Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake and Hispar La Trek with Andrew Lock

On arrival transfer to the centrally located group hotel in Islamabad (the airport is situated mid-way between Islamabad and Rawalpindi). You will meet your group leader in the afternoon at the hotel for a trip briefing and gear check. If you are arriving on a late flight your briefing will take place tomorrow. Overnight hotel.

Meals:  Nil

a) Weather permitting, we take a spectacular flight to the high mountain region of Baltistan in the north east. On a clear day we should be able to see Nanga Parbat (8124m) and K2 (8611m) towering above all other mountains. Afternoon sightseeing in Skardu. (It is quite possible adverse weather in Islamabad or Skardu may affect our flight plans and make it necessary to drive by the Karakoram Highway to Skardu, a journey of approx two days). b) In case of cancellation of flight drive 10-12hrs by air conditioned coach to Chilas (480km) on the Karakoram highway. Overnight Basic Hotel/guesthouse.

Meals:  B,L,D

a) We will undertake preparations for our expedition and are free to explre the city. Skardu is the provincial capital of Baltistan, lying at the edge of a broad floodplain that is the confluence of the Shyok, Indus and Basha Rivers. b) If we are driving the road journey from Chilas today will be around 7-8 hrs to Skardu (275km). On route are spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (8125m). Overnight Basic Hotel/guesthouse.

Meals:  B,L,D

We drive around 1.5 hours to Deosai Plains where we may be lucky enough to spot some Himalayan brown bears, who live in the sanctuary here. A picnic lunch at around 3850m is followed by a walk to our high point of around 4000m. From here on a clear day we will be rewarded with views of Nanga Parbat. We're likely to feel the altitude today, however the ascent will stand us in good stead for our ongoing acclimatisation and we will sleep at 2200m in Skardu. Overnight Basic Hotel/guesthouse.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will travel by jeep with our crew and supplies along the Shigar and Braldu valleys to Askole. Villages in Shigar have changed little in over five hundred years; farms with fields of barley, wheat and vegetables surrounded by stone walls and stands of poplar, willow and apricot trees. The apricot is a very important crop in the north, having a multitude of uses to the Balti and Hunzakut people. Villagers greet us as we pass through on the rugged dirt and stone road that leads to Baltoro. As we approach, the landscapes become desert like and once within the sheer valley of the Braldu, it is necessary to cross the river several times by suspension bridges. At various points the road may have collapsed due to erosion and we will transfer the gear across on foot to a vehicle on the other side. The journey may take anywhere from six to twelve hours, or possibly two days as a result! With patience, we will arrive at our first camp of the trek and the expedition will begin in earnest. In Askole the villagers grow their own cereals, vegetables and fruit and own large herds of sheep, goats and dzos. Overnight wilderness campsite.

Meals:  B,L,D

After considerable organisation of equipment, supplies and porter loads for the journey ahead, we commence trekking towards Namla. The valley opens out to reveal the Biafo Glacier flowing for more than fifty kilometres from the Hispar La pass to the Braldu. Our walk today provides panoramic views down on to the boulder strewn Biafo Glacier stretching out to the northwest. Our campsite tonight is beside a side stream surrounded with willow bushes. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's trek involves a gentle climb over a couple of hours on unstable boulders from which we are rewarded with views of the Latok Peaks ahead. The cluster of large and dramatic peaks vary in height with Latok I, (7,145m) Latok II, (7,108m) and Latok III, (6,949 m). Later in the day we cross the crevasse to arrive at our grassy campsite located at the side of a stream. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

This mornings walk takes us out along the valley before we head out across the lateral crevasse to the reach the smooth white center of the Biafo glacier. Our camp tonight is at Baintha, also known as Conway’s camp, after Sir. William Martin Conway who set camp here in 1892. Baintha is located in a lovely grassy area with a stream flowing through it. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Baintha is the traditional first rest and acclimatisation day of the trek. The porters take this opportunity to bake bread for the coming trek days. As on most extended treks in the Karakoram, tradition dictates a feast for the porters. This includes the 'cutting of the goat' ceremony, usually followed by singing and dancing in the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our walk today begins with a gentle ascent along the valley before crossing over crevasses to make it out to the easy to navigate white ice. Our camp tonight at Napina, also known as Marpogoro, is again located in a grassy valley with fresh water nearby. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

