Naltar Valley
Beyond the Enchanting Lakes

I felt quite exhausted after riding bumpy roads for 6-7 hours.
I thought about starting a fire and spending the night under a tree.
And in the morning, I’d continue my journey.

1.     Mirror Lake:

Approachable by: Trekking/4×4/Bike
Cellular Reachability: Weak
Trek time: 10-15 minutes from road

This is the first lake you will come by. It is a newly formed lake in 2021 due to global warming. You will see the trees dipped into the lake. Making it uniquely beautiful.

Trek is considerably very easy so you can enjoy a less crowded place.

2.     Satrangi Lake:

Approachable by: Trekking/4×4/Bike
Cellular Reachability: Weak (You will get some signals near the guesthouse building)

The 7-colored lake of Naltar. 
It is one of my preferable sites to camp when in Naltar.
At night you will only hear the sound of a river passing by in the distance.

The overwhelming stars at night is yet another reason for me to camp there.

There is a place on the right bank of Satrangi Lake.
Search for a rock tower. The route up is quite easy but the view is just mesmerizing. 

Some colors are only visible at sunrise and dawn. Try to find all 7 shades in the lake

3.     Pari Lake:

Approachable by: Trekking/4×4/Bike
Trek time: 25 minutes from Pari/15 minutes on jeep track
Cellular Reachability: Weak (Might catch bar signal bar on the roadside)

There are two routes that lead to this lake.

1. You can continue hiking on the Jeep road which will lead you to Pari Lake. It takes around 15-20 mins using this route.
2. The second route is from the backside of the Satrangi lake.
   This is a more interesting route to take which leads to a beautiful rocky route.
   This route takes around 25 mins.

If you are planning to trek to all the lakes, I suggest taking this scenic route. You can reach Pari and Blue lake and you will get a magnificent view of the valley.

4.     Blue Lake:

Approachable by: Trekking/4×4/Bike
Trek time: 25 minutes from Pari/20 minutes on jeep track
Cellular Reachability: Weak

It surprises me when I meet people who visit only Satrangi and then head back.
If only they knew what they were missing out on!

I often ask them why they didn’t explore this lake too. Most of them say,
“Well, we already saw Satrangi, so this one must be similar.”

But let me tell you a little secret, my friend—don’t ever miss out on this lake when you visit Naltar!

Once you arrive at Blue lake, you’ll be amazed by the calming sight of a crystal blue oasis against a backdrop of snow covered mountains and pine trees. It’s like stepping into a serene painting!

And the best part? It’s a short 10-minute ride from Satrangi on a 4×4. So, make sure to add it to your must-see list!

If you’re up for an adventure, there are two ways to reach Pari lake. Those who love trekking can follow the same rocky terrain from Pari to blue lake. The choice is yours! 

5.     Bodlok/Aasmani Lake:

Approachable by: Trekking, Hiking
Trek time: 45 minutes – 1 hour from blue lake
Cellular Reachability: None

Right on the edge of the mesmerizing blue lake, there’s a hut that you can easily spot. Pay close attention because just to the left of this hut.

To its left, a path winds through a lively pine forest, filled with the melodies of singing birds

The trail transitions to boulders and gradually ascends.
The trick here is to take small baby steps at a slow pace on the uphill slope.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a splendid surprise awaits you on the other side of the hill—Bodlok lake.
But wait, there’s more! Prepare to be amazed as you witness the majestic sight of seven glaciers all in one place! 

6.     Halima Garden & Lake:

Approachable by: Trekking, Hiking
Trek time: 20 – 30 minutes from blue lake
Cellular Reachability: None

The lush green meadows with small rivers flowing all around you. A royal garden no doubt.

The trek starts from the right side of the hut in blue lake. You will have to follow the trek up from here.

The whole trek is scenic. You will have to cross bridges made with tree trunks to reach your destination.

If you have one extra day, I recommend camping here.
As finally, you are out of the light pollution now.
The night view of the sky is mind-blowing. You can spot so many satellites and meteors (shooting stars).

7.     Feroze Lake:

Approachable by: Trekking, Hiking
Trek time: 15 minutes from Halima garden
Cellular Reachability: None

After crossing Halima Garden’s enchanting meadows, the trek leads to rocky terrain northward.
But don’t worry, it’s an easy path without slippery or loose rocks.

When we reach the top of the boulders, the view opens up, revealing its full beauty.
The lake, adorned with a vibrant turquoise hue, is fed by small waterfalls cascading from the glaciers.

Look around, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by sprawling meadows stretching as far as the eye can see.
It’s a sight that will make you hesitant to turn back. 

All these incredible destinations are remarkable and very easy to reach.

1.     Hoper:

Approachable by: Trekking, Hiking
Trek time: 1 hour from Paine
Cellular Reachability: Strong

This is not the hopper valley, near Karimabad in Nagar. This is a place near Naltar Paine. It is a pasture where locals keep their cattle.

