Pass
Hispar La
Nagar district · 5,151 m
At 5,151 m, the pass that links the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, the high point of one of the great glacier journeys in the Karakoram.
Hispar La is the high point of one of the great glacier journeys in the Karakoram. It is the divide between the Biafo and Hispar glaciers, and it lies on the snow plateau early surveyors named Snow Lake. At 5,151 m it is the highest point of our Snow Lake and Hispar La itinerary.
Kind PassDistrict NagarElevation 5,151 mPosition 36.030° N, 75.420° E
About Hispar La
The crossing runs from Askole to Hispar village and takes 18 days on our itinerary. You go up the Biafo through Namla, Mango and Baintha, rope up from Karphogoro, spend a night at Snow Lake and camp just over the lip of the pass on day 10.
The descent is long and scenic. Khani Basa on day 11 is on the Hispar glacier. Days 12 and 13 cross side glaciers to Jutmaru and Bitanmal, where grass returns and shepherds graze their flocks. Day 14 reaches Hispar village, with its apricots and walnuts.
Our founder's team first ran this route commercially and worked the Hispar side approach when no itinerary for it existed.
Elsewhere in Nagar
Swipe along the district, from the valley floor to the summits.
Summit · 7,788 m
Rakaposhi
At 7,788 m, Rakaposhi rises nearly six vertical kilometres straight off the highway, one of the steepest rises from valley floor to summit in the Karakoram, and you can enjoy it from your window.
Base camp · 3,500 m
Rakaposhi BC
A green meadow at Tagaphari, 3,500 m above Minapin, two walking days from the road and directly under Rakaposhi and Diran.
Town or village · 2,000 m
Minapin
The roadhead for Rakaposhi: the trek begins at the end of the village lane, and the mountain is above the roofs.
Town or village · 2,700 m
Nagar Khas
The old Nagar capital, facing Karimabad across the Hunza gorge, with a proud history shared with its neighbour.
Glacier · 2,800 m
Hopper Glacier
A black ice tongue below the village bowl at Hopper, and the start of the walk to Rush Lake.
Lake or water · 4,694 m
Rush Lake
At 4,694 m, Rush Lake is one of the highest alpine lakes on earth, set under the Spantik massif.
Town or village · 2,300 m
Bagrote
Seven villages under the Diran icefall, an hour off the highway and a quiet side trip away from the usual circuit.
- 3,200 m
Town or village
Hispar
The last village on the Hispar side: the fields stop and the glacier begins.