Kutwal Lake Haramosh emerald lake of Gilgit Baltistan

Kutwal Lake

Attraction

Islamabad

Open

The Rundown

A bright green emerald lake surrounded by towering peaks — that’s the first glimpse travellers remember about Kutwal Lake. Hidden deep inside Haramosh Valley, this alpine lake sits beneath the dramatic walls of Haramosh, Laila and Dobani Peaks. It’s not a roadside destination but a rewarding trek from the villages beyond Sassi. This Local Scene walks you through how to reach Kutwal Lake, what the trek looks like, the best season and what you can expect at this quiet corner of Haramosh Valley.

What and where is Kutwal Lake

Kutwal Lake sits deep inside the quieter side of Haramosh Valley and is often described as one of Gilgit Baltistan’s hidden alpine gems. Travellers come here for its bright green water, wide meadows and dramatic mountain backdrop, but also for the sense of seclusion that more popular lakes no longer offer.

Kutwal Lake Haramosh Valley Pakistan at a glance

Kutwal Lake is a high-altitude glacial lake in Haramosh Valley, around 60–65 km east of Gilgit. Often referred to as part of kutwal lake haramosh gilgit baltistan, the lake sits at an elevation of roughly 3,100–3,310 metres above sea level. Different trekking groups quote slightly different figures, but all agree it is one of the region’s most scenic alpine lakes. The area around Kutwal Lake Haramosh Valley is known for steep rock faces, glaciers and wide meadows where trekkers camp before approaching the water.

Emerald water below Haramosh and Laila Peaks

The classic view of Kutwal Lake shows deep emerald water resting quietly under Haramosh Peak at 7,409 metres, with Laila and Dobani rising sharply on its sides. This dramatic Haramosh–Kutwal Lake combination is what makes the location so memorable. The reflections, the silence and the wild backdrops make it stand out even among Gilgit Baltistan’s many glacial lakes.

How to reach Kutwal Lake from Gilgit

Unlike lakes accessible directly by car, Kutwal requires a combination of driving and trekking, which is why it remains peaceful and relatively untouched. Most travellers begin their trip from Gilgit, then gradually move deeper into Haramosh Valley where the trail to the lake begins.

Route and transport from Gilgit to Haramosh

Travellers usually start from Gilgit, following the Jaglot–Skardu Road until Sassi. From here, a jeep track leads towards Dassu (or Dasu), the main trailhead for the Kutwal Lake trek. Many use the phrases kutwal lake from gilgit or how to reach kutwal lake when planning the route, and the answer is consistent: Gilgit to Sassi, jeep to Dassu, and then the trek towards Haramosh Valley. The drive from Gilgit to Sassi takes roughly 1.5–2 hours, depending on road conditions.

Using a Kutwal Lake map or GPX route

Since mobile signals fade deeper into the valley, trekkers rely on downloaded Kutwal Lake maps or GPX routes from trekking blogs and platforms like Mapcarta. These maps help visualise camping spots, water sources and the final approach to the lake. It’s best to download all maps in advance because the upper Haramosh Valley has patchy reception.

Kutwal Lake trek overview

Lake Kutwal has a mix of easy trails, forested areas, and open meadows, so the trip is just as fun as the destination. The trail does go up steadily, but most hikers can handle it if they are in good shape and keep up a good pace. It's helpful to know what the whole trekking experience is like before you start talking about distances and itineraries.

Haramosh Kutwal Lake trek distance and difficulty

The kutwal lake trek is considered moderate for trekkers with basic fitness. From Dassu, the trail continues through small settlements and meadows, gradually gaining height. The total distance is about 18–19 km, and it takes 6–10 hours to get there, depending on how fast you go. A lot of people who hike in the area camp at Kutwal village or nearby meadows before going to the lake the next morning. The haramosh kutwal lake trek is hard in some places, but it's doable if you take breaks and keep a steady pace.

Sample 5 days Kutwal Lake Haramosh Valley trip

A typical 5 days kutwal lake haramosh valley trip looks like this:
Day 1 travel from Islamabad or Gilgit to Sassi.
Day 2 jeep ride to Dassu and trek to Kutwal village for the first campsite.
Day 3 reach Kutwal Lake and explore the meadows and viewpoints.
Day 4 trek back to Dassu.
Day 5 return to Gilgit or continue onward to Skardu.
Most tour operators follow similar 4–6 day itineraries.

The Rundown

What and where is Kutwal Lake

Kutwal Lake Haramosh Valley Pakistan at a glance

Emerald water below Haramosh and Laila Peaks

How to reach Kutwal Lake from Gilgit

Route and transport from Gilgit to Haramosh

Using a Kutwal Lake map or GPX route

Kutwal Lake trek overview

Haramosh Kutwal Lake trek distance and difficulty

Sample 5 days Kutwal Lake Haramosh Valley trip

Collections

The Story

Weather can make or break your Kutwal Lake experience, so timing your trip is just as important as planning the route. Because it’s a high-altitude area, seasons change quickly and conditions can shift within a day. Before you pick dates, it helps to know when the trail is open, when the lake is at its brightest emerald shade and what each time of year looks like on the ground.

Seasonal window for the Kutwal Lake trek

When planning around kutwal lake weather, June to October is considered the ideal trekking season. By early summer, the trail clears of deep snow, and the lake shows its bright emerald colour. July and August are the warmest months, while September and early October bring crisp weather and golden colours around the valley.

What to expect at different times of year

Summer offers lush meadows and easier trekking conditions. Autumn brings warm golden tones and clear skies, making the Haramosh–Kutwal Lake scenery even sharper. Winter covers the region in heavy snow, making access difficult and often unsafe for casual trekkers.

What you’ll see at Kutwal Emerald Lake

Reaching Kutwal Emerald Lake feels like stepping into a wide, open natural amphitheatre. The scenery changes as you approach, with the trail opening into green meadows and dramatic mountain walls. This is the point where most trekkers slow down, not because the trail gets harder, but because the views demand attention. What you see at the lake is simple, raw and deeply calming.

Shoreline meadows and 7000 m peaks

The meadows around Kutwal Lake open into some of the best natural viewpoints in Gilgit Baltistan. Trekkers often camp here to catch sunrise when Haramosh, Laila and Dobani Peaks reflect on the emerald water. Because Kutwal Lake Haramosh Valley is still relatively less crowded than other tourist spots, the atmosphere stays quiet and untouched.

Photography and quiet alpine moments

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography, especially when the lake is calm. Many visitors enjoy simple moments like walking along the shoreline, watching grazing animals or stargazing on clear nights. The silence of the Haramosh–Kutwal Lake landscape creates a peaceful escape for anyone looking for a slow, scenic break.

Practical trekking tips

When hiking in remote valleys like Haramosh, a little planning can go a long way. Conditions can change quickly, and there aren't many places to stay once you leave the last villages. If you know how to stay safe, respect the land, and help local communities, your Kutwal Lake trek will be fun, responsible, and stress-free.

Guides, fitness and safety

First-time visitors should go with local guides or porters from Sassi or Dassu, especially when attempting longer routes on the haramosh kutwal lake trek. Basic fitness and acclimatisation help since the kutwal lake altitude is above 3,000 metres. Always check kutwal lake weather before departure.

Leave-no-trace and local communities

Haramosh Valley is home to small villages where people depend on limited natural resources. Trekkers should avoid littering, respect village privacy and support local jeep drivers and guesthouses.