Trip Name: The Snow Lake Trek (Biafo Hispar and Snow Lake Trek)

Trekking Zone: Open Zone 

Main Visa Category: Tourist  

Sub Visa Category:  Tourist 

Permit requirement: A trekking permit is not required as the trek falls in the open zones

Pakistan is the playground for adventure lovers. Biafo and Hispar glaciers are among the longest glaciers apart from the snow lands of the two poles. Both glaciers together make the longest glacial traverse in the world connecting the ancient mountain kingdoms of Hunza & Nager with Baltistan. A rarely taken wilderness hike with clean campsites has a huge potential for skiing in spring and trekking in the summer. The trek can either start at Askoli in Baltistan or Hispar in Nager. Starting our walk from Askoli, we hike on Biafo Glacier and arrive at the vast bowl of snow called as Snow Lake, which covers an area of 77 square kilometers. Geologists and other experts have measured the depth of the glacier to be as deep as one and a half kilometers (about one mile) at points. The great explorers have mentioned the area in their accounts while Tillman witnesses the presence of a mythical creature Yeti as he saw the footprint of the beast around Snow Lake. Hispar Pass is a vast plateau of snow and ice from where trekking routes lead to Nagar, Central Hunza, and Shimshal.  Even after crossing the Hispar La (Hispar Pass) at an altitude of 5151m/16,998ft, trekkers still negotiate several glacier tails flowing down from the mountains. The reward of this effort is the green and lovely campsite before arriving in Nagar and then drive to Hunza Valley. This strenuous trek has many stories about it that tell us of the ethnocultural link between the Burusho of Hunza and Nager and the Baltis of erstwhile Shigar state.

PASSPORT AND VISA

Participants of all nationalities are required to have a valid passport with six months remaining validity and a visa for Pakistan. Visas must be applied online at https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/   

You will need a letter of invitation (LOI) which our office will provide along with the requisite documents including Adventure Tours Pakistan license copy and National Identity Card of the host. 

VALIDITY OF VISA 

Usually a tourist visa is issued for three months with 30 days validity. Do note that the 30 days’ validity starts on the date of arrival. For example your visa is issued on March 15 and valid for three month but you arrive Pakistan on June 20^th, your visa will expire on July 19^th. In case your stay is longer than 30 days, an extension is possible after arrival in Pakistan. 

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND A VALID VISA FOR PAKISTAN. 

TREKKING PERMIT

No trekking permit required as the trek falls in an open area 

PERSONAL INSURANCE

As the trip is of strenuous nature, it is a mandatory requirement to have an insurance policy for accidents, medical and helicopter evacuation covering at least $ 30,000. You can choose an insurance company of your choice but SafetyWing Travel Insurance has great benefits and coverage. They provide online services without hassles. 

DRESS

In the cities like Islamabad, there is no problem if you are in western dress but in remote regions including Skardu, you will need to have a full dress (covering your body)

LOCAL CREW

The local crew includes a licensed guide, cook, assistant cook, porter’s Sirdar, and porters. Our guides and cooks are well-experienced, strong, supportive and friendly. They performed their duties with full dedication to facilitate our valued clients.   

  HIKING AT ALTITUDE

The Snow Lake (Biafo Hispar & Snow Lake Trek) is rated as a strenuous hike on the rocky, glacial terrain and some exposed section makes a tough trek, but provides some of the most stunning views in the world.  All members must be physically fit and capable of walking for about 6-8 hours a day as the highest point of the trek is above 5000m. However, the itinerary is designed in such a way that provides acclimatization by gaining height gradually, which allows the body to adjust to reduce air pressure at higher altitudes. For more details you can click on the link below.       
https://www.backpacker.com/skills/backpacking-fitness/how-to-hike-strong-at-altitude/

PERSONAL GEAR 

A list of personal equipment is provided bellow you can make personal kit according to your needs. 

LOCAL TIME

Pakistan falls in one time zone, which is Pakistan Standard Time (PKT). This is UTC+05:00 — that is, five hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.

ELECTRICITY
The power plugs and sockets in Pakistan are of type C and D. Type C plug has two round pins & the type D plug has three round pins arranged in a triangular pattern. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. It is recommended to bring power plug adapter. 

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE

Major currencies including US Dollars, Euro & GB Pounds can be exchanged in Islamabad and Skardu as well. However, the exchange rate in Skardu is not as good as compared to Islamabad. You can check the foreign currency exchange rate at https://www.nbp.com.pk/RateSheet/index.aspx . The exchange rates in the open market differs from the bank rate.

TIPS 

Tip for a guide, cook, assistant cook, Porter’s Sidar and porters are customary. However, it is absolutely at the discretion of clients to decide about the amount of tips.  

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Airlines offering domestic flights including PIA offer 20 kg (1 piece) on a domestic flight in economy class to/from Skardu. For an extra baggage (1 piece up to 20 kg), they charge PKR 5800 currently which is subject to change.

