Photo: Government of Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism DepartmentField guides / Baltistan Division / Khaplu & Ghanche / Kharfaq Lake
Field guide · Nature
Baltistan Division
Ghanche District · Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Kharfaq Lake
A high Karakoram lake above Kharfaq village in Ghanche, reached on foot in about three hours.
Kharfaq Lake sits in the Karakoram above Kharfaq village in Ghanche District. There is no road to it yet, so the lake is a walk: about 2 km, or around three hours on foot, from the village.
Why go
- ✦A high Karakoram lake reached only on foot
- ✦Water at its fullest in mid-July
- ✦Trout and native fish
- ✦Snow-covered in winter
About
The lake fills with snowmelt from May and is at its highest by mid-July, which makes July and August the months to see it. In winter it disappears under snow. It is known for its fish, including trout and native species, and the lake and its surroundings are an important wildlife habitat, so keep to paths and take everything out with you.
How to Reach
Drive to Kharfaq village in Ghanche District, then walk about three hours to the lake. A road has been started but is not finished.
Responsible Travel
Use Leave No Trace principles, carry out all rubbish, avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock, and respect private/community land.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, July and August, when snowmelt has filled the lake; it is snowbound in winter.
Getting there, Drive to Kharfaq village in Ghanche District, then walk about three hours to the lake. A road has been started but is not finished.
Allow, A full day from Kharfaq village for the walk up and back.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Kharfaq Lake, within 5 km.
Nothing else genuinely close by (within 5 km of Kharfaq Lake) is published yet.
