Snow Lake Trek

Snow Lake Trek Overview

Snow Lake Trek


The Snow Lake Trek in Pakistan is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure into the heart of the Karakoram Mountains. Famous for its vast wilderness and pristine glaciers, this trek leads adventurers across the Biafo Glacier, over Hispar La Pass (5,151 m), and into the legendary Snow Lake, a massive 16 km-wide ice basin considered one of the largest non-polar glacial systems on Earth.


Located at the crossroads of the Hispar, Biafo, and Lukpe Lawo Glaciers, Snow Lake offers some of the most dramatic views imaginable. Trekkers witness towering peaks such as Latok, Ogre (also known as Baintha Brakk), Kanjut Sar, and Hispar Muztagh, making it one of the most scenic high-altitude treks in the world.


This challenging 18-20 day journey is ideal for adventurers seeking remote wilderness, high mountain passes, and unspoiled natural beauty.



Trek Highlights


  • Explore Snow Lake, one of the largest non-polar glaciers on Earth.
  • Cross the mighty Hispar La Pass (5,151 m).
  • Trek along Biafo Glacier (63 km), one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.
  • Breathtaking views of Latok Peaks, Ogre, Kanjut Sar, and Hispar Muztagh.
  • Remote and wild � fewer trekkers, pure adventure.
  • Experience authentic Balti culture in Skardu and local villages.


Best Time to Trek


  • Mid-June to Late August is the best season for the Snow Lake Trek.
  • The weather is relatively stable, with warmer days and manageable snow conditions on Hispar La.


Difficulty and Requirements


  • Grade: Challenging / Strenuous.
  • Requires excellent physical fitness and previous trekking experience.
  • Glacier travel skills are highly recommended (ropes, crampons, ice axes may be used).
  • Remote region, minimal rescue/medical facilities, trekkers must be self-reliant.


FAQs about Snow Lake Trek


1. How difficult is the Snow Lake Trek?

This is one of the most challenging treks in Pakistan due to its long glacier crossings, high-altitude passes, and remoteness. It is suitable for experienced trekkers.


2. Do I need a guide or permit?

Yes. A licensed guide and trekking permit are required as this trek crosses restricted zones. Local porters are also essential for logistics.


3. What�s unique about Snow Lake compared to K2 Base Camp?

While K2 Base Camp is more popular, Snow Lake is far more remote and wild, with fewer trekkers and a sense of untouched wilderness.


Duration

18-20 days

Difficulty

Challenging / Strenuous

Price

$3600.00



 Book your spot today

The trip initial deposit is mandatory to book your place earlier, Cancellation policy can be reviewed and term approval is required.

Trip Dates

Destination Trip Date Extra Information
Snow Lake Trek 20-07-2026 00:00
Snow Lake Trek 24-07-2026 00:00

