Karambar Lake (4,300 m), the 31st largest lake in the world in Broghil Valley, Chitral, Pakistan, is a top tourist spot. The high altitude lake is a shimmering alpine reservoir that mirrors the majestic peaks and crystalline skies. Its serene environment attracts tourists to bask in the extraordinary beauty of Karambar Lake.
I have always had a connection with nature. Just the mere fact that mountains, rivers, valleys, plateaus, and oceans exist, fascinates me. Pakistan has been the perfect place for me to cater to my interests. Beautiful landscapes and architecture, unlike anywhere else in the world, characterize this remarkable place. Pakistan is a major hub for mountaineering with the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindukush ranges.
While delving into travel-related inquiries for the next destinations I want to visit, I stumbled upon articles about the Hindukush range. The Beautiful Range is located in the Chitral district of Pakistan and Afghanistan. As I dug deep into the range, I found out about the awe-inspiring Karambar Lake and then, I couldn’t resist.
This article is a recount of when I went to Pakistan for a vacation to Karambar Lake, and absolutely fell in love with the place. I’m sure this will also make you want to pack your bags and visit the paradisical lake!
Flying to Islamabad:
My expedition started when I got my visa for my flight to Islamabad, Pakistan. I packed my bag with all the necessities and flew out to Islamabad. Landing in Pakistan’s capital, I sensed this trip would be one of my greatest adventures yet. During our stay there, we visited some of the popular tourist attractions and local markets too. From Islamabad, I rented a jeep for our remaining journey.
In the morning, we got ready for the 11-13 hours’ drive ahead of us to Chitral. With multiple stops to visit the local markets and breakfast at Upper Dir, we finally arrived in Chitral early in the morning. Upon our arrival in Chitral, the first thing we did was check ourselves into our hotels.
From Chitral to Yarkhun Valley:
After our brief stay in Chitral, we moved to Yarkhun Valley, in our rented jeeps. The drive to Yarkhun Valley was one of the best highlights of my trip. Even though it was long and tiring, witnessing the incredible view around us made up for the drive. The enchanting Yarkhun Valley had me mesmerized. The mountains all around the crystal water body and lush green plains made the valley look magical. We stayed at a guesthouse in Powr and had our dinner there too. The next day we left our jeeps and picked our journey. The weather kept getting better as we moved closer to the Garam Chashma Village. From the village, we trekked to Datur, and through Chakar village, we finally arrived in Ishkoman Village of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district.
From Yarkhun Valley to Broghil Valley:
It took us approximately 11 hours to finally reach the Broghil Valley. The Valley is situated in a remote region of the Chitral district and even though the valley is less developed than other parts of Chitral, Yarkhun still has so much to offer. With lakes like Wordsworth describes in his poetry to majestic glaciers, Broghil Valley is home to some of the best scenery in Pakistan. Other than glaciers and lakes, Broghil Valley also has some of the most magnificent rivers, wetlands, mountains, and lush green pastures. I wanted to stay there and just stare at the incredible scenery but the destination that made me come this far just to get a glimpse of its beauty was waiting for me.
From Broghil Valley to Karambar Lake:
The 31st largest Lake is situated in the heart of Broghil and Ishkoman Valley, separating them from each other. I was completely blown away by the view in front of me. Everything I have ever seen in my 10-year travel experience felt bland to what was in front of me.
Located in the Ishkoman Valley of Ghizer district, the lake is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan, at an elevation of 4,304 meters. The journey to the lake was an experience beyond anything I have ever imagined. With incredible scenery and vistas, Karambar Lake’s beauty is unmatched. The tiring journey felt extremely worth it in the end.
The lake felt like something out of a postcard. The cerulean blue lake reflects the wondrous mountains encapsulating it, creating a magical view. The idyllic weather along with the starry sky also made the already beautiful atmosphere better.
I prefer trekking over mountaineering; I simply lack full dedication to the sport. Exploring scenic areas with just my backpack feels liberating, despite the scary risks of mountain climbing.
The water of Karambar Lake comes from the melting glaciers, making it free from any impurities. The 3.9-kilometer-deep lake is heaven for bird lovers. The surrounding forests and wetlands are home to various birds like the Golden Eagle, Himalayan Snowcock, and many more. Seeing all the birds flocking around added to the surreal beauty of Karambar Lake.
We got the opportunity to camp underneath the starry sky, surrounded by the serene lake, and tourists all here to revel in the striking beauty of the Karambar Lake. Some of my friends built a bonfire and invited other tourists so we could sit and just take in the overwhelming beauty of our surroundings.
The next morning, we decided to go on a hike. Our hike turned out to be peaceful and incredibly beautiful with nature surrounding us. Moments like this I am reminded of how Pakistan is full of enthralling places like the Karambar Lake. During our hike, we also went a mile away from Karambar Lake to check out the beautiful Ribat Lake. After camping near the lake for two days, we made our way back to the Island for our flight.
My trip to Karambar Lake was perfect. Though I faced some minor inconveniences here and there, the trip still turned out to be greater than what I wished for.
Essentials You Need for the Journey:
Forgetting essentials is a common mistake made by us travelers. During my journey to Karambar Lake, I had to buy some of my gear from Islamabad as I left one of my bags at home. Here is a brief list of all the essentials you might need while going on an expedition to Karambar Lake.
Camping gear: Many of the places you will be staying at during your trip are remote areas, like Borghil Valley or Karambar Lake, so carrying camping gear is essential.
Hiking gear: items like hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and a backpack to carry all your essentials are integral.
First-aid kit: injuries are common while hiking and just being out in nature so, carrying a first-aid kit will be quite useful.
Camera: while traveling, there are numerous things that we want to capture. Carrying a camera and extra batteries is always the right move.
Clothing: Always opt for insulated and windproof layers and avoid materials like cotton and denim.
Other essentials: it is necessary to carry sunscreen, Moisturizer, and high-energy snacks like dried fruits and energy bars.
Conclusion
Karambar Lake is the perfect getaway for people who want to witness the breathtaking landscape of Pakistan and have a peaceful time from all the chaos in their lives. The atmosphere Karambar Lake creates is addicting. And once you visit the enchanting lake in the region of Hindukush and Himalayas, you will want to come back again and again.
My journey ended on a perfect note. The memories of this exhilarating journey are still etched in my brain. Even though I have visited many places since my trip to Karambar Lake, I still go back to my memorable trip to the 31st largest Lake in the world.
So, if you want to start traveling in Pakistan and first want to check out a place that ensures a good time along with your safety and convenience, then a 10-day trip to Karambar Lake is the perfect spot for you. Without thinking much, give it a go!