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If you are looking for a serene and scenic destination in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, you might want to consider visiting Kharfaq Lake. This high-altitude natural lake is located near Kharfaq village, in the Khaplu Valley, in the Karakoram mountain range. The lake is also known as Riochug Tso in the local balti language.
Kharfaq Lake is a high altitude natural lake located in the Karakoram mountain range in Kharfaq, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The water of lake starts increasing in May and reached it maximum level in the middle of July. In winter season the snow cover the whole in its whiteness and give beautiful views. The best month for tourist to see the lake is the July and August.
Wildlife
Kharfaq Lake The lake is famous for its indigenous fish species. The lake and its environs serve as an important wildlife habitat. The lake has abundant of trout fish and desi fishes.
The lake is located 2 km (1.2 mi) away from the Kharfaq village and is around a 3-hour hike. There is no road access to the lake, but a road has been under construction for a while.
Kharfaq Lake is about 120 km from Skardu city. You can hire a jeep or a taxi from Skardu to reach the lake. The road to the lake is rough and bumpy, but offers stunning views of the mountains and the valleys. The jeep ride takes about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can also trek to the lake from Skardu, which takes about 2 days. The trek is challenging, but rewarding, as you pass through scenic meadows, streams, and forests.
Kharfaq Lake offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do at the lake:
The best time to visit Kharfaq Lake is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and the lake is full of water. The average temperature during this period ranges from 10°C to 25°C. The lake is also beautiful in winter, when it is frozen and covered with snow. However, the road to the lake can be blocked due to snowfall and landslides, so make sure to check the road conditions before visiting.
There are no hotels or guest houses near the lake, so camping is the best option for accommodation. You can bring your own tent and sleeping bag, or rent one from the local vendors. You can also find some hotels and guest houses in Skardu, which is about 120 km from the lake.
Here is a weather temperature chart for Kharfaq Lake, based on the average monthly data from Wikipedia:
Table
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | -5 | -15 |
| February | -3 | -13 |
| March | 2 | -9 |
| April | 9 | -3 |
| May | 15 | 2 |
| June | 20 | 7 |
| July | 22 | 9 |
| August | 21 | 8 |
| September | 18 | 5 |
| October | 12 | 0 |
| November | 5 | -6 |
| December | -2 | -12 |
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