Trip Details

Duration: 18-20 days

$ Price (per person) :
$3600.00

Difficulty: Challenging / Strenuous

Includes: Guides, Porters, Permits, Camping

Itinerary

Location
Activity
Altitude
Islamabad to Chilas
Drive via Karakoram Highway along the Indus River. Views of Indus River gorge and Nanga Parbat viewpoint. Mountain seen: Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).
540 m to 1,260 m
Chilas to Skardu
Drive through Karakoram Highway and Indus Valley to Skardu. Visit Indus-Shigar confluence and Upper Kachura Lake. Mountain seen: Haramosh Peak (7,397 m).
1,260 m to 2,228 m
Skardu to Askole
Scenic jeep ride through Shigar Valley to Askole, the last village before Baltoro and Snow Lake treks. Visit Shigar Valley and Braldu River.
3,050 m
Askole to Namla Camp
Trek begins along Biafo Glacier. Visit Biafo Glacier snout and rugged Karakoram cliffs.
3,400 m
Namla to Mango
Trek deeper on the glacier, surrounded by towering granite peaks. Visit glacial streams and icefalls.
3,650 m
Mango to Baintha
Trek through alpine meadows with wildflowers. View Latok Group (7,145 m).
4,000 m
Baintha
Rest day for acclimatization. Explore meadows filled with flowers and panoramic views of Latok Peaks.
4,000 m
Baintha to Morfogoro
Resume glacier trekking. Mountain seen: Ogre Peak / Baintha Brakk (7,285 m).
4,300 m
Morfogoro to Karfogoro
Challenging glacier day.
4,600 m
Karfogoro to Snow Lake
Enter Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo), a 16 km wide ice basin. Surrounding mountains: Hispar Muztagh Range.
4,880 m
Snow Lake to Hispar La Base Camp
Trek across the wide basin to camp below Hispar La.
4,950 m
Hispar La to Khani Basa
Cross Hispar La (5,151 m), the highest point of the trek, and descend to Khani Basa on Hispar Glacier. View Kanjut Sar (7,760 m).
4,600 m
Khani Basa to Yutmaru
Glacier trekking with stunning scenery. View Pumari Chhish (7,492 m).
4,300 m
Yutmaru to Bitanmal
Trekking on Hispar Glacier. Visit green pastures with views of snow giants.
3,700 m
Bitanmal to Hispar Village
End of glacier walk. Arrive at Hispar Village, the last settlement of Hispar Valley.
3,150 m
Hispar to Karimabad
Drive to Hunza Valley. Views of Ultar Sar (7,388 m), Ladyfinger Peak (6,000 m), Rakaposhi (7,788 m).
2,438 m
Karimabad to Chilas
Drive on Karakoram Highway back towards Chilas.
1,260 m
Chilas to Islamabad
Return journey through Indus Valley to Islamabad.
540 m

Photo Gallery

Trip Highlights

Snow Lake (4,880 m)

Heart of Karakoram glaciers, a 16 km wide ice basin.

Hispar La (5,151 m)

High mountain pass with stunning glacial views.

Biafo Glacier

One of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions, spanning 63 km.

Famous Peaks

Views of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Latok Peaks (7,145 m), Ogre Peak (7,285 m), Kanjut Sar (7,760 m), and Rakaposhi (7,788 m).

Balti Culture

Authentic cultural experiences in Skardu and local villages.

Muneeb kiani

This year, I had an opportunity to trek to K2 Basecamp, and I chose to go with Active Adventure. I must say, the entire experience was absolutely outstanding. The owner, Imran Shigri, is one of the most cooperative, humble, and genuinely caring people I’ve met. He made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Every aspect of the trek was perfectly organized, from the camps to the food, the guide (Akbar), and the porters. The arrangements were comfortable, well-managed. If you're considering a trip to K2 Basecamp or any adventure in the region, I highly recommend Active AdventurePK. Their professionalism and hospitality truly set them apart. It was an unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful to have shared it with such an amazing team.

Muneeb kiani

AJ

Amazing experience. Imran assembled a great support team for our K2 Basecamp and GGLA trek. The support staff were professionals and knew what they were doing. Besides their knowledge, they were super patient and helpful in every way. I will not hesitate reaching out to Imran Shigri and highly recommend Active Adventure Pk if you are considering K2 Basecamp or any other adventure. Thank you Imran Bhai for your service.

AJ

Ryan Kushner

The best base camp in the Karakoram! We had the best food, tents, accommodations, staff and comfort of any of the Broad Peak and K2 base camps this past summer. Every other climber and trekker that came by commented on how much better our base camp was than any other in the Karakoram. The food was fantastic. After four 8000 meter peaks this was the only one I never lost any weight on because we ate so well! The staff also treated women equally to men something I saw the opposite of with many other companies. I am looking forward to using them again next year on Nanga Parbat. If you want the best in Pakistan contact Imran at ActiveAdventurePK!

Ryan Kushner

M ilyas M ilyas

Zeeshu Travel Agency provided outstanding service in Gilgit Baltistan. Everything was well managed and professional. Highly recommended!

M ilyas M ilyas

Faryal Zafar

Excellent service, professional guides and staff. Very well done!

Faryal Zafar

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