Ever had a chance to visit the lakes in Gilgit Baltistan? Or are you looking for a place with high mountains and water bodies like lakes, glaciers, and rivers? Well, let me tell you that such a place exists!
Gilgit Baltistan, a province of Pakistan, is a complete package! Although there are many beautiful places on the planet Earth. But if you have never visited Gilgit Baltistan, you are missing out on a lot!
In this guide, you will know the information about all the lakes present in Gilgit Baltistan. In addition to their beauty and tranquility, you will also learn about their importance in ecosystems and many more.
Read More: Frozen Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan-A Guide to Winter Travel
Gilgit Baltistan – A Heaven on Earth
Gilgit Baltistan is a province of Pakistan lying in the Northern region. This province is famous for its Majestic mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, mighty glaciers, flowing rivers, beautiful valleys, and soothing villages.
This province is a clear-cut demonstration of nature. It contains the world’s second-highest peak, known as K2. It plays an important role in the tourism industry of Pakistan.
Learn more at Gilgit Baltistan Discoveries.
Beautiful Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan
As we have already discussed, Gilgit Baltistan offers a variety of combinations of nature which includes its lakes as well. Gilgit Baltistan provides a vast variety of lakes with charming views that will make you feel like flying to heaven.
Following are the lakes present in Gilgit Baltistan
- Satpara Lake
- Rush Lake
- Attabad Lake
- Naltar Lakes
- Borit Lake
- Phander Lake
- Lake Kharfak
- Khalti Lake
- Kutwal Lake
- Kachura Lakes
- Sheosar Lake
- Rama Lake
- Karambar Lake
- Kacheli Lake
- Jarba Zhou Lake
- Katpana Lake
You would like to read Top 10 Stunning Lakes of Gilgit Baltistan Rarely Visited.
Satpara Lake
Inherently natural, Satpara Lake is situated against the rocky terrain of its surroundings and lies near the Skardu Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. The Satpara stream feeds the lake, melting ice of the Deosai Plains, while in it, there lies a picturesque island where you might want to go to find some space to spend time in tranquility.
It is one of the best stopovers en route to Deosai when going from Skardu, where one stops for rest; Satpara Lake extends to an area of 2.5 km² on a height of 2,636 meters above sea level.
Reaching Satpara
From Skardu, Satpara Lake is 7 km away in a 30-minute drive towards Deosai Plains.
Rush Lake | Highest of the lakes in Gilgit Baltistan
Rush Lake is a high-altitude lake lying in the vicinity of Rush Pari Peak. The Rush Pari peak is 5,098 meters above sea level, while the Rush Lake is a soaring 4,694 meters above sea level, thus counted as one of the highest altitude lakes in the world.
The Rush Lake and Rush Peak might be approached from Nagar and Hoper Valley and also through the spectacle of Hopper Glacier and Miar Glacier rising from the Miar Peak and the Phuparash Peaks.
These summits add to the beautiful view while crossing and heading towards Rusk Lake during the tour. Some of the peaks that offer great viewing points are Spantik, Phuparash, Peak Miar, Peak Malubiting, and the Ultar SAR peak; which overviews beautifully the Rush Lake. The K2 Summit is very visible from here if the day is clear.
Rush Lake Access
From Nagar and the Hopar Valley, one can trek to Rush Lake and Rush Peak by crossing the Hopar Glacier, Bualtar Glacier, and Miar Glacier by climbing up to the summits of Miar and Phuparash.
Also, read this Rush Lake Complete Tour Plan | Nagar Valley –Gilgit Baltistan
Attabad Lake
Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan. Attabad Lake known as Attabad Lake Hunza, is a very nice-looking destination for tourists and nature lovers.
It is at this point that it joins the Hunza River, thereby bringing one more breathtaking extension of the lake to an end. This remains a strong point in the landscape of this lake.
The view is brilliant with surrounding mountains and shimmering waters. This is a great location to see Attabad Lake; the location is fine and provides many photo opportunities from every angle.
Accessing Attabad Lake
This Lake is accessible from Islamabad since it is 600 km via Karakoram Highway, being a 14-hour drive by car.
You should read Discover Attabad Lake’s Breathtaking Beauty- Gilgit Baltistan.
Naltar Lake
The Naltar Lake provides an escape from all the hustle-bustle that one has to deal with in city life. Naltar Lake – dwelling place of the lover of nature, adventure, and peace.
