Local Balti and Hunza guidesSmall groupsPrivate departures available

Biafo Glacier Trek to Snow Lake

Askole to Snow Lake along one of the great glaciers of the Karakoram

16 days

Duration

4,800 m

Max altitude

$2850

From USD

2 to 12

Group size

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THE JOURNEY

The journey

Biafo Glacier Trek overview

The Biafo Glacier runs for about 67 kilometres from the heart of the Karakoram to the Braldu valley near Askole. At its head lies Snow Lake, known locally as Lukpe Lawo, a high basin of ice roughly 16 kilometres across and ringed by unclimbed peaks. Together with the Hispar Glacier on the far side, it forms one of the longest glacier systems outside the polar regions.

The Biafo Glacier Trek goes up the glacier to Snow Lake and comes back the same way. You see the best of the Biafo, including the Ogre and the Latok peaks, without committing to the crossing of Hispar La and the long descent to Hunza.

Route and scenery

From Askole the route follows the K2 Base Camp trail for a couple of hours, then turns north onto the Biafo. Camps at Namla, Mango and Baintha sit in green ablation valleys beside the ice, with flowers, streams and willow. Above Baintha the glacier becomes a smooth white highway. Two more stages by Marphogoro and Karphogoro lead to the edge of Snow Lake, where the horizon is ice in every direction.

How difficult is the Biafo Glacier Trek?

This is a strenuous trek. Days of five to seven hours on moraine and bare ice are normal, there are crevassed sections where the group ropes up, and the upper camps are above 4,400 metres on snow. You need to be fit and to have trekked at altitude before. No technical climbing is involved.

Best time to go

July to early September. Before July, deep snow covers the upper glacier and hides crevasses. By mid September the nights at Snow Lake are very cold.

Trip highlights

✦Biafo Glacier, about 67 kilometres long

✦Snow Lake, or Lukpe Lawo, a basin of ice around 16 kilometres wide

✦Baintha Brakk, the Ogre, 7,285 metres, and the Latok group

✦Grassy camps at Namla, Mango and Baintha

✦A true wilderness with no villages beyond Askole

Trip specifications

Duration

16 days

Max altitude

4,800 m

Difficulty

Strenuous

Best season

July to early September

Start

Islamabad

Finish

Islamabad

Group size

2 to 12

Difficulty level

EasyModerateChallengingHardExtreme

IN PICTURES

Trip photo gallery

DAY BY DAY

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Islamabad

We meet you at Islamabad International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening your guide runs through the plan, checks your equipment and answers any last questions.

Day 2Fly to Skardu

A one hour flight passes close to Nanga Parbat and lands in Skardu at 2,230 metres. If the flight is cancelled for weather we drive the Karakoram Highway to Chilas and reach Skardu the next day. Afternoon at leisure to adjust to the altitude.

Day 3Skardu: preparation and sightseeing

A relaxed day while permits and supplies are finalised. Visit Kharpocho Fort, the old bazaar and Upper Kachura Lake, then meet the cook and crew who will travel with you.

Day 4Drive to Askole

Jeeps carry the group through the Shigar Valley and up the Braldu gorge to Askole at 3,000 metres, the last village. Six to seven hours.

Day 5Trek to Namla

Follow the K2 trail briefly, then turn onto the lateral moraine of the Biafo Glacier. A long first day of six to seven hours ends at the meadow of Namla, about 3,690 metres.

Day 6Trek to Mango

Step onto the glacier and work through moraine ridges and open ice to the grassy campsite of Mango at 3,660 metres. Five to six hours.

Day 7Trek to Baintha

Continue up the Biafo to Baintha at about 3,990 metres, a beautiful camp with fresh water and views of the Latok peaks. Five hours.

Day 8Rest day at Baintha

A day to acclimatise. Walk up the side valley for a closer look at the Ogre and Latok group while the porters prepare for the upper glacier.

Day 9Trek to Marphogoro

Rejoin the main glacier, now smooth white ice, and walk to camp at Marphogoro at about 4,400 metres. Six to seven hours.

Day 10Trek to Karphogoro

A shorter stage of around five hours to Karphogoro at 4,680 metres, with Sosbun Brakk across the glacier.

