Wetlands of Northern Areas

Survey Report- 1997

By
Najam Khurshid

World Wide Funds for Nature

Pakistan
 Wetlands of Northern Areas

The survey was organised by Najam Khurshid, Director Conservation, WWF-Pakistan, under
the Wetland Conservation Programme-Pakistan.

Survey coordinated by:

Basit Khan-Director Northern Areas,

WWF-Pakistan.

Field assistance by;

Rehman Posh-Conservation officer

Northern Areas,WWF-Pakistan.

Report compiled by;

Rahat Jabeen-Wetland Conservation Officer,

Karachi, WWF-Pakistan.

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Table of Contents:

1. Preamble
2. Introduction
3. Khalti Lake
4. Phander Lake
5. Hunderap Lake
6. Shandur Lake
7. Rama Lake
8. Deo Sai Lake
9. Satpara Lake
10. Mour Khun Lake
11. Borith Lake
12. Naltar Lake

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Preamble:
Northern Areas spreading over 27000 sq. miles are situated between 35.5 latitude North and
72.2 longitude East in the Great Himalayan, Karakorum, Pamir and Hindukush mountain
ranges, having famous snow clad peaks of K-2 Nanga Parbat and Raka Poshi lapping
fascinating valleys, famous glaciers, coniferous and Juniperous forest, bluish lakes, mighty
rivers and nullahs teeming with rich aquatic life.
The nature has bastowed these areas with plenty of perennial waters forming major watershed
of Pakistan. The glacial waters are turbid, whereas the spring and snowy waters remain
crystal clear except for short spell of summer.
Tout is world renowned "BEST SPORT FISH" of snowy water, Patrick Chalmer said about
trout fish;

The wildest, the best

And the bravest of fishes
And however he's dressed
The most dainty of dishes.
(Patrick Chalmer)

The local "SNOW TROUT" food species are distributed in almost all type of waters. The
exotic Salmonids species BROWN TROUT is established only in the crystal waters in the
whole Northern Areas. (Trout in Nothern Areas)
Diversity of Avifauna including Waterfowls found in the whole Northern Areas, but due to
lack of management Natural Resources and rare species have the declining trend. Many
species of flora and fauna have depleted and scenic grandeur of the high peaks, glaciers and
lakes have great threat of degradation.
Conservation of the precious Natural heritage and resources base containing flora and fauna is
possible if their habitats are conserved well and managed effectively, with the establishment
of protected areas, awareness, incentives and community participation.

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Introduction:
The Northern Areas ( Gilgit, Ghizer, Diamer, Ganche and Skardu ) has been famous for its
scenic grandeur. The magnificent flora, fauna, the longest glaciers, the snow capped
mountains, the majestic peaks towering as high as 7300 m., long river and streams, crystal
clear water lakes of famous trout fish, deep narrow valleys, high level plateau deserts, utterly
devoid of any kind of higher vegetation and high flat extensive wide plains as high as 3965
m. are the salient feature of the Northern Areas, which have been attracting tourists, trekkers,
mountaineers, researcher and students.

The Natural Resources are declining rapidly due to mismanagement and over exploitation,
and the flora and fauna and other resources also have a depleting trend as a result of increased
disturbances and habitat losses coupled with indiscriminate hunting and poaching. Most of
the important wildlife species and many important plants, which form structural components
of our life support system have been placed in the danger list. This alarming situation calls for
immediate steps to be taken to save the valuable resources from further destruction through
conservation and management.
The people of Northern Areas speak different dialects, which are as follow;
1- Shina
2- Balti
3- Wakhi
4- Brushaski
5- Khowar
Shina is spoken in different parts of Northern Areas, in Diamer District, Gilgit and Ghizer
Districts
Balti dialect is spoken in Skardu and Ganche Districts of Northern Areas. Wakhi is spoken in
Gojal, District Gilgit, Ishkomen in Ghizer District and Broghil in Chitral District.
Brushaski is the dialect of the people of Hunza, Nagar, District of Gilgit and Yasin, District
of Ghizer. Khowar is spoken in the many parts of District Ghizer.
The majority of the people of Northern Areas are Agro-Pastoral in profession, and they
depend on their livestock which are their wealth, because they use to sale these livestock in
different difficult time.
There are more than 19 big and small lakes in the whole Northern areas. Some are very
famous due to its fascinating views and for Trout fihes e.g; Hunderap Lake is very famous
for Trout Fishes in the whole Northrn areas. Deo Sai, Satpara and Shandur lake and other
many lakes are very famous for its scenic views.
Climatic condition of Northern Areas, varies with the seasons, because monsoon rains don't
extend north of Indus valley, the region receives its main precipitation through westerly
winds. The area therefore has a climate of the Continental-Mediterranean type.

