Kutwal Lake, Haramosh Valley
Trip Highlight
A spectacular exhibition of nature painted with clean & crystal streams, lush green meadows, dense forest and massive glaciers tumbling down the mountains. Above all, the mesmerizing Kutwal lake at 3260m flickering under the Haramosh (7409 m) and surrounded by several other peaks; Mani Peak (6685m) Bilchar Peak (6,134m) Lila Peak (6,986m) and” Spantik” (7,027m) makes this place just like an “Abode of Fairies”.
The trek provides a combination of the beautiful villages, friendly folks, plentiful livestock, and rich natural sights. The jeep friendly track begins 53kms off from Gilgit on Gilgit-Skardu road right from the shoulders of the raging Indus and into deep valleys of Haramish. A two day trek leads you alongside gushing streams and dense coniferous forest crossing Mani glacier into the Kutwal Village.
Range: | Karakorum |
Altitude: | Max: 4000m |
Grade: | Moderate |
Zone: | No Permit is Required |
Best Time: | Mid Jun =October |
Cost: | Depends on number of participants. |
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Trip Plan
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival-Islamabad Sightseeing
Arrival at Islamabad, transfer to hotel for rest. If arrival is during the day, you will be taken for a short sightseeing trip around Islamabad. The new Capital City of Pakistan is lush green at the footsteps of Potohar hills. We will visit Faisal Mosque, Pakistan monument and Lok versa, institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage.
Overnight stay at hotel in Islamabad.
Day 2
Islamabad – Gilgit
Take an early morning flight to Gilgit – the capital town of Gilgit Baltistan. There will be ample time to explore bazaars of Gilgit and a visit to a Rock Carving Buddha from 5th century AD.
We will then drive on the road to Chilas, if there are no flights available from Islamabad- Flights to Gilgit are operated subject to weather condition.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Gilgit.
Day 3
Gilgit – Haramosh valley – Iskere
Set out for Haramish valley in a jeep, after a few hours’ drive you reach the point where you leave Gilgit –Skardu Road and turn towards Haramosh road. The jeep bounces along the track for few hours all the way to Dassi which marks the end of the road. After a quick lunch, we will start the trek straight up the hill and toward the stream that runs alongside the rest of journey to Iskere. The valley is getting wider and the views are getting prettier when you approach to Iskere campsite within approx 3 hours hike.
Overnight stay in a Camp.
Day 4
Iskere – Kutwal Lake
The trek turns difficult here as the incline begins to set in. The jungle is a beautiful density of willowing trees. The initial trek comprises of an ascent through the village where the farmers have defined their plots of land through wooden fences. The trek will then follow through spectacular vistas of meadows, forest and verdant pastures and before making it to majestic Kutwal Lake.
Rest and enjoy the magnetic views while lunch will be prepared at campsite after arrival.
Overnight stay at Kutwal Lake
Day 5
Around Kutwal Lake
You will have a free day today, either to rest and enjoy the lake that reflects its own beautiful version of the valley; a mesmerizing sight, or go for a stroll and explore the surroundings. The campsite at Kutwal Lake offers exquisite views of the whole Kutwal Lake, one of the high altitude lakes in Pakistan at 3260m, Haramosh Peak 7409m, and the legendary Laila Peak (south side) 6096m and Haramosh pass 4800m .
Day 6
Kutwal Lake – Gilgit
Trek back down to Haramosh village, stop for lunch and then drive down to Gilgit – the capital town of Gilgit Baltistan region. En-route stop at junction point of three mountain range (Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindukush).
Overnight stay at a Hotel in Gilgit
Day 7-8
Hunza valley / Khunjerab Top / 4750m
You will have two full days to explore the famous Hunza valley, where you will be able to visit the ancient Baltit Fort, newly formed Attbad Lake, Hussaini Hanging bridge and Passu Glacier. You will have the choice of a spare full day to drive all the way to Pakistan – China border; it is a beautiful drive on a metal part of the highway through the mountains to highest international border.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hunza valley.
Day 9
Hunza valley – Besham / Naran
Travel down the Karakoram highway and break the journey enroot at Besham or Naran, subject to condition of snow on Babusar top.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Besham / Naran.
Day 10
Besham / Naran – Islamabad
Complete the road journey down to Islamabad and towards Monal restaurant in Islamabad to wrap up the trip in a perfect ambience: good food, night view of the capital and live music.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Islamabad.