Chitta katha Lake

Chitta Katha Lake

Chitta Katha Lake is among the highest alpine lakes in the world, sitting at 13500 feet above sea level, surrounded by Hari Parbat mountains range (a group of steep, barren, snow covered peaks), which lies close to Nanga Parbat, 9th tallest mountain in the world, and 2nd tallest in Pakistan after K2. It is located in Shonter Valley, Azad Kashmir. The place can be thought of as a junction of Neelum, Naran and Skardu. Indian-Occupied-Kashmir disputed border is not very far away from here.

I am writing this blog for the information of tourists that come to Pakistan, particularly Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley – and of course hikers planning to take this trip.

This lake is accessible for hiking in July and August. Rest of the year, it almost becomes part of the glaciers around – pretty much walkable (if you can reach there, that is).

Hiking to this lake is an outstanding experience, one you will cherish forever. Its real value lies in not only reaching there but more importantly, enjoying the unparalleled natural beauty of Northern Pakistan along your hike. So, do not rush – plan to spend a night or 2 in your tents/camps. Not only will you have a great time, your body muscles will thank you for not stretching them beyond limits. (We found at-least 3 groups on our way who terminated their trips due to fatigue – initially they thought they can complete the 2 way hike in one day)

The pictures in this blog are high resolution. Click on a picture to see larger version, and click on the larger version again to see an even larger version – depending on you browser settings. They were taken with Nikon 5200 (18/55 lens) at variable iso settings, f=18mm & f/3.5. You may reuse the pictures after due permission and reference/citation. (See endnote)

There are no reported safety issues and people are very friendly along the way. However, you should avoid traveling in the night as the roads after Muzaffarabad are fairly tricky with several landslides.

Logistics

For the entire trip, you essentially need:

• Warm clothes in layers – you will need to put them on and take them off intermittently, depending on how much your body heats up while hiking – and whether its sunny or covered. Choose clothes that are not likely to tangle with bushes etc. Your jacket should be water resistant – if its not, take a raincoat.
• Shoes with good grip.
• Sun block and shades.
• Necessary medicine and quick first aid stuff for emergencies.
• Quick food such as energy bars, dates, candies or equivalent stuff of your choice, basically to recoup you energy while hiking.
• A torch.
• A swiss knife or equivalent.

You may take the following or get them from Kel or Shonter:

• Tent/camp
• Sleeping bags
• Basic toiletries and baby wipes
• Hiking sticks
• Water bottles (can be refilled from natural streams along the way)
• Food for the hiking night(s) and a stove, if you can not live without hot food for a night or 2. There are nomad families you will find during your hike, and they can cook for you. They offer items such as Chicken Karahi, Saag Paneer, Daal, Rotis, Paraths, Tea etc at reasonable rate. (around Rs. 200-300 [US 2-3] per person per meal)