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Wetlands of Northern Areas:

There are more than 19 lakes in the Northern Areas which are as follows;

I- District Gilgit:

1- Borith Lake, Ghulkin, Gojal.

2- Shimshal Pamir Lake, Shimshal, Gojal.
3- Mour Khun Pond, Mour Khun, Gojal.
4- Bario Darikush Lake, Bar Valley, Nagar-1.
5- Nalter Lakes I, II, III, Nalter, Nomal.
6- Kargah Nullah Lake, Kargah.

II- District Diamer:

7- Gasho Pahot Lake, Sai Nullah, Jaglot.

8- Rama Lake, Rama, Astore.

III- District Skardu:

9- Kachura Lake, Kachura, Skardu.

10- Satpara Lake, Satpara, Skardu.
11- Deo Sai Lake, Deo Sai Plains, Skardu/Diamer.

IV- District Ghizer:

12- Khalti Lake, Khalti, Gupis.

13- Pingal Lake, Pingal, Gupis.
14- Phander Lake, Phander, Gupis.
15- Hunderap Lake, Hunderap, Gupis.
16- Gulaghmuli pond, Gulaghmuli, Gupis.
17- Shandur Lake, Shandur, Gupis.
18- Kukush Lake, Kukush, Gupis.
19- Mathanther Lake, Ishkoman.

The following wetlands were surveyed. Some of these wetlands have very rough topography
to approach e.g; Hunderap Lake and Nalter Lakes. To approach Hunderap Lake it takes 4
hours trek from Hunderap village.

1- Borith lake
2- Mour Khun Pond
3- Nalter Lakes I, II, III.
4- Khalti Lake
5- Phander Lake
6- Hunderap Lake
7- Shandur Lake
8- Satpara Lake

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9- Deo Sai Lake
10- Rama Lake

Importance of Northern Areas Wetlands:

Human always choose to live, in places where fresh water is easily available. Freshwater
lakes have always been important to human life, they serve as fishery ground and recreation
sites. Wetlands serve for recreational purposes like fishing, bird watching, swimming,
hunting and boating. They also provide many other practical and aesthetic benefits. however,
water should be considered not only as a source but also as a major component of any
ecosystem.

 Domestic Purpose:
One of the important role of lakes in Northern Areas, is a sources of water for direct human
consumption, agriculture and hydro powers. In the Ghizer District, Trout Fish found
abundantly. The local people use fishes as a staple diet in this district.

 Tourism and Recreation:

Potential of any ecosystem is increased if it has rare or threatened animals, plant species
unusual ecosystem, land scape, natural process and a high diversity of habitats. Tourism and
recreation contribute significantly to local, regional and national economies.
Every years thousands of National and International tourists visit these lakes and directly
involve in the economy of the local areas, because they use to live in hotels, purchase their
needs from local shops and hire vehicles, porters and guides from the local community.