EQUIPMENT (SHOPPING/RENTAL)

Personal clothing, packing items or bags, personal medical kit, personal trekking gears can be purchased/rented in Skardu. Some of the items may not be available on rent and need to be purchased. Please confirm with us in advance.

 DEPARTURE TAXE

No departure taxes are applicable at Pakistan international airports. However, you can check with your concerned international carrier before travelling.   

MEALS 

3 meals a day will be provided during the hotel stay except for lunches and dinners in Islamabad. 

FOOD ON TREKKING
We do cater any special food requirements during trekking if any client has food allergies/intolerances or special dietary needs like vegetarian and vegan etc.  

BREAKFAST

Below is the list of major items we provide in the breakfasts with a combination of four or five items a day. 

LUNCH

Below is the list of major items we provide at the lunches with a combination of three to four items a day during trekking. 

DINNER

You will have a complete dinner with soup, two curries plus rice or Spaghetti or Macaroni & chapatti. There will be a dessert & green tea and coffee etc. as well. 

DESSERT

1. Pudding
2. Kheer Mix
3. Custard
4. Jelly
5. Fruit watermelon, Mangoes (in first weeks)

Any intolerance or allergies to the food items must be communicated in advance. If you have any personal choices that we can meet will also be provided. 

DRINKING WATER

It is highly recommended to use mineral water in the cities and boiled/ filtered or purified water during the trekking. Do not drink running water from the rivers and streams. 

WEATHER

The weather in Islamabad is extremely hot during the summer season. You can expect a temperature between 30-40 degrees centigrade. If you travel by road to Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral expect the weather to be very hot as well. In GB and Chitral, the weather is similar to Islamabad, except 25-38 degrees centigrade. During the trekking on sunny days, expect the weather to be warm without any shade. Especially during the trek, the weather will be extremely hot on those days. It is advised to have proper sun protection in the form of an umbrella, a wide-brim hat, and plenty of sunscreens. However, the weather in the nighttime is cooler above 4000 meters, you can even expect the temperature to get down to below zero and experience snowfall. 

WHO SHOULD DO THE TREK?

Biafo Hispar and Snow Lake Hike is a wilderness trek, with no access to towns/villages and limited inhabitants during the whole duration (two weeks) of the trek. You will hike as high as 5500 meters (Hispar La) and the trekking route is strenuous with river crossings, uneven terrain, glaciers, crevasses and boulders on the way. The trek is recommended for individuals with physical fitness and in good health. And should also know the techniques of using trekking equipment. 

BOOKING & DEPOSITS

The trip can be reserved upon as an initial deposit of 30% at the time of booking. The initial deposit shall not be refunded but can be transferred for a future trip. 

FINAL PAYMENT

We accept full trip cost at 30 days prior to the commencement of the tour. The payments are only accepted in cash/bank transfers in bank account. We don’t accept payments through credit cards. Please do not accept any invoice which is not generated by Adventure Tours Pakistan and sent through official email id. 

1) Cancellations must be notified in writing to Adventure Tours Pakistan or the agent through which the trip is booked. Cancellation charges shall be levied as follows:

1. Cancellation before 30 days or more-After a deduction of the 30%, the remaining amount will be refunded. If the deposit is retained with the consent of our client no cancellation charges will be applied. The full amount will be adjusted with a future trip. 
2. Cancellation within 2 weeks before departure –50 %  of the package offer
3. Cancellation within one week of departure or no show –Loss of full payment 

2) There shall be no refunds if you leave the trip for any reason whatsoever, either voluntarily or involuntarily, after the trip has begun. No refunds shall be made for any meals, accommodation or services not utilized.

WHY BOOK WITH ADVENTURE TOURS PAKISTAN?

Adventure Tours Pakistan (ATP) is one of the Tour Company founded to meet the travel needs of explorers, researchers, mountaineers, and trekkers from all around the world. We always strive to focus on the safety, integrity, and comfort of our valued clients without any discrimination.  The best is all digital based while finding information, booking and payments etc. Visitors will find us on internet and chat 24/7 in order to plan holidays with Adventure Tours Pakistan.

Our Values 

We have a designed set of values for our company which guides us to deliver the best travel experience to our clients, these values include: 

• Integrity
• Communication
• Client Safety and Security
• Customer Oriented Services
• Continuous Improvement
• Customer Satisfaction

RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS COMMUNITY 

We are aware of our responsibility towards the local communities, their customs, and the environment. Therefore, a part of our income is specifically allocated towards humanitarian activities including student support, skill development programs & micro credit loans to women without interest etc. Details can be provided on request. 

OUR CLIENT

We have worked with both local & foreign clients, and are proud to say that Adventure Tours Pakistan has a long list of satisfied partners and individual clients around the world. We maintain a balance between cost and quality. Our business philosophy, and the secret to our success, is “LESS PROFIT EQUALS MORE CLIENTS AND MORE CLIENTS EQUALS MORE PROFIT’.