Inside the Naltar Valley lie the three lakes, known as Naltar Lakes and Bashkiri Lakes. They stand at high altitudes, varying from 3,050–3,150 meters to 10,010–10,330 ft. The views around all the lakes are filled with thick pine forests. Firstly, Bashkiri Lake at approximately 12 kilometers 7.5 mi away from Upper Naltar also called Naltar Bala. The road goes all the way up to the lakes alongside a stream flowing down the valley.
Visiting Naltar Lake
A jeep or car from Gilgit requires to reach Naltar Bala, basically a small village in the Naltar Valley. The route is very narrow but unpaved, and it gives beautiful views while walking up over the valley and a stream running alongside the road. From Naltar Bala, one can hike about 13 km up to the lake.
Trek difficulty status varies from moderate to tough, depending on one’s fitness level and weather conditions. Horses or donkeys can also be hired for oneself and one’s luggage. All along, the trek will go across pine forests, meadows, and rocky terrain towards the end-tail of the lake.
Borit Lake
The location of Borit Lake is Gojal, the upper Hunza valley of Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan. There is a village nearby, named Borith, to Borit Lake. This village comes under the upper Hunza and is a part of Ghulkin, Gojal. The people from the village of Ghulkin use the area for irrigation purposes. The height at which Borit lies is around 2,650 meters (8,550 ft) above sea level.
You would be able to see a great number of ducks migrating from warmer regions down south in Pakistan. An hour’s trip away from Lake Borit is Ghulkin Glacier, while another popular destination with travelers who take longer walks is Passu Glacier.
Borith Lake Access
Just a 2-km jeep trail from Karakoram Highway, to reach this perfect harmony of nature with the lake.
You should read Borit Lake Archives.
Phander Lake
This tourist destination, known as Phander Lake, is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. The track leading to it through the lush green thick fields in the meadow, full of mountains and snow-covered hills.
The rivers in the Phandar Valley have deep blue water, with shining lakes that have purely pure springs. Once you enter this valley, you will feel so fully revived that the fatigue of the journey will be forgotten.
How to reach Phander Lake?
Phander Lake can be reached by road, through a private car, or by public bus from Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan. The way leading up to the lake itself is passing atop the Karakoram Highway, Shandur Pass, and Phander Valley. All this might take around 6 hours with a car drive, and perhaps with a bus drive, 8 hours.
It is possible to fly into Gilgit from Islamabad, and then proceed by road to the lake. Flights from Islamabad last for nearly one hour, rewarding travelers with excellent views of the mountains and glaciers. Most flights operate subject to weather conditions They may be canceled or delayed; therefore, reservations should be made with consideration of a contingency plan.
Lake Kharfak
Kharfak Lake is a natural high-altitude lake in the Karakoram Mountain Range of Kharfak, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. In July and August, tourist activity takes place as one gets the best views of the lake. The waters generally start increasing from May onwards, with their highest level in mid-July.
It is located 2 km (1.2 mi) away from the Kharfaq village and an approximately 3-hour hike from there. This lake does not have any road access, although the construction of a road has been in progress for some time.
It has more native fish species associated with it. It made the lake and surroundings become a necessity for wildlife, like a habitat. The lake is rich in trout fish as well as desi fish.
How to get to Kharfak?
Lake Kharfak is almost 120 km away from the main city of Skardu. From Skardu, people can hire a jeep or a taxi to reach this lake. There is a bumpy road up to this lake, but it has great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This ride may take approximately 4 hours by jeep.
Khalti Lake
Khalti Lake is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, within a beautiful landscape of multidimensional natural beauty. This lake is renowned for its fascinating beauty and highly valued trout fish. This lake is positioned in the beautiful Khalti Village of the Ghizer District at an elevation of about 2,217 meters (7,274 feet) above sea level.
These are the clear, cold waters of this lake, very suitable for trout. The presence of these surroundings has resulted in Khalti Lake maintaining a well-established population of trout because its origin is natural and a product of the River Ghizer itself. The frigid temperature of the water helps to nourish and abundance of the species of trout. Many times during intense winters, its surface used to freeze, which converted into a sight that one would not like to miss.
The Beauty and Accessibility
Khalti Lake is about 116 km from the main town of Gilgit, which has always taken some 3 to 4 hours through the road. The way that leads to the lake is pretty scenic as it runs parallel to the Ghizer River, thereby giving a great view, with surroundings of mountains and valleys. Other nearby attractions comprise Phander Lake and Phander Valley, hence making Khalti Lake a good spot for day trips from Gilgit.
