Naltar Valley: Pakistan's Hidden Skiing & Lake Paradise
June 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Naltar Valley is trending for its rainbow-colored lakes and Pakistan's only ski resort. Here is a complete guide to the Naltar Lakes, skiing season and how to plan your visit.
A Valley of Color and Snow
Naltar Valley, around 44 km northwest of Gilgit, is becoming one of the most-searched lesser-known destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is home to Pakistan's most famous ski resort and a cluster of strikingly colorful alpine lakes collectively known as the Naltar Lakes.
The Naltar Lakes
The Naltar Lakes are the valley's biggest draw, each with its own distinct color caused by mineral content and underwater vegetation.
- Satrangi Lake: named for its "seven colors," ranging from turquoise to deep green
- Blue Lake: roughly a kilometer from Satrangi, known for its deep bluish tint
- Feroza Lake: named for its turquoise (ferozi) color
Skiing in Naltar
Naltar is home to Pakistan's premier ski slope, used for national skiing championships and open to visitors during winter months. It is one of the only places in the country where you can combine alpine skiing with views of Gilgit-Baltistan's peaks in the same trip.
How to Reach Naltar Valley
Naltar is reached via a turn-off from the Gilgit-Hunza road, with the final stretch into the valley requiring a 4x4 jeep due to rough, narrow tracks. Most travelers visit as a day trip from Gilgit or as an add-on to a Hunza Valley itinerary.
Best Time to Visit
May to September is best for visiting the lakes, when the road is clear and the colors are at their most vivid. December to February is ski season, with the slopes open for skiing and snowboarding, though the lakes themselves are snow-covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each lake's color comes from a combination of mineral content and underwater vegetation. Satrangi Lake is known for displaying multiple shades, while Blue Lake and Feroza Lake have more distinct blue and turquoise tones.