Today, weather permitting, you'll embark on a thrilling flight from Islamabad to Skardu, a journey lasting approximately 45 minutes. This scenic route promises mesmerizing views of the majestic Himalayas and the Karakoram range, including iconic peaks like Nanga Parbat (8,126m), K2, and Gondogoro La. Upon arrival in Skardu, check in at the hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Take the opportunity to explore the local bazaar, visit historical forts, or simply unwind by the scenic lakes in the area.

Today presents an opportunity to explore Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, nestled amidst the ancient mountain kingdoms of the Himalayas. Serving as a gateway to renowned treks like the K2 base camp, Broad Peak, and Baltoro Glacier, Skardu boasts a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Wander through the town and venture to the remnants of Kharpocho Fort, dating back to the early 1700s, offering panoramic views of the Indus River and ideal spots for capturing sunrise and sunset photos. Continue your exploration with a visit to a quaint organic village, where crops are cultivated using traditional methods. In the afternoon, embark on a jeep excursion to marvel at the crystalline waters of Satpara Lake and Kachura Lake, or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local Skardu bazaar.

Today's journey takes you along the majestic Indus and Shigar valleys, tracing the path of the Braldu River until you reach Askoli, the final human settlement of the Shigar Valley. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by a picturesque scene of wooden houses lining a single street, set against fields of corn, potatoes, and apricot groves. Take the opportunity to explore this charming village, interacting with locals and gaining insight into life at this high-altitude settlement. Notably, many of the porters accompanying you on the Snow Lake Hispar la trek hail from Askoli. Tonight, you'll experience your first campsite under the stars, nestled at an altitude of 3,000 meters above the roaring Braldu River, marking the beginning of your adventure in the lap of nature

Today marks the commencement of the walking segment of the Snow Lake and Hispar la trek, beginning with the K2 Base Camp trail before veering westward onto the Biafo Glacier. The path leads upwards along the lateral moraine, then descends onto the glacier itself before returning to the left bank. Nestled behind a lateral moraine lies Namla, a verdant camping site offering breathtaking mountain vistas. It promises to be a day filled with stunning trekking experiences and awe-inspiring scenery. Rest for the night will be at the Namla campsite.

Greet the day with the breathtaking sight of sunrise illuminating the snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram mountains. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before resuming your trek alongside the glacier. Navigate across a fracture zone on the Biafo glacier, reaching its central point, and proceed along the moraine ridges. Expect a challenging day of trekking due to the rugged terrain and loose rocks on the glacier. Despite the difficulty, the journey offers stunning views of the snow-covered Karakoram mountains. Set up camp in a grassy area on the left side of the Biafo Glacier, marking the end of another beautiful day of exploration

Today's journey entails further exploration along the lateral moraine of the Biafo glacier, often referred to as the "highway of ice." Compared to the previous day, traversing this glacier proves to be more manageable. Transitioning to the right side, you'll depart from the Biafo glacier and arrive at a verdant grassy area where Baintha camp is situated. It promises to be a night of rest and rejuvenation amidst the serene surroundings of the Biantha campsite.

Today offers a well-deserved rest and acclimatization day during the Snow Lake and Biafo Hispar Trek. Taking this opportunity to rest allows your body to adjust to the high altitude and thin air. You can choose to relax in the camp or opt for a leisurely walk up a ridge behind the campsite, where you'll be treated to stunning views of the Latok group and the Ogre. This vantage point also presents excellent photography opportunities, capturing the majestic beauty of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for Ibex, which are often spotted on the grassy slopes above the camp, adding to the natural allure of the area.

Embark on a challenging ascent via a steep and rugged trail to reconnect with the Biafo Glacier. Traverse along the moraine before resuming your trek directly on the glacier itself. Be vigilant as you progress, as there may be crevasses present further along the glacier. For added safety, secure ropes and maintain a disciplined queue to minimize the risk of encountering hidden crevasses beneath the snow. Despite the demanding terrain, treat yourself to unparalleled vistas of the surrounding mountains, including the awe-inspiring Ogre (7,813m) and Kanjut Sar. Additionally, feast your eyes upon the majestic Hispar La and Snow Lake for the first time, showcasing the unparalleled beauty of this remote wilderness.

Begin your day by witnessing the awe-inspiring sunrise casting its golden hues across the Snow Lake and illuminating the majestic Hispar Pass. After a leisurely breakfast, resume your trek along the "highway of ice," where you'll be treated to unparalleled views of the Karakoram range. This journey offers a glimpse into the past, as you traverse a trail steeped in history, having been traversed by explorers, monks, warriors, and merchants for countless centuries. Immerse yourself in the sense of wonder and adventure as you follow in the footsteps of those who came before, on this truly spectacular trekking day.

Today's journey takes you on a trek to the Hispar La Base Camp, beginning your adventure from the south end of the vast snowy expanse known as Snow Lake. Navigating through a labyrinth of crevasses, you'll traverse this high-altitude glacial basin, spanning over 16 kilometers wide at the convergence of the Biafo Glacier and Hispar glaciers. Renowned explorer Martin Conway, upon beholding this breathtaking landscape in 1892, aptly described it as "beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold, nor do I believe the world can hold a finer." After approximately 6 hours of trekking across Snow Lake, you'll reach the Hispar La Base Camp. Here, amidst the awe-inspiring surroundings, you'll pitch camp and relish in the unparalleled views of the majestic mountains.

