Ondra Poygah Gulmit Trek
Ondra Poygah is a famous historic community built wooden stair trek in Gulmit Gojal offering panoramic views of Attabad Lake Passu Cones and Gulmit Village.
ExploreIshkoman Valley
Ghizer Ishkoman, Gilgit-Baltistan
Overview
Located in the northern reaches of Ghizer District Ishkoman Valley is a serene high altitude mountain valley serving as a historic geographic bridge between the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges. Sitting along the roaring Ishkoman River the valley stretches northward toward the high mountain passes connecting Gilgit Baltistan with Chitral and the Pamir region via the Wakhan Corridor. Ishkoman is renowned for its diverse ethnic cultural heritage inhabited by Wakhi Khowar and Shina speaking mountain communities. The valley features crystal clear glacial rivers emerald green pasturelands fruit orchards and high altitude alpine lakes including Shezar Lake and Attabad Glacial Pools. Serving as a prime destination for off the beaten track wilderness trekking trout fishing cultural exploration and high mountain photography Ishkoman offers travelers an unspoiled sanctuary of peace and rugged alpine beauty.
Highlights
- Historic high mountain valley bridging the Karakoram Hindu Kush and Pamir mountain ranges
- Home to vibrant Wakhi Shina and Khowar cultural communities living in traditional mountain villages
- Strategic trekking gateway leading toward Karambar Lake Chitral and the Wakhan border corridor
- Crystal clear turquoise rivers glacial melt streams emerald green pastures and fruit orchards
- Pristine off the beaten path wilderness destination ideal for trout fishing and landscape photography
Things To Do
- Trek along high alpine trails connecting Ishkoman Valley to Karambar Lake and Yasin Valley
- Photograph the striking turquoise waters of Ishkoman River set against rugged granite ridges
- Experience authentic local Wakhi and Shina hospitality and traditional mountain cuisine
- Walk through green terraced fields organic fruit orchards and historic wooden mountain hamlets
- Enjoy quiet trout fishing and wilderness camping along cold mountain streams in upper Chatorkhand
Local Transportation
Accessible via a scenic 2 to 2.5 hour drive heading north from Gilgit city via Gahkuch junction along paved and unpaved valley roads.
Accommodation
Local tourist guesthouses, villager homestays, private mountain lodges, and green riverside camping grounds in Chatorkhand and Immit villages.
Food & Cuisine
Traditional local mountain meals including flatbreads, fresh dairy products, mutton karahi, local trout, fresh fruits, and hot green tea.
Safety Information
Highly peaceful, welcoming, and safe travel destination. Hire local 4x4 drivers for high mountain tracks leading to upper border villages.
Travel Tips
Carry adequate cash as ATM facilities are limited, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring original identity documents CNIC for local security check posts in upper Ishkoman.