Discover the Majestic Attabad Lake in 2024

Introduction to Attabad Lake Hunza

A natural wonder, Attabad Lake is located in the Hunza Valley of GilgitBaltistan, Pakistan in the middle of the mountains. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and is surrounded by blue water and white snow. Aside from being a popular tourist destination, the lake also offers a wide range of sports such as boating, jet skis, fishing, hiking, and much more. In spite of the beauty of the lake, there is a tragic story behind its formation that has a profound impact on the local people.

• Attabad Lake History

This lake was created in 2010 by a massive landslide that blocked the Hunza River, submerged several villages, and blocked part of the Karakoram Highway. The landslide was triggered by an earthquake that occurred on January 4, 2010, resulting in the death of 20 people and the displacement of thousands more. Water gradually filled the lake and it reached a length of about 21 km and Attabad Lake depth of about 100 meters, with a volume of about 410 million cubic meters.

As a result of the lake, many historic and cultural sites in the Hunza Valley were submerged, including Buddhist monuments, temples, and mosques, and the road connection between the upper and lower parts of the valley was cut off. Trade, tourism, and communication were all affected.

• Geographical features of Attabad Lake

A landslide that created the lake damaged roads and bridges, as well as the local environment. The lake is situated in a remote and mountainous region, so its formation affects the local environment a lot. It has also disrupted the Hunza River’s natural flow, which has hurt the downstream ecosystem. Even with all the challenges, Attabad Lake has been a real benefit to the locals.

The lake has become a popular tourist destination, and boating, fishing, and other recreation are now popular pastimes in the area. As a result of the lake, many locals now work in tourism. As a whole, Attabad Lake has had a profound impact on the surroundings and community.

• Attabad Lake Weather

There are warm summers, cool winters, and moderate rains at Attabad Lake. The Attabad Lake temperature is nice during the summer, when the temperature ranges between 18 and 31 degrees Celsius. Visitors can boat, fish, and do other recreational activities on the lake’s turquoise waters, which shimmer under warm sunshine.

In the autumn, temperatures drop, with an average of 15 degrees Celsius in October. The crisp air paints the surrounding mountains gold and crimson, creating a breathtaking view.

During winter, Attabad Lake becomes a snowy wonderland. When the lake freezes over, you can ice skate and do other winter sports. This time brings cool temperatures, ranging from -6 degrees Celsius to -5 degrees Celsius.

A typical Attabad Lake rainfall is 500 millimeters, with occasional showers intensifying during the monsoon season.

• Attabad Lake Location

To reach Attabad Lake, you have several options depending on your starting point and mode of transportation. Here are some possible ways to get to the lake:

From Islamabad, you can fly to Gilgit Airport, which is 120 km from the lake. Then you can take a taxi or a bus to get to the lake via the Karakoram Highway. It may take 3 to 4 hours.

From Lahore, you can use a train or bus to Rawalpindi, then catch a bus or car to the lake along the Karakoram Highway. It may take between 20 and 24 hours to get there, depending on traffic and road conditions.

If you are already in the Hunza Valley, you can drive or hire a driver to go to the lake from Karimabad. Depending on the state of the roads, the trip is about 30 to 40 km long and lasts 1 to 2 hours.

Top Tourist Points near Attabad Lake

Here are some of the top tourist points in Attabad Lake

• Altit Fort

Altit Fort is an old fort in the town of Altit in the Hunza Valley in Pakistan. It was the home of the rulers of Hunza for many years. They were called Mirs. Altit Fort’s origins can be traced back to the 11th century, when it was initially constructed as a wooden watchtower. The fort’s dimensions are equally impressive, stretching approximately 100 meters in length, 35 meters in width, and 30 meters in height.

The main tower of the fort is called Shikari Tower. It is the oldest part of the fort. Altit Fort’s distance from Attabad Lake is approximately 37 kilometers, with a travel time of around 1 hour and 9 minutes by car.

Today, Altit Fort stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional historical and cultural significance. It serves not only as a museum, preserving artifacts and relics from Hunza’s past, but also as a vibrant hub for cultural activities and events.

• Gulmit Waterfall

Gulmit Waterfall is a hidden gem near Attabad Lake in the Hunza Valley in Pakistan, near the village of Gulmit. It’s just a short drive, about 10 kilometers, which takes about 18 minutes. The road is easy to follow, and the scenery is great. The views of mountains and rivers are amazing. 

In 2010, a huge earthquake caused a landslide that created Gulmit Waterfall. About 100 meters tall and 50 meters wide, it’s like a football field. Water crashed down with a loud roar and made a big splash. You can go hiking, swim, or relax and enjoy the view. It’s a great place to get away from city life and enjoy nature.