You will get a panoramic view of the majestic Karakoram mountains. On your back, you will see the snow-capped mountains of Naltar.

Nobody knows about this place so it is basically untouched by outsiders.
The route is quite easy. And guess what, you can also stay the night there if you like.

2.     Jugot:

Approachable by: Jeep, Bike, Hiking
Trek time: 20 – 25 minutes from Naltar Bala road
Cellular Reachability: Good

There’s a quaint little settlement that has stood for over 400 years. It’s tucked away up the road, just before Bala.

There are only 20-25 houses in Jugot, so the whole place is very calm.
The road is rocky. You can reach there on foot, on a 4×4, or on your bike.

Fun tip: If you come across a local with a bike or car, they’ll be more than happy to give you a ride there.

It’s only 10-15-minute journey from the main road.
You will see the road splitting into two directions when as you drive on this road.
Take a left and you will reach the village of Jugot.

You will have one of the best views of Naltar Valley from Jugot. It’s an amazing place to camp as well, as it’s near to the main village and shops.

3.     Ka Chali:

Approachable by: Jeep, Bike, Hiking 
Trek time: 15 – 20 minutes from Jugot 
Cellular Reachability: Medium

Remember the left we took for Jugot?
For Ka Chali take the right and continue going up on the road.

Keep going and eventually, you will reach a meadow. There are some farms and a big place to sit and enjoy the place.

If you are a coffee or tea person, Sit under any tree and enjoy it with the panoramic view of Naltar Valley.

The place is so beautiful and calm that Mr. Hussain Shah has decided to live here with mother nature.
You will find only one house here.

You can easily bring your food supplies if you decide to spend the night here.
This is also a great place for taking pictures.

Suggestion: If you are lucky, you can try the delicious goat milk lassi from Hussain Shah

4.     Torgul:

Approachable by: Hiking, Trekking
Trek time: 45 minutes – 1 hour from zero point
Cellular Reachability: Weak

Torgul offers a close-up call with the Pallu mountain of Naltar and an awe-inspiring view of the mighty Rakaposhi. The 27th highest mountain in the world.

Torgul leads to some other places as well, which are completely untouched by outsiders.
For now, let’s focus on the easy destinations in this blog

There are two routes that lead to Torgul.

1. If you are an adventurer and love to trek. I suggest taking a more direct route.

   The route starts from alongside the agriculture farms near zero point.
   The easy way up is to follow the water channel.
   The trees cover most of the trek giving you cover from the sun.

   Once you have crossed all the farms, you will see “Ya Ali” written on the mountain. 
   Go below it making a left. This is the easiest way to go up on this route.
   Once you make a left, you will enter a small forest area. 

   The trek is visible but in some places there are many treks. So, choose as per your comfort to go up.

   You will see many glaciers going down into the valley as you ascend.
   
   Remember, if you take this route then take small steps and go slow.
   Do not rush.

   Once out of the forest, you will reach a pasture, with trees and grass.
   This is where the people of Naltar keep their yaks in the summer. Because it’s too hot in summers for the yaks in Bala or Paine.

2. The second route is a bit easy with a steady inclination. The route starts from the Turbat village near zero point.

   The route goes up all the way to the pasture of Torgul. This is a bit easy and less strenuous trek to reach this place.

5.     Ishkoman:

Approachable by: Hiking
Trek time: 45 minutes – 1 hour from zero point
Cellular Reachability: Weak

Ah, Ishkoman, my friend, a picture-perfect paradise! Imagine the sun gracefully rising over the neighboring mountain, illuminating the whole scene.

Wanna know a secret?

If the air force chairlift is running, grab that ticket! It’ll cut your travel time by a whopping 85%, getting you to Ishkoman in no time.

But don’t worry if the chairlift isn’t running. Just follow its route on foot, taking it nice and slow.

Why am I emphasizing going slow?
Well, my friend, most people aren’t used to the high altitude of GB.

It takes time for our bodies to adjust and work properly at these elevated heights.
Spending 4-5 days in GB will make you feel better and more ready for treks and walks.
But until then, go easy on yourself. You can’t rush natural process, you know.

All the above places are untouched by outsiders. So, if you decide to visit these places, try to keep the place as you found it.
Even for a cigarette bud, try to keep it in your cigarette packet and throw it when you find a dustbin.

6.     Zero point:

Approachable by: Hiking, Jeep, Bike
Trek time: 25-30 minutes from Bala
Cellular Reachability: Good

Most people know about this place. It is reachable by car, jeep, or bike.

Once at the top, you will have to hike for 5 minutes to get to the top. Zero Point is a place surrounded by high mountains.
Offers an amazing view and is very easy to get to.

Many people think there is only zero point to enjoy in Naltar Bala. But now you know. There are many places to explore.

Disclaimer: I have seen some drivers misguiding people into believing Bala is Zero point. Zero Point is on a top of a small hill in Bala.

Let’s get to the fun part.