Gilgit-Baltistan
Naltar Valley
Region
Gilgit-Baltistan
Best Visit
May to October (skiing Dec to March)
Highlight
Lakes
Access
Open to All
Naltar Valley
— at a glance
Naltar Valley sits about 34 km and a two-hour jeep ride from Gilgit, a pine-forested side valley at 2,900 to 3,000 metres that hides two of northern Pakistan's signature draws. In summer it is the rainbow lakes: the Bashkiri lakes near Naltar Bala, with Satrangi Lake shifting between turquoise, green and deep blue through the day, the steady cobalt of Blue Lake, and the pale turquoise of Feroza. In winter it becomes Pakistan's oldest and best ski resort, with a chairlift and slopes that have hosted national championships. The first 20 km from Nomal is paved, the last stretch to the lakes a rough jeep track that needs a 4x4. Plan two days, more if you ski, and carry cash, since there are no ATMs. The valley is green and mild from May to September and snowbound for skiing from December to March.
What to expect
LakesSkiingPine ForestJeep TrackWinter Sports
Frequently asked questions
- What is Naltar Valley famous for?
- Naltar is famous for its colorful Bashkiri lakes, Satrangi (Rainbow), Blue and Feroza, and for Pakistan's oldest ski resort. It pairs alpine lakes and pine forest in summer with championship ski slopes in winter, all within a two-hour jeep ride of Gilgit.
- How do you get to Naltar Valley?
- Take a jeep from Gilgit, about 34 km and 1 to 2 hours. The first 20 km from Nomal is paved, but the final stretch to the lakes is a rough unpaved track that needs a 4x4. A jeep from Gilgit runs around PKR 9,000 one way, or PKR 15,000 to 18,000 all the way to the lakes.
- How much does the Naltar lakes jeep cost?
- A 4x4 from Gilgit city to the Naltar lakes runs roughly PKR 15,000 to 18,000, and a round trip within the valley is about PKR 5,000 to 6,000. Fares move with fuel and season, so confirm on arrival and carry cash, as there are no ATMs in the valley.
- Can you ski in Naltar?
- Yes. Naltar has Pakistan's oldest ski resort near Naltar Bala, with a chairlift (around PKR 1,500) and slopes for beginners and professionals that have hosted national championships. The ski season runs roughly December to March.
- What is the best time to visit Naltar Valley?
- May to September for the lakes, pine forest and mild 10 to 25°C days, with October quieter as the leaves turn gold. December to March is the ski season. The valley sits at 2,900 to 3,000 metres, so nights are cold year-round.
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