Nobande Sobande Glacier and Snow Lake Ski Expedition

Day 1. Islamabad – Arrival & Briefing

Upon touchdown in Islamabad, get a warm Pakistani welcome at your hotel. Spend the evening in meticulous expedition briefing—gear checks, route overview, peak objectives, weather watch, high-altitude pacing, and safety protocols—all while preparing mentally for the climb-and-ski adventure ahead. 🏨🎿

Days 2–3. Transit to Skardu & Askole – Logistics & Acclimatization

These two days blend high-altitude transit with gentle acclimatization. Drive or fly to Skardu, then journey on rugged mountain roads to Askole, the gateway to the glaciers. By evening, settle into basecamp, sort sleds and skis, finalize porter arrangements, and soak in the Karakoram’s first glimpses—your snow highway awaits. 🚙❄️

Days 4–8. Panmah Glacier – Skiing Around Nobande Sobande & Ascent Practice

Entering the Panmah Glacier zone, each morning you’ll climb nearby peaks perched above the glacier—such as challenging but skiable ridges. Upon reaching the summit, relish a technical yet rewarding ski descent back to camp. Afternoon hours are for fine tuning avalanche awareness, testing gear, and preparing for the tougher terrain ahead. The rhythm: climb, ski, repeat. ⛷️🏔️

Days 9–13. Nobande Sobande Glacier – Peak Climbs & Ski Descents

Venturing higher into the Nobande Sobande region, you'll target peaks like Hanispur, Baintha Kabata, and Baintha Ahrta. Each day begins with a skin-track ascent through cold, silent snowfields. At peak, take in unrivaled views over the glacial basin, then strap in for a steep, thrilling ski descent back to camp. Evenings are for strategic planning for Sim La and adapting to changing snow conditions. 🧗‍♂️🎿

Days 14–16. Sim La (5,850 m) – High-Pass Traverse & Ski Access

These days focus on the climb up Sim La, a remote high pass that grants entry into the Simgang/Snow Lake basin. Carry sleds and rope teams by day. Reach the pass, savor panoramic vistas, then glissade in controlled glacial skiing toward the Sim Gang/ Snow Lake zone. Camp near the pass before the full Snow Lake entry. 🏔️❄️

Days 17–20. Snow Lake – Basin Exploration & Peak Ski Motions

Now within the legendary Snow Lake basin, embrace openness and scale. Stand at elevations above 4,800 m amidst sweeping glaciers, and climb adjacent ridges or modest peaks offering dramatic ski descents into the vast white bowl. With every ascent, you gain perspective over the massive ice flows of Biafo and Hispar—then plunge back down into crystalline silence. Rest day(s) for recovery and fine-tuning descent techniques. ⛷️⛄

Days 21–23. Ski Across Biafo Glacier to Askole Rendezvous

Commence your ski descents from Snow Lake down the Biafo Glacier toward Askole. Glide across one of the world’s longest non-polar glacier systems, passing moraine camps, navigating crevasse networks, and enjoying fast, sweeping descents with occasional climbs during breaks. Your team meets porters near Askole, where the rhythm shifts from skis to trekking. 🏞️🚶

Days 24–25. Askole to Skardu – Transition & Celebration

Back in Askole, bid farewell to porters and re-join motorized transport to Skardu. The change from glacier to jeep is stark—but welcome. Spend the second day sharing stories over warm meals, reviewing expedition photos, and enjoying celebratory camaraderie. 🚗🏙️

Day 26: Skardu to Chilas or Islamabad – Descent & Debrief

Either fly or drive toward Chilas (and onward to Islamabad), depending on weather. This day blends travel with expedition debrief—sharing highlights, insights on snow, altitude, and terrain, and packing away gear with satisfaction. ✈️🗺️

Day 27: Islamabad Departure – Farewell and Reflections

Your final day in Islamabad is open—for souvenir hunting, reflection on snowy peaks conquered, or catching your flight home. This marks the end of your transformative climb-ski journey, carrying memories from the high glacial heart of the Karakoram.