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Biafo Glacier
Photo: BlackZero_007 · CC BY 2.0

Field guides / Gilgit-Baltistan / Biafo Glacier

Field guide · Mountains

Biafo Glacier

Biafo Glacier, 67 km of ice in the Karakoram — with the Hispar Glacier, the longest glacier system outside the polar regions.

GPGreenPak Field GuidesSourced from Green Tourism Pakistan · 2 min read

The Biafo Glacier runs 67 kilometres through the central Karakoram and is one of the largest glaciers in the range. At Hispar La (5,128 m) it meets the 49 km Hispar Glacier, and together they form the world's longest non-polar glacier system, about 120 km, linking Nagar with Shigar in Baltistan. Near its high point lies Snow Lake, a vast basin of ice.

Why go

  • ✦67 km long, one of the Karakoram's largest glaciers
  • ✦Joins the Hispar Glacier at Hispar La (5,128 m)
  • ✦Snow Lake near its upper end

How to Reach

The trek starts from Askole in the Braldu valley of Shigar District, reached by jeep from Skardu. The glacier is a multi-day expedition route for experienced trekkers with a guide.

Planning tip

Best Time to Visit, June to September.

Getting there, The trek starts from Askole in the Braldu valley of Shigar District, reached by jeep from Skardu. The glacier is a multi-day expedition route for experienced trekkers with a guide.

Allow, Several days to two weeks, depending on the route.

What to Do

◆Trek the Biafo with a licensed guide and porters
◆Cross Hispar La to Nagar on the full traverse
◆Camp beneath the Ogre and Latok peaks

Nearby

Straight-line distance from Biafo Glacier, within 5 km.

Nothing else genuinely close by (within 5 km of Biafo Glacier) is published yet.