Naltar Valley Lakes

Nalter Valley, a captivating region in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is situated 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Gilgit city.  Accessible via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), this valley, with an elevation of 4,678 meters (15,348 feet), draws visitors with its scenic beauty and high-altitude lakes.  Popular with travelers, Nalter Valley attracts over fifty thousand visitors annually, particularly during the summer months. It also hosts the National Skating Championship at the end of February.Historically, Nalter Valley is believed to be among the first settlements in the Gilgit region.  Ancient inhabitants were primarily hunters and shepherds.  The valley is renowned for several features.  Its snow-capped mountains, including Maharbani Peak (also known as Palo Peak) at 6,363 meters and Shani Peak (5,029 meters), a part of the Karakoram range, add to its dramatic landscape.  Nalter Valley's verdant greenery and dense forests, which come to life after the snow melts in late March, are a major attraction.  Three stunning lakes, collectively known as the Nalter Lakes, enhance the valley's allure.  These include Rainbow Lake (also called Fish Lake), located 12 kilometers from Upper Nalter, Blue Star Lake, a short distance north of Rainbow Lake, and Bodroco Lake, or Dust Black Lake, situated at the top of a mountainous area known as Kota.The valley is home to two villages, Nalter Pan and Nalter Bala, with residents speaking Shina and Gujri languages.  The region boasts a high literacy rate, with nearly 100% for boys and 89% for girls.  Nalter Valley is also notable for having the longest chairlift in Gilgit-Baltistan, facilitating skiing activities.  This 1.5 km chairlift is now open to the public.  The local people are known for their friendly and welcoming nature.  The climate in Nalter Valley is temperate during summer, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 22°C in July-August.Recent development includes the establishment of the 18 MW Hydro Power Plant IV and two smaller hydel power plants to meet the region's energy needs. Two more hydropower projects, Nalter III and Nalter-V, are under construction.  Nalter Valley also provides habitat for rare wildlife, including the Markhor in Lolita Park and the Snow Leopard.  The valley’s ski resort serves as a central facility for the Ski Federation of Pakistan and has hosted international events like the Karakoram Alpine Ski Cup.  Despite its potential, the development of Nalter Valley, particularly its ski resort, is hindered by the condition of the road from Gilgit.