Snow Lake, Biafo & Hispar Trek

In the Shigar valley, you lead up to Askole which is the last inhabitant settlement and Hispar is last inhabitant village of Nagar Valley. Although this trek is an open zone, it is extremely strenuous, involving long stretches of glacier walking along this 115kms ice corridor. This trek is recommended fully guided along essential trekking tools, likely ropes, and crampons. As it takes you far from the permanent settlement and is rich in wildlife, including Himalayan Brown Bears. Starting at Askole, the route follows the K2 treks for a short way before branching up the Biafo Glacier.

The first of this trek, up the lower section of the Biafo glaciers, is particularly difficult. Above the junction of the Sim Gang and Biafo Glaciers, off to the north as you approach Hispar Pass, is the Snow Lake, a huge expanse of ice covering around 80 square kilometers. Snow Lake named in 1892 by the British explorer Matin Conway. The 5150m Hispar Pass provides stunning views in good weather; west down the Hispar Glacier towards Hunza and east back to the peaks surrounding Snow Lake and Sim Gang Glacier. The trek down to Hispar village along the north edge of Hispar glacier is difficult in places, crossing four side glaciers en route.