Journey
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Journey · Naltar valley, Hunza, Gojal (Upper Hunza)
Lakes of Gilgit-Baltistan
A summer journey from the forest lakes of Naltar to Attabad and Borith in Hunza, and on to Satpara, Kachura and Sheosar in Baltistan.
- Duration
- 12 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- July–September
- Price
- Price to be confirmed
Photo: Syed Hussain Ali Gillani · CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
Gilgit-Baltistan's lakes come in every form: the coloured pools in Naltar's pine forest, Attabad's vivid turquoise, little Borith near the Ghulkin glacier, the reservoir at Satpara, the orchards around Kachura and, highest of all, Sheosar on the Deosai plateau.
This journey strings them together in the summer months when every road is open, moving from Gilgit into Naltar and Hunza, then across to Skardu for the lakes of Baltistan.
- The Naltar lakes in alpine forest
- Attabad and Borith lakes in Hunza and Gojal
- Satpara and Kachura lakes near Skardu
- A summer day trip to Sheosar Lake on Deosai
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Gilgit
Arrival and briefing.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 2
Gilgit to Naltar
By jeep into the Naltar valley. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Naltar
Day 3
Naltar lakes
Jeep and walk to the Naltar lakes in the upper valley.
Overnight: Naltar
Day 4
Naltar to Karimabad
Back to the Karakoram Highway and north to Hunza.
Overnight: Karimabad
Day 5
Attabad Lake to Gulmit
Time on and around Attabad Lake, continuing to Gulmit.
Overnight: Gulmit
Day 6
Borith Lake
A short walk to Borith Lake, then Passu viewpoints.
Overnight: Gulmit
Day 7
Gojal to Gilgit
Back down the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit.
Overnight: Gilgit
Day 8
Gilgit to Skardu
Along the Indus gorge to Skardu. Timing varies with road and weather conditions.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 9
Satpara and Katpana
Satpara Lake and the Katpana dunes.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 10
Sheosar Lake on Deosai
A long day trip by jeep up onto the Deosai plateau to Sheosar Lake, returning to Skardu.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 11
Kachura lakes
A slow day at the Kachura lakes.
Overnight: Skardu
Day 12
Depart Skardu
Flight or road onward.
Practical information
- Suitable for
- Explorers, Photographers, Families, University groups, Private groups
What’s included
Included
- Private vehicle with driver
- Jeeps for Naltar and Deosai
- Guide throughout
- Accommodation as listed
- Breakfast daily
- Park entry fees where charged
Not included
- Flights into Gilgit and out of Skardu
- Boating and other lake activities
- Meals not listed
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
What to bring
Essential
- Warm jacket for Deosai and Naltar mornings
- Waterproof jacket
- Walking shoes with grip for lakeshore paths
- Sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen (glare off water)
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Passport and copies
Optional and useful
- Polarising filter for lake colour
- Binoculars
- Lightweight towel
- Fishing gear (permit needed)
- Power bank
Good to know
Important notes and restrictions
- Deosai and the upper Naltar road are open in summer only; the Sheosar day is dropped if the plateau road is closed.
- Swimming in glacial lakes is dangerous because of cold water; boating should only be done with life jackets.
- Carry all rubbish away from lake shores.
Photos
Route and region
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- Duration
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Start shaping your journeyLakes of Gilgit-BaltistanPrice to be confirmed
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