Catchment Areas of the N.A Wetlands:

Glaciers, snow capped mountains and peaks are the main sources of water in all catchments
which run off from up hill sides to the River Indus. All lakes and ponds in the area are filled
by the water of glaciers and snow capped mountains. However, Northern Area has severe
weather condition in winter, snow falls, and water freeze. Some important glacier and peaks
are as follow;

1- Batura glacier
2- Passu glacier
3- Boiber glacier
4- Ghulkin glacier
5- Hisper glacier
6- Balter glacier
7- Bario Darikush glacier
8- Karambar glacier
9- Bulturo glacier
10- Siachin glacier
11- Nanga Parbat
12- Rakaposhi
13- Biafo glacie

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Wildlife of Northern Areas:

List of wild animals and birds commonly found in the Northern Areas;

1- Marco polo's Sheep

2- Himalayan Ibex
3- Blue sheep
4- Astore Markhor
5- Musk Deer
6- Urial
7- Snow leopard
8- Wolf
9- Brown Bear
10- Black Bear
11- Golden Marmot
12- Himalayan Lynx
13- Tibetan Wild Ass
14- Woolly Flying Squirrel
15- Stone Marten
16- Leopard Cat
17- Palla's Cat
18- Turkistan rat
19- Asiatic wide eared Bat
20- Gilgit tube nosed Bat
21- River Otter
22- Tibetan Red Fox
23- Cape Hare
24- Wood Mouse
25- Chines Birch Mouse

Avifauna:

1- Golden Eagle
2- Falcon
3- Bearded Vulture
4- Snow Partridge
5- Snow Cock
6- Chukar Partridge
7- Snow Pigeon
8- Rock Pigeon
9- Northern Eagle Owl
10- Hoopoe
11- Monal Pheasant
12- Waterfowl (Pintail, spotbill duck, tufted duck, mallard, gadwall, marbled teal, wigeon,
shoveller, ruddy shelduck and blue winged teal)
13- Finches

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14- Sparrows
15- Wagtails
16- Redstarts
17- Tits
18- Chough
19- Bulbuls

Common Flora:

1- Deodar
2- Kail
3- Fir
4- Spruce
5- Juniper
6- Birch
7- Chalghoza Pine
8- Poplar
9- Willow
10- Quarcus
11- Apple
12- Apricot
13- Mulberry
14- Pear
15- Walnut
16- Cherry
17- Almond
18- Buck Thorn

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 KHALTI LAKE

Introduction:

Khalti Lake is situated in between two hamlets, the Khalti and Gamais in the Ghizer District.
It is 6 kms away from Gupis town on the way to Phander and Shandur and spread over 4
kms. Khalti village is towards NS and Gamais village is on its SE side. Towards W there is a
suspension bridge over the lake for Khalti village. This lake is newly formed lake due to
heavy flood from up hill side, on the river of Phander. Water level rises in this lake in the
month of June and July.
Before the formation of this lake, there were agriculture lands on the bank of Phandar River,
which now emerged in this lake.

Salient Features of Khalti Lake:

Area :4 Km. approximately

District : Ghizer
Land Tenure : Communal owned
Status of Site : No status
Altitude : 7000 ft.
Maximum water level in : June/July
Maximum depth of water : 50 ft. approx.
%age of open water area : 100%

Land use:

Khalti lake was formed due to land sliding a decade ago. Local people used the surrounding
as for agriculture lands to grow crops. Two types of fishes exist in this lake I. Trout Fish II.
Indigenous Fish. Migratory Waterfowl visit this lake in different seasons. Local people have
completely banned Duck shooting and fishing in the lake.

Values of the Lake:

Khalti lake provides recreational spot for national and international visitors and crystal clean
water for inhabitants of Khalti and Gamais, for short spell in summer. It also provide a
favourable habitat for trout fishes and migratory waterfowl. Local community earn money
from hotels, shops and boating in the lake.

Common Flora of the Khalti Lake:

Common flora of the surrounding of the lake are as follow;

1- Poplar
2- Willow
3- Tamarix
4- Buck Thorn
5- Allugunus

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6- Juniper
7- Apricot
8- Apples
9- Pears
10- Peaches
11- Almond
12- Grapes
13- Artemisia
14- Alfa alfa
15- Salix Species

Disturbances:

Govt. officials hunt Ducks illegally in this lake and do trout fishing, inspite of local
community has banned both the hunting and fishing.

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 PHANDER LAKE
Introduction:

Phander lake situated in between the villages of Chasshi, Anotake and Chat of Gupis tehsil,
District Ghizer.
PTDC Motel ( under construction )is towards East and NAPWD Rest house is towards West
of this lake. Towards N and S it surrounded by high mountains and steep slopes of without
vegetation and Phander River is also on its North Side. This lake is spread over on
approximately 3 kms in circle and the biggest lake in the District and most beautiful with
plenty of Fishes.

