The Biafo GlacierUrdu: بیافو گلیشیر) is a glacier located within the Karakoram mountain range in the Hisper valley, Nagar District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It extends over a considerable distance, measuring 67 kilometers (42 miles) in length, and ranks as one of the largest glaciers in the entire Karakoram range. Flowing in a south-eastern direction from the central Karakoram crest, this glacier covers a basin area spanning 853 square kilometers, of which 628 square kilometers are characterized by permanent snow and ice. The accumulation zone alone contributes to 68% of the glacier's total area.[1]
Geography
Biafo Glacier and Hispar Glacier, which is a 49km (30mi) long glacier, converge at Hispar La, situated at an elevation of 5,128 meters (16,824 feet), forming the world's longest non-polar glacial system, spanning a distance of 49 kilometers (30 miles).[2] This frozen pathway links two ancient mountain regions, connecting Nagar in the west with Shigar District, Baltistan in the east. Approximately, 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the village of Askole in Braldo, Shigar District, this glacial junction is found. The entire journey spans 100 kilometers (62 miles), utilizing 51 kilometers (42 miles) of the Biafo Glacier and the entirety of the Hispar Glacier.
The Biafo Glacier presents a trekker[3] 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.
Campsites along the Biafo are located off 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 close to the camping area. Baintha, the third campsite, 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.
