Blind Lake
Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan
Quick Info
Attraction Type
Lake
Location
, Pakistan
Timings
Tickets / Entry
Recommended Duration
2 to 3 Hours
Visa / NOC Info
Standard Tourist Visa
Wheelchair Support
Not Accessible
Description
Blind Lake is a freshwater lake in the Shigar Valley. It is near the Shigar River. The lake gets its water from melting snow and glaciers. It is a quiet place known for its clear water and calm surroundings. Local people use it for fishing.
What To Do
- Walk around the lake shore.
- Take pictures of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Have a picnic by the water.
- Watch local fishermen.
- Enjoy the peaceful nature.
What To Buy
- Dry Fruits: Local markets in Shigar sell apricots, walnuts, and almonds. Get Directions
- Handicrafts: Handmade wooden items, pottery, and woven goods from Shigar Valley. Get Directions
- Woolen Shawls: Warm, hand-woven shawls made by local women. Get Directions
- Apricot Products: Jams, oils, and dried apricots are common. Get Directions
- Local Herbs: Traditional medicinal herbs and spices from the mountains. Get Directions
Policies & Info
- Keep the area clean; do not litter.
- Respect local culture and traditions.
- Ask before taking photos of local people.
- Follow any signs or instructions at the lake.
Health & Safety
- Wear good walking shoes as the ground around the lake can be uneven.
- Bring warm clothes, even in summer, as mountain weather can change fast.
- Stay on marked paths and avoid going too close to unstable edges.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated due to the high altitude.
- Be aware of changes in altitude and take time to get used to it.
Best Season to Visit
Spring: Mild weather in April and May. Flowers bloom. It is a good time to see nature wake up.
Summer: Warm and sunny from June to August. This is the best time for outdoor activities and clear views.
Monsoon/Rainy: /Rainy: July and August can bring some rain, but Shigar gets less monsoon rain than other parts of Pakistan. Roads can be wet. The valley becomes greener.
Autumn: Cool weather from September to November. Trees change color to gold and red. It is a quiet time to visit.
Winter: Very cold from December to March. There is often heavy snow, and the lake may freeze. Access can be difficult, but it is good for snow lovers.
How to Reach
- By Air: Nearest active airport is Skardu Airport (KDU), approximately 35 km from Shigar. You will need a taxi from Skardu.
- By Road: Take the Karakoram Highway towards Skardu. From Skardu, follow the road towards Shigar Valley. The lake is a short drive from Shigar town.
- By Train: Nearest active railway station is Rawalpindi Railway Station (RWP), located about 600 km away. From there, you must travel by road.
- By Public Transport: From Skardu city, you can find shared jeeps or vans that go to Shigar town. From Shigar, hire a local taxi or motorbike to reach the lake.
Where to Eat / Stay
- Where to Eat:
- Shigar Fort Restaurant: Inside Shigar Fort, Shigar. Contact: 05814570081. Get Directions
- Serena Hotel Shigar Restaurant: Serena Hotel Shigar, Shigar Valley. Contact: 05814570080. Get Directions
- Where to Stay:
- Shigar Fort Residence: Shigar Fort, Shigar. Contact: 05814570081. Website: shigarfort.com. Get Directions
- Serena Hotel Shigar: Shigar Valley, Shigar. Contact: 05814570080. Website: www.serenahotels.com/serenashigar. Get Directions
Emergency Contacts
- District Headquarters Hospital Skardu, Skardu. Phone: 05815920002. Get Directions
- Ambulances: 1122 (Rescue 1122 - Pakistan's general emergency number)
- Police Station: Shigar Police Station, Shigar. Phone: 05814920000. Get Directions