Tucked above Gilgit, Naltar is a complete change of scenery from the bare Karakoram slopes nearby — thick alpine pine forest, a ski resort, and a string of impossibly colourful lakes. Here's the guide.
Where is Naltar Valley?
Naltar lies northwest of Gilgit, reached by a jeep track that climbs through forest to Naltar village (around 2,900 m). It's a popular add-on to a Hunza trip, since both share the Gilgit hub.
How do you get there?
This is jeep country. From Gilgit:
| Leg | Mode | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gilgit → Naltar village | 4x4 jeep | ~2–2.5 hrs |
| Naltar village → rainbow lakes | 4x4 jeep | ~1 hr (rough) |
A regular car cannot do the Naltar track — it's 4x4 only. Local jeeps run the route.
The rainbow lakes
The valley's headline sight is the cluster of Naltar (rainbow) lakes — small alpine pools whose mineral-rich water glows in shades of turquoise, blue and green. The best-known is Blue Lake (Naltar Lake), ringed by forest and peaks.
Skiing in Naltar
In winter, Naltar becomes one of Pakistan's main ski destinations, home to a chairlift and host to national ski events. The season runs roughly December to February — a very different (and snowy) Naltar from the summer green.
Best time to visit
- June–September — green valley, accessible rainbow lakes.
- December–February — skiing.
See it on a tour
Naltar pairs naturally with Hunza. Our Hunza Valley & Naltar tour includes the jeep trip up to the rainbow lakes alongside Karimabad's forts and Attabad Lake.