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Are you looking for a peaceful and scenic destination in Pakistan, where you can enjoy nature, culture, and adventure? If yes, then you should visit Borith Lake, a saltwater lake in the upper Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan. Borith Lake is a hidden gem that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and meadows. You can also explore the nearby attractions, such as the Hussaini suspension bridge, the Passu cones, and the Batura glacier. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Borith Lake, including how to get there, what to expect, and what to pack.
Borith Lake is a lake in Gulmit, Hunza Valley in Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan. Borith is a hamlet in the surroundings of the Borith Lake to the northwest of Husseini, a village near Gulmit, Gojal, in the upper Hunza. The altitude of Borith is roughly 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) above sea level.
It lies approximately 2 km to the north of Ghulkin, a saline body of water occupying a small hollow at an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). The lake can be reached via a 2 km unpaved jeep route from Husseini village, which lies adjacent to Ghulkin village. It is also accessible by a 2-3 hour trekking route directly from Ghuylkin, across the end of the Ghulkin glacier. The lake receives melt water from the Ghulkin Glacier
The site is a sanctuary for migrating wildfowl and is often visited by bird-watchers and nature lovers. To witness the large number of ducks arriving from the warmer parts of southern Pakistan, one should visit between the months of March and June. The birds rest here on their way northwards to the cooler waters of central Asia. Similarly, from September–November, the event occurs in reverse with the onset of winter towards the north.
Borith Lake is located in Borith, a small village within Gulmit in the upper Hunza Valley, Gojal District. You can reach Borith Lake by road from Gilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is about 100 km away. You can take a local bus or a private car to Gulmit, which takes about 3 hours. From Gulmit, you can either take a 2 km unpaved jeep route to Borith Lake, or you can hike for about an hour across the Ghulkin glacier, which is a more adventurous option.
The trek to Borith Lake is not very difficult and requires a moderate level of fitness and experience. You should hire a local guide from Gulmit, who can help you with the route, the luggage, and the camping arrangements.
Borith Lake is a natural wonder that will mesmerize you with its beauty and tranquility. The lake is about 2 km long, 600 meters wide, and 14 meters deep. The lake is fed by the meltwater of the Ghulkin glacier, and has a high salinity level. The lake is surrounded by lush green meadows, where you can see wildflowers, herbs, and berries. The lake is also a sanctuary for migrating wildfowl, such as ducks, geese, and cranes. You can see them resting on the lake from March to June, and from September to November.
Borith Lake is a great place to relax, meditate, and enjoy the nature. You can also indulge in some activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, and birdwatching. You can also fish for khara, a local fish, with a fishing license. You can also visit the nearby hamlet of Borith, where you can see the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local people, who belong to the Ismaili sect of Islam and speak the Wakhi language.
A short trek of one hour each way brings visitors to Ghulkin Glacier. Hikers can follow the trekking route towards Borith Lake as far as the edge of the glacier, and return by the same route.
Borith Lake is a high-altitude destination that requires proper preparation and equipment. Here are some of the essential items that you should pack for your trip:
Borith Lake has a cold and dry climate, with large variations in temperature between day and night. The average temperature ranges from -8°C (18°F) in winter to 15°C (59°F) in summer. The precipitation is low, with most of the rainfall occurring in July and August. The following chart shows the average monthly temperature and precipitation for Borith Lake.
Table
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature (°C) | -8 | -7 | -3 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 14 | 10 | 4 | -2 | -7 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 14 |
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