Haramosh Valley – The Ever Gorgeous Haramosh Peak
Pakistan is full of beautiful valleys; some are recognized internationally, while others are still unexplored or untouched. These hidden gems are even more beautiful than those that tourists frequently explore. The serenity of these valleys and lakes is unmatchable! Haramosh Valley, located in the Skardu district of the Gilgit Baltistan region, is one of these hidden gems. It’s a dream destination for nature lovers who wish to explore the beauty of Pakistan. Everyone who visits this valley, even for once, indeed falls in love with it.
The valley in Gilgit Baltistan has pleasant weather throughout the year. The temperatures rise to 20-25 degrees during summer, while it can get bone-freezing in winter. Therefore, visiting this valley in summer is best as you can enjoy the valley’s warm weather and lush green vegetation.
This place is a dream destination for tourists, hikers, and nature lovers. While exploring here, everything becomes even more colorful as you walk toward the heights. The vegetation becomes lush green, the water becomes fresh and bright, and the flowers are more fragrant.
When visiting, travelers should be prepared with suitable gear. It is highly recommended to bring sleeping bags, a torch, warm clothing, shoes, hats, and sunscreen. Also, travelers should carry enough food supplies as well as emergency medicines in case of any situation.
It offers so many stunning attractions for visitors to explore! So let’s move forward in this article to examine what this valley offers.
History of Haramosh Valley
Haramosh valley was a hidden gem until it got discovered by a Swiss team in 1947. Later, in 1955, a German team reached the valley through the Northeast route.
An expedition of the Oxford University Team followed these discoveries. They tried to reach the valley but unfortunately failed due to the death of their two members. Several other attempts were made by solo climbers who had to give up on their life.
Despite its tragic history, the valley stands with all its majesty and beauty.
Excellent Dream Spot for Nature Lovers
Haramosh Valley is known as a fantastic spot for nature lovers. The valley offers vast landscapes featuring rolling hills, lush greenery, and snow-capped mountains. It’s a paradise on earth with its stunning views of Avalanche and the Kutwal Lake that make it a more dreamy place to visit.
Moreover, the valley has a plethora of activities that visitors can enjoy. From hiking through challenging trails to camping around Kutwal Lake, it is an all-season destination for adventurers and nature lovers.
One cannot describe the beauty of this valley in words, as it offers something for everyone. However, as you move upwards on the beautiful mountains of this valley, everything becomes so dreamy that it’s harder to believe such a place exists in real!
The weather is quite diverse, ranging from calm summers to cold winters. The best time to visit the valley is between April to October. The temperatures remain mild and comfortable during this period, making it perfect for a summer holiday trip. However, it can get pretty cold during the winter season with snow.
Haramosh Valley Weather
The valley offers pleasant weather throughout the summer, making it the best time to visit. The average temperature during this season ranges from 15°C to 25°C, attracting many tourists looking for a relaxing vacation. However, the summer season is dry and sunny, so you should bring enough drinking water.
However, during the winter, temperatures can dip down as low as -33°C, so you must bring all the necessary items to keep you warm and comfortable.
When is the Best Time to Visit Haramosh Valley
Every person visiting this valley wishes to make the most of their trip and enjoy as many activities as possible. But for that purpose, you must choose the right weather to visit the valley.
The ideal time to explore the beautiful valley is mid-May to mid-September. That is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant and gives you enough opportunity to explore all its attractions.
The weather is dry and warm; you must bring enough drinkable water to keep yourself hydrated. The views are clear during this time; it is the perfect time for camping, hiking, trekking, and other activities.
Apart from the months mentioned above, the winter season can also be an excellent option to visit as some of its attractions look more stunning with snow cap mountains surrounding them. It is also a great choice if you want to participate in skiing and snowboarding. But winters are challenging with low temperatures.
Recommended Gears
The temperature can drop drastically in the evening, so remember to carry a light jacket and warm clothes to explore areas with higher altitudes. Also, remember to bring a good pair of comfortable shoes that provide grip on slippery surfaces. Water bottles and food supply are also essential for the journey. The trekking trails in Haramosh Valley can be pretty challenging, so ensure you have all the necessary gear, such as rope, carabiners, helmets, and other safety equipment.
Attractions in Haramosh Valley
The valley has a lot of places to explore and enjoy. Once you reach the valley, you’ll be spoilt for choice as there’s much to do in this picturesque and heaven-like valley. So let’s begin with exploring the attractions in the area.
1. Kutwal Lake
One of the most popular tourist attractions is Kutwal Lake. It is a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by lush green meadows and provides beautiful views of Haramosh peak. High mountains surround the lake, including Haramosh Peak, Dobani Peak, and Laila Peak. The altitude of this breathtaking lake is 10695 ft, and there are several pine trees in the surroundings which adds to the beauty of the lake.
The trek to this lake starts from Sassi village, an hour’s drive from Gilgit. It will be a one-hour jeep ride from Sassi village to Dassu, where you’ll have to trek to Kutwal lake.
