Rakaposhi-Haramosh Range offers some of the most inspiring adventure tourism opportunities in and around Gilgit. From mountain and rock climbing to backpack excursions and from technical trekking to a family trip, this portion of Karakoram is full of splendors and natural charms.
Khaltaro Valley is one of the top fascinations in Rakaposhi-Haramosh Range and among the most unexplored nature-rich valleys of Karakoram mountains. This valley offers hair-raising jeep riding, lush grassy meadows, dense forests, glacier and spring water tributaries and sparkling views of snow-covered peaks.
Trekking and hiking in this valley are relatively easier but needs complete camping and food arrangements. Porters and donkeys can be hired from jeep stop in Khaltaro if you are planning your trip without hiring a guide. Drinking water is frequently available throughout the valley with few exceptions.
Itinerary
To Shatoot / Sassi
To approach the Khaltaro Valley, the final road stop on the Gilgit-Skardu road is Sassi if you reach early in the day. Alternatively, Shatoot is a small village 4KM further on the road where a shop and two hotels with basic accommodation and food are available for a night stay. The locals at Shatoot may also help in hiring a jeep for Khaltaro and Haramosh (Kutwal Lake) valleys.
Jeep Ride to Khaltaro
The jeep ride in a deserted terrain with massive rock walls offers fascinating views up and down the valley to Miar, Malubiting, Dobani and surrounding peaks of Rakaposhi range as well as the Nanga Parbat massif on the back side.
Its about 2-hours jeep ride from Sassi or Shatoot to the Khaltaro Village. It’s a thrilling yet challenging ride as the road is steep, narrow and passes through some unusual terrains. In addition, jeeps are open without any seats except the front driver compartment. A dust mask, cap, eyeglasses, and covered outfit is recommended to avoid dust, sun, rain, or weather effects. Stay alert as the road is too narrow at several points where sharp rocks, tree branches and bushes can cause serious injuries. Drinking water is available only from a roadside spring, ask driver to stop as it could be missed easily.
The road expansion work is in progress and locals are expecting a proper metal road to be developed soon. Khaltaro is a small village at about 2600m altitude with few basic shops and a jeep stop. Porters or donkeys could be hired from the village.
Trekking to Khaya Meadows
The trek to Khaya meadows is a moderate walk. An early morning walk is recommended as the sunlight can slow down the advancement. Fill your bottles from the village to carry water to Khaya Meadows. Predominantly, the trek is dry with occasional tress and bushes on the gradual inclined path. Views of snowy peaks at the end of valley and river down the path accompany you throughout the way. The land transforms greener with the grass, trees, and vegetation as you progress and get close to the Khaya Meadows.
Khaya Meadows is a serene landscape. A long and wide slopy land starting from the high pine forests. Land is thickly covered with grass and flowers and views in every direction are stunning. Few village houses with local families live in the summer season looking after the flock of sheep and goats.
It’s about one and half to three hours’ walk depending on the physical strength and climate conditions. Most of grass land is reserved for animal feed during winters and finding a suitable camping space can be tricky. Ask locals for permission for camping and drinking water as a plastic pipe carrying spring water is hidden in the stones along the path. It would be better having a break at Khaya Meadows and hike for another hour through an awe-inspiring village with enhanced views, greater serenity, and picturesque landscape to a dense forest with plenty of water from multiple water streams and vast plane grassy land.
Khaya Meadows to Pamiri or Seven Waterfalls Viewpoint
Depending on the last camping stage option, the thrilling walk in the forests with frequent freshwater crossings, meadows, summer settlements and herds of domestic animals takes you towards the end of valley. The Dorchan summer settlement is at the feet of Bilchhar Dobani (6,143m). The whole part of the valley beyond Dorchan is surrounded by peak like Miar (6,824), Malubiting (7,458m) and part of the Rakaposhi-Haramosh mountain subrange. As you progress, the views of snowy peaks get closer and the atmosphere colder. Herds of goats and sheep transform into flocks of cows and yaks.
It’s a moderate hike of about 2-3 hours from Khaya Meadows to Pamiri which is the last summer settlement of the valley. Most of the houses are across the water river but a couple of huts with traditional kitchen are there besides the trek. Basic food and tea of fresh goat milk may be offered by the locals here along with shelter in one of the kitchen huts in extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or cold.
It is possible to camp at Pamiri, but most tourists prefer to walk for another half an hour and camp in the open place from where the views of Seven Waterfalls dropping down from the Miar peak magnify the excitement. This is perhaps one of the unique and most magnificent views of the Karakoram splendors in a landscape of dense forested slopes, flower strewn grassy floor and ice-cold water stream.
Adventure enthusiasts can have a return hike over the side streams, boulders, and snow (depending on the season) to the waterfalls in a couple of hours. The weather conditions change suddenly so chances of sudden rain shall be considered in camping and night stay.
Khun Meadows
Khun meadows is without doubt an incredible wonder of Karakoram. The lush green outfield, tiny to high trees and gigantic views of surrounding Karakoram peaks brings it on the top of Karakoram splendors. Above all, this small plateau is almost untouched, clean, and unexplored piece of land at the top of Khaltaro. The only problem with the Khun Meadows is unavailability of water due to its higher location. It’s a must to carry water from the last water source before Khun Meadows for drinking and other uses according to your plan.
From the Pamiri or Sever Waterfalls Viewpoint, it takes 4-6 hours to reach Khun Meadows. The easiest route is to cross the wooden bridge over the stream from Pamiri and pick the trek towards Khaltaro. It’s an easy walk through the forest, occasional houses, and side streams. It takes about 2 hours to reach to reach to a point where path starts inclining. This is the time to re-check your water reserves! Ask a local if you haven’t hired a guide for the last water source to fill the water bottles and other containers.
The remaining hike till the Khun Meadows requires steady efforts on a few steep sections of the trek. The rest of the trek is moderately inclined, but the pine trees help keep the momentum along with the views down and back of the valley.
As you gain altitude, forest density starts reducing and lush green slopes take place. This is the start of Khun Meadows, and every next step will take you to richer distinctive landscape and greater views of 6000-to-8000-meter peaks in every direction. At an elevation of 3400m, the glorious landscape of Khun Meadows is a land of lush green grassy floor, waving up and down as far as the eye can see. from human height bushes to higher pine trees. The balance of every natural element mesmerizes anyone who approaches here.
Almost all major peaks of Rakaposhi-Haramosh range are visible from here. In addition, the views of complete Nanga Parbat massif are exclusive of this place. This is a 360 panorama of Karakoram range with many prominent named and unnamed peaks. The spectacular peaks visible from Khun Meadows include Nanga Parbat, Haramosh I and II, Malubiting, Laila, Kapaltang Kun, Diran, Miar, Bilchhar Dobani to name a few.
Imagine a meadow blanketed in vibrant contrast of grass and wildflowers gently swaying in the crisp breeze. The air is fresh and invigorating, filled with the scent of pine and blooming flora. Towering around, majestic snowy peaks rise against a clear blue sky, their pristine white caps glistening in the sunlight. The contrast between the lush green meadow and the stark, rugged mountains creates a breathtaking panorama. The tranquility of this scene is occasionally interrupted by the soft calls of birds and the grazing flocks, making this meadow a perfect haven of natural beauty and serenity.