Salient Features of the Lake:

Area : 3 km approx. in circle.

District : Ghizer
Land tenure : Communal Owned
Maximum water level : In the months from June to September
Maximum depth of water : Un known
%age of open water area : 100%
Status of site : No status
Climatic condition : In the whole Northern areas, the climatic condition vary in the
different seasons. Lake water freezes in the Winter and
Temperate condition in the Summer.
Land Use : This is communal owned lake but half of the both sides of the
lake is the property of residents of Chat village, who had
Bought this land from the Raja of Gupis.
Economic and Social values : This lake has following Economical and Social values;
A. 1- Tourist, Many International and National Tourists visit this
lake every year.
2- Hotelling
3- Boating
4- Fishing
5- Duck shooting by license holders

B. 1- Recreational spot
2- Fresh water
3- Education to researcher

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Common Flora :

The vegetation of the area are;

1- Poplar
2- Willows
3- Buck Thorn
4- Apricot
5- Wild rose
6- Artemisia
7- Jurnea
8- Alfa alfa

Common Fauna :

The common fauna in and around the lake are;

1- Ibex
2- Snow leopard
3- Wolf
4- Fox
5- Hare
6- Snow Cock
7- Chukar
8- Rock Pigeon
9- Finches
10- Crows
11- Waterfowl (Pintail, spotbill duck, tufted duck, mallard, gadwall, marbled teal,
wigeon, blue winged teal)
12- Wagtails
13- Thrushes
14- Vultures
15- Fishes

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 HUNDERAP LAKE
Hunderap Lake is nearly 12 km away from Hunderap village surrounded both sides by high
mountain meadows and pastures towards East and West. Hunderap village lies at its North,
and on its south lies a long narrow valley, which links the area with Kohistan. This lake is
famous for trout fishing. In fact, in 1944, the political agent Gilgit Agency, Major Cob, is
recorded to have caught a 10-pound fish from this lake.

This lake is communal owned and used by the local communities ( grazing and fire wood
collection ). Recently they have established a conservation committee who banned illegal
hunting of any fauna in the area and fishing.

Salient Features of Hunderap Lake

Area : 2km approx. in circle

District : Ghizer
Land Tenure : Communal owned
Nearest Village : Hunderap village
Altitude : 10,000 feet
Status of site : No status
Maximum water level in : June, July, August
Maximum depth of water : 35 feet, quoted by local community
Water fluctuation : low
Percentage of open water area: 99%

Climatic Condition:

Hunderap lake is bounded in high mountains and fed by glacial water, which freezes from
November to April. The winter is long and cold in the area but summer has temperate
condition.

Common Flora:

There is no floral difference around the Hunderap lake with compare to the other lakes. The
following vegetation was observed around the lake;

1- Birch
2- Poplar
3- Willow
4- Buck thorn
5- Junipers
6- Wild Rose
7- Ephedra
8- Aremeria
9- Populus sp.
10- Salix sp.

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11- Rosa webbiana
12- Unidentified grass spp.

Common Fauna:

The fauna of the area;

1- Ibex
2- Cape Hare
3- Snow leopard
4- Black Bear
5- Wolf
6- Fox
7- Otter
8- Fish (Trout)
9- Snake
10- Waterfowl (mallard, gadwall, pintail, marbled teal, ruddy shellduck, spotbill duck,
tufted duck, wigeon, shoveller and blue winged teal)
11- Snow Cock
12- Chukar Partridge
13- Rock Pigeon
14- Snow Pigeon
15- Jungle Crow
16- sparrows

Disturbances :

Illicit cutting of trees around the lake, and from up hill areas. Many hunters hunting wild
animals illegally and fishing in this lake. They want technical assistance to conserve the
Natural Resources of the Area.

