Biafo Hisphar Snow Lake trek

Itinerary:

Islamabad – Chilas – Skardu – Askolie – Namla – Mongo – Biantha – Naqpogoro –Marphogoro – Karfogoro – Snow Lake – Hispar La – Kani Basa – Rest – Jutmal – Pumory – Bitanmal – Falaling Chhish – Hispar Village – Karimabad – Rest – Gilgit – Besham – Islamabad.

Fact sheet:

Altitude: 5151 m. Max: Season: June – Sep: Duration: 22 Days: Zone: Open( no permit needed):

 

Biafo Glacier (37 miles long) and Hispar Glacier (38 miles long) meet at the 5151 m. Hispar Pass to form one of the longest glacial systems outside the Polar Regions. This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms: Hunza in the west with Baltistan in the east. In olden times warriors from Nagar would use this natural pathway to invade the peoples of Askoli in Baltistan. Later on the well known sport of “Polo”, a Balti word meaning ball, served as a more positive outlet for aggression between these two kingdoms and matches were played on stretches of level ground in this locality. Because the Biafo-Hispar region is very remote it serves as the last stronghold for many animals; including Himalayan bear, ibex, markhor and the snow leopard.

At the base of Hispar Pass on its eastern flank rests Snow Lake, a basin of ice 10 miles wide surrounded by granite pinnacles yet to be climbed. Glaciologists have conducted various experiments on the lake and have found the ice to be approximately one mile deep. Some go as far as to say that Snow Lake represents the last of the original ice cap in the earth’s temperate zones.

Having reached the highest point of our journey atop Hispar Pass (5151 m), we begin the descent into Hunza; a land where the language, culture and ethnic background is vastly different than that of Baltistan. We follow the Hispar Glacier past massive mountains such as Kanjut Sar (7852 m) and Disteghl Sar (7885 m) reaching the end of the glacier in four to five days. The green oasis of Hispar Village awaits us signaling only another days walk before a jeep transports us to Karimabad, Hunza. First sight of the lush valley of Hunza is breathtaking and in some ways makes up for the nostalgia one feels after completing a long walk. We spend one night in Karimabad then we are off to Gilgit by way of the KKH. Depending on the weather conditions we then fly or drive back to Islamabad.

• Transport Private Toyota Hiace Van (4 Wheel drive jeeps • Hotel accommodation (twin room sharing basis) • An experienced English speaking guides with extensive knowledge of the local region, cultures, languages, history and adventure. • Services in camps (full Board). • Cook, assistant cook. • Porters. • Tents on twin-sharing basis during camps. • Kitchen and camping equipment. • Rope for climb pass/La. • Kitchen tent & Mess Tent. • Camping fee. • Gondogoro la rescue fee for porters and as well as client. • All road and toll taxes. • Poterages in hotels. • Home flight reconfirmation. • 15 KG personal baggage on the trek. • Arrangements for briefing- debriefing in Ministry of Tourism. • Wages & food in camps for guide, cook and porters. • Insurance of Guide, cook and porters. • All Transfers.

• Above 15 kg luggage, Sleeping bags, rucksacks, personal clothing and insurance, international air tickets, immunizations, laundry, beverages, tips, personal telephone/fax service, site entrance fee and all other items of personal nature uses are not included in our package prices. • Meals are not included in the cities. • Domestic air fare from/to Islamabad.

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.