Trek
Nagar
Rakaposhi Base Camp from Minapin
- Duration
- 3 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- Jun–Sept
Price to be confirmed
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Trek · Shigar, Nagar, Skardu
Biafo–Hispar Traverse via Snow Lake
A long glacier traverse from Askole up the Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake, over the Hispar La and down the Hispar Glacier to Nagar.
- Duration
- 15 days
- Highest point
- 5,128 m
- Difficulty
- Very demanding
- Season
- July–August
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Arsalan Majid · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Biafo and Hispar glaciers meet at the Hispar La, together forming one of the longest glacial traverses outside the polar regions. Starting at Askole in the Braldu valley, the route climbs the Biafo past grassy ablation-valley camps such as Namla, Mango and Baintha, then up onto the vast snow basin known as Snow Lake.
After crossing the Hispar La, the descent follows the Hispar Glacier west through herders' pastures to Hispar village in Nagar, from where a road leads to Hunza. Crevassed sections on the upper Biafo and the pass require roped travel, and the trek is suited only to strong, experienced parties.
- Snow Lake, a huge glacial basin at the head of the Biafo
- Crossing the Hispar La between Baltistan and Nagar
- Ablation-valley camps at Namla, Mango and Baintha
- Ending at Hispar village and the road to Hunza
Itinerary
Day 1
Skardu to Askole by jeep
Drive through Shigar and up the Braldu valley. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Camp at Askole
Day 2
Askole to Namla
Onto the lower Biafo Glacier to the first ablation-valley camp.
Overnight: Camp at Namla
Day 3
Namla to Mango
Continue up the glacier margin.
Overnight: Camp at Mango
Day 4
Mango to Baintha
Reach the grassy camp at Baintha.
Overnight: Camp at Baintha
Day 5
Rest and acclimatisation at Baintha
Overnight: Camp at Baintha
Day 6
Baintha to Napina (Marpogoro)
Onto the upper Biafo.
Overnight: Camp at Napina
Day 7
Napina to Karpogoro
Rope up for crevassed ground where the Sim and Biafo glaciers meet.
Overnight: Camp at Karpogoro
Day 8
Karpogoro to Snow Lake camp
Cross the edge of Snow Lake to the camp below the Hispar La.
Overnight: Camp at Snow Lake
Day 9
Acclimatisation and weather day at Snow Lake
Overnight: Camp at Snow Lake
Day 10
Cross the Hispar La to Khani Basa
A long day over the pass and down to the first camp on the Hispar side.
Overnight: Camp at Khani Basa Highest point: 5,128 m
Days 11–13
Down the Hispar Glacier
Stages along the north side of the Hispar Glacier via pasture camps such as Yutmaru and Bitanmal, crossing side glaciers.
Overnight: Camps at herders' pastures
Day 14
To Hispar village
Final descent to the village.
Overnight: Camp or guesthouse at Hispar
Day 15
Hispar to Hunza by jeep
Drive down the Hispar and Nagar valleys to Hunza. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Practical information
- Accommodation
- Camping
- Passes
- Hispar La (5,128 m)
- Suitable for
- Trekkers, Mountaineers, Explorers
What’s included
Included
- Jeep transfers Skardu–Askole and Hispar–Hunza
- Experienced glacier guide
- Registered porters and cook team
- Ropes and group glacier-safety equipment
- Camping and kitchen equipment
- Meals on trek
- Coordination of required permits
Not included
- Personal technical gear (harness, crampons, ice axe) unless arranged
- Travel insurance with helicopter rescue
- Flights and hotels
- Tips
- Visa costs
What to bring
Essential
- Crampon-compatible boots
- Harness, crampons and ice axe (confirm with operator)
- Four-season sleeping bag
- Expedition down jacket and mitts
- Category 4 glacier glasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Waterproof shell layers
- Gaiters for wet snow
- Trekking poles
- Water purification and insulated bottles
- Comprehensive personal first-aid kit
Optional and useful
- Solar charger
- Satellite messenger (check legality in Pakistan)
- Down booties
- Lightweight camera with spare batteries
- Hand warmers
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Crevassed glacier travel on the upper Biafo, Snow Lake and the pass: roped travel and basic glacier skills are required.
- Very remote: no villages between Askole and Hispar; rescue depends on helicopters and weather.
- Permit requirements for the Biafo/Hispar area must be confirmed with the authorities each season.
- Itineraries vary widely (12 to 25 days end to end); this sample is a compact estimate.
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