- Overview
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Haramosh Valley – A Scenic Destination in Gilgit-Baltistan
Welcome to the pristine wilderness of Haramosh Valley and the breathtaking Kutwal Lake! Surrounded by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, this remote region in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, offers a paradise for nature lovers. Spend your days exploring hidden valleys, trekking through rugged terrain, and marveling at the turquoise water of Kutwal Lake. Join us for an unforgettable adventure of Haramosh Kutwal Lake in the heart of the Karakoram Range!
Overview of Haramosh Valley
Haramosh Valley is one of the most scenic and relatively unexplored destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, located about 60 kilometers east of Gilgit city. Surrounded by dramatic peaks of the Karakoram range, the valley is known for its lush alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, traditional mountain villages, and breathtaking trekking routes. The valley lies at the base of Haramosh Peak (7,409 meters), one of the prominent mountains in the region.
The landscape of Haramosh Valley offers a remarkable mix of forests, glaciers, rivers, and high-altitude pastures, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers. The area is also the starting point for the famous Kutwal Lake trek, a spectacular alpine lake located deep in the mountains above the valley. Despite its incredible beauty, Haramosh Valley remains less crowded compared to popular tourist destinations like Hunza, allowing visitors to experience the untouched charm of northern Pakistan.
Why Visit Haramosh Valley
There are many reasons why Haramosh Valley is considered one of the hidden gems of northern Pakistan. The valley offers breathtaking natural scenery, peaceful surroundings, and authentic cultural experiences that are difficult to find in more developed tourist destinations. Travelers visiting Haramosh Valley can enjoy panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, walk through traditional villages, and explore alpine landscapes that remain largely untouched.
For adventure seekers, the valley is an excellent base for trekking and camping. The Kutwal Lake trek is particularly popular among hikers who want to experience high-altitude trekking in the Karakoram region. In addition to trekking, visitors can enjoy photography, wildlife observation, and cultural interactions with local communities. Because of its raw beauty and remote atmosphere, Haramosh Valley provides a truly authentic mountain experience.
Best Time to Visit Haramosh Valley
The best time to visit Haramosh Valley is between May and October, when weather conditions are most favorable for travel and trekking. During these months, the valley is lush and green, rivers are flowing strongly, and mountain views are generally clear. Summer months from June to September are considered the peak season, offering comfortable temperatures and ideal conditions for trekking to Kutwal Lake and other high-altitude areas.
Spring and early summer bring blooming alpine meadows, while autumn offers beautiful golden landscapes and fewer tourists. Winter visits are possible but can be challenging due to snowfall and limited road access. For most travelers, summer provides the best balance of accessibility, scenery, and outdoor activities.
Trip Dates:
Note:
Minor variations in the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances are possible.
Itineraries
Day 1
Karachi to Islamabad
Departure from Karachi via Super Executive class bus service or train. Travellers who choose to come by air will depart a day later from Karachi.
Day 2
Arrival in Islamabad
For those traveling by air, the flight to Islamabad will depart from Karachi today. Meanwhile the train/bus travellers are expected to reach Islamabad by 8:00 PM. Travel to guesthouse/hotel via own conveyance (InDrive/Yango). Upon arrival, guests will check into their accommodation at a comfortable guesthouse or hotel such as Hard Rock Lodges, Premier Inn, or an equivalent stay. A delicious dinner will be served, allowing travellers to relax and recharge for the upcoming journey.
Day 3
Islamabad to Jaglot
Departure for Jaglot with stop overs on the way. Arrive in Jaglot after a 12-13 hours ride. Dinner and night stay at United Hotel Jaglot or similar.
Day 4
Move to Haramosh Valley
Breakfast at the hotel then depart for Haramosh Valley via Sassi in 4x4 Jeeps. A 3 hours adventurous jeep track leads you to the trail head from where you being your trek. After doing a moderate trek of 3-4 hours, you will arrive in Kutwal. Dinner and night stay at Kutwal.
Day 5
Explore Kutwal
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Kutwal Lake which is just 15 minutes walk from the accommodation. Explore the valley and get mesmerised by the alpine lake, meadows and forest surrounded by the gigantic Karakoram peaks. Dinner and night stay at Kutwal Hotel.
