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If you are an adventurous traveler who loves to explore the hidden wonders of nature, you might want to visit Biafo Glacier. This glacier is located in the Karakoram range, in the Shigar district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It is one of the longest glaciers in the world, measuring 67 kilometers (42 miles) in length, and ranks as the third longest glacier outside the polar regions1.
The Biafo Glacier is a 67 km (42 mi) long glacier in the Karakoram Mountains of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan-administrated Kashmir which meets the 49 km (30 mi) long Hispar Glacier at an altitude of 5,128 m (16,824 ft) at Hispar La (Pass) to create the world’s longest glacial system outside the polar regions.
This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms, Nagar, in the west with Baltistan in the east. The traverse uses 51 of the Biafo Glacier’s 67 km and all of the Hispar Glacier to form a 100 km (62 mi) glacial route.
The Biafo Glacier presents a trekker with several days of strenuous boulder hopping, with views throughout and Snow Lake near the high point.
Snow Lake, consisting of parts of the upper Biafo Glacier and its tributary glacier Sim Gang, is one of the world’s largest basins of snow or ice in the world outside the polar regions, up to 1,600 m (0.99 mi) in depth.
The Biafo Glacier is the world’s third longest glacier outside the polar regions, second only to the 70 km (43 mi) Siachen Glacier, India and Tajikistan’s 77 km (48 mi) long Fedchenko Glacier.
Campsites along the Biafo are located off of the glacier, adjacent to the lateral moraines and steep mountainsides. The first three (heading up from the last village before the glacier, the thousand-year-old Askole village) are beautiful sites with flowing water nearby.
Mango and Namla, the first two campsites, are often covered in flowers and Namla has an amazing waterfall very near the camping area. Baintha, the third camp site, is often used as a rest day. A large green meadow, it has a few running streams near the camp and many places to spend the day rock climbing or rappelling.
Evidence of wildlife can be seen on the trek, including Ibex and the Markhor Mountain Goat. The area is also known for Himalayan brown bears and snow leopards, although sightings are rare.
Biafo Glacier is a stunning glacier that offers a serene and scenic experience for travelers. The glacier is situated at an elevation of 4,000 meters (13,400 feet) above sea level, which makes it a challenging but rewarding destination for adventure seekers. The glacier and its surroundings are rich in biodiversity, where you can encounter various flora and fauna, such as golden marmots, markhors, and many birds.
Biafo Glacier is about 95 kilometers from Skardu, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. You can reach Skardu by road or by air from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. From Skardu, you can take a jeep ride to the Bifo Glacier, which takes about 7 hours.
The best time to visit Biafo Glacier is between June and October, when the weather is mild and the glacier is at its most beautiful. The glacier’s water level begins to rise in May and reaches its peak in August. In winter, the glacier freezes and the area is covered with snow, which offers a different kind of charm. However, the winter season is not recommended for tourists, as the temperature drops below freezing and the road conditions are poor.
Biafo Glacier is a perfect place to enjoy nature and relax. You can admire the amazing views of the glacier and the mountains, take photos, have a picnic, or camp on the shore. You can also explore the nearby areas, such as the Hispar Glacier, the Snow Lake etc.
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