Kharmang is the district east of Skardu, running up the Indus towards the Line of Control, and its main places to visit are Manthokha and Khamosh waterfalls, the orchard village of Mehdiabad, the ruined Kharmang Fort, and Olding, the last village before the border. It became its own district only in 2015, split off from Skardu, and it is still the least visited part of Baltistan.
This guide is a short map of what is where, so you can decide how much of Kharmang to see and in what order.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | East of Skardu, along the Indus, district headquarters at Tolti |
| From Skardu to Manthokha | About 80 km, roughly 2 hours |
| From Skardu to Kharmang Khas / Olding | Around 120 to 130 km, most of a day |
| Best months | May to September |
| Road | Paved in stretches, rougher further up the valley |
| Documents | CNIC; expect checkposts near the Line of Control |
Where is Kharmang?
Kharmang's name comes from the Balti words khar (fort) and mang (abundant) — the valley of forts — a name it earned in the era of Ali Sher Khan Anchan, the Skardu ruler who built a string of forts and watchtowers here for its strategic position on the old route to Kargil and Ladakh. Tolti is the district headquarters, and the valley follows the Indus upstream from Skardu, narrowing as it climbs towards the Line of Control.
It is an agricultural valley of apricot, apple and cherry orchards strung along the river, with a scatter of villages rather than one obvious town. Most visitors come as a day trip from Skardu rather than staying in the valley itself.
Manthokha waterfall
Manthokha is Kharmang's best-known sight: a 55-metre fall about two hours from Skardu, with a short walk to the base and trout restaurants beside it. It is the easiest of Kharmang's attractions to combine with a short Skardu trip. Our full guide to Manthokha waterfall covers the drive, the walk and the season, and our guide to where to stay near Manthokha covers the resort at the falls versus staying in Skardu.
Khamosh waterfall
Further up the valley, past Mehdiabad, is Khamosh waterfall, a taller and much less visited fall dropping from an overhung ledge with no pool at its base. It takes longer to reach than Manthokha and the road is rougher, so it suits visitors with a full day rather than a quick stop. See our guide to Khamosh waterfall for the drive and how to combine it with Manthokha.
Mehdiabad
Mehdiabad, formerly called Parkuta, is one of the main villages on the way up the valley, on the main road between Skardu and Manthokha. It is an orchard village rather than a sight in itself, but it is where the valley opens out and a natural stop for fuel, tea or a walk through the fields on the way to or from the waterfalls.
Kharmang Fort
In Kharmang Khas, further up the valley again, a ruined fort sits on a rocky bluff above the river — the "Kharmang khar" that gave the district its name, built by Baig Manthal and standing until around 1750, according to the old Balti chronicle the Shigar Nama. It has no signage or protection, and reaching it takes most of a day from Skardu. Our guide to Kharmang Fort has the history and how to combine it with Manthokha.
Olding, the last village
Olding is Kharmang's largest village and the last one before the Line of Control, sitting where the Skardu–Kargil road runs out. It is known for its orchards, its Indus and Dras river scenery, and its position on the old trade route to Ladakh, now closed since Partition. Our guide to Olding valley covers the scenery and what visiting near the border involves.
Getting there and around
The road up the valley from Skardu is the Skardu–Kargil road, paved in the lower stretches and rougher beyond Mehdiabad. An ordinary car manages the drive to Manthokha in summer; a 4x4 with a local driver is the easier choice for Khamosh, Kharmang Khas or Olding, all of which take most of a day. There is no fuel beyond the villages on the main road, so fill up in Skardu or Mehdiabad.
How much time does Kharmang need?
A day from Skardu is enough for Manthokha alone, and it is by far the most rewarding single stop if your time is short. Seeing Khamosh, Kharmang Fort or Olding as well means either a very long day or a night in the valley, best done with a local driver who knows the current road and checkpost situation. Our travel guide has more on planning time in Baltistan, and our Skardu page covers the sights closer to town.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kharmang best known for?
Manthokha waterfall, its most visited sight, followed by Khamosh waterfall, the orchard villages along the Indus, and the ruined Kharmang Fort that gave the district its name.
How far is Kharmang from Skardu?
Manthokha, the closest main sight, is about 80 km and two hours. Kharmang Khas and Olding, further up the valley, are around 120 to 130 km and take most of a day.
Is Kharmang safe to visit?
Kharmang runs up to the Line of Control, so expect checkposts and carry your CNIC. Pakistani visitors travel here regularly; check current advice in Skardu before heading up the valley, especially towards Olding.
Can I visit Kharmang in one day from Skardu?
Yes, for Manthokha. Reaching Khamosh, Kharmang Fort or Olding as well in a single day is a stretch; plan on a longer day or a night in the valley if you want to see more than the waterfall.
