Attabad Lake: The Complete Guide

Attabad Lake is the bright turquoise lake on the Karakoram Highway between central Hunza and Gojal (Upper Hunza). Surrounded by bare mountains and fed by glacier water, its colour looks almost unreal in photos. But the lake is young: it did not exist before January 2010, and its story is one of loss as well as beauty.

Our team in Gilgit visits Attabad Lake with guests almost every week of the season. Here is everything you need to know: how the lake formed, what to do, where to stay, when to go and how to get there.

How Attabad Lake Was Formed

On 4 January 2010, a massive landslide fell from the mountainside above the village of Attabad, burying part of the village and killing about 20 people. The debris blocked the Hunza River completely. Over the following months, water built up behind the natural dam and formed a lake more than 20 km long, flooding villages, farmland and a long section of the Karakoram Highway upstream.

For several years, people and goods had to cross the lake by boat, cutting Gojal off from the rest of Pakistan by road. In 2015, a series of new tunnels and bridges, built with Chinese support, reopened the Karakoram Highway along the lake shore. Today, Attabad Lake has become one of the most visited places in Gilgit-Baltistan, and tourism has brought new income to the communities affected by the disaster. You can read more on Wikipedia.

Things to Do at Attabad Lake

Take a boat ride

The most popular activity at Attabad Lake is a boat ride from the jetties near the tunnels. Local boatmen offer short trips on the lake, giving you close views of the turquoise water and the cliffs. Life jackets are available, and you should always wear one.

Try water sports

In summer, operators offer jet skis, speedboats and kayaks. Prices are per ride and are usually displayed at the jetty. The water is very cold all year, so we do not recommend swimming.

Drive through the tunnels

The Karakoram Highway runs through several tunnels along the shore. Between them, there are viewpoints where you can stop for photos of the lake and the Gojal peaks. The view from the road above the lake, looking north, is one of the classic images of Hunza.

Stay by the water

Several hotels and camps now sit on the lake shore, from simple huts to comfortable resorts with balconies over the water. Watching the light change on the lake at sunrise or sunset is a highlight of any trip to Hunza.

Have tea at a lakeside café

Small cafés and tea stalls near the jetties serve chai, pakoras and local snacks. Sitting with a cup of tea while the colours of the water shift is one of the simplest pleasures of the Karakoram Highway.

Best Time to Visit Attabad Lake

• April to June: clear turquoise water, blossom in nearby villages and fewer crowds.
• July and August: warm weather and all boats and water sports running, but the busiest time with domestic tourists.
• September to early November: golden poplars and calm, clear days. Excellent for photography.
• Winter: very cold, and in some years the lake partly freezes. Few services are open, but the scenery is magical.

The colour of the water changes with the light and season: it is usually most vivid on sunny days from late morning to mid-afternoon. For month-by-month advice for the whole country, see our best time to visit Pakistan guide.

How to Get to Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake lies directly on the Karakoram Highway, about 30 minutes north of Karimabad and about three hours from Gilgit. Most travellers visit on the way between central Hunza and Passu or the Khunjerab Pass. You need a car or a local driver, and there is parking near the main jetty.

For the full road journey from Islamabad, see our Karakoram Highway road trip guide.

Where to Stay Near Attabad Lake

You can stay right on the lake shore, or base yourself nearby:

• On the lake: resorts and huts with lake views, best for couples and photographers.
• Gulmit: a quiet village 20 minutes north with guesthouses, a museum and walks to glaciers.
• Karimabad: central Hunza, with the widest choice of hotels and restaurants.
• Passu: perfect for the Passu Cones, the Hussaini Bridge and an early trip to Khunjerab.

Rooms with a view of Attabad Lake book out quickly in summer, so reserve early. Our Hunza Honeymoon Tour includes a night by the lake.

Nearby Places to Combine with Attabad Lake

• Passu Cones and the Hussaini Suspension Bridge: read our guide to Passu Cones and the Hussaini Bridge.
• Baltit and Altit forts in Karimabad, covered in our 7-day Hunza Valley itinerary.
• Borith Lake near Hussaini, a peaceful wetland for birdwatching.
• The Khunjerab Pass on the China border, see our Khunjerab Pass travel guide.

Tips for Visiting Attabad Lake

• Always wear a life jacket on boats and jet skis.
• Agree the price first for boat rides and water sports.
• Bring a warm layer, as wind over the water can be cold even in summer.
• Visit early or late in July and August to avoid crowds.
• Carry cash, as card payments are rarely accepted at the jetties.
• Be careful near the edge of the road viewpoints, where there are steep drops.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Golden Adventure (TGA)
A DTS-licensed Pakistan tour operator (DTS-GB-094) based in Gilgit, running treks, expeditions and culture tours since 2022.