The day started with a gentle drizzle over Batakundi, a quiet town nestled in the valleys of northern Pakistan. Stepping out of our hilltop hotel, the air felt crisp and fresh, carrying the scent of wet earth and pine. I looked around in awe. The rolling mountains were shrouded in light mist, their peaks barely visible through clouds, yet the sheer beauty of the landscape left me speechless. Words felt inadequate to describe this magical place.
“Assalam Alekum, good morning, Namaste, Sat Sri Akal!” I greeted the world from Batakundi, a small smile forming as the drizzle brushed against my face. Yesterday, we had traveled from Phander, navigating long roads and unpredictable weather, and today promised a completely different kind of adventure — a trek to Dudipatsar Lake, a pristine alpine lake I had dreamed of visiting for over a decade.
Ali, my companion and guide for this journey, had already estimated that the trek would take six hours, and we had planned to stop twice for drone shots along the way. Our first goal was to reach Besal, the starting point of the trek, by vehicle. From there, we would leave our motorcycles behind for safety and proceed on foot.
The Scenic Drive to Besal
The drive from Batakundi to Besal took nearly an hour, winding through rain-drenched valleys and misty peaks. The light drizzle transformed the surroundings, turning the greens of the mountains into a lush, almost surreal spectacle. Every bend of the road revealed new vistas: rivers swollen from recent rains, waterfalls tumbling down cliff sides, and the occasional herd of goats grazing on slopes.
Accompanying us were my brother and Usman, both visiting from Nankana Sahib, along with Ali. They were not just fellow travelers but companions who shared the excitement of this unique adventure. The conversation in the car was light and filled with anticipation as we approached Besal, the gateway to the lake.
Besal: The Starting Point of the Trek
Arriving at Besal, we found a small cluster of facilities catering to tourists. Moon Restaurant, with its modest rooms and clean washrooms, stood conveniently at the start of the trail. The location was perfect for hikers — a place to rest, rent a room if needed, and grab supplies. Local shopkeepers were friendly and helpful, providing small essentials such as raincoats, snacks, and water bottles.
With the drizzle continuing, we prepared for the trek. I donned my waterproof gear, while Ali insisted on carrying an umbrella — a humorous yet practical contrast. The rain wasn’t going to stop, so we adjusted accordingly. A few local items were purchased, including a brightly colored raincoat to ensure that I would stand out in photographs against the lush greenery of the mountains.
Crossing the River: A Rope Line Adventure
The trek’s first challenge came almost immediately: crossing a river via a rope line carriage, a simple pulley system managed by local guides. One by one, we stepped into the small carriage, suspended above the rushing water, and held our breath as we glided across. It was thrilling and nerve-wracking in equal measure.
“Can I have a selfie?” I asked the guide. With a laugh, he obliged, and for a brief moment, suspended mid-air, I felt both vulnerable and exhilarated. The charge was PKR 50 per person, a small price for such an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the first crossing, the trail continued with another water crossing at the back of a horse. My waterproof shoes were already damp, but the thrill of balancing on the horse’s back through icy water made the challenge worthwhile. The guides, Umer Zaib and Sajjad, were patient and skilled, ensuring our safety while keeping the mood light with jokes and encouragement.
The Trek Begins: Rivers, Glaciers, and Greenery
As we progressed beyond Besal, the real beauty of the trek began to unfold. Walking along the riverbanks, the trail meandered through a spectacular blend of glaciers, waterfalls, and dense greenery. The sound of rushing water accompanied every step, while the misty mountains loomed majestically on either side.
The trek was not physically demanding, but it was long — around 18 km, designed to be completed over two days. We carried minimal gear: a tent, a sleeping mat, and our backpacks. The trail was well-marked, yet each turn offered surprises — hidden streams, sudden clearings with panoramic views, and patches of wildflowers swaying in the drizzle.
