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Karambar Lake is the second highest and deepest lake in Pakistan. It is a beautiful alpine lake located in Gilgit-Baltistan and one of the highest lakes in the world at a depth of 55 meters.Famous for its natural surroundings and pristine, clear waters, the lake is an unrivalled experience in the wilderness. Fed by glacial melt, the lake takes on its characteristic blue colour. Best suited for experienced trekkers and adventurers craving an off-the-beaten-path experience in the wild north of Pakistan, it is exquisite.
Quick Details About Karambar Lake
Location: Ishkoman Valley, District Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan
Depth: 55 meters (180 feet)
Altitude: 4,272 meters (14,016 feet)
Water Source: Glacial meltwater
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Nearest Settlement: Lashkargaz (Wakhan Corridor)
Trek Duration: 2 – 3 days from the last road-accessible village
Location
Photo: Talha Mahin Mir / Wikimedia Commons
Karambar Lake is located in the Ghizer District of the Ishkoman Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, close to the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan. It is located at the boundary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan but is administratively part of the latter. Snow-covered peaks and high-altitude meadows surround the lake, making for an ethereal landscape. Trekking season is from July to September, while the river is frozen for most of the year. Due to its remote location, Karambar Lake is not greatly affected by human activity.
How To Reach
Photo: Aqibdar23 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport is Gilgit Airport (GIL), with connections from Islamabad. The drive from Gilgit to Ishkoman Valley takes 8 to 10 hours.
By Rail: The closest railway station is in Rawalpindi, and then you have to travel by road to reach Gilgit.
By Road: From Islamabad, drive to Gilgit for 18 hours, then to Ishkoman Valley for 10 hours. From Chitral, you can drive to the Yarkhun Valley and hike the challenging but stunning Broghil Pass.
Things To Do At Karambar Lake
There are many things to do in and around the deepest lake in Pakistan, Karambar Lake for a memorable experience:
1. Underwater Exploration With Cold Water Diving
Photo: Maël BALLAND / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Diving into the cold water of Karambar Lake is one of the experiences that no words can describe. Because of the lake’s exceptional clarity, you have a rare chance to see submerged rock formations, aquatic plants and even evidence of glacial activity. At the same time, water temperatures settle near freezing so this activity is reserved for seasoned wreck divers wearing dry suits and specialised diving equipment.
2. High-Altitude Fishing For Rare Trout
Photo: Vladimir Haltakov / Pexels . Image For Representation Only
The deepest lake in Pakistan’s icy waters is inhabited by snow trout. Those hard enough to endure the challenging high-altitude conditions can sample one of the most exclusive fishing outings in Pakistan. You can catch and release these rare fish using traditional fishing techniques or lightweight rods designed with modern materials. Fishing is promoted in sustainable practices as it is an ecologically sensitive area.
5 Places To Visit Near Karambar Lake
Following are some of the places to visit near the deepest lake in Pakistan, and embrace the foreign land.
1. Broghil Valley
Photo: Talha Mahin Mir / Wikimedia Commons
Broghil Valley is one of the most stunning yet remote valleys along the way to Karambar Lake. Known for its verdant meadows, glacially fed water streams and traditional Wakhi settlements, is the access point for trekkers making their way to Karambar. Broghil National Park, which protects rare species of wildlife, including the snow leopard, ibex and Himalayan brown bear, is located in the valley. In the summer, there is an annual yak polo festival, unique to this area.
Distance From Karambar Lake: 20 km (trekking required)
Elevation: 3,280 meters (10,761 feet)
2. Lashkargaz
Photo: Juwairia Behzad / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The last human-accountable settlement en route to Karambar Lake is Lashkargaz, placed in Broghil Valley. This tiny Wakhi village snuggled amidst soaring peaks and alpine meadows is a good introduction to being a nomadic local. The village offers basic camping spots for hikers on the way to the lake and an opportunity to meet the hospitable Wakhi people. In the summertime, shepherds drive their herds of yak and goats up to the high-altitude pastures, offering gorgeous scenery.
Distance From Karambar Lake: 12 km (4-5 hours trek)
Best Time to Visit: July to September
3. Darkot Pass
Photo: Abdul.wasiq / wikimedia Commons
At 4,703 meters (15,430 feet) above sea level, Darkot Pass connects Yasin Valley (Gilgit-Baltistan) to Broghil Valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) with a high-altitude service trail. Once used by traders travelling between China, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, this historic trade route is lined with breathtaking views of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges. There is historical significance as well that the trail is lined with remnants of ancient forts and trade routes.
Distance From Karambar Lake: 30 km (multi-day trek)
Difficulty Level: Moderate to high
Best Time to Visit: July to September
4. Chillinji Pass
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / Px Here / Image For Representation Only
At a height of 5,291 m (17,359 ft), Chillinji Pass is one of the toughest high-altitude passes in northern Pakistan. This is the link between the Ishkoman Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Chapursan Valley bordering Pakistan-China. Reaching Chillinji Pass requires advanced trekking skills and acclimatisation. The pass is surrounded by snowclad mountains, deep valleys, and glaciers. It is also on an ancient Silk Route trading path, which adds a certain historical significance to its beauty.
Distance From Karambar Lake: 40 km (multi-day trek)
Best Time to Visit: July to September
5. Ishkoman Valley
Photo: EAhmadNawaz / Wikimedia Commons
Hidden among the beautiful valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan lies the Ishkoman Valley, a base for trekking to Karambar Lake and Chillinji Pass. The valley is lush with forests, glacial rivers, and terraced fields, a stunning contrast with the surrounding peaks. Here the Wakhi, Burusho, and Khowar communities live together in harmony. Ishkoman is the way to go for the hikes, camping, and fishing, as well as the numerous high-altitude lakes and passes that surround the adventure.
Distance From Karambar Lake: 50 km (via trek and road)
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Where To Stay
Photo: Steven Ungermann / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
You can camp by the lake and take in the breathtaking view, but you have to be self-sufficient here. The final inhabited stop before Karambar is Lashkargaz, where basic Wakhi local guest houses offer a bed with food for PKR 2,000 to 4,000 per night. Trekkers from Ishkoman Valley or Broghil Valley can accommodate themselves in small-budget guesthouses for PKR 3,000 to 6,000 a night. Luxury hotels in Gilgit charge PKR 20,000 or more per night, while average hotels cost between PKR 6,000 and PKR 12,000 per night.
Where To Eat
Photo: Halt123halt / Wikimedia Commons
Local Wakhi families provide simple home-cooked meals in Lashkargaz with chapati, daal, yak milk tea, and dried apricots for PKR 500 to 1,500 per meal. In Gilgit and Ishkoman Valley, hotels serve Ladakhi and Pakistani food from PKR 500 to 2,500 per meal. Those who are inside Broghil Valley can get meals organised by guesthouses, which generally comprise organic dairy, wheat bread, and yak meat. It is strongly advised that you bring a stove and dry food supplies with you.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Sher Ali Saafi / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip:
It can cost between PKR 30,000 and 50,000 to travel from Islamabad to Gilgit and from there to Broghil Valley or Ishkoman, depending on the type of transport you take. An average 7-10 day trip to Karambar Lake is expected to cost around PKR 60,000 to 140,000 per person.
The deepest lake in Pakistan, Karambar Lake, is one of the stunning places that is least explored. Its pure waters, alpine meadows and surrounding snow capped peaks make it a true paradise for adventurers. It’s a difficult trek but the reward is pure tranquillity in a nature-filled environment. Plan your trip with TripXL and experience the raw adventure, stunning landscapes, and total serenity of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Cover Photo: Talha Mahin Mir / Wikimedia Commons
