Kutwal Lake, located in the Haramosh Valley of Gilgit, Pakistan, is a hidden gem nestled in the rugged and remote terrain of the Himalayas. The lake is a stunning high-altitude body of water surrounded by soaring peaks, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque meadows. The Kutwal Lake trek is a challenging but rewarding experience that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region.
This beautiful valley is located in the beautiful region of Gilgit-Baltistan known as Karakoram. On your way to this beautiful tourist spot, you will see one of the most beautiful scenery and beauty of the road. There are several beautiful villages in the area that are covered in snow most of the year. You will see a wide collection of meadows, forests, glaciers and most importantly you will get to visit the famous Kutwal Lake.
Location of Katwal Lake Haramosh Valley, Gilgit
Kutwal Lake is a high mountain lake located in the Haramosh Valley of Gilgit District in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The Haramosh Valley is about 60 miles east of the district town of Gilgit. The lake is surrounded by several high mountains, including Haramosh Peak, Laila Peak and Dobani Peak.
Kotwal Lake, in Haramosh Valley around 55 KM Far from Gilgit the road leads to “Sassi Village” where it takes a jeep an hour and a half to reach “Barchi” (Dassu/Stage) where the trek begins which takes two days to reach the “Kutwal Lake”. This is a very beautiful lake located at the bottom of the Haramosh peak at an altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded by thousands of pine trees.
Kutwal Lake Trek
The trek to Kutwal Lake begins from the village of Haldi in the Haramosh Valley, which is approximately a three-hour drive from Gilgit. From Haldi, trekkers begin a steep ascent through the lush forests and pastures that blanket the lower slopes of the valley. As the trail winds higher, the landscape becomes more rugged and barren, with rocky outcrops and boulder fields dominating the terrain.
After several hours of hiking, trekkers will reach the alpine meadow of Kutwal, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. From here, the trail descends steeply to the shores of Kutwal Lake, a glacial lake that shimmers with an ethereal blue-green hue.
The lake is surrounded by towering peaks, including the Haramosh Peak, which rises to a height of 7,397 meters. The surrounding mountains are home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and golden eagles.
Camp at Kutwal Lake
The area around Kutwal Lake is a perfect place for camping, and many trekkers choose to spend a night or two here to soak in the natural beauty and serenity of the place. The camping sites are situated on the shores of the lake and offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
As the sun sets over the mountains, the sky turns into a canvas of colors, painting the peaks and the lake with hues of pink, orange, and gold. At night, the stars twinkle in the clear sky, making for a magical experience.
Conservation Efforts of Kutwal Lake
The Kutwal Lake trek is a relatively new addition to the tourism circuit of Gilgit, and the area is still relatively unknown to most travelers. However, there are concerns that the growing number of tourists could have a negative impact on the fragile ecosystem of the region. Therefore, it is essential to promote responsible tourism practices that minimize the environmental impact of tourism activities.
The local authorities and tourism agencies are working together to ensure that the region is protected and preserved for future generations. They are implementing measures to minimize the waste generated by tourism activities, and educating tourists on the importance of responsible tourism practices.
How to reach Kutwal Lake from Skardu.
You can take a jeep directly from Gilgit or from Sassi to Dassu village where the trek starts.
From there two roads diverge, one through Barchi village to Kutwal village via Gun, Gure village.
This was a fairly challenging climb. A constant steep climb. The other route is through the village of Iskere, which is a much better route with fairly flat country walks and a steep climb in a few places, but with enough distance to catch your breath. You will also cross the Mani Glacier which took us 60 minutes
1-From Skardu you have to return to Sassi from where trek to kutwal starts. So it is better to start from Gilgit as Sassi is just an hour drive from Gilgit.
2-Jeep Goes to Dassu Village. 1 hour jeep ride from Sassi to Dasso. After Dassu, it’s all trekking up to the lake.
3-From Dassu is a 3 day trek to Kutwal lake and back. It all depends on how good you are at trekking.
4-You have to bring your own tents for the trek, there is no accommodation on the entire trek. just a few small dhabas in dassu bazaar or Iskere.
The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains called the Rakaposhi – Haramosh Mountains, which are part of the Karakoram Mountains.
Haramosh Massif has two peaks, Haramosh Peak and Laila Peak.
from Kutwal village you will go right to Kutwal lake and turn left, cross the forest and reach Baskay village where you will ascend to the base camp).
Conclusion
The trek to Kutwal Lake is a challenging but rewarding experience that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Himalayas. The region is still relatively unknown to most tourists, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a quiet and peaceful getaway. The natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings is a testament to the resilience and majesty of the Himalayan ecosystem, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.