As we climb to higher altitudes the temperatures begin to drop and this is most notable today. The glacier broadens as the Sim and Biafo glaciers meet and our ascent is gradual. Measurements here show the ice to be almost 1.5-km in depth. Therefore, gaiters are needed and we will also employ the use of ropes to safely navigate our way. Our camp is at the eastern margin of the glacier, where the Sim and Biafo glaciers meet. It is guarded by a crevasse field and we will approach our camp carefully. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Todays walk involves traversing on snow (covered ice) and we do so with great care to avoid the danger of crevasses. We will reach the intersection of the Sim Gang Glacier and Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo) where we find the glacier to be around one and half km thick and ice flowing at about 300m a year. Camp at Snow Lake. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Situated at the head of the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, Snow Lake or Lukpe Lawo (4870m) is a high altitude glacial basin that covers an area of approx 700 square kilometres. It is said that fewer than 200 people a year reach this area so it is well beyond the reach of the masses. Surrounded by the distinctive granite towers of the Karakoram, this area is simply spectacular. Today we have a full day to explore the surrounds. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

A very early start today is essential. A steady but gentle climb of 4-5 hours will see us reach the top of the Hispar La where we gain spectacular 360 degree views. The top is a wide flat area, set high in the Karakoram. The Hispar side of the pass is more crevassed and care must be taken. Once we reach to lower Hispar Glacier (5040m), the ground eventually becomes less crevassed. At the head of the Khani Basa Glacier sits Kanjut Sar (7760m). Our campsite for the night is by a side stream with wildflowers and porter shelters. The views of the Bal Chhish peaks are stunning and Baintha Brak is still visible over the Hispar La. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Contingency days incase of poor weather or snow conditions which may impede our progress. These may be used at any stage throughout the itinerary and may be at any of our campsites.

Meals:  B,L,D

Traversing Khani Basa glacier is relatively easy going. Camp near Yutmaru glacier in a flat sheltered field. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will have our last views of the Hispar La from the middle of the Hispar Glacier. The trekking involves some hard boulder hopping as we continue to the north where the ablation valley widens. Our Overnight camp is in a grassy meadow.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we are walking through pastures in the ablation valley past willow and cedar shrubs. We reach the deserted shepherds summer settlement of Bitanmal (meaning ‘shaman’s field’ bitan is Brushaski for ‘shaman’ or ‘witch doctor. Bitanmal is another lies on the edge of Kunyang Glacier. It is possible to climb a nearby ridge for views of the giant mountains to the north. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will cross the Kunyang glacier and continue on a gentle walk to Hispar Village. To finally reach the village we must cross the Hispar River on a wire pulley. Hispar is a small village of about 120 houses with a school, small clinic and a wooden mosque. Overnight in tent.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we farewell our trekking crew as we undertake the drive to Hunza. On arrival we check in to our hotel and have some time at leisure to explore the town. The picturesque Hunza region is home to some 48,000 inhabitants and lies on a branch of the Silk Road. The summit of Ultar (7388m) rises above Hunza, and folklore has it that a fairy queen once lived here in a crystal palace. Hunza has many orchards of apricots, peaches, plums, apples, grapes, cherries and walnuts, and fields of wheat and corn lined with Poplar trees. These crops and orchards are irrigated by Hunza's impressive man made channels which snake across the slopes of the valley, bringing water from the many canyons to the fields and orchards. Hunza is, for westerners, steeped in mythology and known for its isolation and Shangri La purity, brought about by James Hilton's 1933 novel, Lost Horizon. The evening may be spent at your leisure, strolling through the Karimabad Bazaar whilst enjoying the views of Rakaposhi (7788m), Diran (7266m), Golden Peak (Spantik) (7027m), Ultar (7388m), Distaghill (7885m). Overnight hotel.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will do some sightseeing in Hunza before commencing the drive to Gilgit. Touched by various invading cultures, Gilgit is the capital city of the Northern Areas and was an important staging point on the Silk Route and remained a part of the Buddhist Kingdom from the 3rd to 11th century. In ancient times Gilgit was known as Sargin and it is still often referred to by the local people as Sargin-Gilit.

Meals:  B,L,D

a) Weather permitting we will fly to Islamabad today, on arrival transfer to our hotel. b) In case of flight cancellation it is necessary to drive to Islamabad which takes approximately 10-12 hours. We cannot guarantee air travel at any time between the north and south and we expect members to be as reasonable and flexible as possible on this matter. Should we travel by surface, we will have a private minibus that will take us to Islamabad. The road is good for most of the journey but is occasionally subject to landslide breaks which can delay us. Overnight hotel.

Meals:  B

Day at leisure in Islamabad. There is time to explore the many bazaars and features of interest in the old city of Rawalpindi. Overnight hotel.

Meals:  B

After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our return flights.

Meals:  B