High above Kumrat Valley sits Jahaz Banda — a vast, tilted alpine meadow ringed by pine forest and snow peaks, and one of the most beautiful campsites in Northern Pakistan. From here a steeper trail climbs to the glacial bowl of Katora Lake. This guide covers exactly how to reach both, how hard the hike is, where to sleep and when to go.
Where is Jahaz Banda?
Jahaz Banda is an alpine pasture in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sitting above the far end of Kumrat Valley near Kalkot. The name means "the ship's deck" — a nod to the long, flat sweep of the meadow. It's usually visited as an add-on to a Kumrat trip: you reach Kumrat first, then head up to the meadow.
How to get to Jahaz Banda
Getting there is a two-part journey:
- Reach Kumrat Valley. From Islamabad it's a long drive (roughly 10–12 hours) via Chakdara, Timergara and Thal in Upper Dir. Most people overnight in Kumrat.
- Jeep track + hike. From Thal/Kumrat, a 4x4 jeep grinds up a rough track toward the Jahaz Banda trailhead. From the jeep drop, it's a 1 to 1.5 hour uphill hike to the meadow — or you can hire a horse to carry you or your bags.
The jeep stretch is bumpy and best left to experienced local drivers; on our Kumrat trips the jeep and guide are arranged for you.
The Katora Lake trek
Katora Lake (sometimes confused with the separate Kundol/Kandol Lake) is the reward for staying overnight. From Jahaz Banda it's about 2–3 hours of walking each way, climbing gradually across the meadow and then steeply up a rocky final section to the lake at roughly 3,700 metres. The water sits in a natural stone "bowl" (katora) below a ridgeline that holds snow well into summer.
- Difficulty: moderate — no ropes or technical skill, but a real hike with altitude.
- Time: start early; allow 5–6 hours round trip plus rests.
- Terrain: grass, then loose rock near the top; often patches of snow into July.
Go at a steady pace, carry water and a warm layer, and turn back if the weather closes in — mountain conditions change fast up here.
Where to stay
On the meadow you'll find basic wooden huts and guesthouses — simple rooms, hot local food and a firepit under a huge night sky. Options are limited and fill quickly in July–August weekends, so it pays to book ahead. See the stays we use in Jahaz Banda and across Kumrat Valley. Many travellers prefer to sleep down in Kumrat, where hotels are more comfortable, and day-hike the lake.
Best time to visit
Mid-June to September is the window. June and July are lush and green; by late September nights turn cold and the meadow's guesthouses begin to close. Earlier than June, snow blocks the upper trail to Katora Lake.
What to bring
- Sturdy shoes with grip (the final climb is rocky)
- A warm layer and rain shell — weather turns quickly
- Sun protection, a hat and plenty of water
- A power bank (there's little to no charging on the meadow)
- Cash — there are no card facilities up here
Do it as part of a Kumrat trip
Jahaz Banda and Katora Lake pair naturally with Kumrat's waterfalls, the Kala Chashma spring and the Panjkora forest. Our 4-day Kumrat & Jahaz Banda tour is built exactly around this, and the longer Kumrat, Jahaz Banda & Katora Lake trip adds the full lake trek — transport, jeeps, the meadow stay and a guide all arranged, so you can just walk and enjoy it.