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 SHANDUR LAKE
Shandur is the place where every year in summer thousands of National and International
tourists visit, during the polo tournament (Game of the kings is the King of the games) at
Shandur Polo Ground (The worlds highest polo ground ) which located on the bank of
Shandur Lake. Shandur is in between Ghizer District, Northern Areas and Chitral District of
NWFP. In the North and South this lake is bounded by mountain meadows. District Ghizer
Northern Areas is in the East and Chitral is in the West. Chitral scouts live here on Shandur
near the lake.

Salient features of the lake

Area : 1 sq. mile

Altitude : 12250 ft
Land tenure : Communal owned
Wetland type : Freshwater
Max. water level in : June, July and August
Max. depth of water : Unknown
Water fluctuation : High fluctuation in the month of July and August
%age of water open area : 100%
Climatic condition : Most severe condition in winter, lake water freezes in
December and melts in March and April.
Land use : Land on the surrounding is used by the local communities of
District, Ghizer and Chitral. They use to graze their livestock
in the surrounding pastures.
Economic and Social Values: This lake has importance due to Shandur Polo festival, held
every year on Shandur Pass. Thousands of tourists visit this
pass during festival.
Flora of Shandur : Willow, Buck thorn, Artemisia and Ephedra
Fauna of Shandur : Ibex, wolf, marmot, fox, rabbit, wagtail, finches, Waterfowl,
snow cock, rock partridge and crow.

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 RAMA LAKE
Rama lake is situated at an altitude of 11,500 feet in the fascinating pine forest, linked with
Astore by 12 kms. long meandering jeep road, which is the best tourist spot in the Astore
valley. This lake lies in the bottom of Nanga Parbat ( a famous snow deserted range ) and
located towards South of Chongrah village and Astore Town and in the North of Nanga
Parbat. Rama Lake is bound with snow capped mountains towards East and West.

Salient Features of Rama lake

Area : 2 km approx. in circle

Land tenure : communal owned
Nearest Village : Chongrah
Wetland Type : Fresh water lake
Maximum water level in : July and August
Maximum depth of water : Unknown
Water Fluctuation : Low fluctuation
%age of open water area : 100%
Status of Site : No status
Climatic condition : Climatic condition is same as the other lakes, water of
the lake freezes in cold winter and temperate condition
in the summer.
Land Use : This lake is communal owned and they graze their
livestock in the surrounding of this lake, collect fire
wood from here.
Values of the lake : This lake has its importance due to its scenic view,
because Rama Lake is the only lake in the
Northern
Area which lies in the Bottom of Nanga Parbat. Every
year many tourist visit the Rama Lake. They live in
local hotels hire their vehicles and porters from native
people. Water of this lake is use for drinking as well as
for irrigation purposes.
Flora of the Rama Area : Fir, Spruce, Kail, Juniperous sp, willow, Buck Thorn
Grasses, Birch, Willow and Corex sp.
Fauna of the Area : Astore Markhor, Musk Deer, Ibex, Wolf, Brown Bear,
Marmot, Fox, Waterfowls, Snow Cock, Chukar
Partridge, Pheasant , Crow, Magpie, Finches and trout
fish.
Dominant Vegetation in wetland : No vegetation inside of the lake, because water of this
lake is very cold even in summer.

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 DEO SAI LAKE
Deo Sai lake lies nearly 90 kms away from Skardu Town towards South on an elevation of
4266m. near the Chachur Pass. From Diamer side it is near to Chilim, Astore and linked with
un paved road with Skardu and Astore. This lake is located in the Deo Sai plains, which is
the higher altitude lake and the most beautiful and fascinating lake of Northern Areas.

Salient Features of the lake

Altitude : 4266 m.
Area : 6 km approx. in circle
Land Tenure : Communal owned
Nearest Village : Gulturi from Skardu side and Chilim from Diamer Astore
side.
Wetland Type : Lake
Maximum water level in : August
Maximum depth of water : Unknown
Water fluctuation : Low fluctuation
%age of open water area : 100 %
Climatic Condition : Same as the other lakes, winter is very cold and long and
temperate condition in summer.
Status of Site : No status
Land Use : Local people of both sides (Astore & Skardu ) grazes their
livestock, especially Yaks, Cows and Horses.
Values of the lake : This lake provide, camping site, recreation spot, clean water,
fresh atmosphere, fishing and tourist point.
Flora : Carex and other grass spp.
Fauna : Brown Bear, Ibex, Marmot, Fox, Waterfowl, Falcon, Crow
Larks and Fishes.

