Ghanche Lake, locally Khenpi Tso ("right-hand side lake"), lies in Ghanche Nullah above Khaplu at about 4,600 metres, and its draw is a line-up of 8,000-metre peaks along the horizon: K2, Broad Peak and the Gasherbrum group. It is a remote, camping-only trek that few visitors do, and the published information is thin and inconsistent, so treat any figure here as a starting point to confirm with a local operator before you commit.
This guide sets out what the sources agree on, where they differ, and what to arrange before attempting it.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Lake | Ghanche Lake (Khenpi Tso), Ghanche Nullah, Ghanche district |
| Altitude | About 4,600 m (one operator itinerary lists 4,300 m) |
| Trailhead | Gharbuchang (Garbuchun) village, Khaplu, per operator itineraries |
| Time | Sources vary: "seven hours' walk" from Khaplu; three days; or two days of trekking |
| Season | June to October, according to one trek listing |
| Peaks in view | K2 (8,611 m), Broad Peak (8,047 m), Gasherbrum IV, Gasherbrum II |
| Facilities | None; camping only |
What is Ghanche Lake?
Dawn's account of the lake describes a body of crystal-clear water in Ghanche Nullah, surrounded by green pastures, alpine flowers, glaciers and streams. The standout feature is the view: from right to left you can see K2 at 8,611 metres, Broad Peak at 8,047, Gasherbrum IV at 7,925 and Gasherbrum II at 8,035, plus other well-known peaks in a series. The same report compares the outlook to the restricted Gondogoro Pass route, reached with far less effort than seven consecutive days of trekking.
Trek listings give the altitude as 4,600 metres, and another gives 4,599.9. One operator's long itinerary puts the lake at 4,300 metres, so the exact figure is uncertain. Either way it is high enough to take seriously.
How long does the trek take?
This is where the sources disagree, and where you should be careful.
- Dawn says the lake is about seven hours' walk from Khaplu town, with a recommendation to camp one night on the way for acclimatisation and a second night at the lake.
- A trekking listing describes an easy three days from Gharbuchang village.
- One operator's long itinerary has a first day from Gharbuchang to a camp at 3,600 metres, then a four-hour trek to the lake the next day.
- A trek directory lists a seven-day Ghanche Lake trek with a maximum altitude of 4,600 metres.
The common thread is a start from Gharbuchang village at the foot of the valley, an overnight camp around 3,600 metres, and the lake on the second day, with the length of the whole trip depending on how many rest days an operator builds in. Plan for at least two to three days, and do not plan a single day push. Our Thoksikhar guide also starts from Gharbuchang, which is the easy local walk from the same village.
Altitude and acclimatisation
Khaplu is about 2,600 metres, and the lake is roughly 2,000 metres higher. Dawn recommends that non-local visitors camp one night on the way up and another at the lake. That advice matches normal practice for climbing 2,000 metres. Go slowly, drink water, and turn back if anyone has a bad headache, vomiting or confusion. Our altitude sickness guide covers the signs.
Season
One trek listing gives June to October. The lake and high pastures will be snow-bound outside summer, and the weather can change quickly at 4,000 metres. July to September is the most sensible window for a first attempt.
What to arrange
- A local guide. The route is not signposted, and operators recommend local guides for navigation.
- Camping gear and food. There are no hotels or stalls, so you carry tents, warm sleeping bags, stoves and food. Pakistani operators in Skardu and Khaplu can supply porters and equipment, as covered in our guide to hiring guides and porters.
- Permit position. Check current rules with your operator before you go, as our trekking permit guide explains. The Dawn report compares the lake to a restricted route, so confirm the lake and valley are open to you.
- Weather buffer. Build at least a spare day into the trip.
Who should do it
The trek suits fit people with some high-altitude experience who want a quiet alternative to the busier Karakoram trails. It does not suit families with children, anyone who has not been above 3,500 metres, or travellers with only a day to spare. For gentler walks near Khaplu see our hikes near Khaplu. For the peaks you would be looking at, see our guide to 8,000-metre peaks in Pakistan, and our experiences page lists other trips. The Skardu hub covers the wider area.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Ghanche Lake?
About 4,600 metres according to most listings, though one operator itinerary gives 4,300 metres.
Which 8,000ers can you see from Ghanche Lake?
Dawn lists K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum IV and Gasherbrum II, along with other peaks in a series.
How long is the trek to Ghanche Lake?
Sources disagree: from about seven hours' walk from Khaplu to a two- or three-day trek with an overnight camp. Plan at least two nights and confirm with an operator.
Where does the trek start?
Operator itineraries start from Gharbuchang (Garbuchun) village near Khaplu.
Is there a hotel or shop at the lake?
No. It is camping only, and you carry food and gear.
When is the best time to go?
Summer. One listing gives June to October, and July to September is safest.
