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Naltar Valley: mountains reflected in still water
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Naltar Valley: The Complete Travel Guide

Just a short jeep ride from Gilgit, Naltar Valley swaps the dry Karakoram for pine forest, glacier streams and a chain of jewel-coloured lakes, with Pakistan’s main ski slope waiting for winter.

Updated October 2026By The Golden Adventure team
Photo: Thealimir / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source)

Naltar Valley at a Glance

Naltar Valley is a forested side valley north-west of Gilgit, famous for the Bashkiri lakes – Satrangi, Blue and Feroza – and for the Pakistan Air Force ski resort. It makes an easy one- or two-day escape from Gilgit, and in summer it is one of the greenest corners of Gilgit-Baltistan.

LocationGilgit District, Gilgit-Baltistan, about 34–40 km from Gilgit
AltitudeSki area about 2,870–2,950 m; lakes about 3,050–3,150 m
Best time to visitMay–October for lakes; December–March for skiing
Getting thereAbout 2 hours by 4×4 from Gilgit via Nomal
Top sightsSatrangi Lake, Pari Lake, Feroza Lake, pine forests, ski slope
Known forColoured lakes, skiing, forests, wildlife sanctuary

Where Is Naltar Valley?

Naltar Valley lies north-west of Gilgit city in Gilgit-Baltistan. A road leaves the Karakoram Highway area at Nomal and climbs west into the valley, reaching the lower village of Naltar Paeen and then Naltar Bala, the upper settlement. Wikipedia puts the villages roughly 34–40 km from Gilgit.

From Naltar Bala a dirt track continues about 12–13 km up the valley, beside a glacial stream and through dense pine and spruce forest, to the Bashkiri lakes at about 3,050–3,150 m. Above them rise the peaks of the Naltar range, with the Naltar Pass (about 4,600 m) leading over to the Ishkoman valley.

Nature & People of Naltar Valley

Much of the valley is protected as the Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary, established on 22 November 1975. Its forests shelter Astore markhor, ibex, snow leopard, brown bear and grey wolf, along with about 35 bird species. Coniferous forest covers the higher slopes, giving way to mixed broadleaf woodland lower down.

Naltar is also the cradle of Pakistani skiing. Local skiers such as Muhammad Abbas, Pakistan’s first Winter Olympian at Vancouver in 2010, and Muhammad Karim, a four-time Olympian, learned on these slopes, and sisters Amina and Ifrah Wali won medals at the South Asian Winter Games. The valley’s streams also feed several small hydropower plants that supply Gilgit.

MUST-SEE EXPERIENCES

Top 8 Things to Do in Naltar Valley

Whether you come for a summer picnic or a winter ski trip, these are the highlights.

  1. 01
    Nature

    Admire Satrangi Lake

    Satrangi, meaning seven-coloured, is the first and largest of the Bashkiri lakes. Moss, aquatic plants and submerged tree roots give its water shifting shades of blue and green.

  2. 02
    Nature

    Camp at Pari Lake

    About ten minutes’ drive beyond Satrangi, Pari Lake is a popular camping spot in summer. Evenings by the water, surrounded by pines, are the best way to experience the valley.

  3. 03
    Adventure

    Hike to Feroza Lake

    The third lake, Feroza (azure), lies about 45 minutes’ walk over large boulders beyond the jeep track. Its colour is the most striking of the three on a sunny day.

  4. 04
    Adventure

    Ski the Naltar slopes

    The Pakistan Air Force ski resort, with a chairlift built in 2015, hosts the National Ski Championship and international FIS races such as the Karakoram Alpine Ski Cup. The season usually runs from December to March.

  5. 05
    Nature

    Walk in the pine forests

    The forests around Naltar Bala are among the densest in Gilgit-Baltistan. Short walks from the village lead along streams and through meadows.

  6. 06
    Nature

    Look for wildlife

    The wildlife sanctuary holds markhor, ibex and snow leopards, though sightings are rare. Birdlife is easier to spot in the forest edges.

  7. 07
    Adventure

    Trek over the Naltar Pass

    Experienced trekkers can cross the Naltar Pass, at about 4,600 m, to Pakora and the Ishkoman valley. It is a multi-day route that needs a guide, porters and good acclimatisation.

  8. 08
    Viewpoint

    Enjoy the autumn colours

    In October the forests and village fields turn gold and red, and the lakes are quiet after the summer crowds.

Best Time to Visit Naltar Valley

May to October is the season for the lakes. June to September brings the warmest weather and easiest road conditions, while October offers autumn colour and fewer visitors. Weekends and Pakistani public holidays can be busy with domestic tourists.

Summer days at the lakes can be warm in the sun but cool quickly once clouds roll in, and afternoon showers are common. Start early to enjoy the calmest water and clearest reflections.

In winter, snow up to 10–15 feet deep closes the track to the lakes, but the lower valley becomes a ski destination from December to March, with January and February usually giving the best snow.