Day 6
Haramosh La Basecamp
Breakfast at the hotel and trek further beyond the Kutwal Lake to visit the summer pastures and settlements and the Haramosh La Basecamp. Dinner and night stay at Kutwal Hotel.
Day 7
Haramosh to Jaglot
After having breakfast, trek back to the jeep point for 3-4 hours and then move to Sassi via 4x4 Jeep. Dinner and night stay at hotel in Jaglot or nearby.
Day 8
Jaglot to Islamabad
After having breakfast at hotel, we will depart for Islamabad and arrive at night. Upon arrival in Islamabad, the journey concludes for the members joining from Islamabad. For the members from Karachi, dinner & accommodation will be arranged at Hard Rock Lodges or Premier Inn, or a similar guesthouse. The travel duration for the day is around 5-6 hours.
Day 9
Islamabad to Karachi
A relaxed morning with breakfast is followed by check-out from the hotel at 12:00 PM. Travellers have free time to explore Islamabad or rest before their departure. Departure for Karachi via Super Executive class bus service or train. Reach the train station or bus terminal on your own.
Day 10
Arrival in Karachi
The final leg of the journey concludes with arrival in Karachi, marking the end of a memorable adventure through Pakistan’s most spectacular landscapes.
• 1 Night in a hotel in Sassi (3-4 Pax sharing - 2 Beds + Mattress)
• 3 Nights in a hotel in Kutwal (3-4 Pax Sharing - 2 Beds 2 Mattress)
• 1 Night in a hotel in Jaglot/Gilgit (3-4 Pax sharing - 2 Beds + Mattress)
• 2 Nights for Karachiites in Islamabad (3 Pax sharing - 2 Beds 1 Mattress)
• AC Transport - Toyota Grand Cabin or Coaster
• Local Transport from Sassi to Dassu
• Breakfast & Dinner
• Tour guide
• Bonfire
• First Aid
- Train or Bus tickets
- Lunch
- Meals during transit
- Charges for extra mattress
- Charges for any activity not mentioned in the package
- Snacks and tea not mentioned in package
- Any extra activities or tickets to museums/forts/resorts
Confirmation & Payment:
• At least 50% or above at the time of registration only then booking confirmation will be given.
• The remaining amount shall be cleared 1 day before the departure of the trip.
• All payments must be cleared before departure to Islamabad; otherwise, the departure details will not be shared.
• To secure your slots on the trip, it is advised to confirm your booking at least one week prior.
Method One: Full payment via cheque or cash Deposit at the Alpas Travels Office
Method Two: Online Bank Transfer at the following account:
Bank Name: United Bank Limited (UBL)
Title: Alpas Travels
Account Number: 2653336543442
IBAN: PK06UNIL0109000336543442
Swift code: UNILPKKA
Refund Policy:
• 100% Refund if cancellation is made three weeks prior the trip.
• 90% Refund if cancellation is made two weeks prior the trip.
• 50% Refund if cancellation is made one week prior the trip.
• 25% Refund if cancellation is made 5 days prior the trip.
• 0% Refund if cancellation is made in less than 5 days prior the trip.
• Minimum booking requirement is 10-12 to execute the trip.
• Alpas Travels reserve all the rights to reschedule or change event timings due to city and weather conditions.
• If trip is called off by Alpas Travels due to low registration, city or climate condition, the registered members who have paid will be entitled to a 100% refund or transfer amount to the next trip.
• All payments must be cleared before departure to Islamabad; otherwise, the departure details will not be shared.
• All the members should reach the pick-up point an hour before the scheduled time.
• Seat arrangements during the trip are on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Alpas Travels does not designate specific front or back seats in the Coaster or Grand Cabin. We kindly ask all travellers to cooperate with fellow members and tour guides, keeping in mind the comfort of elderly passengers if they are part of your group. Seat swaps can be arranged through mutual understanding among travellers.
• Penalty will be charged in case of any damage to the property of Alpas Travels.
• If any destination in the itinerary (other than those previously mentioned) is inaccessible, the guide will consult with the group and decide on an alternative route for the day.
