Borith Lake and Ghulkin Glacier

Borith Lake is one of upper Hunza’s quieter gems, rewarding travellers who venture just beyond the most famous viewpoints. North of Passu and close to Ghulkin village on the Karakoram Highway, this calm, reed-fringed glacial lake sits beneath the rugged ridgelines of Gojal with the Ghulkin Glacier looming nearby.

The approach to Borith is unlike most walks in the Karakoram. Instead of steep climbs, the trail meanders gently across a stretch of pale sand dunes created by glacial outwash. The combination of undulating dunes, a nearby glacier, jagged rock peaks and a still, high-altitude lake feels almost surreal.

On calm mornings the lake becomes a perfect mirror, and in spring and summer it attracts a variety of birdlife. The return walk from Ghulkin village typically takes 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace, making it an accessible half-day outing that pairs naturally with Passu Glacier and Attabad Lake as part of a full day in upper Hunza.

Summer (May–September)

Borith Lake is at or near full water level, with pleasant temperatures and wildflowers around the shore. This is the best overall window for walking the dunes and enjoying clear reflections on the lake.

Autumn (October)

Crisp, clear air and softer light make October excellent for photography. Visitor numbers drop and the atmosphere becomes even quieter, though temperatures are cooler, especially mornings and evenings.

Overall Best Time

May to October is ideal. The trail is generally accessible from spring onwards, but the lake can be partially frozen or low in early spring, and conditions become cold and occasionally snowy from November through early spring.

By Road

Ghulkin village lies on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) roughly 20 km north of Gulmit and about 15 km north of Attabad Lake. From Karimabad in central Hunza, the drive to Ghulkin typically takes 1.5–2 hours by private car or hired jeep. Public transport jeeps and minibuses running along the KKH towards Sost can drop you at the Ghulkin junction, from where you can walk or arrange a local ride up to the village.

On Foot

From Ghulkin village, the trail to Borith Lake is mostly flat with gentle undulations. It crosses the glacial outwash plain and sand dunes before reaching the lake shore. The walk is approximately 5–6 km return and usually takes 1.5–2 hours each way at a relaxed pace, depending on stops for photos and views of the Ghulkin Glacier.