General
Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek (2024-25)
Discover the Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek, an exciting adventure through the Upper Kaghan Valley’s pristine landscapes. Explore the beautiful Satsar Mala Lakes, a chain of seven cascading glacial lakes, and marvel at the amazing vistas from Surkhail Lake, which stands at 14,100 feet. This hike also covers the beautiful Sambak Sar and Daram Sar peaks, providing a memorable adventure through some of Pakistan’s most isolated and scenic landscapes.
Dates & Cost – Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek
Summers are ideal for the Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek. The start and end dates in the table below are your arrival and departure dates from Pakistan. The months mentioned below are the ideal months for trekking in this region of Pakistan. We have guaranteed departures every year. Our dates and costs for the thek are given below.
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2024 | 23-Jun-2024 | US$ 600 | Limited Space | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| 20-Jun-2025 | 23-Jun-2025 | US$ 600 | Available | US$ 260 | BOOK NOW |
| Start Dates | End Dates | Price (USD) | Availability | Deposit | Registration |
Holiday Information
- Licensed professional guide (government requirement)
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
- All road transport in Pakistan
- Hotel accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing rooms)
- Trekking accommodation in Pakistan (twin sharing tents)
- Hotel meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking meals in Pakistan (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Trekking logistics (tents, non-personal equipments and tools)
- Support staff (cook, assistant(s) etc)
- Porters for trekking equipments, kitchen (supplies, tools, equipments, crockery, gas) and personal luggage
- Travel Insurance (recommendations only)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents offered)
- International airfare
- Personal equipments (list provided on registration or request)
- Tips for guides, porters, staff etc
- Miscellaneous (drinks, phone calls, laundry, souvenir etc)
Itinerary – Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek
The itinerary for the Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek is given below.
Day 02: Satsar Mala (7 Lakes) Exploration
On this Day
Arrive at Batakundi for a delicious breakfast before beginning the journey. Set off from Gittidas' base camp to discover Satsar Mala's seven magnificent lakes. Spend the day admiring the cascading lakes, the highest being Surkhail Lake. After a long day of exploring and admiring the stunning countryside, return to the Gittidas campground before dark. Settle in for a relaxing evening with dinner and overnight camping beneath the stars.
Day 03 - Explore Sambak Sar and Daram Sar Lakes
On this Day
Take an exciting 4x4 safari jeep ride from Gittidas to Sambak Sar Lake. Before climbing to the neighboring Daram Sar Lake, take in the picturesque drive and spectacular views from Sambak Sar. After exploring both lakes, return to Batakundi. Set up camp when you arrive, then relax with a well-deserved meal and a good night's rest.
Day 04: Return to Islamabad
On this Day
Start the day with breakfast at the Batakundi campground. Depart for Islamabad at 11:00 a.m., with a lunch break in Balakot along the route. Return to Islamabad around 7:30 p.m., capping up a journey full of great experiences and new friends.
Why Register Early?
1. Early Bird Discount: The given prices for the holiday are limited-time discount offers and are subject to change. Service providers including (but not limited) to airlines and hotels increase prices in peak-season. Early reservations cost less than peak-season.
2. Limited Flight Seats: Domestic flight seats to the Karakorams and Himalayas are sold out way ahead of time because there are only two daily flights during peak season. Among other things, the deposit is used to book domestic flights for you in advance.
3. Pay Balance after arrival in Pakistan: In these unusual times, we appreciate that paying the final balance for your trip may cause concern. Our policy is to only receive your final balance once you arrive in Pakistan. The only payment before arrival is the deposit.
4. Deposit valid for 3 years: We understand the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic (Covid-19). As part of our relaxed booking conditions following Covid-19, deposits are valid for 2 years.
6. Pay Minimum Deposit: The deposits for the holiday are also early-bird discounts and automatically change accordingly:
- 1st October: USD 190
- 1st November: USD 290
- 1st January: USD 350
- 15th February: USD 400
- 1st March: USD 450
- 1st May: USD 490
Note: The same dates above apply to next season's deposits.
Refund Policy for All
Deposit: Once paid, the deposit is non-refundable (but valid for 2 years) as it will be spent on making in-country arrangements.
Balance: Pay the balance only after arrival in Pakistan on the first day. Payment guidelines will be shared timely.
Currency
All international travelers can pay in US Dollars (USD) or equivalent in Euros (EUR) or Pound Sterling (GBP). Pakistani travelers are charged the equivalent in Pakistani Rupees (PKR).
Single Supplement
Separate hotel rooms (single supplement) will cost an additional USD 290. This includes all hotel nights. This payment should be made with the balance upon arrival.
Separate tents (single tent) will cost an additional USD 180. This includes the cost of additional porterage. This payment should also be made with the balance in Pakistan.
As Featured In:
| Apricot Tours' Social Responsibility |
| 1 foreign trekker = 5 trees |
| Apricot Tours will plant five trees for every foreign trekker who visits Pakistan for trekking to Nanga Parbat. The trees will be planted in the northern areas of Pakistan starting from 2019 as part of our CSR initiative. We aim to contribute to "Goal 13: Climate Action" of UN's Sustainable Development Goals by taking part in the massive government campaign to plant 10 billion trees during the next five years to tackle climate change. Pakistan's adverse climate impacts are very much visible through changing temperatures, prolonged droughts, increased floods and extreme weather conditions especially in Pakistan's mountain regions. Pakistan stands 7th on the list of countries that are mostly likely to be affected by global warming and has one of the highest deforestation rates in Asia. Decades of tree felling have reduced the country's forests to less than 3 percent of its total land area. How planting trees will make a difference? Planting trees will help save energy and money, cool our cities, reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion, provide habitat for species of many kinds, provide clean water and add to the beauty of Pakistan's mountain region by simply being there. Our participants can also donate separately. Details on this initiative can be requested. |
Photo Gallery – Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek
Overview – Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, Daram Sar Trek
The Satsar Mala, Sambak Sar, and Daram Sar Trek is an exciting adventure across Upper Kaghan Valley’s secluded and stunning terrain. This trip leads to the infrequently seen Satsar Mala Lakes, a stunning sequence of seven glacial lakes lying at high heights. The journey begins with a drive from Islamabad to Batakundi, followed by a hike from the base camp in Gittidas. The highlight of this walk is the discovery of the Satsar Mala Lakes, where water pours from one lake to the next, the highest being Surkhail Lake at 14,100 feet. The lakes are flanked by magnificent snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, creating a tranquil and attractive setting.
After seeing the grandeur of Satsar Mala, the journey continues with a 4×4 jeep trip to Sambak Sar Lake, followed by a hike to Daram Sar Lake. These lakes provide breathtaking panoramic views and are located in isolated and rocky terrain, bringing a sense of adventure and achievement to the walk. After visiting these lakes, the trekker returns to Batakundi to camp and reflect on his day’s adventures.
The last day comprises a return route to Islamabad, with a lunch break at Balakot to round up the expedition. The Trek provides an extraordinary blend of high-altitude trekking, dramatic scenery, and quiet natural beauty, making it a memorable trip for anyone looking to discover the untouched environment of Kaghan Valley.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024
