Broghil Valley: Pakistan's Remote Yak Plateau of Alpine Lakes
Pakistan Locals Team
12 July 2026 · 1 min read
A high steppe over 3,800 m sheltering domestic yak and a network of 20+ alpine lakes, including the deep-blue Karambar — one of the highest lakes in the world.
The lowdown
- Location
- Broghil Valley
- Region
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Nearest town
- Mastuj
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Crowd level
- Untouched
- Best season
- July–September
Beyond Mastuj, where the jeep tracks of Upper Chitral finally run out, the land opens into the Broghil Plateau, a broad, wind-scoured steppe averaging over 3,800 metres that feels like the edge of the map.
What makes it special
Broghil is one of the few places in Pakistan where families still herd domestic yak. The plateau holds a network of more than 20 alpine lakes, Chashma, Kozgah, Gazin, Shouur and the majestic, deep-blue Karambar Lake among them, fed by glaciers that stay white through the summer.
Getting there
It's a long, rough jeep journey from Booni or Mastuj, and the final approach depends entirely on the weather. This is a genuine expedition, not a day trip, which is exactly why it remains so untouched.
When to go
July to September is the only realistic window; outside it, snow closes the approach. Come self-sufficient: there are no shops, and the nearest supplies are back in Mastuj.
Written and fact-checked by the Pakistan Locals editorial team, with local hosts and guides who run expeditions into Upper Chitral. Last updated August 2026. Broghil is remote and access rules near the border change, so confirm permits and logistics with a local operator first.
Sources and further reading
Ready to explore Pakistan with local hosts? Browse trips and experiences on Pakistan Locals, and if you live in the area you can list your own experience or stay. Read our Shandur polo festival guide and Chitral valley travel guide next.
Questions people ask
Where is Broghil Valley?+
In the far north east of Upper Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on a high altitude plateau near the Afghan Wakhan corridor, above 3,600 m.
Do you need a permit for Broghil?+
Broghil is a sensitive border area, so foreign travellers should check current NOC requirements before going and travel with a local operator who arranges access.
When is the best time to visit Broghil?+
July to September, the short summer window when the plateau is snow free, the lakes are open and the yak herders are up on the pastures.
How do you get to Broghil Valley?+
A long journey from Chitral by jeep to Mastuj and on toward Lashkargaz, then walking or riding the final stretch. This is a genuine expedition, not a day trip.
Pakistan Locals Team
The Pakistan Locals editorial team writes practical, on-the-ground travel guides to Pakistan, researched and fact-checked in consultation with our network of local hosts and guides.