Haramosh Valley
Nestled among snow-covered peaks and lush green landscapes, Haramosh Valley in Gilgit Baltistan is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity and adventure. Located at an elevation of around 3,310 meters, the valley offers a breathtaking combination of mountain views, fresh air, and crystal-clear streams. The area’s calm environment and scenic beauty attract hikers and nature lovers throughout the summer season.
While the most famous spot in the valley is Kutwal Lake, there are several other captivating places that make the journey to Haramosh truly memorable.
How to Reach Haramosh Valley
By Car
Haramosh Valley is about 492 km from Islamabad if you take the Babusar Pass route, or 583 km if you travel via the Karakoram Highway. The entry point to the valley is the town of Sassi, located on the Gilgit–Skardu road.
The journey begins from Islamabad on the M-1 Motorway towards Peshawar. From the Hazara Interchange, you turn onto the Hazara Motorway (M-15) and continue toward Mansehra. Here, travelers have two route options depending on the season and road conditions.
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Via Babusar Pass:
The Babusar Pass connects the Kaghan Valley with Gilgit Baltistan and remains open for traffic from June to September. This is the most scenic and shorter route. From Mansehra, the drive to Babusar Pass is about 186 km (roughly 6 hours). The road passes through beautiful valleys, green slopes, and pleasant weather. Once you cross the pass, near Chilas, the road joins the Karakoram Highway. -
Via Karakoram Highway (Besham Route):
When Babusar Pass is closed due to heavy snow (up to 12 feet during winter), travelers must take the longer route through Besham. This adds nearly five more hours to the journey. Though the road conditions are not ideal and temperatures are warmer, it remains open all year.
From Chilas to Raikot, a 90-minute stretch of the Karakoram Highway runs alongside the Indus River. After crossing Raikot Bridge, the road quality improves significantly. As you drive further, the mighty Nanga Parbat comes into view — a sight that instantly erases all travel fatigue.
Continue driving until Skardu Mor, then turn right toward Skardu. After crossing the river and traveling for around two hours, you’ll reach the peaceful town of Sassi, where most travelers stay overnight.
By Bus
You can also travel to Haramosh Valley by bus. Buses departing from Faizabad Bus Station in Islamabad head toward Skardu and pass through Sassi. Travelers can disembark there to continue toward Haramosh.
By Air
The nearest airport to Haramosh Valley is Gilgit Airport. Although no international flights land here, domestic travelers can fly from Islamabad to Gilgit. From the airport, it’s a 4–5 hour taxi ride (around 66 km) to reach Sassi.
From Sassi to Dasu – The Jeep Track
From the town of Sassi, travelers hire a jeep to continue their journey toward Dasu in Haramosh Valley. Compared to other mountain tracks in Pakistan, this one is relatively smooth and pleasant. The road passes through mountain villages lined with blueberry and apricot trees, offering travelers a chance to pick fresh fruit during the ride.
The jeep track is around 75 km long, filled with scenic views and peaceful surroundings. Riding through the valley, visitors truly experience nature in its purest form before finally reaching Dasu.
Trekking Toward Kutwal Village
After the jeep ride ends, the trail narrows into a footpath leading toward Kutwal Village. A small blue stream flows beside the trail, adding to the charm of the journey. Along the way, hikers cross a wooden plank bridge over a stream — a simple yet unforgettable experience.
The first settlement on the trail is Iskere Village, surrounded by fruit trees. Depending on the season, small patches of snow or ice may appear on the trail, requiring careful steps. Travelers will also encounter a short section (about 50 meters) prone to rock slides, which should be crossed cautiously.
After about 5 to 6 hours of trekking, open meadows appear, and soon after, the charming Kutwal Village comes into view. This area serves as the primary campsite for hikers.
Camping at Kutwal Village
Camping at Kutwal Village is a peaceful experience, surrounded by towering peaks like Haramosh Peak, Dobani Peak, and Laila Peak. Since there are no camping services available, trekkers need to bring their own gear. The stream water is extremely cold, and nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C, so carrying a quality sleeping bag is essential.
As the sun sets, the valley takes on a magical calm — the stars shine brightly, and the cool mountain air fills the night with tranquility.
Trek to Kutwal Lake
From Kutwal Village, Kutwal Lake is about a two-hour trek away. This section of the trail is the highlight of the journey. The landscape constantly changes — one moment you walk through lush green meadows, and the next, you’re surrounded by dark gray rocky slopes.
The tall trees along the trail release tiny particles that shimmer in the sunlight, creating a dreamlike scene. As hikers move upward, they can see Bilchar Dobani Peak standing proudly in the background.
At an altitude of 3,310 meters, Kutwal Lake appears like a mirror reflecting the nearby mountains. For many travelers, the journey to reach the lake is so full of beauty that they almost forget how stunning the destination itself is. Those who continue further toward the mountain base will find a glacier waiting to be explored — a fitting finale to this unforgettable trek.
A trip to Haramosh Valley is a journey through nature’s finest art — from peaceful villages and fruit-laden trees to snow-capped peaks and crystal lakes. Whether you’re an adventurer or someone who simply loves the calm of untouched landscapes, this valley offers an experience that stays with you long after you return home.
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