Khamosh waterfall is a tall, little-visited fall in Kharmang district, deeper up the Indus valley than the better-known Manthokha waterfall, near the village of Hamzigon (also called Shirithing). It drops from an overhung rock ledge with no pool at its base, so the water scatters across the rocks below rather than landing in one place. Its name is Urdu for "quiet", and it sees a fraction of the visitors Manthokha does.
This guide covers where it is, how to get there and whether it is worth adding to a Manthokha trip.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Near Hamzigon (Shirithing) village, Kharmang district |
| Relative to Manthokha | Further up the valley, past Mehdiabad |
| Road | Paved as far as Manthokha, rougher beyond |
| Best months | May to September |
| Winter | The spray freezes around the fall; the road can close |
| Facilities | Little to none; bring water and snacks |
Where is Khamosh waterfall?
Khamosh sits well beyond Manthokha and Mehdiabad, further up the Skardu–Kargil road into Kharmang, near Hamzigon village. Sources vary on the exact distance from Skardu, which suggests it is worth asking locally for the current drive time rather than relying on any single figure online. What is consistent across accounts is that it is a longer trip than Manthokha, and a less developed one.
What to expect at the falls
The water falls from an overhung ledge rather than a straight rock face, so there is no plunge pool underneath it — instead the flow breaks apart on the rocks and sprays outward. That gives it a different character from Manthokha, which lands in a more open, grassy setting. There is little in the way of paths, seating or stalls at Khamosh; it is a natural site rather than a developed one, which is part of its appeal for visitors who have already seen Manthokha.
In winter, the spray freezes onto the surrounding rock, and the fall itself can partly ice over, a sight some photographers make the trip for. A cold-weather visit needs a 4x4, a local driver and a settled spell of weather, and the road should be checked in Skardu first.
Getting there from Skardu
The route follows the same road as Manthokha for the first stretch, then continues further up the valley:
- Skardu to Manthokha, about two hours on the Skardu–Kargil road. See our guide to Manthokha waterfall for this stretch.
- Past Mehdiabad and on up the valley towards Hamzigon. The road is paved as far as Manthokha and rougher beyond it, so a family car can struggle where a 4x4 will not.
- A short side turn to the falls from the main valley road.
A local driver from Skardu who knows the current state of the road is the easiest way to do this; hotels in Skardu can usually arrange one.
Like the rest of Kharmang, expect checkposts on the way, and carry your CNIC; our guide to Manthokha waterfall has more on what that involves.
Combining Khamosh with Manthokha
Because Khamosh is further up the same road as Manthokha, the two are naturally paired, but doing both in one day from Skardu makes for a long day out with a lot of driving. Two ways to approach it:
- See Manthokha only, if your time in Skardu is short. It has the trout restaurants, the easier road and the wider fame, and our guide to where to stay near Manthokha covers the resort there if you want to stay over.
- See both, with an early start or a night in the valley, if you have a full day to give it and want a quieter, less developed stop after Manthokha's crowds.
Best time to visit
May to September is the season, in line with the rest of Kharmang: the road is open, and the fall carries the most water in early summer as the snow above melts.
Winter turns Khamosh into an ice formation rather than a waterfall in the usual sense, but reaching it depends on the road being clear, which is not guaranteed between December and April.
Is Khamosh worth the trip?
If you have already seen Manthokha and have a full day free, yes — it is a genuinely different sight, and far fewer people make it this far up the valley. If Manthokha is your only stop in Kharmang, it is not worth rearranging a short trip for; the extra driving is significant for one more waterfall. Our guide to places to visit in Kharmang sets Khamosh alongside the district's other sights.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Khamosh waterfall from Skardu?
Further than Manthokha, which is about two hours away; Khamosh is deeper into the valley and estimates online vary, so ask locally for the current drive time before setting off.
Can I visit Khamosh waterfall in a normal car?
The road is paved as far as Manthokha and rougher beyond it. A family car may manage in good summer conditions, but a 4x4 with a local driver is the more reliable choice.
Is Khamosh waterfall the same as Manthokha?
No. They are two separate falls in Kharmang district; Manthokha is closer to Skardu and much better known, while Khamosh is further up the valley and largely undeveloped.
What does Khamosh mean?
It is the Urdu word for "quiet". Locally the site is also sometimes called Shirithing waterfall.
Is it safe to drive to Khamosh waterfall?
The valley runs towards the Line of Control, so expect checkposts and carry your CNIC. Check the current road and security situation in Skardu before making the trip, particularly outside the main summer season.
