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Nalter Valley is located 34 km from the main Gilgit Valley. At an altitude of 15,348 feet, Naltar is a valley perched above a barren gorge, offering beautiful scenery to its visitors. This beautiful place is far away from the hustle and bustle of Gilgit-Baltistan towns.
It is an all-weather destination, a popular tourist attraction in both summer and winter and offers tranquillity and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. It has excellent skiing facilities for visitors to Naltar in the winter and is also the best place to visit for those travelling to Naltar in the summer. It has lush green landscapes and stunning lakes; everyone describes it as a true paradise.
The Naltar Valley consists of two villages: Naltar Barra (upper village) and Naltar Bain (lower village). What distinguishes the Naltar Valley from other valleys is its vast forest cover and the location of three majestic lakes, collectively known as the Bashkiri Lakes.
Naltar Valley comprises two main villages: Naltar Bala (upper village) and Naltar Paain (lower village). Naltar Bala is the heart of the valley, attracting most tourists with its picture-perfect setting. Lush meadows carpeted with wildflowers unfurl beneath a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Wooden cabins with traditional sloping roofs blend seamlessly with the landscape, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. Naltar Paain, located 6 kilometres away, offers a more rustic experience. Here, time seems to slow down, and visitors can truly immerse themselves in the valley’s serenity.
The average climate in Naltar Valley is cool. Temperatures can reach up to 22°C in summer and drop to -15°C in winter.
After leaving the Karakoram Highway, the journey to Naltar begins from Gilgit. If you plan to visit, it is worth mentioning here that the uphill road starting after coming out of the highway is not recommended to use a car, the vehicle suitable for off-road travel is a 4×4 jeep. However, it is worth a visit as the beauty behind it is so beautiful.
During the summer, the lakes become major tourist attractions. The roads leading to them are dirt and can be reached by four-wheel drive or hiking. These lakes are located 13 kilometres from Naltar Bala (Upper town) and are accompanied by glacial streams along the way. The wide glacier intersects the river in two places, requiring skilled local drivers to cross. In winter, the lake is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
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The Naltar Ski Resort is an ideal place to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and paragliding. The resort is located in the heart of the stunning Nalta Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains. With great facilities and friendly staff, the resort is a great choice for a winter getaway.
Are you looking for a quiet and beautiful place to spend a day or two? Look no further than Satrangi Lake! This hidden gem is located amidst nature and its turquoise waters are simply stunning. Surrounded by greenery and mountains, Satrangi Lake is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
Pari Lake (Fairy Lake), the color of the lake is dark turquoise, very special and attractive. From the side of the road, it looks small and completely covered in rocks. It’s surrounded, but as you walk a little further along the coast you’ll find a rather large lake behind a bunch of rocks, and if you look at it via satellite on Google Maps, it looks quite large.
If you are a nature lover, you will love visiting Firoza Lake. This peaceful place is located in the mountains and is very beautiful. The lake is surrounded by greenery and the scenery is stunning. Trust us, the hike is worth it.
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Blue Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This peaceful setting is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains, making it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. You can enjoy many activities at Blue Lake, including hiking, fishing, and swimming.
The first lake on the way up is Satrangi Lake, Rainbow Lake or Fish Lake. As the name suggests, the lake’s water perfectly reflects a variety of colors, especially blue, green and yellow. The beautiful colors reflected in this lake are due to the underwater algae in the lake. The water is calm, offering visitors a peaceful view.
After that, the second lake on the trail is Lake Pari, which is about 1 km north of the previous lake and is also larger than the previous lake. The lake has deep blue water and is said to contain water from underground, as there are no streams or rivers upstream.
The third lake in the valley is not accessible by car and must be reached on foot for 45 to 55 minutes. However, the magnificent Lake Firoza or Lake Bodroko is worth the effort. Walk towards the lake, and after 10 minutes, you will pass through a plain called Medan. It is surrounded by green grass, with streams flowing on both sides and a river in the middle. From here, you can enjoy the amazing snow crown peak scenery.
Excellent ski slopes are available for those who prefer to visit the valley in winter. The ski resort operated by the Pakistan Air Force is 40 kilometres away from Gilgit and is the main facility of the Pakistan Ski Federation. To transport tourists to the summit, the government installed a 1.5-kilometre ski lift.
If you enjoy hiking, you can hike from Naltar Pass to Ishkoman, a 4,600-meter distance that offers magical views of the entire Hindu Kush range. Naltar Valley has the best ski center in the country
Naltar Ski Resort organizes the Winter Sports Festival every year in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Winter Sports Federation. The ski area is located at an altitude of 10,500 feet. Festival dates may vary, but they occur in late January or early February. The festival attracts a large number of participants from all over the world. In addition to skiing, activities include snowboarding and ice hockey.
The people of Nartal are very friendly and hospitable towards tourists and other tourists. The valley is very family-friendly and the people are educated, with a current literacy rate of 94%.
Naltar Valley’s pristine beauty is a gift to be cherished and protected. As a responsible tourist, here are some things to keep in mind:
Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages. Seek permission before taking photographs of people.
Pack out all your trash and avoid littering. Minimize your impact on the environment by using biodegradable products.
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses and homestays. Purchase souvenirs from local artisans.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that Naltar Valley remains a haven of peace and beauty for generations to come.
Naltar Valley beckons those seeking an escape from the ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature enthusiast seeking tranquillity, this hidden gem has something to offer everyone. From breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear lakes to captivating culture and delicious cuisine, Naltar Valley promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on a journey to discover the paradise nestled amidst the majestic peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Since 2017, Saba Ghani has been serving as the talented and dedicated chief content writer for Pakistan Tour and Travel & EMHI Solutions. With her exceptional writing skills and in-depth knowledge of the travel industry, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging and informative content that captivates the audience. You can catch her at [email protected] or Twitter
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