Also, read this Khalti Winter Sports Festival 2022 Biggest Event in the land of Lakes Ghizer.
Kutwal Lake
The elevation at which Kutwal Lake is located is part of the Haramosh Valley in the Gilgit Area, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It is approximately 60 miles east of Gilgit, along with many other high mountains such as Haramosh Peak, Laila Peak, and Dobani Peak.
Walk to Kutwal Lake
The hike to Kutwal Lake is delightful in itself: one crosses alpine meadows with bright wildflowers and crystal streams running across them. Thick conifer forests are sprinkled on them. The very serene auras of the area make it an ideal spot for camping and submerging into the atmosphere of peaceful natural surroundings.
Kachura Lakes
These beautiful lakes are located in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan. They are present at an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level. There are two Kachura lakes. One is called Upper Kachura Lake and the other one is known as Lower Kachura Lake.
Upper Kachura Lake
That is how you could have peace and beauty if you are a tourist. Walk up to Upper Kachura Lake, located in Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan. You can find it close to Skardu city in the Skardu Valley, the famous Karakoram mountain range.
Almost virgin beauty is Upper Kachura Lake, which remains nearly unexplored by travelers because of a lack of infrastructure owing to the very rough terrain. The area of Upper Kachura falls under the ecoregion of the Western Himalayan subalpine conifer forests and also owns wild apricots – Prunus armeniaca orchards. Some recreation activities here include hiking, trout fishing, and Himalayan mountaineering.
The water of Upper Kachura Lake is crystal clear and about 70 meters (230 ft) deep. During summer its temperature reaches about 15 °C or 59 °F. This lake’s top layer freezes the whole winter season. The Indus River flows nearby at a lower elevation from the lake.
How does one approach this lake?
Upper Kachura Lake is about 30 kilometers from Skardu, the capital town of Gilgit-Baltistan. Easily accessible by road or by air from Islamabad Pakistan’s capital city-Skardu is one of the easiest places to visit. 45 minutes in jeep drive from Skardu takes one up to this lake on its way to Shigar Valley-one of the most beautiful valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Lower Kachura Lake
Lower Kachura Lake is otherwise called Shangrila Lake and is highly visited, which has many hotels and resorts. Some species of fish are found in the Lower Kachura Lake; among them, there are brown trout. This area is fully prohibited for fishing, but the tourist still loves to have this view by visiting and taking boat rides.
The water here in Lower Kachura Lake is crystal clear, surrounded by mountains as a beautiful background. People click pictures of the place; every tourist coming to Pakistan shouldn’t miss this destination because it is one of the most beautiful on Earth.
How to reach this lake?
Shangrila Lake is present in the Skardu district of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. It can be approached with jeeps from the town of Skardu. However, the journey is going to take two hours, and private cars are also available for hire as well from Skardu. This place has mountains all around and has very beautiful scenery. Shangrila Lake is one of the most visited places and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Also, read Gilgit Baltistan Capital.
Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake, also referred to as Shausar Lake, is the jewel of Deosai in the Skardu Gilgit Baltistan area. Situated towards Chillam Chowki, at the western far end of the park, you will find this wonderful natural attraction. It translates into Blind Lake, as ‘Sheo’ in Shina Language means “blind” and ‘Sar’ means “Lake”.
This Lake is an enchanting lake situated at the western end of Deosai National Park and is a better destination to visit during your journey through Deosai.
Sheosar Lake is an alpine lake, with an elevation of 4250 meters above sea level, and has marshy littoral land. The Deosai Plains which gets snowy winters keep the lake frozen for almost six months beginning November to May. Flowers of a wide variety and butterflies in full blossom make Sheosar Lake scintillating during spring. Even during summer, icy winds make the weather cold as the sun sets.
Accessibility
Two routes are going down to the lake. The first is through Skardu and the other is through Astore District. The road through Skardu can be covered by jeep in a few hours though if trekked, it would take 2 days. The second route is from the Astore District. From the main Astore town, jeep travel for about 4 hours over a semimetal road brings one to Chilm which is the last residential area right adjacent to the plains.
Rama Lake
Rama Lake, surrounded by forests, is yet another spectacular sight from where you can hike up the base of Nanga Parbat. So clear is the water that crystal reflections are created with the mountains at the backdrop. What is a relief to visitors who arrive after this strenuous hike or drive is the soothing clearness of the water. The picturesque beauty of the surroundings has made it the best among many natural attractions in the area.
