Biafo-hispar-Traverse

This trek leads from Baltistan across the Hispar La (5051 m) into the valley of the Hunza river. The Biafo and Hispar glaciers form the largest continuous stretch of glacier (114 km) in the Karakoram. From Askole you follow the Braldo River until you get to the plain of Kesar Shaguran where the Biafo glacier flows into the Braldo valley. Here you turn west and walk along or on the Biafo, an imperceptibly ascending glacier some 7 km wide. The camps on both sides of the glacier are among the most beautiful that the Karakoram has to offer – fairy meadows with little streams and lakes as well as views of impressive granite towers and snowy summits. The so-called “Snow Lake“, a huge, almost flat glaciated area, is well worth looking at. From Hispar La you get a fantastic view of the two valleys of the Biafo and the Hispar glaciers.  

Although hardly less attractive – according to the Lonely Planet trekking guide, it is the best trek in Baltistan, as far as mountain scenery and fauna are concerned - , this trek is undertaken by decidedly fewer visitors (70% of all trekking permits issued are for the Baltoro area!).