Mountain weather can change quickly; conditions shown are planning guidance for the destination area.
Kumrat's deodar forest and the Panjkora river are the easy part; the reason to come is the walk up to Jahaz Banda meadow and on to Katora Lake, a cirque lake sitting under bare rock at 3,500m. Two nights in Kumrat with camping at Jahaz Banda, which is what makes the Katora day realistic rather than a punishing there and back.
Quick Facts
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Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1, Islamabad to Kumrat
Long drive via Dir and Thall into the Kumrat valley. Evening beside the Panjkora among the cedars.
Day 2, Kumrat valley day
Kumrat Waterfall, Kala Chashma spring, the wooden bridges and the forest trails, an easy day to settle in before the climb.
Day 3, Trek to Jahaz Banda
Jeep to the trailhead, then a 2 to 3 hour walk up to Jahaz Banda meadow. Camp on the grassland.
Day 4, Katora Lake and back
Early start for the 3 to 4 hour climb to Katora Lake at 3,500m, sitting in a rock cirque that holds snow most of the year. Return to camp or descend to Kumrat.
Day 5, Return to Islamabad
Descend to the road head and drive back via Dir, arriving Islamabad late.
Tour Highlights
Katora Lake at 3,500mJahaz Banda Meadow CampKumrat Deodar Cedar ForestPanjkora River & Wooden BridgesKala Chashma & Kumrat Waterfall
What's Included
Private vehicle Islamabad Kumrat return
4x4 jeep to Thall and the Jahaz Banda trailhead
Camping equipment and meals at Jahaz Banda
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Kumrat
Local guide for the Katora Lake walk
Not Included
Porter hire for personal bags
Lunches and dinners outside camp
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tour Information
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Travel Mode
By Road + 4x4 + trek
Max Altitude
3,500m (Katora Lake)
Group Size
2 to 12 people
Best Time
June September
Physical Level
Moderate to hard, 2 trekking days
Where You'll Stay
Kumrat riverside hotel
2 nights beside the Panjkora in the cedar forest.
Jahaz Banda camp
2 nights camping on the meadow, equipment and meals provided.
Questions About This Tour
moderate to hard, 3 to 4 hours up over loose rock from Jahaz Banda, at altitude. Camping at Jahaz Banda rather than starting from the valley floor is what makes it manageable in a day.
Tents, sleeping mats and cooked meals are provided at Jahaz Banda. There is no electricity or plumbing on the meadow, bring a headlamp and warm layers, as nights are cold even in August.
It is a long day, roughly 10 to 12 hours including the rough final section. We break nothing on Day 1 by design, so you arrive with the evening still ahead of you.