Trekking to Damni Lake — Hidden Gem Between Kashmir & Astore | Untouched Beauty of the North

Today we began our journey from Kalawa Lake, heading deep into the wild towards Damni Lake — one of the most stunning alpine lakes resting on the Kashmir–Astore border. On the way, we met a group of Kashmiri locals who had walked for a full day to attend a wedding in Ratto, Astore, and were now trekking back home on foot. In these mountains, people still travel like their ancestors — on horseback, crossing 4,500-meter-high passes surrounded by endless snow and silence. It felt like stepping back in time. Our porters moved ahead to set up the campsite, while we began the tough climb toward Damni Lake. The start of the trek was brutally steep — pure vertical challenge. We had a family with two little kids, just 6 and 7 years old, so their father stayed behind with them while the rest of us pushed on through cliffs, wind, and thin air. After hours of struggle and determination, we finally reached Damni Lake — a mirror of turquoise water hidden in complete wilderness. We captured breathtaking shots, took a dip in the icy water, and then descended in total darkness. By the time we reached our campsite, night had completely taken over. One of our female trekkers felt altitude sickness, but thankfully she recovered well. Tomorrow, the real adventure continues — we set out to discover two unexplored lakes, never documented before. ✨ Subscribe and join our journey through Pakistan’s hidden alpine world — where every step leads to something unknown.