Naltar Valley – A Must Visit Place in Northern Pakistan

How to get there?

Naltar Valley lies 2 and half hours away from Gilgit City. After few minutes on KKH, the road splits (depending on the traffic 20 -30 minutes) and takes you to a rugged road that goes further for 2 hour to reach Naltar Valley. Naltar has two villages Naltar Payan and Naltar Bala. You will have to travel to Naltar Bala to visit the lakes, the sanctuary and the slope.  

Naltar Valley

As you move into the valley the lush green fields and flowing rivers calm you and the rugged, tiring road is forgiven. In the backdrop are amazing mountains and pine forest slowly surround you as you keep going deep into the valley. Many people choose a spot by the river side or the Satrangi lake to relax before exploring the valley. In summers, small groups of people and camper will be visible at every bend of the river.  Note that it takes 2 hour to reach the Naltar valley and further few more minutes before you will reach Naltar Bala and Satrangi Lake.

Naltar Valley has become a must stop for all, traveling to Gilgit and Hunza Region.

Best time to Visit Naltar Valley

Naltar, both in summers and winters is worth visiting. During summer there are many areas to explore while in winter the slopes are perfect for skiing and attract many people from around Pakistan.

Summer: Staring from late spring (May) till Summer (September) is the most ideal summer time in Naltar. People camp or just go for the day. One day trip will leave you want more of the valley. Since it is best to at-least stay one night at Naltar. The facilities are not amazing but the view and valley is a luxury. The area is safe and people hospital.

Winters: In winters even though the roads are abit risky during to snow yet people travel to enjoy the ski slope. The slopes are manged by Pakistan Airforce. The roads are constantly fixed to ensure people are not stuck or facing issue. 

Naltar Valley in Winter

Lakes to Explore

Apart from the amazing landscape the main attarction in Naltar are the beautiful lakes. The lakes in Naltar valley are collectively known as Bashkiri Lake. There are a total of 7 lakes of which 5 are easily aaccesible but three of these are popular among tourists. A short drive or a hike will take you to these lakes. Lakes in Naltar are unlike any in Pakistan, these lakes are so clear that you can see the river bed and planktons growing underneath the river. These river are also very deep and the source of these lakes are the melting glaciers and underground water. Five of these lakes are:

1. Satrangi Lake: Accessibe via jeep or 4X4 
2. Pari Lake/ Blue Lake: Accessibe via jeep or 4X4. 10 minutes drive from Satrangi lake.
3. Firoza Lake: One hour trek over the glacier boulders and massive rock to reach.  
4. Murky lake/ Badulok Lake: 45 minutes trek from Blue lake. The lake is the biggest glacial lake in Naltar. 
5. Halima Lake: 45 minutes trek from Murky lake.  It requires trekking  on  hugerocks and glacial  boulders.

Blue Lake Naltar Valley

Blue Lake Naltar Valley

Strangi Lake – Naltar Valley

Hike and Treks

Naltar-Pakora Trek: 

Naltar to Pakora trek takes 8 day starting and ending in Gilgit. The trek will take you from some beautiful landscapes and you will be able to view many amazing peaks including the Shispar Peak 7716, Nanga Parbat 8126 m, Rakaposhi 7788m, and Dobani 6,143 m  are visible. The Naltar Pass (4,600 m) leads to Pakora in the Ishkoman region. 

Treks within the Valley:

There are many treks within the valley that are worth exploring. One can stop at the first village Natlar-pine to trek to other village via a trek along side the mountain. Other than this you trek to to the glacier points. You will need the help of local guide to help you find the routes. 

Naltar Trek

Naltar Valley Sancturay:

The areas was made part of wild life santuracy which is home to number of wild life including leopard, wild fox, wolf and ibex. One of the injured leopard was taken care for is still present in a cage and can be visited.

Winter Sports 

The Valley gets the most snow compared to any other areas of Gilgit. The rugged roads are often inaccessible. The ‘Ski Federation of Pakistan’ has installed chairlift for a smooth skiing experience. There is just one slope and is nt differentiate into categories.  You will have to reach Naltar Bala which is the second village in Naltar valley. The ski resort is located on a mountain side slope in Naltar Bala which is the second village in Naltar valley. You can find more information skiing here

Accomadation

Guest houses and camping sites around the valley are a perfect for stay. Staying for a night provides an opportunity to wintness the amazing night sky.  Many people choose to spend the day before heading back to Gilgit or Hunza. However it will get very tiring. If you want to fully explore the valley make your reservations. 

Tips before you go

1. Hire a Jeep or a 4X4 to go to Naltar Valley. The roads are unforgivablely tough. The jeep has to makes its way accross streams in the valley. And once in the valley the route is rocky and bumpy. 
2. Waterproofing and raincoats are must as the valley gets alot of rain. 
3. Bring your snacks, food  and basic need items as there are very few shops.
4. Public transportation leave from Gilgit City on fixed hours and the fares are arpound PKR 300-500 hundred (Ruppees).
5. You can hire a jeep in Gilgit City or Nomal Village which is on the way to Naltar valley. The prices can vary from PKR 3500- 5000 depending on condition of vehicle and the demand.