• Duiker Hill

It’s a popular hike near Attabad Lake, located about 12 kilometers from the lake which takes about 25 minutes to get there. It’s moderately challenging and it takes about two hours to get to the top. Duiker Hill is a relatively new landmark, which was created in 2010. The Duiker Hill is a popular place for photography, hiking, and photography. It is about 500 meters high and offers one of the most breathtaking views of Attabad Lake, the surrounding mountains, as well as the Hunza Valley.

• Eagle Nest

Eagle Nest is a special place near Attabad Lake, Pakistan. It’s about 9 kilometers away and takes about 20 minutes. The road is easy to take, and you’ll see amazing lake views along the way. The Eagle Nest looks like an eagle’s nest. It was created millions of years ago when mountains were being formed. It looks like a nest because wind and rain carved out the rock over time.

Eagle Nest is not very big, but it’s got a great view. From the Eagle Nest, you can see Attabad Lake and the Karakoram Mountains. People come to hike, take pictures, and enjoy the view. The mountains are so tall, they seem to touch the sky. It’s a great place to escape the city and enjoy nature.

Adventure activities at Attabad Lake

Here are some of the fun activities you can do at Attabad Lake in Pakistan:

• Boating

As one of the most popular activities on Attabad Lake, boating is an exciting and fun way to discover its beauty and grandeur. Traditional wooden boats, known as “dongas,” are the most common mode of transportation. While gently gliding over the calm waters, you’ll be mesmerized by the reflection of the snow-capped peaks.

These sturdy vessels are decorated with colorful decorations and intricate carvings. Its crystal clear water makes it easy to see fish swimming beneath your boat. As you venture further into the lake, small islands with lush vegetation add to its scenic beauty. 

• Fishing

There are many fish species that anglers can catch on Hunza Attabad Lake, including trout, mahseer, and carp, making fishing a popular activity. A variety of fishing techniques are available to anglers, including fly fishing, spin fishing, and bait fishing. The shallow waters near the lake’s shore and the deeper waters in the center are the most popular fishing spots.

• Jet Skiing

The jet skiing experience on Attabad Lake is both enjoyable and unforgettable, giving you the chance to explore the lake’s stunning beauty and experience the thrill of it at the same time. With the wind blowing in your hair and the sun on your face as you glide across the crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains and snow capped peaks, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

Jet skiing is an ideal activity for beginners, thanks to the calm waters. During your adventure, the experienced staff at Jet Ski rental companies will give you all the necessary safety instructions and equipment, so that you can enjoy it safely and to the fullest.

• Kayaking and Canoeing

Hunza Attabad Lake is a great place to kayak and canoe, allowing you to glide effortlessly across the serene waters. You’ll be able to spot a lot of birds, like the Himalayan griffon vulture, as you paddle along its calm surface. If you kayak or canoe, Attabad Lake will be unforgettable. 

• Camping

Attabad Lake camping will connect you to nature and leave you with unforgettable memories. Attabad Lake has several designated camping spots, each with its own unique charm. Some campsites are near the water, so you can swim, boat, or fish. Others are surrounded by lush greenery, making them more secluded. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss, whether you’re an experienced camper or a first-timer.

Some camping sites are:

Horizon Resort Attabad Lake Hunza

In this resort, you will find a garden and a terrace, as well as colorful tents for camping. The resort is located on the shore of the lake, and it has a stunning view of the mountains. Tents are 3000 Pakistani rupees a night.

Hidden Valley Lake Resort

In addition to having accommodation near the lake, this resort also offers camping facilities. Tents can be rented for a night’s stay for 2500 Pakistani rupees at the resort.

Attabad Lake View Point

You can either set up your own tent in this public area or rent one from the locals. There are also roadside tea shops, restaurants, and hotels nearby where you can spend the night. Tents cost 1500 Pakistani rupees per night.

• Hiking

Hiking at Attabad Lake is a popular activity. It takes about 2 hours to get to the Eagle’s Nest, a rock formation that looks like an eagle’s nest. There are a lot of trails around the lake and mountains that offer different perspectives. Another popular hike is to Duiker Hill, which offers panoramic views. The hike is more challenging than Eagle’s Nest and takes about 4 hours. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, there’s a trail that leads to the Gulmit Waterfall.

If you are a hiking lover and  looking for some more points to hike near Attabad Lake then you have some more options to choose from. Here are some hiking trails:

Rakaposhi’s Viewpoint

There is a famous tourist destination called Rakaposhi Viewpoint, which is located near Attabad Lake. The viewpoint offers magnificent views of the Rakaposhi peak, which stands at 7,790 meters. The hike to the viewpoint is about 3 kilometers long, and it takes about an hour to reach, so it is suitable for all levels of hikers.

