Description
Naltar Valley is located 34 kilometers north of Gilgit. This is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions nearby Gilgit. Furthermore, easy access to the valley from Gilgit through some beautiful villages. The road up to Lower Naltar is metal and less than an hour’s drive on the rough road it is also under construction. Certainly, the drive is exciting from Gilgit, and especially in the narrow Naltar Valley along the river is the main highlight of the journey.
Naltar Village at an altitude of 2,880 meters and 19 kilometers long is full of attractions. It is one of the surprisingly green and lush hidden in the mountains. Some climatic quirk gives Naltar about 410 mm of rainfall per year which is usual in Gilgit. Moreover, the valley is heavily wooded with pine, juniper, spruce, birch, and rowan trees. In addition, Naltar valley is the best option for a day outing from Gilgit. Apart from these, there are some of the most exciting tourist attractions lakes, lush green meadows, mountains, and Glaciers as well.
If you are an adventure lover, it offers some amazing trekking routes as well. A famous trekking route over Naltar Pass is 4,700 miles and worth going on. For more detailed information, click here to read about it. Another 4-day trek goes over Dainter Pass (4,600 meters) to Bar Valley and the Karakorum Highway into Nagar Valley. Naltar Villages has an army ski-training base and several good walks in the valley for energetic tourists.
Is it worth visiting Naltoar Valley?
Of course, for nature lovers, it is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations to spend a couple of days.
Where can I find the local transport to go on my own?
From the main Gilgit city below the two bridges on the Gilgit River is the public transport station for Naltar. Every two hours public vans leave from Gilgit to Naltar.
How long the journey takes?
It is on two hours drive from Gilgit. Of course, the journey fascinating through charming highlights
What else to see in Naltar Valley?
There are several attractions, lakes, and starting points of two classic trekking routes Naltar Pass and Dainter Pass. There are some beautiful peaks in the valley for climbers as well.
Naltar Valley was a hill station during the British era in Gilgit-Baltistan. The lush green meadows, thick forests, glaciers, mountains, and lakes were the great attractions of the valley. This is the reason, it is popular in Pakistan and must visit as a tourist destination. If you are in Gilgit-Baltistan never miss this fantastic valley without visiting.
Places to visit in Naltar
There are some fascinating places in Naltar Valley worth visiting.
- Naltar Lakes
- Army Ski Spot
- Naltar Village
- Naltar Pakhora Pass
- Dainter Pass
- Lower Shani
- Upper Shani
- Naltar Bangla
Naltar Lakes to see
- Sat Rangi Lake
- Blue Lake
- Pari Lake
- Firoza Lake
There are four beautiful lakes in the valley; all are easily accessible from Naltar Village. There is a rough Jeep road passing through beautiful villages and a thick forest. The Jeep takes a two-hour drive on the bumpy road with spectacular views. You can hire a Jeep from any hotel in the village. In addition, in two hours you will reach one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan, Sat Rangi Lake. It is an exciting place, and WOW!
Moreover, this lake is also called Kutu Lakes as well. It has an amazing attraction with reflections of the different trees and mountains in the surrounding. There is the best campsite beside the lake you may camp and enjoy nature here. In addition, there are beautiful walking opportunities to the other lakes in the surrounding.
The other lakes are within very close walking distance from this lake. Further up, Blue Lake is the one about 10 minutes to the west with stony around the edge of these lakes. Pari Lake is about 40 minutes of walking higher up the valley. Firoza Lake is another beautiful lake within a short walking distance from Sat Rangi Lake. Above all, you will love it without a doubt.
Hotels in the Naltar Valley
There are some hotels in the valley cheaper and expensive. Moreover, it is your choice to stay and dine. There is also a government rest house across the bridge in a beautiful location. Apart from these, you might have the best places to stay in a tent. There are amazing campsites with eye-catching scenery. Certainly, the hotels have basic services at the moment. Moreover, some of the luxurious hotels are under construction, so in the future, there will be more facilities.
- Naltar continental Hotel
- Turgil Green Resorts
- Mehamaan Resort
- Strawberry Huts Naltar
What is the distance from Islamabad to Naltar Valley?
It is about 700 kilometers from Islamabad to Naltar Valley. The public buses from Rawalpindi and Islamabad have regular service to Gilgit. You can travel by bus to Gilgit it takes about 14-16 hours to Gilgit and another two hours to the Naltar Valley. Doubtlessly, the journey is on the 8th wonder of the world Karakorum Highway which is full of highlights and attractions. The best is, most of the buses leave from Islamabad in the evening and early morning in Gilgit. You have enough time to reach Naltar directly.
I will recommend you NATCO Bus Services for traveling and have online booking facilities as well for your ease.
The road to Naltar Valley
The road to Naltar Valley is to the North from Gilgit on the Karakorum up to Nomal Village. From here the road leads along the Naltar Nallah (stream) to Lower Naltar and then Upper Naltar. Half of the carpeted road and the other half are still under construction. Soon will have the best road to the end of Naltar Valley. This will absolutely, attract thousands of people to visit Naltar Valley.
The Jeep Charges to Naltar Valley
The special jeep charges from Naltar to Gilgit is Rs. 8,000 in 2022 August and the passenger van is Rs.200. You may hire a car or a jeep in Gilgit easily.
Weather in Naltar Valley
Naltar Valley is beautiful in any season, but the winter months provide some of the most breathtaking scenery. The snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes are a photographer’s paradise, and the crisp, cold air is refreshing. Even if you’re not a fan of winter sports, there’s something magical about watching the snow fall from the comfort of your cozy cabin.
Summer brings warmer temperatures to the valley, making it ideal for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Moreover, during this time, wildflowers bloom, adding a splash of color to the green meadows. Of course, no trip to Naltar Valley is complete without riding the world-famous gondola. Furthermore, the views from above are simply stunning. Naltar is open all year; however, summer is the best time to enjoy it more.
Final Words
Finally, Naltar Valley is one of the most exciting destinations easily accessible from Gilgit, Hunza, and any other part of the north. Above all, it is the best day trip from Gilgit City for family tours. For more adventure and to enjoy yourself more, it is best to stay a couple of days there. Without a doubt, there are the best places to visit, stay, and dine. Trust us, you will really enjoy the real natural beauty here.
Holiday Hikes Pakistan is your best travel buddy to organize trips in Pakistan either tours, trekking, hiking, and more adventures. Moreover, stay tuned with us for more exciting posts and trips. The comment box below is for your queries write us there. We are live 24/7 for your convenience. Making your holidays enjoyable is our top priority!