Attabad Lake by boat

Attabad Lake lies in the Hunza Valley near Passu, created when a landslide blocked the Hunza River in 2010. Boat trips on its bright water are a short, easy activity for travellers on the Karakoram Highway.

The lake is about 20 km long and sits at roughly 2,400 metres. Its colour comes from glacial silt. Local boatmen run short trips from the shore, usually 20 to 40 minutes. The setting is dramatic: steep brown slopes rise on both sides, and the lake fills the valley floor where the old road once ran.

How the visit goes

1. MorningArrive at the lakeReach the lake shore from Passu or Karimabad by road. The Karakoram Highway runs along part of the lake.
2. At the shoreChoose a boatLocal boatmen offer trips from several points. Agree the route and duration before setting off.
3. On the waterCross the lakeTrips usually head towards the landslide dam or along the valley. Views of the surrounding peaks open up.
4. ReturnBack to shoreMost trips last under an hour. Allow extra time to walk along the shore or visit nearby viewpoints.

Where it starts

The lake is reached by road from Passu (about 15 km) or Karimabad (about 45 km) along the Karakoram Highway. Local transport and hired jeeps serve the shore.

How the lake formed

In January 2010 a massive landslide at Attabad, in the Hunza Valley, blocked the Hunza River. The natural dam created a lake that slowly filled the valley, submerging parts of the old Karakoram Highway and several villages. The lake is about 20 km long and in places over 100 metres deep. Its water is a striking turquoise, coloured by fine glacial silt suspended in the meltwater.

The lake sits at roughly 2,400 metres above sea level, between steep, barren slopes. The surrounding peaks of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges frame the water. The landslide dam itself is a stark wall of rock and earth, and the lake has become a landmark on the route between Gilgit and the Khunjerab Pass.

Boat trips on the water

Boat trips run from several points along the shore, mostly near the village of Attabad and along the Karakoram Highway. Local boatmen use small motorboats or rowing boats. Trips typically last 20 to 40 minutes and head towards the landslide dam or along the length of the lake. The water is calm in good weather, and the views of the surrounding mountains are clear.

Travellers usually hire a local guide or jeep to reach the lake from Passu or Karimabad. At the shore, agree the route and duration with the boatman before setting off. Life jackets are normally available; check that they fit and are in good condition. The best time to be on the water is in the morning, when the wind is usually lighter.

What you will see

From the boat, the landslide dam appears as a huge ridge of rubble. The lake stretches away between bare slopes, and in clear weather the peaks of the Passu group and the Ghulkin Glacier are visible. On the shore, the remains of the old road and submerged trees can sometimes be seen below the waterline.

When to go and what to expect

The lake is accessible from May to October, when the Karakoram Highway is usually clear of snow. Summer days are mild, but it can be cool on the water, especially in the early morning. Afternoon winds often pick up, making the lake choppy, so morning trips are calmer. In winter, the area can be cold and the road may be affected by snow, though the lake itself does not freeze completely.

There are no facilities on the water. Bring drinking water, sun protection and a warm layer. The shore has a few basic stalls in season, but supplies are limited. The altitude is moderate, around 2,400 metres, so take it easy if you have just arrived from lower ground.

Access and safety

The Karakoram Highway runs along the lake, and some sections are unpaved. Travel rules in Gilgit-Baltistan can change; check current official advice before travelling. Boat trips are informal, so use your judgement about the condition of the boat and the weather.

Frequently asked questions