Few sights in Pakistan are as instantly recognisable as Attabad Lake — a ribbon of impossibly turquoise water winding through the brown mountains of Upper Hunza. Born from disaster and now one of the north's most-visited spots, here's everything you need to know.
The story of Attabad Lake
In January 2010, a huge landslide crashed down at Attabad village and dammed the Hunza River. Over the following months the water backed up, flooding the valley, submerging villages and a stretch of the old Karakoram Highway, and displacing many families. Out of that tragedy came the lake you see today — and the impressive Pakistan–China Friendship Tunnels that now carry the KKH past it.
Where is it?
Attabad sits in Gojal (Upper Hunza), on the Karakoram Highway beyond Karimabad, on the way toward Passu, Gulmit and the Khunjerab Pass. It's an easy drive from central Hunza, which makes it a natural half-day stop.
Things to do
- Boating — the classic experience; glide across the turquoise water.
- Jet-skiing and speedboats — available in season for a bit more thrill.
- Lakeside cafés and viewpoints — great for photos and a chai stop.
- Explore Gojal — pair it with the Passu Cones, Gulmit and the Hussaini suspension bridge nearby.
Best time to visit
May to October is ideal — warm days, boating in full swing, and the water at its most vivid. In winter the lake can partly freeze into pale turquoise ice, which is beautiful for photos but too cold for the water activities (see our Hunza in winter guide).
Tips
- Wear a life jacket for any boat or jet-ski ride and use licensed operators.
- Go earlier in the day for calmer water and better light.
- Bring sun protection — the reflection off the water is strong.
- Combine it with Passu and Hussaini bridge to make a full day up the valley.
See it on a Hunza trip
Attabad is on the itinerary of most of our Hunza journeys — see the Hunza & Skardu circuit, Hunza & Naltar Lakes or the fly-in Gilgit & Hunza trip. Browse our Hunza stays or contact us to build it into your trip.