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Haramosh Valley Trek
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Kumrat, Upper Dir
Katora Lake Trek
Katora Lake sits in a rock amphitheatre above the forested Kumrat valley. This short trek is a long-tail favourite for travellers exploring beyond the Karakoram.
Trip overview
Kumrat is a different side of Pakistan: dense cedar forest, waterfalls and a river valley that leads up to the striking Katora Lake, cupped in a bowl of granite.
The trek to the lake is short but steep, rewarding you with one of the most photogenic alpine lakes in the country. It pairs well with a wider northern circuit.
Trip highlights
- The turquoise bowl of Katora Lake
- Cedar forests and waterfalls of Kumrat
- Riverside camping in the valley
- A quieter, greener alternative to the north
- Short enough for a first trek
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Islamabad to Kumrat
Drive to the Kumrat valley in Upper Dir.
Day 2
Explore Kumrat
Waterfalls, forest and riverside camp.
Day 3
Trek to Katora Lake
Steep climb to the lake (3,600 m) and back to camp.
Day 4
Kumrat to Islamabad
Drive back, or extend into other valleys.
What is included
- Transport and transfers
- Guide, cook and camping gear
- Trek meals and fees
Not included
- Flights and visa fees
- Insurance and personal gear
- Tips
Accommodation
Riverside camping in Kumrat and hotels on the road.
Food on trek
Full board on the trek with a cook.
Difficulty & fitness
Moderate. The lake climb is short but steep. Suitable for fit beginners.
Visa, permits & LOI
Pakistan visa required; local fees arranged by us. No special trekking permit needed.
What to pack
- 3-season sleeping bag
- Boots and poles
- Warm layers and rain shell
- Sun protection
Safety & emergency support
A short, popular trek led by our guide, with a first-aid kit on hand.
Read our altitude and safety guide and is Pakistan safe for foreign trekkers.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Katora Lake?
Katora Lake lies above the Kumrat valley in Upper Dir, northern Pakistan, set in a granite amphitheatre at around 3,600 m.
How hard is the Katora Lake trek?
Moderate. The main climb to the lake is short but steep. It is achievable for reasonably fit beginners as a first trek.
What makes Kumrat different?
Kumrat is greener and more forested than the Karakoram, with cedar woods, rivers and waterfalls leading up to the alpine lake.
When is the best time to trek to Katora Lake?
June to September, when the access road and the lake basin are clear of snow and the valley is green.
Is it good for a first trek?
Yes. The short itinerary and gentle valley walking, with one steeper lake day, make it a good introduction to trekking in Pakistan.
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