Handarap Lake is a high-altitude water reservoir located in the Shandur Valley in Gupis-Yasin District, the westernmost part of Gilgit-Baltistan, the northernmost part of Pakistan. The lake is an important source of fresh water and also a tourist attraction. There are trout from the rivers.
Handarap Lake is one of the many attractions in the Shandur Valley. The lake is fed by the melting snow and glaciers of the surrounding mountains. The water in the lake is crystal clear and reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Location of Handarap Lake Gilgit
Handarap Lake is located in Handarap Nallah, Shandur Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Its estimated elevation is 3,285 meters or 10,777.6 feet above sea level. The lake is reached by taking the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad to Gilgit, then continuing west on the Gilgit–Chitral road towards Shandur.
The Shandur Valley is a high-altitude plateau that sits between the Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges. The valley is famous for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for adventure seekers, hikers, and mountaineers.
The final leg of the journey is a four-hour hike from the village of Handarp Valley, where accommodation is available. Now a Jeepable Road is being built from the valley to the lake, this road would be better for tourists, they could travel by van, by bike and also by bikes.
The lake is known for its unique ecosystem, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors to the lake can spot a variety of birds, including the Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Monal, and Golden Eagle. The lake is also home to the rare Snow Leopard and the Asiatic Black Bear.
Lake Handarap is surrounded by snow-capped mountains of various shapes including conical and cylindrical.
Handrap is another beautiful village in the Gilgit Baltistan region. Handrap Village is famous for its lush green fields, hospitable people, and magical sunrise and sunset views. Khokosh and Shonji River surround this charming village which further adds to the beauty of the town.
Handrap is another beautiful village in the Gilgit Baltistan region. Handrap Village is famous for its lush green fields, hospitable people, and magical sunrise and sunset views. Khokosh and Shonji River surround this charming village which further adds to the beauty of the town.
Weather of Handarap Valley
The environment of the village is considered to be a local steppe climate. Rainfall occurs between January and March. The city is best explored from June to August when the weather is pleasant and the breeze makes you feel light and fresh. Tourists can enjoy fresh greenery everywhere.
The village side of Handrab is full of lush green fields. Tourists there can witness the hard-working local people working and cultivating in the fields. They are very welcoming to tourists and foreigners and try to serve them as best as possible. Tourists can also enjoy local food and desserts there.
Best Time to Visit Handarap Lake
The best time to visit Handarap Lake is from June to September when the weather is pleasant, and the lake is not frozen. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and camping by the lake. The lake is also a popular spot for photography, and visitors can capture stunning images of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual event that takes place in July near Handarap Lake. The festival is a celebration of the traditional sport of polo and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. During the festival, teams from different regions of Pakistan compete in a friendly match of polo, and visitors can enjoy local food, music, and dance.
In conclusion, Handarap Lake is a beautiful destination that offers visitors a unique experience of nature and adventure. The lake’s pristine waters, stunning scenery, and unique ecosystem make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The lake is a hidden gem in the Shandur Valley and is waiting to be explored by those who seek adventure and beauty in nature.
