SURROUNDED by the gigantic Hindu Kush mountain range, Khalti Lake is situated in the Gupis Valley of Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). Although the lake has numerous economic and water-resource dividends, it is known for its unique quality and is famously called the frozen lake.

Every winter, the lake freezes completely and becomes a perfect field for sports activities. During the summers, people rush to the lake for boating and fishing.

Khalti Lake lies right next to the main road and it takes only a couple of hours from the Gilgit city to reach the lake. The lake can be an ideal tourist destination if the local government arranges proper winter sports festivals and encourages individuals and teams to participate in them.

The best thing is that the natives are welcoming and friendly, and the valley is sometimes called the ‘land of hospitality’.

However, there are a few things that need the attention of the government and its relevant agencies. Although a motel run by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) is situated beside the lake for tourists and players, there is a general lack of good hotels, restaurants and infrastructure for tourists on the whole.

Moreover, there are connectivity and internet issues. The area has a sluggish 2G internet service, which makes it almost impossible to connect with the larger world and highlight this beautiful lake on social media.

Being a social activist, I, on behalf of society at large, urge the government to do the needful and make this frozen lake one of the world’s renowned tourism spots.

Neelam Wali
Gilgit

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2022