About Author Karakoram Venture
Trekking the World’s Longest Non-Polar Glacier System
The Biafo Glacier and the Hispar Glacier together form a continuous 120-kilometre river of ice — the longest glacial system outside the polar regions on Earth. The trek across this frozen highway, through the vast basin of Snow Lake (4,800m) and over the Hispar La Pass (5,151m), is one of the most remote, spectacular, and rarely-attempted treks in the world.
Our Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek takes 22 days from Islamabad to Hunza — entering the glaciers from Askole in the east and emerging into the Hispar Valley in the west. This is not a commercially popular trail. You will encounter almost no other trekkers. The wilderness is absolute.
What is Snow Lake?
Snow Lake is not actually a lake — it is a vast glacial basin at 4,800 metres where several glaciers converge, creating a white, flat expanse of ice and snow that stretches to the horizon in every direction. Early explorers called it Snow Lake because from a distance it resembles a frozen sea. At 77 square kilometres, it is one of the largest glacier basins outside the poles.
The Hispar La Pass (5,151m) is the crossing point between Snow Lake and the Hispar Glacier to the west. The summit of the pass offers panoramic views of Batura Sar (7,795m), the Hispar Mustagh range, and, on clear days, the distant summits of Hunza’s peaks visible to the northwest.
The Route
The trek begins at Askole (3,000m) — the same village that serves as the gateway to the Baltoro Glacier and K2. Unlike the Baltoro, the Biafo Glacier corridor heads northwest, passing through the pristine camps of Namla, Mango, and Baintha Meadows before climbing onto the glacier proper. Baintha Meadows is one of the most beautiful campsites in all of Pakistan — a flower-filled alpine meadow below the dramatic silhouette of The Ogre (Baintha Brakk, 7,285m).
From Baintha, you move progressively onto the glacier, navigating crevasse fields to reach Sim Gang Base Camp, the last camp before Snow Lake. After crossing Snow Lake and the Hispar La, the descent leads through the Hispar Valley to the village of Hispar (3,000m), from where a jeep drive reaches Karimabad, Hunza.
The Great Karakoram Traverse
For the most ambitious trekkers, this route forms the western half of the Great Karakoram Traverse — a 32-day expedition that combines the Gondogoro La crossing, the full Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp, the Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake, and the Hispar La in a single crossing of the entire Karakoram Range from Hushe Valley to Hunza Valley.
Is This Trek Right for You?
This is a Grade 5 — Expert trek. You must have prior glacier trekking experience, crampon skills, and be in exceptional physical condition. The 12 consecutive days on glaciers, with nights below -15°C, require both physical and mental endurance of the highest order. First-time high-altitude trekkers should start with our K2 Base Camp Trek before attempting this route.
Contact us to discuss fitness requirements, preparation, and 2026 departure dates for the Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek.
