Naltar Valley is a pine-forested side valley in Gilgit District, about 34–40 km from Gilgit through the village of Nomal. Naltar village sits at roughly 2,850–2,950 m. From the upper village, Naltar Bala, a rough jeep track runs another 12–13 km to the Naltar Lakes: Satrangi, Blue Lake and Feroza, at about 3,050–3,150 m. As of 2025–2026, guides put a private 4×4 from Gilgit at around PKR 6,000–10,000 return. The lakes can usually be reached from May to October. From December to February snow closes the lake track and the Pakistan Air Force ski slopes take over.
Details were checked in October 2026. Jeep fares and road conditions change from season to season, so confirm both in Gilgit or Nomal before you head up.
Naltar Valley quick facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Village about 2,850–2,950 m; the lakes about 3,050–3,150 m |
| Location | Gilgit District, inside the Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary (declared on 22 November 1975) |
| Road junction | Nomal, on the Gilgit–Hunza side of the Hunza River |
| From Gilgit | About 2.5 hours to Naltar village, then 45 minutes to 2 hours by jeep to the lakes |
| From Hunza or Skardu | Head to Gilgit or Nomal first. Skardu to Gilgit takes 4–5 hours by road |
| Best months | May–October for the lakes, with September–October the calmest. December–February is for skiing |
| Permits | No NOC or trekking permit is needed for the village or the lakes |
| Vehicle | A 4×4 is needed above Nomal, and the lake track is jeep-only |
How to reach Naltar from Gilgit
The usual plan is Gilgit to Nomal, Nomal up to Naltar Bala, then a local jeep to the lakes. Leave Gilgit by about 7 am to reach the water before the midday wind.
1. Gilgit to Nomal (about 1 hour)
This stretch is paved and easy. Shared vehicles from Gilgit’s transport stands charge about PKR 150–250 to Nomal. A seat on a shared jeep running all the way to Naltar is reported at PKR 300–500 per person in 2026 guides. Most leave in the morning, once full.
2. Nomal to Naltar Payin and Naltar Bala (1–1.5 hours)
The road climbs through forest and small settlements. It gets rougher with height and can wash out after heavy rain, so leave normal cars at Nomal. A jeep from Nomal to Naltar costs about PKR 1,500–2,500.
3. Naltar Bala to the lakes (45 minutes to 2 hours)
The last 12–13 km is an unpaved, rocky track that follows a stream. Times vary because the track changes after every storm. Local jeeps waiting in the village charged about PKR 2,000–4,000 return in 2026 reports including waiting time.
For the bigger picture, see getting to Gilgit-Baltistan.
Naltar Lakes and Satrangi Lake
The Naltar Lakes, also called the Bashkiri Lakes, sit in a glacial bowl at the head of the valley. Names vary between guides, and Wikipedia also lists Halima, Bodo, Dhudia and Pari lakes.
- Satrangi Lake: the name means “seven-coloured”. It’s the largest and the first you reach, and its colours shift with light and depth.
- Blue Lake: a steadier, deeper blue, framed by pines.
- Feroza Lake: “turquoise”. It’s smaller and paler, a little further on.
- Upper meadows: above the lakes the valley opens into alpine pasture at around 3,400–3,600 m, where ibex are sometimes seen at dawn.
The water is glacier-fed and cold all year, so don’t swim. Bring food and water, and carry your rubbish out.
Best time to visit Naltar
- December–February: ski season. Snow on the upper track is reported at 10–15 ft, so the lakes can’t be reached, and nights can drop to about −15°C.
- March–April: snowmelt. The road is soft and the lakes are still frozen.
- May–June: the valley opens up and the forest is bright green. The upper lake can keep ice into June,.
- July–August: the warmest weather and the most reliable access, with the lake colours at their strongest. Weekends are busy.
- September–October: autumn colour, clear air and still water. Many local guides rate it the best time to go.
For the wider seasonal picture, read the best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan.
Things to do in Naltar
- Ski in winter: the slopes are run by the Pakistan Air Force and the Ski Federation of Pakistan and have hosted national championships. Muhammad Abbas, Pakistan’s first Winter Olympian (2010), is from Naltar. In 2026 the GB Guide reported access fees of PKR 500–1,500 in the ski season.
