General
Katora Lake Trek (2024-25)
Enjoy the lovely Katora Lake Trek in the Upper Dir District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This picturesque route takes you through the green Kumrat Valley and the peaceful Jahaz Banda, ending with the breathtaking Katora Lake. Surrounded by beautiful peaks, this glacial lake provides breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat into nature. This trek is ideal for adventurers and environment lovers, offering amazing experiences and breathtaking scenery.
Itinerary – Katora Lake Trek
The itinerary for the Katora Lake Trek is given below.
Day 02: Travel to Jahaz Banda
On this Day
After an early breakfast at 6:00 am embarked on an exciting jeep safari to Takai Banda. The road winds through stunning vistas before arriving at the trek's beginning site. The trip to Jahaz Banda begins at Takai Banda and lasts three hours. It takes you through gorgeous meadows with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. By sunset, participants arrive at Jahaz Banda, a lush green hill station at an elevation of 3,100 meters. With towering snow-capped peaks in the background, the group spends the evening roaming the peaceful pastures before settling in for dinner and sleeping beneath the stars.
Day 03: Trek to Katora Lake
On this Day
The day begins early with breakfast at 6:00 AM, as the party prepares for the trek's primary highlight: the travel to Katora Lake. The trip takes roughly 3 to 4 hours, traveling through alpine meadows and picturesque pathways before ascending to the high-altitude glacial lake. When the participants arrive at Katora Lake at 11:00 am, they can rest and enjoy the spectacular beauty of the crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains. After exploring and taking in the landscape, the party returns to Jahaz Banda in the evening, where they will have dinner and spend another night camping in the quiet meadows.
Day 04: Jahaz Banda to Islamabad
On this Day
After a final meal at 6:00 am, the group begins their journey back to Takai Banda. From there, jeeps will transport the group to Thal, signaling the conclusion of the trekking leg of the journey. The journey back to Islamabad begins with a lunch stop along the route. By nightfall, the company arrives in Islamabad at about 6:00 pm, capping up a memorable excursion to Katora Lake.
Dates & Cost – Katora Lake Trek
All seasons are considered good for the Katora Lake Trek. Considering the inflow of tourists all year round, our dates are open throughout the year and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler. Our prices and dates for this tour (all seasons) are given below.
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Mid-November to February, 2025 | Daily | 550 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Spring | March to May, 2025 | Daily | 550 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Summer | June to Mid- September, 2025 | Daily | 550 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Autumn | Mid-September to Mid November, 2025 | Daily | 550 | 1 pax | BOOK NOW |
| Season | Months | Tour Start Date | Price Per Person (USD) | Minimum Travellers Required | Register |
Holiday Information
- Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
- Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing
- Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
- Map (hard copy)
- Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
- SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
- Driver
- All entry/admission tickets
- Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
- Toll & parking fees
- Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
- Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc
- Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
- Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
- Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue)
- Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
- Refunds in case of early tour windup/closure due to any reason
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
As Featured In:
Photo Gallery – Katora Lake Trek
Overview – Katora Lake Trek
The Katora Lake Trek is an exciting and gorgeous excursion across the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The voyage starts in the tranquil Kumrat Valley, which is famed for its lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and foggy mountains. Trekkers are greeted by breathtaking vistas of lush green meadows, tumbling waterfalls, and snow-covered peaks, making the valley a nature lover’s heaven.
The hike continues to Jahaz Banda, a magnificent alpine meadow at 3,100 meters above sea level. This idyllic hill station is flanked by high peaks, broad grasslands, and quiet pastures, making it an excellent starting point for the subsequent walk to Katora Lake. The lake, whose name translates to “bowl” in Pashto, is a breathtaking glacier lake located on the upper slopes of Jahaz Banda. Its crystal-clear waters mirror the surrounding mountains, resulting in a stunning and dreamlike landscape.
The hike to Katora Lake is relatively difficult, traveling through alpine meadows, steep trails, and spectacular views of the Himalayan range. The lake is a natural, high-altitude treasure that provides a calm and peaceful environment for hikers to enjoy. Whether you’re camping beneath the stars in Jahaz Banda or taking in the breathtaking vistas of Katora Lake, this trek promises to be an unforgettable experience for explorers looking for natural beauty and solitude in Pakistan’s north.
