Description
Overview
The Snow Lake Trekking Expedition is a thrilling 22-day adventure through the rugged and remote regions of northern Pakistan, offering trekkers the chance to explore some of the most pristine landscapes in the world. The journey begins with your arrival in Islamabad, followed by a scenic flight to Skardu, a gateway to the Karakoram Range. After a day of sightseeing and preparation, the trek begins with a drive to Askoli, the starting point for the adventure.
From there, the trek progresses through a series of breathtaking valleys, including Namla, Mango, and Bianttha, where trekkers will spend the first few days acclimatizing and soaking in the stunning natural beauty. After a rest day, the trek continues to higher altitudes, crossing Marfogoro and Karphogoro, leading to the Hispar La Base Camp.
The highlight of the trek is crossing Snow Lake, one of the largest glaciers in the world, at an altitude of 5,150 meters. The journey then descends through remote villages such as Kani Basa, Bakhtur Baig, and Shigham Baris, before reaching Hispar Village. The trek ends with a drive to Karimabad for sightseeing before heading back to Gilgit and eventually returning to Islamabad.
This demanding trek is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking to explore the unspoiled beauty and cultural richness of Pakistan’s northern wilderness.
Tour Highlights
- 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.
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.
Calendar & Prices
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Details
Day 01 : Day 1: Arrival in Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 666m
Arrive in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Transfer to your hotel for rest and preparations for the trek.
Day 02 : Day 2: Islamabad to Skardu
Location: Skardu
Altitude: 2,228m
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu (45-minute flight). Arrive and check-in to your accommodation. Rest of the day for sightseeing and trek preparations.
Day 03 : Day 3: Sightseeing and Preparation Day in Skardu
Location: Skardu
Altitude: 2,228m
Spend the day sightseeing in Skardu, visiting local landmarks such as the Shigar Fort, Skardu Fort, and Sadpara Lake. Ensure all trekking equipment is in order.
Day 04 : Day 4: Skardu to Askoli
Location: Askoli
Altitude: 3,000m
Early morning drive from Skardu to Askoli, the starting point of the trek. The journey takes approximately 7 hours. Overnight in tents or local guesthouses.
Day 05 : Day 5: Trek from Askoli to Namla
Location: Namla
Altitude: 3,566m
Trek for 6-7 hours to Namla. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Set up camp for the night.
Day 06 : Day 6: Trek from Namla to Mango
Location: Mango
Altitude: 3,720m
A 5-6 hour trek to Mango, with breathtaking views of the Karakoram range. Camp overnight in Mango.
Day 07 : Day 7: Trek from Mango to Bianttha
Location: Bianttha
Altitude: 4,035m
Trek for 5-6 hours to Bianttha. Enjoy panoramic views of glaciers and high-altitude landscapes.
Day 08 : Day 8: Rest and Acclimatization Day at Bianttha
Location: Bianttha
Altitude: 4,035m
A rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. Short hikes may be organized around Bianttha to help the body adjust.
Day 09 : Day 9: Trek from Bianttha to Marfogoro
Location: Marfogoro
Altitude: 4,300m
Trek for 6 hours to Marfogoro. The trail offers spectacular views of glaciers and towering peaks.
Day 10 : Day 10: Trek from Marfogoro to Karphogoro
Location: Karphogoro
Altitude: 4,680m
Trek for 6 hours to Karphogoro, located at a higher altitude. Enjoy panoramic mountain views as you trek through the rugged terrain.
Day 11 : Day 11: Trek from Karphogoro to Hispar La Base Camp
Location: Hispar La Base Camp
Altitude: 4,590m
Trek for 6 hours to reach Hispar La Base Camp. The camp is positioned at a dramatic location with views of the Hispar Glacier.
Day 12 : Day 12: Trek from Hispar La Base Camp to Snow Lake
Location: Snow Lake
Altitude: 5,150m
A challenging 6-hour trek to Snow Lake at 5,150m. This is one of the largest glaciers in the world, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Day 13 : Day 13: Cross Snow Lake and Trek to Kani Basa
Location: Kani Basa
Altitude: 4,510m
Cross Snow Lake and trek for 4 hours to Kani Basa. Enjoy the remote wilderness and serene landscapes.
Day 14 : Day 14: Trek from Kani Basa to Bakhtur Baig
Location: Bakhtur Baig
Altitude: 4,470m
Trek for 6 hours to Bakhtur Baig, passing through rugged terrain and scenic vistas.
Day 15 : Day 15: Trek from Bakhtur Baig to Shigham Baris
Location: Shigham Baris
Altitude: 4,170m
A 7-hour trek to Shigham Baris, descending through valleys and reaching a slightly lower altitude.
Day 16 : Day 16: Trek from Shigham Baris to Bitenmal
Location: Bitenmal
Altitude: 3,760m
Trek for 6 hours to Bitenmal, surrounded by lush greenery and towering peaks.
Day 17 : Day 17: Trek from Bitenmal to Hispar Village
Location: Hispar Village
Altitude: 2,300m
Trek for 4 hours to reach Hispar Village, a peaceful village in the foothills of the Karakoram Range.
Day 18 : Day 18: Drive from Hispar Village to Karimabad
Location: Karimabad
Altitude: 2,440m
Drive for approximately 4 hours from Hispar Village to Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza region.
Day 19 : Day 19: Sightseeing in Karimabad and Drive to Gilgit
Location: Gilgit
Altitude: 1,500m
Enjoy sightseeing in Karimabad, visiting the Baltit Fort and Altit Fort, and then drive for 3 hours to Gilgit.
Day 20 : Day 20: Fly from Gilgit to Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 666m
Fly from Gilgit to Islamabad (40-minute flight). Rest and relax in the city.
Day 21 : Day 21: Contingency Day in Islamabad
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 666m
A contingency day in Islamabad to account for any delays caused by weather or other factors.
Day 22 : Day 22: Departure Day
Location: Islamabad
Altitude: 666m
Depart from Islamabad and fly back home after completing the incredible Snow Lake Trek.
Questions & Answers
What is the Snow Lake Trek?
The Snow Lake Trek is a challenging 22-day trekking expedition through the rugged terrain of northern Pakistan. It takes you to one of the world’s largest glaciers, Snow Lake, and through remote valleys and villages in the Karakoram Range.
What level of fitness is required for the trek?
The Snow Lake Trek is suited for experienced trekkers with good physical fitness and the ability to handle high-altitude trekking. A strong cardiovascular fitness level and the ability to trek for long hours at high altitudes are essential.
What is the highest altitude of the trek?
The highest point of the trek is Snow Lake, which is located at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,900 feet).
How many hours of trekking are required each day?
On average, you will trek for 5-7 hours per day. The trekking duration varies depending on the stage of the trek and altitude gain.
Do I need special gear for the trek?
Yes, proper trekking gear is essential for this expedition. You will need warm clothing, sturdy boots, a sleeping bag, and high-altitude gear. A detailed packing list will be provided before the trek.









