Naltar Lakes — Attraction in Gilgit Tehsil

Naltar Lake Trekking Guide: There are some lakes in the world which are known for their great color, while there are some which are known for the great treks and great paths that lead to them. The three Naltar Lakes in Pakistan are a prime example of both of these great qualities. One of the most amazing things about the three Naltar Lakes is that they are in very different colors. While Naltar One is clear and calm like a crystal clear drop of rain, the Naltar 2 and Naltar Lake three are of amazing hues from aquamarine to azure. The best looking lake is often the Naltar three which has an amazing azure color during the summer months and it is the most visited lake of the three. The Naltar Lakes are also called the Bashkiri Lakes.

Another thing which makes these lakes so unique is that the path that leads to them is not some ordinary mountain path, rather the way to the lakes is via a long road which travels parallel to a flowing stream. This makes the journey to the lakes one of the most amazing and enjoyable journeys in the tour. Parties usually travel to the lake in open jeeps and this adds to the overall excitement factor of the journey.

Naltar Lake’s Geography The difference of elevation between the lakes is very small. The lowest of the lakes is located at an elevation of 3050 meters above the sea level while the highest of the three lakes is situated at a height of 3150 meters above the sea level; therefore, the elevation difference between the lakes is quite nominal. The lakes are located in the Naltar Valley which in itself is part of the Gilgit Baltistan Province in the northern part of Pakistan. The closest towns to the valley are those of Nomal and Hunza.

Best Time To Visit Naltar Lake When snow falls in the area during the winter months, there is almost no place for the snow to go. As opposed to other northern areas that receive snowfall, the area is not that heavily slopped and, therefore, all the snow that falls will pile up. This insulates the snow underneath and it is quite common to have snow with heights of 15 feet blocking the roads during the winter months.

Therefore, the best time to visit the lakes is in the summer. However, the summer months can be very harsh in the area, so it is advised that the visitors should plan their trip from early to mid-summer. It should be remembered that most of the distance is covered in jeeps so there is no need to be afraid of the mushy and marshy conditions that are caused by the melting snow. Therefore, trips should be arranged in the early part of the summer months between the months of June and July. Trips that are taken to the area in the months of August and September will feel the full brunt of the scorching sun.

Naltar Lake Trekking Guidance These days a road has been created from the town to the lake which is used by many jeeps to take tourists and trekkers to the lake. However, there is also a trail which can be used for the trekking to the lake. In both conditions the path is the same, and the difference is only of the time spent on the way. When the trip is done on foot the time taken will be in hours and the trek will be medium due to the height and elevation of the lake. However, jeeps will be able to cover the same journey in a very short time and the members of the group will have the time to enjoy the lake and the various activities...

Much hyped. Reality is it takes 3 hrs to reach Satrangi Lake in jeep or 4x4 from Nomal, more than 70% of the route is on rocky boulders, the rest on a dirt track. Initially from Nomal to Naltar Payeen & onwards to Naltar Bala and 10-15min drive further, the route is all surrounded by construction and bare boulders on the left & patchy plants on the right- nothing to write home about. 15 min drive after Naltar Bala, the are thicker pine woods which are beautiful to look at, but similar can be seen at much less effort in Naran (where rafting on the river next to PTDC Naran motel is much much more fun, easier route, and surrounded by lush fir forests on green mountains either side) , Bhurban or Kalam. 20-25min before reading Satrangi lake, there's a quarantine centre where a sole snow leopard was present; our driver wasn't clear if she'd be returned to the wild or not. Return journey takes 2.5 hrs. Satrangi is pretty, but Attabad and Borith Lakes in Hunza are much more beauty and enjoyment for much less trouble.The 3 better-known lakes are Satrangi, Pari (another 15 min drive) & Firoza (45min hike). Many more lakes, including the Blue lake, are present beyond Naltar Bala. Too much time and effort to see a pretty lake. Also, it was sad to see extensive tree logging near the lake...only tree stumps in the foreground, no doubt used to cook for tourists; the diesel fumes from the jeeps polluting Nomal village were also pungent to nose and soul. Govt should provide and encourage alternate energy sources (solar, biomass) rather than destroying the forests and habitats forever. In my view, it was a largely wasted day. I could've spent it...

Naltar Lakes are a cluster of several lakes located in Naltar Valley.

The entire track is mostly jeepable only. The track runs along Naltar River.

You'll also pass by a big and beautiful waterfall, and at several places you'll be able to get near the river bank.

Satrangi Lake (or Bishkiri Lake), the first one, is accessible through a jeepable track. And depending on your driver, you might even be able to drive all the way to the Naltar / Blue lake (people have different names for it) but it's one of the bigger lakes.

There are other lakes as well like Pari (close to the blue lake but accessible only after a 15 minute hike) and Fairoza Lake (45 minute Trekking from the Naltar Lake / Blue bigger lake) and a few more. Apart from Satrangi and the bigger blue lake, you'll need a local guide to reach them.

Plan to commence your trip towards the lakes early in the morning so you can return before sunset. You need to have at least 6 hours before sunset while leaving from Gilgit to reach Satrangi and back (jeep only) to be safe.

There's also a wildlife park on the track with a snow leopard...