Biafo Glacier
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Biafo Glacier is a 60km long glacier in the Hispar Pass (Northern Areas, Pakistan)which meets the 61km long Hispar Glacier at an altitude of 5,151m (16,900 feet) to make one of the longest glacial systems outside the polar region. This highway of ice connects two ancient mountain kingdoms; Hunza in the west with Baltistan in the east. [link]
See also
This is the start of the longest glacier traverse outside the polar region, if tavellers ascend the [Hisper Pass] (5000m +) and continue along the 74 km long [Hisper] Glacier. Acknolwdeged as the [Greatest Trek] by publications as renowned as [OutDoor Magazine] and many others. The [Biaofo] Glacier presents a trecker with one of his / her greatest challenges with several days and extereme, often hectic boulder hopping, altough the rewards with spectacualr views throughout and [Snow Lake] at the end make it more than worth the effort. Caution should be taken to aviod damage to knees, specially if carrying back packs. The morraine leading to camp sites are often slippery and should ideally be attempted along with local guides. Getting lost in this sea of boulders is easy, and time consuming. The best method is to keep your guides and porters in view and follow their paths. Expreinced trekkers and keen observors should be able to pick paths based on the small stone markers ([Butis] in the local language).Camp sites along the [Biafo] are located of the glacier, along the mountain. The first three (heading up from [Askole]) are extemely beatifull and green and have flowing water near by. [Mango] and [Namla], the first two campsites, are often covered in flowers and [Namla]has an amazing water fall very near the camping area. [Biantha] the third camp site is often used as a rest day. A huge green meadow, it has a few running streams near the camp and many places to spend the day rock climbing or rappelling.
Evidence of abundant wild life can be seen through out the trek. [Markhor] (Mountain Goat) horns can be found at many palces and the area is famous for brown bear altough there have have been very few confirmed sightings. Regardless caution should be excersized, atleast at the camp sites not on the glacier, with no open food being left around.
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