• Trekking

Snow Lake Trek – The Ultimate Karakoram Adventure

The Snow Lake Trek in Pakistan is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking high-altitude treks in the world. Hidden deep in the Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Snow Lake (also called Lukpe Lawo) is a vast glacial amphitheater surrounded by towering 7,000m+ peaks. This trek is not just a journey—it is a true expedition through untouched wilderness, taking you across the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, two of the longest non-polar glaciers on earth.

The Snow Lake Trek, also known as the Lukpe Lawo trek, is one of the most remote and breathtaking high-altitude treks in the world, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan. Nestled deep within the Karakoram range, Snow Lake is a high-altitude glacial basin at over 16,000 feet (4,877 meters), surrounded by towering peaks and feeding into the Biafo and Hispar glaciers—two of the longest non-polar glaciers on Earth.

This trek is a dream come true for experienced adventurers who crave raw wilderness, alpine beauty, and complete solitude. Spanning 21 days, the route takes you from the enchanting valley of Skardu through the majestic Biafo Glacier, crossing Snow Lake and descending via the Hispar Glacier into the Hunza Valley. Along the way, trekkers are treated to dramatic landscapes, towering granite spires, roaring rivers, and unforgettable views of peaks like Baintha Brakk (The Ogre), Latok, and Kanjut Sar.

This journey requires physical endurance, technical skills, and a passion for exploration. It is not just a trek—it’s an expedition into one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.

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Snow Lake Trek – Quick Facts

📍 Location

• Region: Karakoram Range, Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan

• Starts From: Askole (near Skardu)

• Ends At: Hispar Village (Hunza/Nagar Valley)

⛰️ Trek Highlights

• Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo): A glacial basin at ~4,877 meters (16,000 ft)

• Glaciers: Biafo Glacier (63 km) + Hispar Glacier (49 km)

• Hispar La Pass: 5,151 meters (16,900 ft)

• Total Trekking Distance: ~100+ kilometers

• Duration: 18–21 days (full expedition including acclimatization and travel)

🧭 Trek Type & Difficulty

• Trek Grade: Strenuous / Technical

• Experience Required: High-altitude trekking experience recommended

• Terrain: Ice, snow, crevasses, moraine, glaciers, river crossings

• Best Season: Mid-June to late August

🌡️ Weather & Conditions

• Temperature Range:

  • Day: 0°C to 15°C

  • Night: -10°C to -20°C (especially near Snow Lake/Hispar La)

• Weather: Unpredictable; snowstorms possible even in summer

• Glacial Crevasses: Roped glacier travel and experienced guides essential

🏕️ Camping & Logistics

• Accommodation: Tented camps during trek, hotels in cities

• Porters & Guides: Essential due to remoteness and technical nature

• Food: Trekking meals (freeze-dried or fresh supplies carried by porters)

• No villages or tea houses along the route after Askole

📸 Visual Highlights

• Latok Peaks

• Baintha Brakk (The Ogre)

• Snow Dome

• Breathtaking icefalls and untouched wilderness

📡 Connectivity & Accessibility

• Mobile/Internet: No network during the trek

• Nearest Towns: Skardu (start), Karimabad (end)

• Emergency Evacuation: Requires satellite communication or helicopter (weather-dependent)

🧳 Packing Must-Haves

• Mountaineering boots

• Down jacket, sleeping bag (-20°C rating)

• Crampons, gaiters, glacier sunglasses

• Trekking poles, harness (optional for roped travel)

• High-SPF sunscreen, snow goggles, water purification

 

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Snow Lake Trek Highlights

• Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo): A glacial basin at ~4,877 meters (16,000 ft)

• Glaciers: Biafo Glacier (63 km) + Hispar Glacier (49 km)

• Hispar La Pass: 5,151 meters (16,900 ft)

• Total Trekking Distance: ~100+ kilometers

• Duration: 18–21 days (full expedition including acclimatization and travel)

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❄️ Why Visit Snow Lake?

1. One of the World’s Last Untouched Wildernesses
   Snow Lake is considered by explorers as “one of the most beautiful sights on earth.” Few places remain so remote, pure, and rarely visited.

2. Snow Lake Glacial Basin
   At 16,000 ft (4,877m), Snow Lake is a natural amphitheater of ice—an immense field feeding into both the 63 km Biafo Glacier and the 49 km Hispar Glacier.

3. Hispar La Pass Crossing
   Standing at 5,151m (16,900 ft), the Hispar La is a high glacial pass connecting Baltistan and Hunza—trekkers call it “a roof of the Karakoram.”

4. Jaw-dropping Mountain Views
   See iconic peaks like Latok I, Baintha Brakk (The Ogre), Snow Dome, and countless unnamed giants.

5. A Real Expedition, Not Just a Trek
   Unlike commercial treks (Everest Base Camp, Annapurna, etc.), the Snow Lake Trek is a true expedition—remote, wild, and untouched. Only a handful of trekkers attempt it each year, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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For adventurers seeking the extraordinary, Snow Lake offers a rare combination of raw beauty, extreme remoteness, and world-class alpine challenge.

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Why Choose Pakistan Tours Packages for the Snow Lake Trek?

Choosing the right expedition team can make or break your Snow Lake experience. Here’s why adventurers trust us:

• Expert Local Guides – Our professional mountain guides and high-altitude porters know the Karakoram inside out.

• Proven Safety Record – We specialize in remote expeditions with safety as our top priority.

• All-Inclusive Logistics – From Islamabad to Skardu, and all the way to Hunza, we handle permits, meals, camps, and transportation.

• Customized Adventure – Flexible itineraries, acclimatization days, and small group sizes for a personal experience.

• Cultural Immersion – Explore the unique cultures of Baltistan and Hunza, staying in villages before and after the trek.

• Sustainable Tourism – We follow “Leave No Trace” principles to protect this fragile wilderness.

When you trek Snow Lake with us, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re joining an experienced expedition family.

What to Bring for the Snow Lake Trek?

Snow Lake is one of the most challenging treks in Pakistan, and having the right gear is essential. Here’s a comprehensive packing list:

Clothing

• Thermal base layers (top & bottom)

• Fleece jacket / warm mid-layer

• Down jacket (-20°C comfort rating)

• Waterproof jacket & pants (Gore-Tex recommended)

• Trekking trousers & shirts (quick-dry)

• Gloves (light & insulated)

• Wool socks & liner socks

• Warm hat, balaclava, and neck gaiter

Footwear

• High-altitude mountaineering boots

• Crampons (essential for glacier travel)

• Gaiters

• Comfortable trekking shoes / sandals (for camp)

Camping & Sleeping

• 4-season sleeping bag (-20°C or below)

• Sleeping mat / inflatable mattress

• Lightweight tent (provided by us if part of package)

Trekking Gear

• Trekking poles

• Climbing harness & carabiners (for roped glacier travel)

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Sunglasses (UV protection, glacier goggles recommended)

• Backpack (60–70L) + daypack (30L)

• Dry bags / waterproof pack cover

Personal Items

• High SPF sunscreen & lip balm

• Water purification tablets / filter

• Personal first aid kit & altitude meds

• Wet wipes & personal hygiene items

• Snacks, energy gels, chocolate

• Camera, power bank, extra memory cards

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DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION	Islamabad, Islamabad
WEAR	Comfortable clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen.
INCLUDED	Professional Guide 3 Time Meals Hotel Accommodation AC Luxury Transportation
NOT INCLUDED	International Tickets