About This Trek
Snow Lake sits at the confluence of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, forming one of the largest connected ice fields outside the polar regions. This expedition crosses the entire Hunza-to-Skardu traverse via the Hispar La (5,151m), one of the great classic mountain journeys of the Karakoram.
This is a serious, multi-week wilderness trek requiring full expedition logistics — porters, high-altitude camping equipment and prior trekking experience at altitude. Very few groups complete this crossing each year, making it one of the most exclusive routes in Pakistan.
Trek Highlights
Snow Lake
One of the largest glacier basins outside the polar regions, at the Biafo-Hispar confluence.
Hispar La Crossing
A high pass crossing at 5,151m linking the Hunza and Skardu valleys.
True Wilderness
Days of trekking through uninhabited glacier terrain with no villages en route.
Hunza to Skardu Traverse
A complete cross-Karakoram journey between two of Pakistan's most iconic regions.
Remote Peaks
Views of numerous unnamed and rarely-photographed Karakoram summits.
Rare Achievement
One of the least-completed classic treks in the world due to its length and remoteness.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
We travel north to Hunza, our starting point, with a rest day to prepare gear and porters for the crossing.
- Drive Lahore to Hunza via KKH
- Final gear and porter arrangements
- Route briefing
- Overnight: Hunza
We trek from the Hunza side towards the Biafo Glacier approach, gaining altitude gradually through remote valleys and glacial terrain.
- Multi-day trek toward the Biafo approach
- Progressive altitude gain and acclimatisation
- Camping at designated high camps
- Crew and porter support throughout
Extended days of glacier travel bring us to Snow Lake itself, where we spend time acclimatising and exploring this vast ice basin before the pass crossing.
- Extended glacier trekking days
- Arrival and camp at Snow Lake
- Acclimatisation and exploration
- Preparation for Hispar La crossing
The core challenge of the expedition — crossing the Hispar La at 5,151m — followed by a multi-day descent into Hispar Valley on the Skardu side.
- Early crossing of Hispar La (5,151m)
- Descent into Hispar Valley
- Multiple camps during descent
- Return to inhabited villages
The final days bring us out of Hispar Valley to the road-head, followed by a jeep transfer to Skardu where the expedition concludes.
- Final trekking days to Hispar village
- Jeep transfer to Skardu
- Rest and recovery in Skardu
- Tour ends
What's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ All transport from Lahore, both ways
- ✓ 4x4 jeep for off-road mountain sections
- ✓ Camping / guesthouse accommodation as per itinerary
- ✓ All meals during the trek
- ✓ Experienced local trekking guide, full porter team and high-altitude camping equipment for the entire crossing
- ✓ 24/7 WhatsApp support throughout
✗ Not Included
- ✗ Flights to/from Lahore
- ✗ Travel & trekking insurance
- ✗ Personal trekking gear
- ✗ Tips for guide, porters and driver
- ✗ Any costs due to road or route closures
Photo Gallery