How to Get to Naltar Valley

Fly from Islamabad to Gilgit or travel by road, then hire a 4×4 with a local driver. Ordinary cars struggle on the upper road, and the track to the lakes includes stream crossings that need experienced jeep drivers.

RouteDistanceTypical time
Islamabad – Gilgit (flight)–About 1 hour, weather permitting
Gilgit – Naltar Bala (via Nomal)About 34–40 km1–2.5 hours by 4×4
Naltar Bala – Satrangi LakeAbout 12–13 kmAbout 1 hour by jeep
Satrangi – Pari LakeShortAbout 10 minutes by jeep
Jeep track end – Feroza LakeShortAbout 45 minutes on foot

Times vary with road conditions and the season. Our Gilgit guide covers arrival in the city.

Getting Around Naltar

Your jeep is your transport within the valley, so agree the plan with your driver before you set off: which lakes, how long at each and when to turn back. Drivers who know the track will also know where the stream crossings are deepest after rain. Walking is pleasant around Naltar Bala and the lakes, and horses or donkeys can be hired locally to carry luggage on hiking routes. There are no facilities at the lakes themselves apart from seasonal campsites.

Where to Stay in Naltar Valley

Naltar Bala has a small number of hotels and guesthouses that have opened in recent years, plus camping in summer at Pari Lake. Facilities are simple, so book ahead in peak season. Many visitors stay in Gilgit, where the choice is wider, and visit Naltar as a long day trip.

If you camp, choose a site well back from the shoreline and away from the stream, use established fire spots only, and remember that temperatures can drop close to freezing at night even in August. In the ski season, rooms near the slope are limited and fill up when competitions are on, so reserve early.

Suggested Naltar Itineraries

Day trip from Gilgit

Early start, jeep to Naltar Bala and the lakes, picnic at Satrangi, short walk to Feroza, back in Gilgit by evening.

Overnight

Drive up in the afternoon, camp or stay at Naltar Bala, and visit the lakes in the calm morning light before returning.

Winter ski break

Two or three nights in the valley during the ski season, with a day in Gilgit or Hunza afterwards.

What to Pack for Naltar

  • Warm layers; lakeside nights are cold even in summer.
  • Walking shoes with good grip for the boulders to Feroza Lake.
  • Tent and sleeping bag if camping independently.
  • Rain jacket for summer showers.
  • Food and water; there are no shops at the lakes.
  • For skiing, your own gear or confirm rentals in advance.

Culture & Etiquette

Dress modestly, ask before photographing local people, and respect the military and PAF areas around the ski resort – do not photograph installations. Take all rubbish home, as the lakes suffer from litter in busy summers. Avoid playing loud music at lakeside camps.

Practical Travel Tips for Naltar Valley

Safety and advisories: Gilgit-Baltistan is not on the US State Department‘s Do Not Travel list, though Pakistan overall is rated Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). The UK FCDO advises against all travel on the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas. In Naltar, the practical risks are the jeep track, cold water and changeable mountain weather.

Permits: No special permit is generally needed for the valley and lakes, but carry your passport for checkpoints; some areas near military facilities are off-limits.

Money and signal: Withdraw cash in Gilgit. Mobile coverage fades as you climb towards the lakes.

NALTAR VALLEY TRAVEL

Naltar Valley Highlights at a Glance

Naltar Valley offers forest, colourful lakes and winter skiing within easy reach of Gilgit, making it one of the most rewarding short trips in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Visit between May and October for the lakes or December to March for snow, and always use a 4×4 with a local driver.

For more on the lakes, see Naltar Lakes on Wikipedia.

Plan your Naltar trip

Naltar Valley Tours with The Golden Adventure

Our team is based in Gilgit, so Naltar is on our doorstep. We can add it to any of our jeep safari tours, such as the Grand Northern Jeep Safari, or plan a private day trip with an experienced local driver. Strong walkers can ask about the Naltar Pass among our trekking tours.

Plan your Naltar trip

Tell us your dates and interests and our team in Gilgit will design a private trip and send your free Letter of Invitation.

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Naltar Valley FAQs

How far is Naltar Valley from Gilgit?

About 34–40 km, usually 1–2.5 hours by 4×4 depending on the road and where you stop.

Can I drive to Satrangi Lake?

Yes, in summer a jeep track runs about 12–13 km from Naltar Bala to Satrangi and Pari lakes. Feroza Lake needs a short walk.

Is Naltar Valley open in winter?

The lower valley and ski area are reachable, but deep snow closes the track to the lakes.

Can foreigners ski in Naltar?

Yes. The PAF ski resort hosts national and international races; check lift operation and equipment rental before travelling.

Is Naltar Valley safe?

Gilgit-Baltistan is not on the US Do Not Travel list, and the valley is a popular domestic destination. Pakistan overall is Level 3, so read current advisories.

Do I need a permit for Naltar?

No special permit is generally required, but carry your passport and avoid military areas.

Can I visit Naltar as a day trip?

Yes, an early start from Gilgit allows a full day at the lakes, though an overnight stay is more relaxed.

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