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 SATPARA LAKE
Satpara lake is 4 km away from Skardu town towards North and Malpan village also lies on 4
km towards south of the lake. It is bound with mountains towards East and West. Water falls
from different small nullahs and from Deosai.

Salient Features of Sat Para Lake

Altitude : 8500 ft
Area : unknown
Land Tenure : Govt. owned (fishery deptt.)
Nearest Town : Skardu Town
Wetland Type : Freshwater Lake
Maximum water level in : June and July
Maximum depth of Water : Unknown
Water Fluctuation : low fluctuation
%age of open water area : 90 %
Status of site : Game reserve
Climatic condition : The water of Satpara lake freezes during the winter but
Summer has moderate condation.
Land Use : Towards East, the area is divided into small fields, used
mainly for wheat, maize, bean, vegetable and potato
cultivation. The surrounding is used to graze their livestock.
This lake under the control of Northern Areas Fisheries
Department.
Values of the lake : This lake provides fresh and clean water to Skardu Town,
Recreational and Tourist Spot, Trout Fishing Spot, provides
water for Hydel Power Station and life sources for domestic
animals.
Flora : Willow, poplar, buck thorn, wild rose, apricot, apple,
mulbery, wallnut, alfa alfa, juniper, barbaris, artemisia,
tamarix, birch and grass species.
Fauna : Fishes, Waterfowls, otter, Ibex, wolf, fox, marmot, rock
partridge, snow cock, crow, finches, thrushes, wagtails.
Disturbance : Debris and rubbish things thrown by visitors.
- illegal trout fishing.

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 MOUR KHUN POND
Mour Khun Pond is situated near the River Gojal and KKH is on its East towards South.
Mour Khun pond is adjacent to Jukul Ghar. Mour Khun village is in the south east and Jamal
Abad village is in the East. There is Trout fish farm in this pond established by the
community with the technical assistance of AKRSP. Surrounding vegetation comprises
Tamrix and Buck Thorn abundantly.

Salient Features of Mour Khun Pond:

Altitude : 10150 ft
Area : 6 kanal approx
Land Tenure : Communal owned
Nearest Town : Jukul Ghar (Mour Khun), adjacent to this pond
Wetland Type : Freshwater pond
Maximum water level in : June and August
Maximum depth of Water : 4ft.approx
%age of open water area : 95 %
Status of site : No status
Climatic condition : Same climatic condition as in other part of Northern Areas,
summer is temperate and pleasant but winter is long and cold.

Land Use : This is communal owned pond. Local people graze their cattle
in the summer and livestock in the remaining season.
Community collect fire wood from here, because Tamarix,
Buck thorn and willow found abundantly.

Values of the Pond : The migratory waterfowl use this Pond for their short stay,
during the migratory season, but this spot is disturbed by local
people hunters, because there are many hunters living in the
surrounding. If there will be banned on illegal hunting, then
this is the suitable habitat for these waterfowl. Trout fish
farm, has been established recently by the community and
AKRSP. After a few years the local people will get benefit
from this fishing pond.

Flora :The following vegetation exist around the pond; Tamarix,

willow, poplar, Buck thorn, apricort, apple mulbery, wildrose,
artemisia , alfa, alfa, barberis and ephedra.

Fauna : Himalayan ibex, snow leopard, blue sheep, wolf, wooly flying
squirrel, fox, hare, snow cock, snow partridge, snow pigeon,
Hill pigeon, vultures, finches, choughs, wagtails, hoopoe,
accentors, waterfowl and domestic animals.
Disturbance : Disturbance is due to duck shooters, every day these hunters
shoot many ducks in this pond and the surrounding river bed.