Passu Glacier

Located on the opposite side of the lake, the glacier offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and spectacular scenery. The hike to the glacier is approximately six kilometers and should take about two hours. The trail is moderate in difficulty and requires some stamina for the hike.

Hussaini Suspension Bridge

This is a thrilling adventure that involves crossing a shaky wooden bridge over the Hunza River on a thrilling adventure. There is no doubt that this suspension bridge is one of the world’s longest and highest suspension bridges, and it is not for the faint-hearted. The hike is about 4 kilometers long and lasts about an hour and a half. The trail is easy and flat.

• Ice skating

The lake turns into a winter wonderland from December to February, attracting visitors from around the world who want to glide across it. If you want a more leisurely experience, you can walk across the frozen lake and see the winter wonderland from a different perspective.

Attabad Lake Hotels and Restaurants

Here are some hotels and restaurants near Attabad Lake:

• Luxus Hunza Attabad Lake Resort

In Hunza Attabad Lake Resort, you’ll find a bar, a gym, a spa, and an outdoor pool. The hotel is 17.5 km from Attabad Lake. It’s also close to a bunch of popular attractions like Altit Fort, Gulmit Waterfall, and Eagle Nest. It costs 19,419 Pakistani Rupees per night.

• Orangeloft Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake is 5.0 km from Orangeloft Attabad Lake. It takes 12 minutes to get there by car. The hotel has a 3.0 star rating. It has free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar. It costs 7,316 Pakistani rupees per night.

• Borith Lake Hotel & Resort

Hotel Borith Lake & Resort is 1.5 km from Attabad Lake. It offers a variety of amenities, including free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, fitness center, pool, and spa. It costs 7,500 Pakistani rupees per night.

• Serena Altit Fort Residence

It is a 5-star hotel with a 4.7 rating. You can stay at Serena Altit Fort Residence in Hunza Valley, Pakistan, and it’s an exceptional place to stay. Serena Altit Fort Residence is about 20 km from Attabad Lake, located at the foot of the ancient Altit Fort. It offers two types of accommodation: Royal Garden Residence and Valley View Huts. The Serena Altit Fort Residence offers free WiFi, heating, air conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels, outdoor furniture, bed linens, towels, and parking for 22,485 Pakistani rupees a night.

Discover the Majestic Attabad Lake

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Local Cuisine

In the Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake is famous for its delicious local cuisine. Here are some of the best:

• Chap Shoro

Wheat flour dough is cooked in milk, butter, and apricot oil. It’s usually served with sweet and sour sauce.

• Shopan

Barley flour is cooked in water, sun-dried, and usually served with yogurt sauce.

• Dalghat

This dish has lentils, potatoes, and spices. It’s often served with rice or naan.

• Chilman

It’s a spinach and potato dish served with rice or naan.

• Shandas

You can eat this as a snack or dessert because it’s made with dried apricots, nuts, and spices.

• Gulpi

Often served as a dessert, this dish is made with yogurt, sugar, and rose water.

FAQs

Where is Attabad Lake located?

The Lake is located in the Gojal Region of the District Hunza in Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan.

Why is Attabad Lake so blue?

Attabad Lake is full of cool blue water, which flows into the lake from nearby glaciers and from the Hunza River.

Can we swim in Attabad Lake?

Yes, you can swim in the lake but the water is so cold.

Is Attabad Lake man made?

No, it was created by a natural disaster in the year 2010.

Is Attabad Lake shrinking?

Yes, the lake is shrinking rapidly, the artificial lake decreased in the last two years, experts say if the speed continues, water from the lake will discharge completely in the next few years.

How high is Attabad Lake above sea level?

It is located at an altitude of 2,559 meters (8,396 ft).

Where is Wadi e Hunza?

The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in the northern part of the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Why is Hunza famous?

Hunza is famous for its snow-capped mountains, and many people come just to see the ice walls of Rakaposhi Mountain.

What is the name of the glacier in Hunza?

Pakistan’s longest glacier outside Baltistan is the Batura Glacier in the Hunza Valley.

What is a fun fact about Hunza?

The people of the Hunza Valley live over 90 years without suffering from chronic diseases.

Are Hunza and Skardu the same?

No, both Hunza and Skardu are different but beautiful and peaceful places of Gilgitbaltistan.

Is there Internet in Hunza?

In Hunza almost all of it works but depends on which part you’re in.

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