Still water, migrating birds and Karakoram views, a peaceful short detour from the Karakoram Highway near Gulmit.
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Borith Lake is a small, calm lake in a hollow of the upper Hunza Valley, beside the Karakoram Highway and not far from Gulmit. Dry hills, glacier moraine and snowy peaks surround the water, and the whole place has a peaceful, wide-open feel. It is much quieter than Attabad Lake and far less visited.
The lake is best known for its birds. It is a stopping point for migrating wildfowl, with ducks and other waterbirds resting here on their way north in spring and south again in autumn. It also receives meltwater from Ghulkin Glacier, and the area makes an easy base for short glacier walks.
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
The lake sits in a shallow basin around 2,500 to 2,600 m, with a small hamlet called Borith nearby where local families live and farm in summer. The water is saline and fed by glacier meltwater. Reports from local and travel sources suggest the water level has been dropping over the years, so how much water you see may vary by season. Morning light is soft and still, while late afternoon brings warm tones on the hills.
Drive along the Karakoram Highway (about 760 km to Hunza) or fly to Gilgit if flights are operating. Most groups break the road journey with a night in Chilas or Besham.
Continue north on the Karakoram Highway. Gulmit is about 100 km from Gilgit, and Karimabad makes a convenient base.
From Hussaini village, take the unpaved jeep road of about 2 km to the lake. Local jeeps or your tour vehicle can usually make the short trip.
For a walk, follow the trail from Ghulkin across the end of Ghulkin Glacier to the lake, about 2 to 3 hours. A shorter walk to the glacier edge is about 1 hour each way. A local guide is recommended.
March to May
Migrating birds arrive, with fresh greenery and mild days. |
June to August
Warm days, open roads and the easiest conditions. Fewer birds.
September to October
Birds migrate south again, with clear skies and golden leaves. One of the best times.
November to March
Very cold and snowy. The area is hard to access and facilities close.
Travel smart
A few useful things to know before you go there.
if you want to enjoy the birds.
Visit early or late for calm water, soft light and fewer visitors.
The jeep road and glacier trail are rough and rocky.
Use a local guide for glacier crossings, and never walk onto the ice without one.
There are few services at the lake.
ATMs are limited in upper Hunza, so withdraw in Gilgit or Karimabad.
Wind and sun are both strong at altitude.
Take rubbish with you and avoid plastic.
Keep noise low to avoid disturbing birds.
Hunza is a conservative region, so dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
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Explore Borith Lake in Gilgit-Baltistan and get directions easily.
Gilgit-Baltistan
It is in Gojal, upper Hunza, a short distance from Hussaini and Gulmit, near Ghulkin Glacier.
Let us plan your Hunza trip while you enjoy the quiet water and the mountains.
