A Hidden Gem in the Jewelry of Pakistan - Ghizer District, Gilgit Baltistan
The Gilgit Baltistan portion of Pakistan is a mix of snow capped mountains, diverse flora and fauna, stunning valleys and captivating lakes. Ghizer District connects Gilgit Chitral District via Shandur Pass and is like heaven on Earth. Kargah Nalla is a famous water body in this district with many folk tales and myths attracting explorers.
Geography
-Northernmost part of Gilgit Baltistan, extreme North of Pakistan
-Northwest border – Wakhan Strip of Afghanistan
-Northeastern border – China and Hunza
-Eastern Border – Gigit District of Gilgit Baltistan
-Southern Border – Diamer District of Gilgit Baltistan
-Western Border – Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa
Ecological Existence
- A significant portion of the Ghizer district is characterized by subalpine scrub consisting of small deciduous plants.
- Alpine meadows and alpine shrubbery, containing wild flowers, herbs, and mushrooms, are predominantly found in the northern and western regions.
- The southernmost areas are mainly composed of lush coniferous forests.
- The district has less than 1.5% land under forest or wood, including agricultural forests and plantations.
- 13.5% territory consisting of alpine and winter pastures.
- 1% of land for agriculture/residential use. Over 83% barren or snow-covered.
- The district boasts 299 bird species, with Passeriformes being the most common at 157 species.
- Additionally, there are diverse waterfowl, predatory birds, pheasants, pigeons, gulls, terns, and waders.
- The highest peak in Ghizer is Koyo Zom (6872 m), a part of the Hindukush acting as the boundary between Chitral and Ghizer.
Constitution
Ghizer District, like the other 9 districts of Gilgit Baltistan consist of many gorgeous landscapes that include valleys, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forest passes. We will open every single one of all the mentioned above for you.
VALLEYS
- Phandar Valley
- Puniyal Valley
- Yasin Valley
- Ishkoman Valley
- Karumbar Valley
- Shandur Pass Valley
- Langar Valley Valley
- Gupis Valley
- Sheraqila Valley
- Chatorkhand Valley
- Khalti Valley
RIVERS
- Qurumbar River
- Phakora River
- Hayal River
- Singul River
- Yasin River
- Phander river tributary
LANGUAGES
- Shina
- Khowar
- Brushashki
- Wakhi
Lakes
The lakes in Ghizer have abundant trout fish and offer a peaceful fishing experience.
Phander Lake is a popular attraction for hiking, trekking, hunting, and swimming.
Ishkoman lake, 140 km from Gilgit, has icy blue water and is ideal for studying minerals like niobium, tantalum, tin, and tungsten.
KHALTI LAKE
- Khalti Lake, located 116 km from Gilgit, is accessible by a scenic road near Ghizer River.Â
- The road is tapered asphalt, half way through a patch that leads to Shandur Pass
- Takes about 3.5 hours
- Khalti Lake is a freshwater lake at 2,217m above sea level known for its trout habitat and cold water from surrounding glaciers.
- It freezes in winter, making it accessible by foot.Â
- The lake is popular among tourists for its scenic location near the Ghizer River and the Rocky Mountains.Â
- A PTDC lodge is located nearby with a view of the lake.
- Khalti Lake near the village of Khalti offers picturesque views in all seasons.
- Spring brings blooming flowers.
- Summers are peaceful with lush greenery.
- Fall is colorful.
- Winters are lively with local youth playing on the frozen lake.
- The turquoise lake Khalti is a key freshwater source abundant in local trout fish, as is the Ghizer River.
- Trout introduced near Golaghmuli Village have spread across Gupis Valley
- This makes fishing a popular pastime for tourists.
KARAMBAR LAKE
- Karambar Lake in Pakistan is a high alpine lake, the largest in the North with a max length of 3.2 km and width of 1.5 km, depth 55m.
- Karambar Lake experiences cold and dry weather with wide temperature fluctuations, ranging from -8°C (18°F) in winter to 15°C (59°F) in summer.
- The round trip around the lake is nearly 8km, with a surface elevation of 14,077 feet ASL.
- The lake is surrounded by peaks like Istor-o-Nal, Koyo Zom, and Qalandar Shah Peak, offering a panoramic view of the Hindu Kush range.
- It is a sanctuary for migrating wildfowl like ducks, geese, and cranes resting from March to June and September to November.
- Karambar Lake in extreme North Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan.Â
- Accessible via Yarkhun Valley from Chitral Valley, starting from Mastuj to Kishmanja.
- Broghil Valley extends to Karomber Pass, both part of Chitral Valley parallel to the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan.
- Karomber Lake in Ishkomen Valley exits towards Ishkomen side.Â
- Boundary line between KPK and Ghizer is on Karomber Pass.
- Camping at night to see the stars and sunrise is ideal, but daytime views of the lake are also beautiful with changing colors.
- Karambar Lake is ideal for relaxation and nature activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and birdwatching.Â
- Canoes and kayaks can be rented from locals for fishing, while Boroghil showcases the traditional Wakhi lifestyle.
- Hiking to Karambar Lake in Pakistan is a top adventure, best done with a local guide for the 8-to-9-hour trek in remote wilderness.Â
- The lake, in the isolated Broghil Valley, adds to the adventure for visitors.
- To visit Karomber Lake, obtain NOC from DC Chitral & Chitral Scouts HQ in Mastuj.Â
- Hire a local tour operator for DC Chitral NOC.Â
- Visit HQ personally for Scouts NOC.Â
- Both NOCs are only for Karomber Lake, not for any passes or entering GB.
- Karomber Lake can be reached via Chitral Mastuj or Gilgit Mastuj routes which lead to Mastuj, the base for treks along the border.Â
- A rough jeep ride to Lashkargaz in Broghil, followed by a 25km trek, will take you to Karomber Lake in 2 or 3 days.
- Gilgit Ishkoman Chitti Boi Route is a lesser-known trek with challenging crossings like Shutargardan and Chitti Boi glacier.Â
- It spans 45km and takes 3 days to reach Karomber Lake.
- The Gilgit Ishkomen Chiantar Route is a little explored area leading to the 16,200ft ASL Chiantar Pass.Â
- It descends to Broghil on Chiantar Glacier with 2 known crossings and limited information available.
- Gilgit Yaseen Route:Reverse trek from Darkot in Yaseen Valley, crossing Darkot Pass and descending to Broghil.
- Gilgit Hunza Sost Chilinji Route:Recently re-opened trek starting in Chaprusan Valley and ending near Sost on KKH, passing through Chilinju Pass at 17,200 feet ASL.
ISHKOMAN LAKE
PHANDAR LAKE
Rivers
The lakes in Ghizer have abundant trout fish and offer a peaceful fishing experience.
Phander Lake is a popular attraction for hiking, trekking, hunting, and swimming.
Ishkoman lake, 140 km from Gilgit, has icy blue water and is ideal for studying minerals like niobium, tantalum, tin, and tungsten.