Biafo Hisper Trek

The Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, located in the Karakoram mountain range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, together form one of the world’s most extensive glacial systems outside the polar regions.

Biafo Glacier

• Length: Approximately 67 kilometers (42 miles).

• Location: Extends southeast from the central Karakoram crest, situated in the Hispar Valley of the Nagar District.

• Significance: It is the world’s third-longest glacier outside the polar regions, following the Siachen Glacier and Tajikistan’s Fedchenko Glacier.

Hispar Glacier

• Length: Approximately 49 kilometers (30 miles).

• Location: Situated in the Hispar Valley of the Nagar District, flowing from east to west.

Confluence at Hispar La

• Hispar La Pass: At an elevation of 5,128 meters (16,824 feet), this pass is where the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers converge.

• Combined Length: Their union creates a continuous ice corridor stretching about 100 kilometers (62 miles), recognized as the world’s longest glacial system outside the polar regions.

Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo)

• Description: A high-altitude glacial basin situated at the head of the Biafo Glacier.

• Dimensions: Spans approximately 16 kilometers in width.

• Significance: Known for its depth of up to 1,600 meters, it is one of the world’s largest basins of snow and ice outside the polar regions.

Historical Exploration

• In 1908, explorers Fanny Bullock Workman and her husband, William Hunter Workman, traversed the Hispar and Biafo Glaciers.

• Their journey contributed significantly to the mapping and understanding of the Karakoram region.

Trekking and Adventure

• The Biafo-Hispar trek, also known as the Snow Lake trek, is renowned for its challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes.

• Trekkers experience diverse features, including glacial moraines, crevasses, and panoramic views of surrounding peaks.

• The trek connects the ancient mountain kingdoms of Nagar in the west and Baltistan in the east, offering cultural insights alongside natural beauty.

Wildlife and Natural Environment

• The region is home to species such as the Himalayan brown bear, ibex, and the elusive snow leopard.

• Sightings are rare, but evidence of wildlife can often be observed along the trek.

The Biafo and Hispar Glaciers, along with Snow Lake, represent a unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder, attracting adventurers and researchers interested in high-altitude glacial environments and the rich cultural heritage of the Karakoram region