Naltar Valley Guide: Coloured Lakes and Pakistan's Original Ski Slopes
Pakistan Locals Team
2 August 2026 · 3 min read
A pine-forested valley near Gilgit famous for its brilliantly coloured lakes and Pakistan's original ski slopes, all reached by a short rough jeep ride.
The lowdown
- Location
- Naltar Valley
- Region
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Nearest town
- Gilgit
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Crowd level
- Quiet
- Best season
- May to October for the lakes and forests, December to March for skiing
Just a couple of hours from Gilgit, up a rough jeep track most travelers never take, hides one of the loveliest valleys in the north. Naltar is a world of pine forest, grazing meadows, brilliantly coloured lakes, and, in winter, some of the best and cheapest skiing in the country. It is quiet, green, and completely different from the bare high country nearby. Here is why it is worth the bumpy ride.
Why Naltar is special
Two things set Naltar apart. First, the coloured lakes, a set of small alpine lakes whose water glows in unreal shades of blue and green, ringed by forest. Second, the ski slopes, built by the Pakistan Air Force, which make Naltar the original home of skiing in Pakistan, still cheap and uncrowded compared to anywhere in the world. Add thick pine forest and quiet meadows, and you have a valley that feels like a secret.
Where is Naltar?
Naltar sits in a side valley north-west of Gilgit, in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is close in distance but feels remote, because the only way up is a rough track. That is exactly what keeps it quiet. Explore the wider region on the Gilgit-Baltistan page.
What to see and do
- The Naltar lakes. A jeep and short walk from Naltar Bala takes you to the famous coloured lakes. In summer the water is stunning, and the forest setting is magical.
- Skiing in winter. The slopes host national competitions, and in season you can ski or learn for a fraction of what it costs elsewhere.
- Forest and meadow walks. Naltar is one of the greenest, most walkable valleys in the north, gentle and beautiful.
- Village life. Quiet Wakhi and Shina villages, grazing yaks, and warm hospitality.
When to go
May to October is best for the lakes, the forests, and the meadows in full green. For skiing, come December to March, when the slopes have snow. Summer is comfortable; winter is cold and clear. Either season is worth it, they are just completely different trips.
How to get there
From Gilgit, it is a rough 2 to 3 hour jeep ride, around 40 km, up to Naltar. A 4x4 is recommended, and honestly required for the higher tracks and the lakes. Hire a local jeep and driver in Gilgit. The road is bumpy but the reward is a valley most travelers never see.
Where to stay
Naltar has simple guesthouses and a PTDC-style rest house, plus basic rooms in the villages. There is a small resort near the ski area. Do not expect luxury; expect clean, simple, and quiet, with pine forest at your door. Carry cash, because there is nothing up here but the mountains. Book ahead in ski season.
The practical stuff
No permits needed, just ID for checkpoints. Signal is patchy, so download maps and tell someone your plan. There are no ATMs, so bring cash from Gilgit. The jeep track is rough, so travel by day. In winter, dress for real cold and check the road is open.
Naltar is an easy add-on to a Gilgit or Hunza trip. Browse experiences across Gilgit-Baltistan, or search Naltar and Gilgit trips. Pair it with our Hunza guide.
Written and fact-checked by the Pakistan Locals editorial team, with local hosts and guides who run trips out of Gilgit. Last updated August 2026. The jeep track is rough and seasonal, so check conditions and hire a local driver.
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 Hunza valley travel guide and best time to visit next.
Questions people ask
Where is Naltar Valley?+
A pine forested side valley about two to three hours by jeep from Gilgit, famous for its coloured lakes and Pakistan's original ski slopes.
How do you get to Naltar?+
Drive from Gilgit to Nomal, then take a jeep up the rough track into Naltar. The last stretch needs a 4x4.
When is the best time to visit Naltar?+
Summer for the green forests and the coloured lakes, or winter for skiing at the air force run slopes.
What are the Naltar coloured lakes?+
A cluster of small alpine lakes above the valley, reached by jeep and a short walk, known for their vivid blue and green water.
How far is Naltar from Gilgit?+
About 2 to 3 hours by jeep on a rough track, around 40 km.
Can beginners ski at Naltar?+
Yes, in season, and it is far cheaper than resorts abroad. Bring warm gear.
Do you need a 4x4?
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.