Overview
Naltar is a side valley about 40 km from Gilgit, reached by a rough jeep road that climbs steeply through pine forest. At the top, meadows open out below rocky peaks, with a chain of small lakes in shades of blue and green higher up the valley.
In summer it is a cool escape from the heat of the plains and a base for short walks to the lakes. In winter, snow turns the valley into a ski area, used for local and national competitions. Facilities are simple, so it suits those who enjoy quiet mountain scenery.
Highlights
- The Naltar lakes, including Bashkiri and the multi-coloured Satrangi (Rainbow) lake
- Pine forest and meadows around Naltar village
- Short walks and jeep rides to viewpoints
- Winter skiing and snow, when the road allows
Best time to visit
June to September is warm by day and cool at night, with the lakes at their most colourful. October brings autumn colour and the first snow. The jeep road can be blocked by snow or landslides in winter, so check conditions before travelling.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly or drive to Gilgit (the usual route is Islamabad then Gilgit by air or by road along the Karakoram Highway). From Gilgit, a jeep takes roughly two hours to reach Naltar village. The upper lakes need a further jeep ride or a walk. Arrange a driver in Gilgit or through your hotel.
What to expect
Easy to moderate. The jeep road is steep and bumpy, and the lakes involve walking on uneven ground at about 3,000 m. Guesthouses and a few hotels are simple, and electricity and mobile coverage can be limited.
Practical tips
- Hire a jeep with a driver: ordinary cars cannot manage the road.
- Carry cash, snacks and warm clothes. Shops and cash machines are limited.
- Start early for the lakes, where clouds often gather by afternoon.
- Check road conditions and any local permission needs with your hotel in Gilgit.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Naltar from Gilgit?
About 40 km, but the jeep road is slow, so allow around two hours each way.
Which lakes are worth seeing?
Bashkiri Lake and Satrangi (Rainbow) Lake are the best known, with water that changes colour with the light.
Can I visit in winter?
Yes, for skiing and snow, but the road can close and facilities are limited. Check conditions before you travel.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Thealimir (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Faisal Rafiq (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Faisal Rafiq (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