We paused occasionally to capture drone footage, which drew curious stares from local children. Watching the aerial views together, their excitement was contagious. Every snapshot revealed a new facet of this untouched wilderness, reinforcing the sense that we were stepping into a world apart from cities, roads, and noise.
Halfway Point: Ayub Hotel
After 2.5 hours of trekking, we reached a midpoint near Ayub Hotel, a small rest spot where tea was served. Local families, hikers from Lahore, and other travelers shared the space, their presence adding warmth to the remote location. We took a break, sipping hot tea, stretching our legs, and soaking in the scenery. The drone captured sweeping shots of the mountains and the river below, giving us a preview of the landscapes that awaited in the next leg of the journey.
The trek beyond this point was described as mostly flat, following the river — a relatively straightforward stretch that would allow us to make good time before evening. The trail continued to be a magical blend of nature: snow-capped peaks in the distance, verdant slopes, and sparkling streams that reflected the cloudy sky above.
Trekking Through Nature’s Masterpiece
The second half of the trek was truly enchanting. The terrain opened into wide valleys dotted with glacial streams and small waterfalls. The river beside the trail became our constant companion, its icy waters rushing over rocks polished smooth by centuries. The environment was serene, almost hypnotic, and for long stretches, it felt as though Ali and I were the only people on Earth.
We met a few hikers along the way, exchanging greetings and sharing our mutual appreciation for the trail. The conversations were brief but heartfelt, as everyone seemed to be in awe of the surroundings. The trek was long, but not difficult — a combination that made it both physically rewarding and mentally soothing.
The Final Stretch: Approaching Dudipatsar Lake
After five hours of trekking, we finally glimpsed our destination. The snow-covered peaks surrounding the lake emerged from behind the clouds, reflecting faintly in the pristine waters below. The lake seemed almost otherworldly — a perfect mirror of the mountains, glacial ice, and sky.
Every step toward the lake felt momentous. The green meadows surrounding it were untouched, silent, and inviting. It was a place that demanded quiet reverence, where every sound — the rustle of leaves, the splash of a stream, or the distant call of a bird — felt amplified in the crisp mountain air.
We set up our tent, pitching it toward the lake to maximize the view. The fading daylight painted the mountains in soft gold and pink hues, and the reflection on the water created a scene that seemed lifted from a painting.
Evening at Dudipatsar Lake: Peace and Connection
Dinner that evening was a communal affair. A group of travelers from Islamabad, who had come from different cities, invited us to join them. Around a small makeshift table, we shared kidney beans, lentils, roti, water, and eggs, the simplicity of the meal contrasting with the grandeur of the surroundings. Conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and shared stories of travel adventures.
The sense of community, even in such a remote location, was heartwarming. The combination of physical exertion, breathtaking scenery, and human connection made the experience unforgettable. As darkness fell, the lake mirrored the star-studded sky, and the mountains loomed as silent guardians around us.
Lying in the tent that night, I reflected on the day’s journey — the thrill of river crossings, the long stretches along glaciers and rivers, and the arrival at the lake. The trek was challenging in its length, but the path itself was gentle and manageable, allowing ample time to admire nature’s wonders.
Reflections on the Dudipatsar Trek
The Dudipatsar Lake trek is more than just a hike; it is a journey into the heart of northern Pakistan’s natural beauty. The mix of snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, rushing rivers, and serene lakes creates an experience that feels both humbling and empowering. It is a trek that rewards patience, resilience, and an openness to the unexpected.
For anyone seeking adventure, solitude, or a deep connection with nature, this trek offers all of it. The mountains, rivers, and skies form a landscape that inspires awe, while the camaraderie of fellow travelers and local guides adds warmth and meaning to the journey.
By the time we fell asleep under the canvas of our tent, lulled by the whispering wind and distant water, I knew that this trek would remain etched in memory — a testament to the wonders of Gilgit-Baltistan and the timeless beauty of Pakistan’s northern landscapes.
