Pakistan is full of places waiting to be discovered, and if you’re a traveler seeking the road less traveled, Khaltaro Valley in Gilgit Baltistan might just be the hidden paradise you’ve been searching for. This blog post delves deep into the majestic landscapes, challenging terrains, and unparalleled beauty of Khaltaro Valley, offering you a glimpse into a world that remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism.
The valley is a mesmerizing blend of towering mountains, expansive alpine meadows, hidden waterfalls, and glacial landscapes. As you traverse through the challenging terrains, you’ll witness nature’s grandeur in its purest form, with the Karakoram mountain range serving as a breathtaking backdrop.
For more hikes to do in the region, read The Best Hikes Near Gilgit.
Location
Khaltaro lies in Haramosh Valley – which is around a 100km east of Gilgit. Haramosh is in the Rakaposhi-Haramosh massif which is a sub-range of the Karakoram mountain range. Haramosh consists of 3 sub-valleys i.e. Kutwal valley, Jutial valley, and Khaltaro valley. The Jutial valley is the smallest among them. Khaltaro valley is not known to many people but it is definitely high up on my favourite treks I’ve done in Pakistan and and offers so much for trekking enthusiasts.
How To Get There
To reach Khaltaro valley, you have two options. The first is to drive from Islamabad to Abbottabad and then take the Karakoram Highway (N35) to Jaglot. This scenic route covers approximately 600 kilometers hours drive and provides travelers with breathtaking vistas of lush valleys, towering peaks, and cascading rivers.
The second option is to choose a quicker but equally adventurous journey. You can take a flight from Islamabad to Gilgit city, and from there, hire a jeep to go through one of the scariest roads to reach the Khaltaro Valley. Flying over the majestic Karakoram Mountains and then driving through the rugged terrains through a narrow gravel road will give you a sense of the raw beauty that awaits you in the valley. It’s important to know that flights to Gilgit are dependent on weather conditions and often get canceled – if you choose to take this route, it’s better to have a few buffer days for your itinerary.
Whichever route you choose, your journey to the Khaltaro Valley will be an adventure in itself. The roads leading to the valley offer stunning views of the surrounding areas, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the region.
Planning Logistics
When to go: The best time to do the trek in Khaltaro Valley is from May to August. During this period, the snow has melted and the valley is adorned with lush greenery and colorful blooming flowers. Before planning your trek, it’s essential to consider the weather conditions. The Khaltaro Valley experiences harsh winters and heavy snowfall, making it inaccessible during the colder months. It’s advisable to check with local authorities for updated weather conditions, as they can provide insights into any unforeseen circumstances or trekking restrictions.
What to Bring: The entire trek will be camping only so make sure you are well-equipped and prepared for the trek. Pack suitable clothing and gear to tackle the varying weather conditions and rugged terrain. Stay hydrated and pace yourself. Make sure you have sufficient arrangements for food and camping gear.
Money: There are no ATMs once you start the trek, make sure to have enough cash from Aliabad .
Wifi/signal availability: There’s no wifi and no phone signals during the trek.
Cost Breakdown
Planning a trek to the Khaltaro Valley involves budgeting for various expenses. Here is a detailed cost breakdown to help you plan your Khaltaro Valley trek:
Accommodation: There are no guesthouses along the way, you will have to bring camping gear and equipment. The cost of accommodation you will have to bear is your stay in Gilgit or Hunza before and after you start the trek.
Transportation: The road from Sassi to Khaltaro village is not a paved road, it is necessary to hire a jeep to and from Sassi. This costs approximately 50USD per jeep one way. The cost of getting to and from Hunza depend on the mode of transport. You can choose public buses for as low as 10USD, flights cost roughly 150USD one way.
Guides + Porters: It is important to hire a reliable guide for your trip. The guide will also arrange porters for you to carry extra equipment. The average cost for the guide is
Meals: Remember to pack enough food for your trek. This depends on your personal preference and appetite but meals for the 4 days of trekking will roughly be 30USD per day. The cost of porters depends on how many people and donkeys you hire.
Why Khaltaro Valley Deserves More Attention
In my escapades through the stunning Khaltaro Valley, I’ve uncovered a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by trekkers and travelers. This underrated trekking destination is a true testament to untouched beauty, offering panoramic views and challenging yet rewarding trekking routes. It’s one of those destinations that you can extend to a week long adventure by doing the Rakhan Pass or keep it a 3-day hike like I did. I loved that it is open to all levels of difficulty based on your personal preferences. Khaltaro Valley holds immense potential for ecotourism, forest conservation, and wildlife preservation. Its remote location and challenging accessibility have kept it away from the limelight, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and serenity.
Cost Breakdown
Planning a trek to the Khaltaro Valley involves budgeting for various expenses. Here is a detailed cost breakdown to help you plan your Khaltaro Valley trek:
Accommodation: There are no guesthouses along the way, you will have to bring camping gear and equipment. The cost of accommodation you will have to bear is your stay in Gilgit or Hunza before and after you start the trek.
Transportation: The road from Sassi to Khaltaro village is not a paved road, it is necessary to hire a jeep to and from Sassi. This costs approximately 50USD per jeep one way. The cost of getting to and from Hunza depend on the mode of transport. You can choose public buses for as low as 10USD, flights cost roughly 150USD one way.
Guides + Porters: It is important to hire a reliable guide for your trip. The guide will also arrange porters for you to carry extra equipment. The average cost for the guide is
Meals: Remember to pack enough food for your trek. This depends on your personal preference and appetite but meals for the 4 days of trekking will roughly be 30USD per day. The cost of porters depends on how many people and donkeys you hire.
Why Khaltaro Valley Deserves More Attention
In my escapades through the stunning Khaltaro Valley, I’ve uncovered a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by trekkers and travelers. This underrated trekking destination is a true testament to untouched beauty, offering panoramic views and challenging yet rewarding trekking routes. It’s one of those destinations that you can extend to a week long adventure by doing the Rakhan Pass or keep it a 3-day hike like I did. I loved that it is open to all levels of difficulty based on your personal preferences. Khaltaro Valley holds immense potential for ecotourism, forest conservation, and wildlife preservation. Its remote location and challenging accessibility have kept it away from the limelight, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and serenity.
