Katora Lake is a gorgeous lake in Kumrat Valley which is famous for its breathtaking luxury and spiritual story connected to its “Katora” method.
Pot in Urdu is encouraged by its spherical form, which is equal to a bot’s. According to local myths, the Lake is sad to be captivated by different memories invisible treasures, and magical builders that are passed by through generations.
کاتورا جھیل کمراٹ ویلی کی ایک خوبصورت جھیل ہے جو اپنی دلکش خوبصورتی اور “کاتورا” طریقے سے جڑی ہوئی روحانی کہانی کی وجہ سے مشہور ہے۔
اردو میں “کاتورا” کا مطلب برتن ہے، جو اس جھیل کی گول شکل سے متاثر ہو کر دیا گیا ہے۔ مقامی کہانیوں کے مطابق، اس جھیل کے بارے میں کہا جاتا ہے کہ یہ مختلف یادوں، پوشیدہ خزانوں اور جادوئی کہانیوں سے منسلک ہے، جو نسل در نسل منتقل ہوتی رہی ہی
The location of Katora Lake is situated in the Upper Dir Pakistan Province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, It is present on the foothills of the robust Hindu Kush Mountains inside the well-known Kumrat Valley. This beautiful is surrounded by magical meadows and towering snow-protected high peaks. However, make these places to visit, vacation in their spots, and enjoy the journey here.
To reach Katora Lake, follow the steps:
Reach Thal: Start your adventure using touring Thal, a small town in Kumrat Valley.
Hire a Jeep to Jahaz Banda: From Thal, you may rent a Jeep to attain Jahaz Banda Meadows, the bottom camp for the Katora Lake trek.
Trek to Katora Lake: From Jahaz Banda, the trek to Katora Lake takes around three to 4 hours through scenic landscapes and rocky trails.
The jeep experience from Thal to Jahaz Banda prices around PKR 5000 to PKR 7000 (one-way) depending on the season and demand. It’s a shared experience, and you can split the fee with other vacationers.
You can find simple guesthouses and tenting spots in Jahaz Banda Meadows. Camping is a famous choice for traffic who need to experience the natural beauty and calmness of the place. It’s encouraged that you bring your tents and sound-asleep luggage for a comfortable life.
The trek from Jahaz Banda Meadows to Katora Lake takes about three to 4 hours depending on your pace and weather conditions. The path is reasonably difficult, with some steep climbs and rocky paths.
The Best time to visit Katora Lake is June to September because that’s time the weather has changed and all the snow has melted. All the blue water is revealed. In the winter weather, the lake is frozen and the area is locked due to heavy snow snowfall.
Below is a table listing the nearest places to Katora Lake, located in Kumrat Valley, Upper Dir District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, along with their approximate distances and notable features.
Place Name | Approximate Distance from Katora Lake | Notable Features |
---|---|---|
Jahaz Banda Meadows | 4.5–6 km (3–4 hour trek) | Lush meadows, pine forests, camping spots, wooden huts, base for Katora Lake trek. |
Thal Village | ~22 km (1.5-hour jeep ride to Taki Top) | Starting point for treks, vehicle parking, gateway to Kumrat Valley. |
Taki Top | Accessible by jeep from Thal (1–1.5 hours) | Starting point for trek to Jahaz Banda and Katora Lake, reachable by 4WD jeep. |
Panjkora River | Flows through Kumrat Valley | Scenic river for picnics, fishing, and views of surrounding mountains. |
Kumrat Valley | ~22 km | Known for forests, waterfalls, meadows; major tourist hub encompassing Katora Lake. |
Jandrai Village | En route to Jahaz Banda | Small village, stopover point, accessible by jeep before trekking. |
Loaksar Lake | Along trek to Katora Lake | Smaller lake on trekking route, offers boat ride facilities. |
Dhand Banda | Along trek to Katora Lake | Temporary hotels, tuck shops for refreshments on the trekking route. |
Jahaz Banda Meadows is a flourishing and inexperienced place surrounded by a high mountain. It works as an initial line for the trek to Katora Lake. The Meadows is best for All types of Camping, Relaxin,g and enjoying the beautiful sights in the valley.
The trek to Jahaz Banda starts from the village of Thal. It is a moderate hike that takes around 2 to a few hours via forests and streams. This trek is right for beginners and offers lovely perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
The distance from Kalam Valley to Katora Lake is about 80 km. You can reach Thal, the start line of the trek, by using the avenue from Kalam in about 4 to 5 hours.
Katora Lake is one of the most well-known lakes in the Kumrat Valley area. To attain it, site visitors first discover Jahaz Banda Meadows, a popular vacation spot itself, before continuing to the lake.
June to September: good for traveling with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
October to May: The lake is surrounding areas included by snowfall and temperature drop or freeze.
Month | Avg. Day Temp (°C) | Avg. Night Temp (°C) | Weather Description | Accessibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | -4°C | -15°C | Heavy snow, very cold | Inaccessible |
February | -2°C | -13°C | Snow-covered, freezing | Inaccessible |
March | 2°C | -8°C | Cold, melting snow begins | Difficult access |
April | 6°C | -2°C | Cool, patches of snow | Limited access |
May | 12°C | 2°C | Pleasant days, cold nights | Start of access |
June | 16°C | 6°C | Mild weather, ideal hiking | Accessible |
July | 20°C | 10°C | Warm days, cold nights | Fully accessible |
August | 18°C | 9°C | Rain showers, lush views | Fully accessible |
September | 14°C | 5°C | Cool, clear skies | Accessible |
October | 8°C | 0°C | Cold, autumn views | Limited access |
November | 2°C | -5°C | Cold, early snowfall | Inaccessible |
December | -3°C | -12°C | Snowy and harsh | Inaccessible |
Note:
Best time to visit: June to September
Off-season travel is risky due to snow and blocked trails.
Always check local weather updates before planning your trip.
The distance from Jahaz Banda to Katora Lake is around four km, which can be blanketed in a 3 to four-hour trek.
The distance from Kumrat Valley to Katora Lake is around 20 km, consisting of the trek from Jahaz Banda.
The overall distance from Kalam Valley to Katora Lake is approximately 80 km, with the adventure regarding each road travel and hiking.
The Distance from Islamabad to Katora Lake is 196km.
The Distance from Kumrat Valley to Katora Lake is 21.8km
Basic meal alternatives like local dishes, tea, and snacks are available in Kumrat Valley and Jahaz Banda Meadows. However, at Katora Lake, meal alternatives are restricted, so it’s advisable to hold your meals and water.
There is no electricity or charging facility at Katora Lake. It’s endorsed to hold charged power banks and flashlights on your experience.
The distance from Katora Lake to Kumrat Valley is 25km.
The best time to hike to Jahaz Banda and Katora Lake is between June and September.
The location of Katora Lake is situated in the Upper Dir Pakistan Province, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, It is present on the foothills of the robust Hindu Kush Mountains inside the well-known Kumrat Valley.
Katora Lake is an alpine glacial lake located in the upper reaches of the Jahaz Banda, Kumrat Valley in the Upper Dir District of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The lake is fed by the snowmelt from the surrounding glaciers. The word Katora means “bowl” in Pashto.
Within the amazing Kumrat Valley is a secret beauty called Katora Lake. It’s an excellent destination for nature lovers because of its stunning views, peaceful ecosystems, and adventurous trek. Katora Lake provides an unforgettable day whether you’re hiking through Jahaz Banda Meadows, camping beneath famous people, or playing in the lake’s clear water. Set out on your adventure during the summer months and take in the beauty of this lovely lake!
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