Glacier
Biafo Glacier
Shigar district · 4,000 m
The Biafo is sixty seven kilometres of ice from Askole to Snow Lake, a true glacier journey on foot.
The Biafo is one of the three glaciers over 60 km long in the Central Karakoram National Park, alongside the Hispar and the Baltoro. Most of its tongue is covered in rock debris, so the first stretch is a walk over moraine. The Biafo and Hispar meet at 5,151 m on a plateau the early surveyors named Snow Lake.
Kind GlacierDistrict ShigarElevation 4,000 mPosition 35.854° N, 75.737° E
About Biafo Glacier
We run it as a full crossing. From Askole the route goes by Namla and Mango, with the first stages along the side of the glacier. Baintha is a lovely camp, with grass and a stream, and from there the route climbs through Marpogoro and Karphogoro, where the party ropes up, to Snow Lake and then Hispar La.
The crossing ends in Hispar village, about two weeks later, and it is a real journey through the ice world. It is the great glacier crossing of Pakistan, a treat for adventure lovers who want to walk from one valley system to another.
Shorter objectives also start from Askole. The guidebook lists a trek to Latok base camp by way of Nam La and Mango, and the Lupke La route, which can return by the Biafo. In winter the glaciers are also skiable for experts, according to the guidebook.
Elsewhere in Shigar
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
Town or village · 2,300 m
Shigar
Shigar is the valley that leads to K2, and its 17th century fort is now a beautiful hotel.
- 2,250 m
Safari ground
Sarfaranga
Sarfaranga is a cold desert on the Shigar river, where the annual jeep rally doubles as a festival of culture.
- 3,048 m
Town or village
Askole
Askole, at 3,048 m, is the last village before the ice, and the friendly start of every Baltoro trek.
- 4,600 m
Base camp
Concordia
Concordia, at 4,600 m, puts four eight thousanders in view from a single camp on the ice.
Summit · 8,611 m
K2
K2 is 8,611 m high, the second highest mountain on earth and one of the great sights of the Karakoram.
- 7,821 m
Summit
Masherbrum
Masherbrum is 7,821 m, called K1 on the original Survey of India sheets, and it is the great view from Khaplu and Hushe.
- 5,585 m
Pass
Gondogoro La
Gondogoro La is a 5,585 m col, crossed at sunrise on fixed ropes, with four eight thousanders behind you.