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 BORITH LAKE
Borith lake is one of the highest lakes situated in the Northern Areas, located at 36.23 and
74.50 altitude. This lake situated on the altitude of 8000 ft from the sea level. Gulkin village
is 4 km away from Borith and KKH road is 1 km far towards East and Gulkin Glacier and
village is towards South. Passu village and Glacier and Putum Dass are in the North of this
lake. Fascinating Ulter Peak is towards West of this lake. WWFPakistan is conserving the
migratory waterfowl, visiting this lake in different seasons with the collaboration of local
NGO (Gulkin Natural Resource Conservation Committee). Water of this lake is saltish
without inlet and outlet.

Salient Features of Borith Lake

Altitude : 8000 ft
Land Tenure : Communal owned
Wetland Type : Saline water lake
Nearest Village : Gulkin, and there is also two hamlets, the upper and lower
Borith.
Maximum water level in : during the winter
Maximum depth of Water : Unknown
%age of open water area : 100 %
Status of site : No status
Climatic condition : Water of this lake freezes during the winter. Winter in Borith
is long and cold, but the summer is pleasant and temperate.
Land Use : There is small Agriculture lands towards North and South,
both side of the lake. Resident of Borith graze their livestock
in surrounding of the lake.
Values of the lake : Borith lake is one of the beautiful lakes of Northern Areas,
Many National and International Tourists visit this lake every
year. The local community get benefits from tourists.

Flora : Apricot, willow, poplar, buck thorn, wild rose, apricot, apple,
alfa alfa, artemisia, tamarix, birch and grass species.

Fauna : Himalyan Ibex, Snow leopard, Wolf, fox, hare, bat, migratory
birds including wigeon , tufted duck, northern pintail, grey
heron, mallard, coot, northern shoveller, blue whistling
thrush, Alpine cough, magpie, Hoopoe, partridge, snow cock,
crow, Raven, thrushes, wagtails.

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 NALTAR LAKES
The Naltar valley is located at 36 07'N and 74-14'E, and comprising of three lakes. This is
an area of high alpine meadows, grasslands and pine forest at 9000ft above the sea level. The
region is cold desert, dry alpine zone with fertile high altitude pastures encircled by snow
covered peaks. There are three lakes in Naltar, which can be said Naltar Wetland Complex.
These wetland complex are towards North of Naltar Bala, and situated on an altitudes of
10,300 feet, 10,600 feet and the lake III is on an elevation of 11,600 feet from the sea level.
Lake I and II are close to each other but lake III is approximately 2 km away, in the north
western side. Towards NW of these lakes there is narrow valley, linked with Karamber Valley
and Bar Valley is towards NE. In the extreme East there is a Alpine meadows with small
patches of Juniper forest.

Salient Features of Naltar Wetland Complex:

Altitude : Lake I, 10,300. Lake II, 10,600, Lake III, 11,600 feet.
Areas : 7 kanal approx.
Land Tenure : Communal owned
Wetland Type : Freshwater lake
Maximum water level in : July and August
Maximum depth of Water : Unknown
%age of open water area : 100 %
Status of site : No status
Climatic condition : Naltar goes to perpetual snow heights and receives410 mm of
rainfall per year which is more than three times of Gilgit and
is an alpine scrub forest wooded with Pine spruce , Birch
Rowan and Juniper ( Santiago, 1987). The average rainfall in
Naltar is greater than the other parts of the Northern Areas.
The temperature in summer ranges from minimum -7C to
maximum 28C, but the winter is cold with the temperatures
ranges of minimum -19C to maximum of 4C.
Land Use : Naltar is a coniferous forest area. The forest is Government
owned, but local peoples have rights of grazing, fire wood
collection and logging for construction. Naltar wetland
complex is communal owned. The local people graze their
livestock in the surrounding of these lakes.
Flora : Kail, Spruce, Fir, Birch, Juniper, Wild rose, Buck thorn and
poplar.

Fauna : Ibex, Snow leopard, Wolf, fox, snow cock, chuckar, partridge,
pied wagtail, Rock bunting, red vented bulbul, blue rock
pigeon, hoopoe, tits, yellow wagtail golden eagle, Beared
Vulture, Alpine Accentor, finches and domestic animals.

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