretching ten by five kilometers at 5,000 meters.
- Venture through unspoiled wilderness, combining challenging glacier travel, remote valleys, and a profound sense of solitude found only in the Karakoram.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All domestic flights with baggage allowance (Checking: 20kg, Handcarry: 7kg)
- All road transfers including airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing basis)
- Government trekking permits
- Trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing dome tent)
- Camping site fees and bridge fees
- Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipment & tools)
- All meals in Pakistan, except those listed under exclusions
- Snacks, including dry fruits and tea/coffee, during the trek
- Free refills of boiled drinking water on the trek
- Licensed professional guide (as per government requirement)
- Waste Management Fee for Central Karakoram National Park
- Islamabad and Skardu city tours including entry fees
- Support staff (cook, assistants, etc.)
- Porterage for personal luggage and mountaineering equipment
- Storage service for baggage in Skardu
- Basic first aid medicine kit
- Satellite phone for emergencies only
- Trekking map and trip achievement certificate
Cost Excludes
- International airfare and visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals in hotels/restaurants not covered in the plan
- Bottled water and other beverages
- Personal trekking gear (clothing, shoes, sticks, etc.)
- Personal mountaineering gear (crampons, boots, ice axe, helmet, etc.)
- Extra hotel nights in Islamabad
- Excess baggage during the trek
- Storage service in Islamabad
- Tips and gratuities
- Miscellaneous personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc.)
- Early return costs if leaving the trek midway
- Force majeure osts due to natural events (landslides, floods, etc.)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Extra hotel stays
- Jeep for single person (leaving early)
- Rented crampon, sleeping bags, stick, etc.
Day 01 : Day 1: Arrival
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Arrive at Islamabad International Airport and transfer to the hotel for rest.
Day 02 : Day 2: Explore Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Spend the day exploring Islamabad and completing necessary preparations.
Day 03 : Day 3: Flight to Skardu
Location: Skardu
Altitude: 2,230m
Take a scenic flight to Skardu, the gateway to the Karakoram.
Day 04 : Day 4: Rest Day in Skardu
Location: Skardu
Altitude: 2,230m
Rest, acclimatize, and explore Skardu’s local markets and surroundings.
Day 05 : Day 5: Drive to Askoli
Location: Askoli
Altitude: 3,000m
Drive along the Braldu River to Askoli, the last village before the trek.
Day 06 : Day 6: Trek to Namla
Location: Namla
Altitude: 3,450m
Begin trekking from Askoli towards Namla, following the Biafo Glacier.
Day 07 : Day 7: Trek to Bintha
Location: Bintha
Altitude: 3,850m
Continue trekking across rocky terrain and glacial paths to Bintha.
Day 08 : Day 8: Rest Day
Location: Bintha
Altitude: 3,850m
Take a rest day at Bintha to recover and acclimatize.
Day 09 : Day 9: Trek to Marfo Goro
Location: Marfo Goro
Altitude: 4,000m
Trek along icy trails to reach the expansive Marfo Goro campsite.
Day 10 : Day 10: Trek to Karfo Goro
Location: Karfo Goro
Altitude: 4,200m
Continue trekking up the glacier towards Karfo Goro.
Day 11 : Day 11: Trek to Balti Camp
Location: Balti Camp
Altitude: 4,400m
Follow glacial paths surrounded by granite towers to Balti Camp.
Day 12 : Day 12: Trek to High Camp
Location: High Camp
Altitude: 4,700m
Gradual ascent towards the High Camp with magnificent views.
Day 13 : Day 13: Cross LoK Pass
Location: Lukpi La Pass
Altitude: 5,100m
Cross LoK Pass (Lukpi La) and descend to the other side.
Day 14 : Day 14: Trek to Shimshal Site High Camp
Location: Shimshal High Camp
Altitude: 4,800m
Trek from Lukpi La towards the Shimshal side and camp.
Day 15 : Day 15: Trek to White Glacier
Location: White Glacier
Altitude: 4,600m
Continue trekking across the White Glacier surrounded by ice peaks.
Day 16 : Day 16: Trek to Janjul Camp
Location: Janjul Camp
Altitude: 4,300m
Descend through glacial valleys to reach Janjul Camp.
Day 17 : Day 17: Trek to Karwan Camp
Location: Karwan Camp
Altitude: 4,000m
Trek along the rugged valley trail to Karwan Camp.
Day 18 : Day 18: Trek to Chakoor Camp
Location: Chakoor Camp
Altitude: 3,800m
Continue through mountain passes and meadows to Chakoor Camp.
Day 19 : Day 19: Trek to Shimshal Ko Camp
Location: Shimshal Ko Camp
Altitude: 3,600m
Trek through highland pastures to reach Shimshal Ko Camp.
Day 20 : Day 20: Trek to Shimshal Pass
Location: Shimshal Pass
Altitude: 4,700m
Trek to the stunning Shimshal Pass and explore the surroundings.
Day 21 : Day 21: Trek to Guchan Camp
Location: Shimshal Pass
Altitude: 4,700m
Descend through valleys to Guchan Camp for overnight stay.
Day 22 : Day 22: Trek to Barin Sar
Location: Barin Sar
Altitude: 3,700m
Continue trekking along alpine trails to Barin Sar.
Day 23 : Day 23: Trek to Garr Sar Camp
Location: Barin Sar
Altitude: 3,700m
Trek through rolling terrain and set camp at Garr Sar.
Day 24 : Day 24: Trek to Shimshal Village
Location: Shimshal Village
Altitude: 3,100m
Conclude the trek by reaching Shimshal Village and celebrating the completion.
Day 25 : Day 25: Drive to Gilgit
Location: Shimshal Village
Altitude: 3,100m
Conclude the trek by reaching Shimshal Village and celebrating the completion.
Day 26 : Day 26: Drive to Skardu
Location: Skardu
Altitude: 2,230m
Continue the scenic drive back to Skardu for overnight stay.
Day 27 : Day 27: Fly to Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Fly back to Islamabad (weather permitting).
Day 28 : Day 28: Rest Day
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Free day in Islamabad for relaxation or sightseeing.
Day 29 : Day 29: Departure
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 590m
Transfer to airport and fly back home.
Questions & Answers
How difficult is the Lukpi La Trek?
The Lukpi La (Braldu Pass) Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the Karakoram, involving glacier travel, steep ascents, and high-altitude camping. It’s recommended only for experienced trekkers with good fitness and prior high-altitude experience.
What is the best time to do the Lukpi La Trek?
The ideal trekking season is from July to early September, when the weather is relatively stable, the glaciers are more accessible, and the passes are clear of deep snow.
Do I need technical climbing skills for this trek?
While no advanced climbing gear is required, trekkers should be comfortable walking on ice and snow. Basic knowledge of using crampons and ropes is an advantage, as sections can be steep and glacial.
What makes this trek special compared to other Karakoram treks?
The Lukpi La Trek connects the Braldu Glacier with the legendary Snow Lake, offering unmatched views of K2, Latok, and The Ogre (Baintha Brakk). Its raw wilderness and remote route make it a rare expedition experience.