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N 35°18′ · E 75°37′
Attabad Lake · Upper Hunza, 2,400m
Kayaking on Attabad Lake
Paddle on 21km of turquoise water that didn't exist before 2010. On calm mornings, the submerged old Karakoram Highway is visible below the surface.
About the Lake
Attabad Lake formed in January 2010 when a massive landslide at Attabad village dammed the Hunza River. The lake grew to 21km long over five months, submerging villages, farmland, and 22km of the Karakoram Highway. The suspended minerals give the water an extraordinary turquoise colour that photographs almost artificially vivid.
Kayaking lets you reach the quieter western end of the lake where, in calm conditions, the old road signs and tarmac are visible a few metres below the surface, a deeply strange and memorable sight. Motor-boat tours cover more of the lake and suit families or larger groups.
The Experience
- ✦Morning light: The lake is glass-calm before 11am, deep colour, perfect reflections, no wind chop.
- ✦Submerged road: Old KKH signs and tarmac visible through the water in the western section.
- ✦Photography: The turquoise is most saturated in the 8 to 10am window when the sun angles into the water.
- ✦Family-friendly: Life jackets provided, calm water, suitable for all ages with supervision.
Booking Details
- ✦Kayak rental: Approx. PKR 1,500 to 2,500 per kayak per hour (single or double).
- ✦Motor-boat tour: Approx. PKR 3,000 to 5,000 for 30 to 45 min for 4 to 6 people.
- ✦Advance notice: 24 to 48 hours for Raahi to confirm and schedule morning slot.
- ✦Age / fitness: No restrictions for boat tours. Kayaking suits anyone comfortable on water.
- ✦Season: April to October. Best: May to June, September to October.
What Raahi Handles
- ✦4x4 transport from Karimabad to Attabad eastern shore (~45 min each way).
- ✦Vendor coordination for kayak or boat rental.
- ✦Scheduling to early-morning calm window.
- ✦Life jackets and safety briefing included by vendor.
- ✦Can be combined with Passu Cones or Gulmit on the same day excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water activity is available on Attabad Lake?
Attabad Lake offers kayaking (single and double kayaks), short motor-boat tours, and paddle-boat rentals from the eastern shore near Gulmit. Kayaking is the most immersive option: you can paddle into the quiet western end of the lake where the old Karakoram Highway road signs are visible through the water below you. Motor-boat tours cover more distance and are the standard choice for families.
Is the water safe to kayak in?
Yes, Attabad Lake is calm, wide, and free of strong currents. Life jackets are provided and required. The lake is at 2,400m altitude: the water is cold even in summer, so falling in is uncomfortable rather than dangerous if you are wearing a life jacket. Children should be accompanied. Raahi only books kayaking sessions in calm morning conditions.
What is the best time of day to kayak?
Morning is best, typically 7 to 11 am. The lake surface is glass-calm in the early morning with the best light for photography. By midday the valley winds pick up and the surface chops. Sunset is photogenic from a boat but wind conditions are less predictable. Raahi schedules morning sessions when possible.
What can I see through the water?
In calm, clear conditions in the western part of the lake, submerged road signs and sections of the old Karakoram Highway are visible a few metres below the surface. The lake formed after a massive landslide dammed the Hunza River in January 2010 over five months. The old road that connected Pakistan to China now lies beneath the water. This is visible by kayak or glass-bottom boat on calm days.
How far is Attabad Lake from Karimabad?
Attabad Lake is approximately 30km north of Karimabad on the Karakoram Highway, about 45 minutes by vehicle. The eastern boat-rental area is near Gulmit village. Most Raahi Hunza itineraries include Attabad as a half-day excursion from Karimabad, with kayaking or a boat tour as part of the visit.
When is kayaking on Attabad available?
Kayaking is available April through October. The lake is at its most spectacular in the shoulder months (May to June, September to October) when the water is calmest and visibility is clearest. July and August are possible but afternoon winds are stronger. The lake does not freeze in winter but access roads can be icy and vendors are closed from November to March.
Book a Morning on Attabad Lake
Tell us your group size and travel dates. We'll arrange transport from Karimabad, confirm the kayak or boat slot, and build it into your Hunza itinerary.
Book Kayaking