This lake offers a view of crystal clear water that changes color with various weather and Sun conditions. A thick forest with huge pine, cedar, fir, and juniper trees spread along the valley covered with snow-capped Himalayas adds a unique feature. Rama Lake, featuring all these upon its sparkling water, is an amazing place to visit for the tourist.
Accessing Rama Lake
Lake Rama comes under Astore village. There is the exit from KKH for Fairy Meadows take that exit, and use that road after every 20 minutes. Turn properly on the signal for Astore and hold going on that for every other 2-3 hours and you will reach to the valley in the village of Astore. This valley is famous for tenting in the summers. The road to Rama meadow has now been cemented and tourists can reach there with not much trouble, however, an hour-and-a-half trek to Rama Lake does exist.
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Karambar Lake | Second Among Highest Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan
This beautiful Lake is the world’s 31st highest lake and Pakistan’s 2nd highest with an elevation of 14,121 feet or 4,304 m) and one of the world’s highest biologically active lakes. Karambar Lake is also known as Qurumbar Lake. The lake lies at a very high altitude in the Ishkomen Tehsil of District Ghizer in Gilgit–Baltistan on the border of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.
Karambar Lake is 205 km from Gilgit. Going through some maps that have been fabricated revealed that the whole length of the lake falls within the boundaries of Gilgit–Baltistan, a part of the Park Broghil Valley of Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
This Lake is the deepest in the valley, where it has a maximum and mean depth of 55m and 17.08m respectively, covering an area of 263.44 hectares or 2,634,400 m2, with flow out to Karambar Valley of Gilgit Baltistan. The water clarity value is 13.75, the highest recorded value ever in the literature for lakes in Pakistan.
How to Reach Karambar?
It is a beautiful lake at the Ishkoman Valley of the Boroghil village which is 200 km from the city of Gilgit, Gilgit Baltistan. From Gilgit, you can reach Chitral on a local bus or private car which takes around 8 hours. From Chitral, another bus or car can be taken to Mastuj to drive for 3 hours from Mastuj jeep can be hired to cover the distance of 6 hours to reach Lashkargaz. Here you get to your last point with any facility shops, hotels, and telephone service.
The trek ascends from Lashkargaz to this Lake. For fit climbers who also race at a decent pace, it will take 4 to 5 days. It involves crossing two passes-ascending as high as 4,694 meters or 15,400 feet above sea level from the Karambar Pass and Darkot Pass.
Kacheli Lake
Kacheli Lake is the true treasure hidden deep inside the northern mountainous landscape of Pakistan. The quiet and breathtaking stillness keeps it far away from the hysteric cities. This lake, framed between towering peaks, lush green forests, and pictures of beauty, would surely attract people of all ages.
The visit to Kacheli Lake leaves a person spellbound in a peaceful ambiance and stunning environment. Its crystal-clear waters mirror majestic surroundings by putting mountains behind its face as if it were a mirror. There is an earthy feeling when luscious meadows and towering pine trees set forth, and silence is what helps soothe the person in it.
How to get to Kacheli Lake?
It is one of the tracks of visiting Kacheli Lake, by passing through a beautiful journey through the beautiful Kaghan Valley. Right from Naran, an extremely beautiful town renowned for its great natural beauty, one can have the tour along the great road to Lake Saiful Mulook. After reaching Saiful Mulook, then there is the tour up to the trail to Kacheli Lake. Though the track is moderately tough it offers a panoramic view of the mountains and water of Kacheli Lake to the enthusiastic hiker.
You should be reading Visit Gilgit Baltistan in Winters-A Winter Wonderland
Jarba Zhou Lake
Jarba Zhou Lake is a natural freshwater lake in the Karakoram mountain range in the Gilgit district, near Shigar Valley. It is also known as Zharba Tso or Blind Lake in the local tongue. The lake is very beautiful framed by snowy mountains and the Shigar River. The water in the lake is beautiful greenish blue and very cold too. People are not that often guests to this lake and hence its beauty is still preserved. The water of this lake reflects like a mirror. It has such very beautiful beauty, and the view continues within the mind of the tourist for a long time.
Jarba Zhou Lake is one of the nice lakes. There is a quiet and beautiful scene for the traveler at this lake. This lies on an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level, which makes it easy and rewarding enough for adventurers.
