Early morning transfer to Islamabad International Airport for the scheduled domestic flight to Skardu. When the flight operates, the 45-minute journey offers spectacular aerial views of Nanga Parbat, K2, Gondogoro La and many other Karakoram peaks. Upon landing at Skardu Airport, an immediate private transfer takes the group to accommodation. Flights are strictly weather-dependent due to the narrow mountain valley approach. If cancelled, immediate road contingency via the Karakoram Highway is activated with an overnight stop in Chilas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided at the hotel.

A full day is allocated for final equipment inspection, government permit finalization and optional sightseeing in the historic Baltistan capital. In the morning participants visit Kharpocho Fort, built in the early 1700s, which overlooks the town and the Indus River. The fort offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset. The afternoon is free to explore the organic village, Satpara Lake with its crystal-clear blue water, Kachura Lakes or the bustling local bazaar for last-minute purchases of snacks, batteries or small items . All restricted-area documentation and trekking permits are finalized with local authorities. The guide team conducts thorough final gear checks.

Early departure by private jeep convoy along the mighty Indus and Shigar valleys, then following the Braldu River to Askole. The drive passes traditional Balti villages, irrigated fields and dramatic river gorges. Askole is the last human settlement before the wilderness begins. The village has a single street with wooden houses backed by fields of corn, potatoes and apricot groves . The group explores the small village, meets local people and learns about daily life in this high-altitude settlement. Most of the porters for the trek are from this village. The first night is spent in camp under the stars at 3,050 m above the thundering Braldu River.

The walking section of the Snow Lake – Hispar La trek begins. The trail follows the K2 Base Camp route for a short distance before turning west onto the Biafo Glacier . The path ascends over lateral moraine, descends onto the glacier, and then returns to the left bank where the grassy camping site of Namla is located behind a lateral moraine. The day offers spectacular mountain views and a beautiful trekking experience . Camp is set in a scenic location with full service.

Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the snow-covered Karakoram mountains. After a leisurely breakfast the group continues walking on the side of the glacier. The trail crosses a fracture zone on the Biafo Glacier to reach the centre point and follows moraine ridges. Loose rocks on the glacier make this a challenging but beautiful day with spectacular snow-covered peaks . Camp is set on the left side of the Biafo Glacier in a grassy area.

The group continues walking on the lateral moraine of the Biafo Glacier, known as the highway of ice. Walking here is easier compared to the loose rock sections earlier. The trail crosses to the right and leaves the glacier to reach a grassy area where Baintha camp is located, also known as Conway's Camp . The day offers superb mountain scenery and idyllic camping conditions. The site is a grassy ablation valley below the granite peaks of the Ogre (7,285 m) .

A full rest and acclimatisation day at Baintha. This day is essential to help the body adjust to the high altitude. Participants can relax in camp or walk up a ridge behind the campsite for fine views of the Latok group and the Ogre . The location is perfect for photography. Ibex are often seen on the grassy slopes above camp . The area is also known for Himalayan brown bears and snow leopards, although sightings are rare .

A steep and loose trail leads back onto the Biafo Glacier. The group climbs moraine ridges and continues walking on the glacier. Crevasses may appear further along; ropes are fixed where necessary and the group walks in a line to avoid hidden crevasses. Superb views open of the Ogre (7,285 m), Kanjut Sar, and, for the first time, Hispar La and Snow Lake .

Wake up to breathtaking sunrise views across Snow Lake and over Hispar Pass. After a leisurely breakfast the group continues walking on the highway of ice with spectacular Karakoram range views. This trail has been used by explorers, monks, warriors and merchants for centuries . The walk takes us past glistening clear lakes, bright spots of green grass, glorious wild flowers and the ever-present vertical snow-covered peaks hanging above to complete this dazzling scene .

The group treks to Hispar La base camp. The trail starts on the south end of a large snowy flat area known as Snow Lake and navigates through a network of crevasses. Snow Lake is a high-altitude glacial basin over 16 km wide at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers . Martin Conway, the first foreign visitor in 1892, named it Snow Lake and described this area 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 6 hours of trekking on Snow Lake the group arrives at Hispar La base camp.

The group continues trekking on Snow Lake towards Hispar La Pass. The trail traverses the vast Snow Lake area and makes the ascent to Hispar La Pass. The climb is not overly steep but feels strenuous at this altitude. Hidden crevasses are present in this area. After 6 hours the group reaches the top of Hispar La Pass. From the summit there are fantastic views of the Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake, the Ogre, Hispar Glacier and other snow-covered mountains of Hunza Valley . Camp is set at the pass.

Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise across Snow Lake, Biafo Glacier and the snow-covered mountains of Hunza. After breakfast the group packs and crosses Hispar La, descending towards Hunza Valley. A few crevasses are crossed on the glacier; the rest of the hike is on flatter ground. The Kani Basa glacier is crossed through a fracture zone where the Hispar and Kani Basa glaciers collide . Camp is set at Kani Basa in a grassy ablation valley with beautiful views of Kanjut Sar (7,760 m) .

A very exciting trekking day. The group continues descending the Hispar Glacier towards Hunza Valley. The trail crosses several moraine ridges, climbs over loose scree slopes and crosses several glacial streams to reach Jutmal camp . Camp is set on the right side of the glacier. The afternoon is free to relax.

Wake up early and continue descending the glacier. The trail crosses a side glacier, climbs over loose scree and follows a path surrounded by wildflowers to reach Shigham Baris campsite. Camp is set on beautiful grassy land. This is a long but rewarding day with ever-changing views.

Another full trekking day with spectacular Karakoram mountain views. After about one hour the group descends a steep bank to cross to the other side of the glacier, then returns to the valley where trekking becomes smoother. The group arrives at Bitanmal campsite early in the afternoon. Bitanmal is a large meadow used by herders from Hispar village. Shepherds often offer fresh milk and other dairy products to trekkers .

The group treks to Hispar village by crossing a bridge and a small glacier. This is the first civilisation seen since leaving Askole two weeks earlier. Vibrant green orchards and terraced fields contrast with the black-and-white scenery of the Hispar Glacier . Jeeps meet the group before the village depending on road conditions. Camp is set on grassy land in Hispar village. This is the last camping night of the trek.

The group leaves Hispar village and drives along the Nagar River to Karimabad. A jeep drive of about one hour reaches Nagar village along a narrow track before joining the Karakoram Highway at the Hunza River junction . The highway is followed to Karimabad. Upon arrival the group checks into a hotel. The rest of the day is free to wash up, relax and explore the town. A hot shower and the comfort of a real bed are welcome.

Karimabad is the capital of the Hunza Valley. People speak Burushaski, different from the Balti language spoken in Baltistan. The town sits on a hillside north of the Karakoram Highway with views of the fertile valley below and snowy mountains . The group visits the UNESCO-listed Altit and Baltit Forts, built in the 13th century. Baltit Fort, once the home of the ruling Mir, is now a museum. Altit Fort is even more dramatic, perched above the Hunza River. After sightseeing, the group drives on the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit.

The group takes the early morning flight back to Islamabad (weather permitting). The flight offers mountain views. If cancelled due to bad weather, the group drives down the Karakoram Highway to Chilas (or Besham) and continues to Islamabad the next day.

If the flight to Islamabad was successful the previous day, today is a free day to explore Islamabad. If delayed by bad weather, the group travels on the Karakoram Highway to arrive in Islamabad late afternoon.

After breakfast, transfer to Islamabad International Airport for international departure flights. The Snow Lake – Hispar La Trek concludes.