Day 11Snow Lake

Rope up for the walk onto Snow Lake at around 4,800 metres. Spend the day in this immense basin beneath Lukpe Lawo Brakk and the Solu Towers, and return to Karphogoro.

Day 12Trek to Baintha

Descend the glacier past Marphogoro to the grass and running water of Baintha.

Day 13Trek to Namla

Continue down the Biafo past Mango to Namla.

Day 14Trek to Askole and drive to Skardu

Walk out to Askole in the morning and drive to Skardu for a hot shower and dinner.

Day 15Fly to Islamabad

Morning flight back to Islamabad, weather permitting, with the rest of the day free. If flights are not operating we travel by road instead.

Day 16Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Extra nights, a Hunza extension or a few days in Lahore can be added on request.

THE DESTINATION

Map & location

Destination overview. The final route is confirmed with your trip itinerary.

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Travel dates

Departures & pricing

July 2027

Enquire for availability

From $2,850 per person

Select departure

What's covered

What's included

Included

Airport transfers in Islamabad

Hotels in Islamabad and in the mountains on a twin sharing basis, with breakfast

Private road transport and jeeps for the whole route

Domestic flight where shown in the itinerary, subject to weather

Licensed English speaking mountain guide

Cook, kitchen crew and porters or pack animals

All meals during the trek

Two person tents, mattresses, dining tent and kitchen equipment

Trekking permit, national park and camping fees

Invitation letter and paperwork for your visa

Not included

International flights

Pakistan visa fee

Travel insurance with trekking and rescue cover

Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear

Lunch and dinner in cities

Tips for the guide, cook and porters

Extra nights or transport caused by weather, flight cancellations or road closures

Drinks, laundry and other personal expenses

Prepare for the journey

Packing list

Clothing

Down jacket and waterproof shell

Thermal base layers, fleece and trekking trousers

Warm hat, sun hat and two pairs of gloves

Footwear

Broken in trekking boots and camp shoes

Equipment

Sleeping bag rated to minus 10 degrees Celsius or lower

Trekking poles, head torch and day pack of 30 to 35 litres

Health

Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and personal medication

Water bottles and purification tablets

Documents

Passport, visa printout and insurance details

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Biafo Glacier?

The Biafo Glacier is in the Shigar district of Baltistan. It starts at Snow Lake and ends near Askole village in the Braldu valley.

How long is the Biafo Glacier?

It is about 67 kilometres long, making it one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions.

What is Snow Lake?

Snow Lake, or Lukpe Lawo, is a high glacial basin about 16 kilometres wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. It is not a lake of water but a wide field of ice and snow.

What is the difference between this trek and the Biafo Hispar traverse?

This trek returns down the Biafo to Askole. The traverse continues over Hispar La at 5,151 metres and descends the Hispar Glacier to Hunza, which is longer and harder.

Do I need glacier experience?

Previous high altitude trekking is important. Our guides provide ropes and instruction for the crevassed sections, and no climbing skills are needed.

Planning your trip

Before you book

Share your preferred dates, group size, travel experience and any accessibility or dietary requirements. Ask our team for a written itinerary and a clear breakdown of included services, optional activities and additional costs before confirming.

Arrival and onward travel

Check the start and finish locations shown in the trip specifications. Confirm airport transfers, meeting times and any domestic flights with our team before booking independent travel. Allow flexibility for weather and transport changes.

Accommodation and meals

Ask for the accommodation plan for each night, room or tent arrangements and meal inclusions for your chosen departure. Tell us about food allergies and dietary needs in advance so we can confirm what is possible along the route.

Preparation and equipment

Review the itinerary, difficulty and maximum altitude before choosing this journey. Request the trip-specific packing list and confirm any rental equipment, sizes and availability before arrival. Discuss any health concerns with a qualified clinician before travel.

Travel documents and insurance

Check current entry requirements for your nationality and confirm whether your route needs additional permits. Review insurance coverage for your planned activities, maximum altitude, medical care and evacuation. Ask our team which documents are needed for this itinerary.

Changes and private arrangements

Weather, road conditions and local circumstances can affect the programme. Ask about alternative routes, spare days and how additional costs are handled. Contact us to discuss a private departure or changes to the published itinerary.