Khalti Lake, reservoir in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Khalti Lake is a large reservoir in Ghizer District situated at about 2,200 meters elevation surrounded by mountainous terrain and fed by the Ghizer River. The water is clear and cold, set against green fields and the village of Khalti on its banks, with the Hindukush mountains forming the backdrop of the landscape.
The lake was formed long ago when glaciers melted and left behind a large body of water in this mountain region. Over many generations, it has been integrated into the local landscape and the daily routines of the village population.
The lake serves as a gathering place for the Khalti community, especially in winter when its frozen surface becomes a sports ground for football and volleyball matches that are central to local life. These activities reflect how people here use the natural landscape as part of their everyday social traditions.
The drive from Gilgit takes about three to four hours by car along a scenic valley following the Ghizer River, with a winding road and several viewpoints available. Bring supplies with you as facilities on site are minimal, and the best time to visit is between May and October.
During winter months the lake surface freezes over and locals use it as an impromptu sports ground for football, polo, and volleyball matches, making this season surprisingly lively. This frozen-surface tradition is particular to the region and gives visitors a chance to witness how the landscape transforms for community recreation.
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