HomeAsiaThe Magical Satrangi Lake in Naltar Valley
The Magical Satrangi Lake in Naltar Valley
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Satrangi Lake Location: Satrangi Lake (Seven Colors Lake) is located in the Naltar Valley, Gilgit, Pakistan. Satrangi Lake is one of six lakes that are located in the gorgeous Naltar Valley. These six lakes are called Bashkiri Lakes or Naltar Lakes.
Naltar Valley is about 550 kilometers from Islamabad and 890 kilometers from Lahore. I’m sure you have seen Attabad Lake, Lulusar Lake, and Saif-ul-Malook lake, but honestly, the little Satrangi Lake is far prettier. The multi-color lake is eye-catching at first glance, and you will be stunned for sure. The water is multi-colored due to grasses grown inside the lake. It is a fantastic place for camping and hiking. This lake is strikingly beautiful; the locals now call it Satrangi Lake.
It is situated about twelve (12) kilometers from the main Naltar Valley at altitudes varying from 10,200 to 11,390 feet above sea level. It is an essential stop during your journey around Gilgit and Hunza. The best time to visit Satrangi Lake is in June and July.
It receives heavy snowfall in the winter. However, in the summer, the whole Naltar valley looks like a fairyland, surrounded by high peaks, glaciers, rivers, forests, cold streams, little boulders, and lush green fields.
Satrangi Lake is also called Rainbow Lake, and it has seven prominent colors, green, blue, orange, turquoise blue, yellow, brown, and pink, which you had never seen before in a lake. At dawn and dusk, the lake offers magical and unique, striking shades. But, for that, pray for a sunny day. Therefore, in the sun, the lake offers all its colors and striking views. However, in cloudy weather, you might not be able to see all the colors.
Satrangi Lake is fed by the underground springs of surrounding peaks. Though, you will not see where the water comes from,. But if you take a deep look inside some corners of the lake, you will observe that the water is coming from underground slopes.
From some distance, you can visit Blue Lake, Pari Lake, and Feroza Lake. The distance from Satrangi Lake to the blue lake is approximately one kilometer north of Satrangi Lake. Pari Lake is just behind Blue Lake. Whereas a 45-minute hike requires reaching Feroze Lake.
Rainbow Lake is one of the lakes that make nature elegant, like heaven. On a casual look, you will not be able to differentiate between grass and water, as it looks like grassy ground at a glance. The water of the lake is crystal clear, as is the underwater colorful vegetation that is giving it this look, hence its name, Starangi Lake, which means seven-color lake.
After traveling on a route of rocks and stones, mud and streams, full of adventure and anxiety for more than two and a half hours on a powerful 4×4 vehicle, (preferably on commercial jeeps for nominal charges, or by foot if you want to camp somewhere) passing through thick forest and a torrential river (Nalter River) along the way.
The no-path route is much more beautiful but extremely bumpy and rough. There are a number of places where you can stay and enjoy stunning nature like nowhere else. But it is only for those who can stand the roughest of rides in the Gilgit-Baltistan area.
Make sure, you must have adequate food or snacks for a day trip to Satrangi Lake from nearby Zeropoint or Rahimabad. As on the way, there are no such facilities in that area. Yes, there are some dhabaas offering an expensive tea service along with potato chips for tourists. There are no washroom facilities, but the preferred washrooms are near Blue Lake, not here.
Mentally you have to be very strong to get yourself prepared for rough travel on a bumpy, muddy track, fairly large stones, and streams.
How to Reach Satrangi Lake?
Islamabad to Naran – You can use your personal or public transport to reach Naran.
Naran to Babusar Top – Personal or Public transport available.
Babursar Top to Chillas & Gilgit – Personal and Public transport available
Gilgit to Rahimabad: Both public and personal transport are available
Rahimabad to Domel Village and Zero Point: About one and a half hours of jeep track The road is good until Domal village, but after that, it is under construction. Hopefully, the road will be constructed by the year 2023 or at most 2024.
During our trip, we saw countless NLC laborers working on both sides to make the road ready before 2023. After that, you will be able to drive your car to zero.
The future of Zero Point is promising; a lot of restaurants are under construction and ready to provide high-class facilities to tourists.  I’m anticipating that Zero Point will be a great tourist destination in 3 to 4 years.
Zero Point to Satrangi Lake: One-hour Jeep Track to Satrangi Lake and Blue Lakes Every point of this route is mesmerizing; it will blink your eyes and grab all the scenes for lifetimes. On the way toward Rainbow Lake, there are many breathtaking views. The supernatural snow-covered high peaks, lush green meadows, pine tree forests, and crystal-clear water streams will feast your eyes.
The relaxing atmosphere of Satrangi Lake is absolutely heart-touching. The birds are chirping all over and making relaxing sounds for the human mind. Not too many tourists are there. So, the serenity and relaxing surroundings will be a joyful place for any nature lover. As you reach the lake, the scene becomes more beautiful. The lake has many different colors. One will remember the lake forever after the visit.