• Alpas Travels reserve the rights to cancel an individual’s trip due to unethical behaviour with the fellow members, caught carrying illegal drugs or alcohol.
• Alpas Travels will not be held responsible for any personal injury or accident.
• Alpas Travels is not responsible for any loss/damage of your personal belongings.
• Any type of illegal drugs or alcoholic substances and weaponry is strictly prohibited.
• No refund will be made in case of natural disasters or any unexpected circumstances beyond human control.
• In the event of a natural disaster or landslide, any additional expenses will be the responsibility of the client.
• Any hike in fuel price before the start of trip will lead to additional charges in the package price.
• Alpas Travels reserves all the rights to amend Terms & Conditions without prior notice.
Haramosh Valley is located in the Gilgit District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, about 60 kilometers east of Gilgit city. The valley lies within the Karakoram mountain range and is known for its scenic landscapes, alpine meadows, and trekking routes.
The Kutwal Lake trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. It's a 6 days trip from Islamabad and 10 days trip from Karachi involving 4 days of hiking through forests, alpine meadows, and mountainous terrain.
Compared to destinations like Hunza or Skardu, Haramosh Valley remains relatively unexplored, making it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful and authentic mountain experience.
Yes, the Haramosh Valley trek can be suitable for beginners who have good physical fitness and some hiking experience. The trek is considered moderate in difficulty, involving long walking hours, uneven trails, and gradual altitude gain. While no technical climbing skills are required, proper preparation and trekking with a local guide are recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
The maximum altitude you will reach on this trek will go up till 3,500m above sea level.
Contrary to the narratives often portrayed in mainstream news, Pakistan has proven to be one of the most secure countries in the opinion of many famous travelers and travel bloggers. Alpas Travels is committed to dispelling the prevailing negative stereotypes linked to the country by unveiling a facet of Pakistan that rarely receives media attention.
Late spring usually brings warmer weather, although there may still be lingering snow in the high mountain regions. Fall journeys, on the other hand, tend to be cooler, and the urban areas are less sweltering. Be prepared for a diverse range of weather conditions. You might find yourself bundled up in your down jacket at times, while in cities like Lahore and Islamabad, temperatures can reach up to 35 degrees.
The prices are determined for accommodations in twin-sharing rooms, and if you prefer single occupancy, there is an additional cost for hotel rooms and cottages. Our lodgings during the trip encompass a delightful variety, ranging from guesthouses, hotels, and cottages. Please note that the hotel rooms in the mountain regions do not come with air-conditioning, although rest assured, the accommodations in Lahore and Islamabad – the two warmest destinations – are equipped with air-conditioning.
To conclude the tour, we enjoy a night's stay in a 4-star hotel in Islamabad or Lahore for group tours and 3-star for expeditions.
Connectivity is limited at times. Though cities have decent signals and wifi, mobile signals in Gilgit Baltistan territory are unreliable. Wifi is slow (if even available) and many areas have no signal. We’ll arrange local SIM cards for you if desired, but overall don’t count on doing video calls or uploading videos unless we’re in a city.
On mountaineering expeditions, there's no connectivity except satellite phones.
Hygiene standards in Pakistan can be less than ideal. The accommodations we have selected, such as hotels and guesthouses, maintain clean facilities. However, when we venture on the road, we may encounter restroom conditions that can be less than pleasant. Additionally, the quality of food can pose challenges, and it's not uncommon to experience stomach discomfort. Rest assured, we will make every effort to locate clean and safe food options and aid anyone who may become ill, as this is a common occurrence when traveling in this region.
You can easily apply for a Pakistan tourist visa online for the normal tour groups. But for the trekking & mountaineering expeditions, you need to apply for trekking & mountaineering visa in the tourist visa section on the website.
Apply on the only official Pakistan e-visa website. You can start your application on the NADRA website here: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visit-visas/
As an average, it takes no more than 1 week to get the visa approval.
Tips and instructions will be shared upon booking a spot.
You can find ATMs in the cities, but better to bring cash for the Northern Areas and preferably converted to Pakistani Rupees PKR.
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