Field guides / Gilgit-Baltistan / Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo)
Field guide · Mountains
Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo)
Snow Lake, Lukpe Lawo in the local Burusho language, is one of the largest glaciated basins outside the polar regions, a vast high plateau at around 5,000 m fed by the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. The 10-14 day Hispar-Biafo traverse that crosses Snow Lake is one of the great wilderness treks on Earth, linking the Shigar Valley to the Hunza Valley across a glacier highway that few people walk.
Snow Lake, Lukpe Lawo in the local Burusho language, is one of the largest glaciated basins outside the polar regions, a vast high plateau at around 5,000 m fed by the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. The 10-14 day Hispar-Biafo traverse that crosses Snow Lake is one of the great wilderness treks on Earth, linking the Shigar Valley to the Hunza Valley across a glacier highway that few people walk.
Why go
- ✦One of largest non-polar glaciated basins
- ✦Hispar-Biafo traverse: 10-14 days
- ✦Links Hunza and Baltistan valleys
- ✦Spantik and Pumari Chhish visible from plateau
The Great Glacier Traverse
The Hispar-Biafo is one of a handful of multi-day glacier crossings available to experienced trekkers in the world. Navigation requires glacier travel skills and crampons; the route is serious but not technical. The scale of Snow Lake, an open ice world ringed by 7,000 m peaks, is unlike anything else in Pakistan.
Access and Preparation
This traverse is not for first-time trekkers. It requires glacier travel experience, a certified guide, porters, and full camping equipment. GreenPak can arrange the full logistics for guided groups.
Planning tip
When to go, July to mid-September, outside this window the crevasse fields are covered by unstable snow bridges.
Getting there, The traverse begins either from Hispar village (Nagar, Hunza side) or from Askole (Baltistan side). Both start points are 6-8 hours drive from their respective valleys.
Allow, 10-14 days for the full traverse; not suitable as a partial trip.