2. Laila Peak
Another attraction in the valley is Laila Peak, which stands at an altitude of 6096 meters above sea level. In addition, you can witness stunning views of the snow-clad mountain peaks of Haramosh and Rakaposhi.
It’s one of the most beautiful mountains in Pakistan and has a distinctive spear-like shape. Laila peak is located near the Gondogoro glacier, an entirely snow-covered mountain.
The beautiful shape of this peak gets trekkers attracted towards it who come to explore the other mountains. This peak got attention in 2005 when some trekkers from Scandinavian countries skied down this breathtaking peak.
3. Haramosh Peak
The Haramosh peak stands at an altitude of 7,409 meters and is a paradise for mountaineers. However, it’s one of the most challenging and dangerous peaks in the region located in the Karakorum range, so it requires well-trained mountaineers to climb this peak.
Many people have attempted to reach the summit of Haramosh Peak but failed due to extreme weather conditions and steep terrain. However, the peak is covered in snow throughout the year, and watching it from a distance is an experience.
On the base of this peak, there’s Sassi village on one side and Kutwal village on the other. And the shape of this majestic mountain looks like an alphabet.
4. Kutwal Village
Kutwal village is located near Haramosh Peak and is one of the most beautiful villages in Pakistan. Green mountains, dense forests, and several glaciers surround it. This village also has some picturesque views of Avalanches, which can be seen from a distance.
The most beautiful attraction of this village is Kutwal lake, a serene waterbody in the middle of the mountains that looks like a blue gem in the valley.
5. Khaltaro Valley
Khaltaro valley, famous for its emeralds, fluorite crystals, and aquamarines, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Haramosh valley. But the road to this valley is as deadly as beautiful.
The road is one of the scariest in the world, and it’s advisable not to travel on this road in severe weather conditions. Furthermore, as the road is steep, you must be cautious enough to drive on this track. However, the views will be worth the effort if you’re an adventurer and successfully reach the Khaltaro Haramosh.
6. Stunning Views of Avalanche
The views of Avalanches from the beautiful mountains are truly stunning. It provides an excellent view to its visitors who come to admire the majestic views of these mountains.
Seeing an avalanche in this valley is truly an experience and provides a lasting memory. Many visitors report that avalanches occur during their tours to the Valley.
Things to Do in Haramosh Valley
Apart from enjoying the views of this valley and mountains, you’ll have plenty to do in the valley. So make sure to enjoy everything to its fullest. There are several things that you can do here.
1. Hiking Through Challenging Trails
Hiking through challenging trails is one of the adventures in Haramosh valley. You will find some of the most challenging trails with steep inclines and uneven paths. However, these trails are worth exploring as they lead to unique places like Lailapeak, Kutwal village, Khaltaro Valley, and many more.
But the valley is quite remote, and there won’t be many facilities available, so remember to bring your food and water. Also, it’s good to carry a map to keep track of your journey and know where you are heading.
2. Camping Around Kutwal Lake
Camping around Kutwal lake is another popular activity in the valley. Picturesque mountains, lush greenery, and stunning views of the nearby villages and valleys surround the lake. It’s a perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy nature. So gear up for all the adventure with your camping stuff and, of course, friends!
How to Reach Haramosh Valley?
The route to Haramosh valley is challenging, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. However, you can take a flight from Islamabad to Gilgit, and from there, you’ll be traveling on the road from Jaglot to Skardu, and there’s a small village called Sassi on this road.
From Sassi to Dassu, you’ll have to travel by jeep only. Due to the rough roads, it will take almost two days to reach the valley from Dassu.
The trip is hectic and long, so one should be prepared with the right camping gear and food.
Location of Haramosh Valley
Haramosh Valley, a natural attraction, is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The valley is about 60 miles to the east of Gilgit. It is in the Karakorum range of mountains and has some most beautiful peaks, like Laila peak and Haramosh Peak, which stand tall at 7800 meters above sea level and provide a stunning view of the terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the road safe to reach Haramosh Valley?
Yes, the road is safe and secure. The roads are in good condition, although the terrain is a bit rugged. Certain places are prone to landslides and roadblocks in the region; however, the local authorities maintain them regularly so that visitors can reach their destination without any hurdles.
How Much is the Distance to Reach Haramosh Valley From Islamabad?
The distance from Islamabad to Haramosh is 300 kilometers. It takes around 16 hours via the Karakorum Highway, and the route goes through beautiful towns like Gilgit. The journey is a fantastic experience with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains!
Haramosh Valley is an unbelievable paradise for nature lovers. Its stunning views and challenging trails make it a great spot to explore and adventure. However, visitors must come prepared with the right gear, adequate knowledge of the terrain, and necessary supplies to make their visit enjoyable. The best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is pleasant and the road is safe.
So, if you are looking for an unforgettable experience in the lap of nature, then Haramosh Valley should be on your list!