How to Access Jarba Zhou Lake?
The lake is located about 30 kilometers from the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan Skardu and about 16 kilometers from Shigar, a small village on the Gilgit-Skardu road. One can reach there either by road or directly through air from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan. Jeep ride from Skardu will take about 45 minutes to reach the lake. One also goes to Shigar Valley, which is also said to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan. Alternatively, you can reach Shigar by road from Skardu, which is barely about 30 minutes away. Shigar is within a jeep ride, which would take approximately 15 minutes.
Also, read Gilgit Baltistan People -People of the Mountains.
Katpana Lake
Hidden Jewels It is one of the hidden jewels located near Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan that offers serene and enthralling glimpses of unexplored natural beauty for its visitors. Beautifully known for breathtaking beauty and a tranquil ambiance, Katpana Lake has it all.
The crystal-clear water mirrors all those majestic, towering snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake and makes it all a sight to behold. Mountains around range from deep greens to brilliant whites, and with a picturesque backdrop that has visitors spellbound and gobsmacked. It is a wonderland for those who appreciate nature, photographers, and all those searching for solace in the lap of nature.
How to reach Katpana?
One can hire a local jeep or taxi from Skardu to reach the Katpana Desert. It lies about 4 kilometers from the city and can be reached by road. Transport from your place to your required destinations can be arranged by hotel management and local tourist agencies.
Also, read Hike in K2 Permit and Trekking Fees by GB Govt.
Things to do at Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan
These are some of the remarkable experiences in these scenic lakes.
Trout Fishing
Angling Adventures
- What followed were the famous trout from Gilgit-Baltistan’s lakes. As far back as that, one could cast a fishing line in its sparking waters while enjoying the tuck of a sporting fish.
Pleasurable Pastimes
- Get ready to sit in the lap of nature, waiting for the next catch amidst serenity and splendid scenery. The most unforgettable experience.
Paddle in water
Boating
- Rent a boat, travel over huge sections of the lake, turn into small inlets, observe surrounding mountains, or simply soak up some sun.
Picnicking and Recreation
- Bring a picnic hamper, take your time, and eat with relish along with water. Be free, floating effortlessly on the surface of the water.
Trekking and Traveling
Hiking trails
- Beautiful trails, many around serene lakes. Wander these at your own pace and find the wonders of nature through walking, or going at a trot.
Wildlife Viewing
- Do look out for the wildlife along the trails. You just may glimpse some of the rare species of birds and mammals, as well as some of the local flora.
Nights Under the Stars
Bonfires and Stargazing
- Roasting marshmallows around the campsite fire, lying down, and looking up at all the constellations perfect for relaxation and then connecting with nature.
Photography
Seize the Beauty
- The lakes at Gilgit Baltistan provide mind-boggling photographic views, recording breathtaking sceneries of the reflection of mountains on water and all colors blooming around the landscape.
Golden Hour Enchantment
- Imagine, magic in the golden hour of the day, laying down the setting sun across the lake. Soft light defines an atmosphere as photographically conductive.
Final Thoughts on Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan
The lakes, coupled with the splendid mountains and enchanting beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan, have a large amount of beauty to offer within them. These underwater jewels are far off from the chaos of the city and a time when guests can enjoy the splendors of nature to the maximum.
Starting from the high-altitude wonder Rush Lake to the virgin waters of Satpara Lake, each offers an attraction and mystique different from the other. Everybody will be able to find what he wants at the lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan be those with thrill-seekers up to loafers or just want a panoramic view.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your luggage packed into your traveling bag. Get ready to enter the underwater wonderland of Gilgit-Baltistan!
You would also like to read Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan-A Guide to Winter Travel
FAQs About Lakes in Gilgit Baltistan
Which of these is the highest in the lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan?
Rush Lake is the highest lake, located 4,694 meters above sea level.
Which lake is graded top for trout angling?
Locally, Khalti Lake is known to contain the best trout fish.
What is the biggest lake in Gilgit-Baltistan?
The Attabad Lake is one of the biggest in that category.
Where is Satpara Lake?
Satpara Lake is located almost inside the Skardu Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Difference between Upper Kachura Lake and Lower Kachura Lake.
This lake is at an elevation of 2,500 meters. The upper Kachura lake is not much explored by the tourists owing to its rugged territory, however, lower Kachura Lake is popularly known as Shangrila Lake. Nature has gifted a diamond in the beautiful north of Pakistan.