- Walk the forest: blue pine, silver fir and juniper line the road.
- Look for wildlife: the sanctuary protects markhor, ibex and snow leopard. Sightings are rare. See the wildlife viewing rules.
Where to stay in Naltar
Naltar Bala and Naltar Payin have small guesthouses and homestays. A 2026 guide listed village homestays at PKR 800–1,500 including dinner and breakfast, and guesthouses in Nomal at PKR 1,200–2,000. Government and PAF rest houses need advance booking. For a resort stay, see Turgil Green Resort Naltar. You can camp near the lakes, but ask the villagers first.
Naltar jeep fare and costs (as of 2025–2026)
| Item | Reported cost |
|---|---|
| Shared vehicle Gilgit to Nomal | PKR 150–250 per person |
| Shared jeep seat Gilgit to Naltar | PKR 300–500 per person |
| Jeep Nomal to Naltar | PKR 1,500–2,500 |
| Private 4×4 Gilgit to Naltar and back | PKR 6,000–10,000 per vehicle |
| Local jeep Naltar Bala to the lakes and back | PKR 2,000–4,000 per vehicle |
| Homestay with meals | PKR 800–1,500 per person per night |
| Ski-season slope access | PKR 500–1,500 |
Agree the fare, the waiting time and whether the lakes are included before you get in. Fares rise in July–August. There are no ATMs in the valley, so bring cash from Gilgit. See currency and cash in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Safety and practical tips
- The road is the real risk: it’s narrow, with drops in places. Travel in daylight and turn back if your driver says a crossing is unsafe.
- Motion sickness: the lake track is a slow, bumpy ride. Think twice with young children or anyone with a bad back.
- No photos of the base: the ski area is next to a PAF facility. Point your camera at the forest and the lakes, and check the photography rules.
- Patchy signal: coverage in the upper valley is unreliable.
- Layers: evenings are cold, even in August.
Suggested 2-day Naltar itinerary
- Day 1: Leave Gilgit at 7 am. See Satrangi, Blue and Feroza lakes before lunch, then stay the night in Naltar Bala.
- Day 2: Go back up at dawn for reflections, or walk to the upper meadows. Return to Gilgit, or carry on to Hunza.
Nearby places
- Gilgit City: the base for the trip, with flights, buses and supplies
- Kargah Buddha: a rock-carved Buddha just outside Gilgit
- Hunza: about 2.5 hours up the Karakoram Highway from Gilgit
- Attabad Lake: the turquoise landslide lake in upper Hunza
- Fairy Meadows: a Nanga Parbat viewpoint reached from the Raikot Bridge
- Khunjerab Pass: the high border crossing at the top of the Karakoram Highway
Naltar Valley FAQ
How do I reach Naltar Valley from Gilgit?
Drive or take a shared vehicle about 1 hour to Nomal, then switch to a 4×4 for the 1 to 1.5 hour climb to Naltar Bala. The lakes are a further 45 minutes to 2 hours by jeep on a rough track. Naltar is about 34 to 40 km from Gilgit.
What is the Naltar jeep fare?
As reported in 2025 to 2026, a private 4×4 from Gilgit to Naltar and back costs about PKR 6,000 to 10,000. A jeep from Nomal costs PKR 1,500 to 2,500, and a local jeep from Naltar Bala to the lakes and back costs PKR 2,000 to 4,000. Agree the price before you set off.
What is Satrangi Lake?
Satrangi, meaning seven-coloured, is the largest of the Naltar Lakes, at about 3,050 to 3,150 m above Naltar Bala. Its water shifts between blues and greens with the light and depth. Blue Lake and Feroza Lake are nearby.
What is the best time to visit Naltar Lakes?
May to October, when the jeep track is usually open. July and August give the most reliable access, and September to October bring autumn colour and calmer water. From December to February snow closes the lake track.
Do I need a permit or a 4×4 for Naltar?
No NOC or trekking permit is needed. You do need a 4×4 above Nomal, and the final track to the lakes is jeep-only, so leave ordinary cars in Nomal or Gilgit.
Can you ski in Naltar?
Yes. From about December to February the Pakistan Air Force runs ski slopes at Naltar that host national competitions. Access depends on snow and PAF activity, so confirm before you travel.