Today's trek leads you onward across the expansive Snow Lake as you continue towards the majestic Hispar La Pass. Traverse the vast snowy terrain, mindful of hidden crevasses lurking beneath the surface. While the climb to Hispar La Pass isn't overly steep, the altitude may present a challenge, requiring endurance and caution. After approximately 6 hours of trekking through Snow Lake, you'll reach the summit of Hispar La Pass. From this vantage point, soak in the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes, including the sprawling Biafo Glacier, the glistening Snow Lake, the imposing Ogre, the sprawling Hispar Glacier, and the snow-capped peaks of the Hunza Valley. It's a moment to savor, offering a glimpse of nature's magnificence in all its glory.

As the morning sun paints the sky with hues of gold, wake up to the breathtaking panorama of Snow Lake, the Biafo Glacier, and the snow-capped peaks of Hunza Valley. After enjoying a nourishing breakfast, prepare your gear and embark on the next leg of your journey: crossing the Hispar La Pass and descending towards the Hunza Valley. Traverse across the glacier, navigating a few crevasses along the way, before reaching relatively flat terrain. As you continue, you'll cross the Kani Basa Glacier, where the collision of the Hispar and Kani Basa glaciers forms a fracture zone. Beyond this point, the landscape transforms into a grassy ablation valley, where the Kani Basa camping site awaits. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, marvel at the majestic Kanju Sar (7,760m), a sight to behold as you conclude another day of adventure in the heart of the Karakoram Mountains.

Today promises an exhilarating leg of our Snow Lake trek in Pakistan as we descend further on the Hispar Glacier towards Hunza Valley. Our path will lead us through a series of moraine ridges, where we'll navigate over loose scree slopes and cross several glacial streams along the way. After a challenging yet rewarding journey, we'll reach our destination: Bakhtur Baig camp. Here, on the right side of the glacier, we'll set up camp and unwind, relishing the free afternoon amidst the pristine wilderness of the Karakoram Mountains.

Rise with the dawn and resume our descent down the glacier, embarking on another day of adventure. We'll navigate across a side glacier, negotiate loose scree slopes, and follow a trail adorned with wildflowers. As we trek onward, the trail will lead us to the picturesque Shigham Baris campsite, nestled amidst lush grassy terrain. Here, surrounded by nature's beauty, we'll set up camp and settle in for the night, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of the Karakoram Mountains.

Today unfolds another full day of trekking, offering breathtaking vistas of the Karakoram range at every turn. After an initial hour of trekking, we'll descend a steep bank to cross over to the opposite side of the glacier. From there, we'll return to the valley, where the terrain becomes smoother, allowing for easier trekking. By early afternoon, we'll reach our destination: the Bitenmal campsite. Situated in a vast meadow utilized by herders from the Hispar village, Bitenmal offers a serene setting surrounded by natural beauty. It's not uncommon for the local shepherds to extend hospitality to trekkers and visitors, often offering fresh milk and other dairy products, adding a warm touch to our wilderness experience.

Today's trek takes you back to civilization as you make your way to Hispar village, crossing a bridge and a small glacier along the way. After two weeks since departing from Askoli, the vibrant greens of orchards and terraced fields provide a stark contrast to the black-and-white scenery of the Hispar Glacier. Upon reaching Hispar village, you'll meet jeeps, depending on the road conditions. If the road is in good condition, the jeeps will transport you to the campsite. However, if the road is impassable, you'll need to walk to the campsite, which is situated on grassy land in the village. It's a transition from wilderness to civilization, offering a chance to reflect on the journey through the Karakoram Mountains.

Today marks your departure from Hispar village as you embark on a scenic journey along the Nagar river towards Karimabad. Beginning with a one-hour jeep ride along a narrow track to Nagar village, you'll eventually join the Karakoram Highway at the confluence of the Hunza River. Following the Karakoram Highway along the Hunza River, you'll pass through Ganish village before reaching your final destination, Karimabad. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to refresh, relax, and explore the town at your leisure. Indulge in the comforts of a hot shower and the luxury of a real bed after your trekking adventure

After soaking in the beauty and history of Karimabad, continue your journey along the iconic Karakoram Highway to Gilgit.

If weather permits, you'll ideally catch an early morning flight back to Islamabad. However, flight schedules are subject to weather conditions. In the event of a flight cancellation due to inclement weather, an alternative plan entails driving down the Karakoram Highway to Chilas (or Besham). Spend the night in Chilas and continue the journey to Islamabad the following day. Flexibility is key, ensuring a safe and comfortable return journey despite unforeseen circumstances.

Following breakfast, we'll arrange transportation to Islamabad International Airport for your departure home. We're confident that our "Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek" has left an indelible mark, crafting memories to cherish for a lifetime. As you journey homeward, reflect on the adventures and experiences that have enriched your life along this remarkable trek. This marks the conclusion of the Snow Lake and Hispar La trek, but the memories and camaraderie forged during this journey will endure forever. Safe travels, and until we meet again on another adventure!