Naltar is a valley situated near the city of Gilgit in Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan. Naltar is about 34 kilometres (21 miles) from Gilgit Naltar is a forested region known for its dramatic mountain scenery. Naltar valley is also famous for the three lakes-Strangi Lake, Blue Lake and Bodlok Lake. There is also a natural lush green garden known as "Halima garden"
Mountains of Naltar, on the foothills of which, Skiing is a popular sport.
Ski competitions are held at Naltar ski resort. Naltar Bala (upper) and Naltar Paain(lower) are two villages of Naltar valley. Naltar Paain is at a distance of 34 kilometres (21 miles) and Naltar Bala at 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Gilgit. Naltar Expressway connects Naltar with Gilgit City via Nomal and Faizabad. There is a town known as Nomal between Naltar valley and Gilgit. A road from Nomal goes to 'The Silk Route' to China.
The Naltar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the valley that was established on 22 November 1975.
The sanctuary is forested, there being a greatly comfortable growth of mixed montane, broadleaf and coniferous forests at lower altitudes and montane coniferous forest higher up. Coniferous species that are present include Picea and Juniperus. The trees present include Fraxinus, Olea, Pistacia, Sageretia, Betula, Salix, Populus and Krascheninnikovia ceratoides. Some herbs that grow here and there include Artemisia, Haloxylon and Stipa.
A few number of Astor markhor and an endangered specie of wild goat lives in the reserve. Other large mammals present include the Alpine ibex, snow leopard, brown bear, grey wolf, red fox, beech marten and leopard cat. Almost 35 species of birds have been recorded in the valley, including Brooks's leaf warbler.
Naltar Lakes
There are five lakes in the Naltar valley known as 'Satrangi Lake' Halima Lake' Bodo Lake'Green Lake' &'Blue Lakes' at a distance of 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Naltar Bala. The road from the village to the lakes is nonmetallic and narrow alongside a stream throughout this road coming from the mountains. It is almost impossible to reach the lake through any vehicle in winter due to the snow (10 to 15 feet high) on the road.
Tourism Facilities
The valley offers a variety of flora, fauna as well as natural scenery. The government has established some rest houses in the valley. GBPWD Resthouse is the oldest rest house in the valley. FCNA, GB Scouts & PAF had their own rest houses to serve the purpose. There are also several private accommodation facilities and hotels in the valley.
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