Kharmang

Kharmang is a district in Gilgit-Baltistan at a distance of 311 km from Gilgit City on the banks of the Indus River along Kargil-Skardu Road. It is located on the Control Line between Pakistan and India, with Kargil district of Indian-Occupied Jumma & Kashmir.

It has boundaries with Ghanche, Skardu, and Astore districts. It also shares its boundary with the Kargil district and Leh district in Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. It can be accessed through Kargil-Skardu Road by turning on the right side along the Indus River after passing Skardu City. The area is strategically important due to the Line of Control and the Kargil war in 1990 between Pakistan and India.

How to Access Kharmang

Kharmang valley is located along the right bank of the Indus River and is one of the main valleys in Gilgit-Baltistan. It has a number of attractions due to its beautiful waterfalls, riversides, and lush green orchards of fruits.

From Skardu city, follow the road heading southeast by crossing the cold desert sand dunes. It leads downstream along the Indus River through the canyon gaps with the sheer mountain walls and finally gives the view of lush green apricot, apple, and walnut trees after one to two hours drive. Kharmang also produces the best quality fruits such as apple, apricot, and cherry.

Tolti - Cultural and Historical Hub

The most cultural and historical hub in the Tolti, the administrative headquarters of the district. It is located near Kusuru River on Kargil-Skardu Road at 35 km after the confluence of the Shayok River with the Indus River. It represents the traditional Balti lifestyle and local traditional markets. Tolti Bazaar is one the historical bazaar where you can purchase anticraft of the local Balti artisans.

Tolti Valley is a lush green valley full of green fields due to its fertile land on the left bank of the Indus River. The town is also famous for the local orchards of apricot of finest quality and taste. One can admire the beauty of the valley due to numerous scenic views of lush green fields and orchards. It is the main town in the Kharmang district, so you purchase all of the require supplies, eatables, and refuel your vehicle. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants at affordable rates, if you plan to stay a night there.

Kharmang - a Land of Waterfalls

Kharmang is also known as the land of waterfalls and forts. There were several forts constructed in the era of Ali Sher Khan Anchan. Kharmang Fort is one the most famous of them in the Gambat Brok town on the left bank of the Indus River. It is an attractive and beautiful old-styled building. It was built in the Maqpon dynasty in the 17th century for defense purposes.

Manthokha Waterfall

Manthokha Waterfall is situated on the right side of the Indus River on the Kargil-Skardu Road after crossing the Ghasing village at a distance of 40 km from Skardu city. After leaving the main highway by crossing the bridge over the Indus River, one can arrive right at the base of the towering rock walls with cool and pleasant atmosphere of the waterfall. From the main road, a paved trek leads through the lush green lawns with colorful flowers. Manthokha Waterfall is nearly 180 feet high on the rocky mountains of the Karakorum within the lush green pastures. Few small restaurants are also available, where you can enjoy the trout from the local farms by viewing the falling water with shining droplets in the air.

Khamush Waterfall

Khamush Waterfall is located near Ahmadabad in the Kharmang district at a distance of 60 km from Skardu city on a rugged trek with raw natural beauty. It has a splendid fall of water between the huge standing rocks. It is one of the most beautiful and natural waterfalls. It is favorite spot who loves quiet and lonely place and can enjoy the untouched beauty of the waterfall.

Turghanchu Lake Trek

Turghanchu Lake, a glacier lake, is situated in a remote area of Kharmang valley. It can be accessed by turning to the right side of Kargil-Skardu Road. A 23 km small trek leads toward the lake. It has a scenic beauty within the snow-covered mountains.

Ghandus Lake Trek

Ghandus Lake is located in Ghandus village on the Gaeche River. It can be accessed via Kargil-Skardu road after crossing the Gamba Paari bridge. You have to trek along the Gaeche River to access this lake, or hire a jeep for Ghandus village and trek toward the lake. It is a beautiful blue water lake within the high mountain standing rocks. It is famous due to the abundant quality of trout fish and other water life in it. The source of water is the snowfall on the surrounding mountains.

Kharmang Rumbukha - Land of Singing Streams

Kharmang Rumbukha is a scenic valley in the Kharmang district full of singing streams within the lush green orchards and field. It is quite and attractive place to visit, where you can only listen the flow waters in the streams. In the months of July to August, you can enjoy the organic apricots everywhere.

The confluence of the Shayok River and the Indus River is a beautiful point to stay at for awhile. It gives a splendid view of the mixing waters of both rivers.

Going to plan mountain tails on the western ridges of Kharmang in the high-altitude alpine lakes and meadows, look at our complete Deosai National Park Route Guide.