Handarap & Baha Lakes!
Tucked high in the mountains of the Ghizer District, Handarap Lake and Baha Lake are two magnificent alpine lakes that offer raw natural beauty, off-the-grid adventure, and unforgettable trekking experiences.
Unlike more commercialized destinations, these lakes require effort to reach—but the reward is immense: turquoise waters, glacial peaks, untouched meadows, and total solitude. If you’re into trekking, camping, and high-altitude exploration, these lakes are absolute must-visits.
Why Visit Handarap & Baha Lakes?
If you’re craving a raw, off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of the Karakoram mountains, Handarap and Baha Lakes are where your soul will find peace. These lakes don’t just offer beauty—they offer silence, solitude, and a reconnection with nature at its purest.
Whether you’re setting up camp beside Handarap’s sapphire waters or standing breathless at Baha’s glacier-fed shore, you’ll know: this is what real adventure feels like.
Routes to Handarap Lake – The Hidden Sapphire
1. Handarap Lake – The Hidden Sapphire
Location & Access
District: Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan
Nearest Village: Handarap Village
Altitude: ~3,300 meters (10,826 ft)
Distance from Gilgit: ~190 km
Route to Handarap Lake
Gilgit → Gupis – 3 hours
Gupis → Teru/Handarap Village – 2–3 hours (unpaved but accessible)
Trek to Handarap Lake – 1.5 to 2 hours (moderate trek)
The trek begins from Handarap village, which is reachable by 4×4. A local guide is highly recommended.
Highlights
Stunning sapphire-blue alpine lake
Surrounded by jagged snowy peaks
Reflection photography during calm weather
Great for camping, hiking, and trout fishing
Remote and untouched, very few tourists.
2. Baha Lake – The Glacial Marvel
Location & Access
Region: Near Teru, Golaghmuli Valley
Altitude: Approx. 3,500 meters
Starting Point: Teru Village
Trek Duration: ~4–5 hours (moderate to strenuous)
Baha Lake is more isolated than Handarap. It lies higher up in the mountains and is mainly reached on foot with the help of locals or guides.
Highlights
Glacier-fed emerald lake surrounded by wildflowers and rocky terrain
Ideal for experienced trekkers and wild campers
No road access – 100% trekking adventure
Absolutely serene with zero commercial development
Great stargazing at night if you’re camping
Best Time to Visit (Both Lakes)
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| June–September | Best for trekking, camping, and lake visits |
| May & October | Possible, but snow may block access |
| Winter | Not accessible due to snowfall and glacial conditions |
Things to Do
Trekking & Exploration – The trails are scenic and adventurous
Trout Fishing (Handarap Lake)
Camping – Set up by the lakeside with surreal morning views
Photography – Mountains, lakes, wildlife, and night sky
Star Gazing – With no light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible
Local Food
Try local dishes like:
Chapshuro (meat-filled bread)
Sharbat (dried apricot juice)
Trout Fish (fresh from local rivers)
Butter tea & organic yogurt
Must-know things!
- Sleeping Mask & Ear Plugs: Warm Shawl/Lightweight Jacket.
- Gadgets & ChargersBook & Notepad.
- Mints, Sanitizer, Wet Wipes & Tissue paper.
- Toiletries.
- Snacks.
- Hiking boots/Sturdy Joggers.
- Cargo Pants/Hiking Trouser.
- Hat, Sunglasses, Sunblock.
- Refillable Water Bottle.
- Snacking Bars/Dry Fruits.
Traveler Tips
Fuel Up in Gupis or Gilgit – no petrol stations in Golaghmuli
Mobile Network: Limited; only SCOM works in some areas
Permits: No NOC needed for Pakistani tourists. Foreigners might need NOC from Gilgit.
Weather Gear: Even in summer, nights are cold – bring layers
Altitude Sickness: Stay hydrated, ascend gradually