Color Lake
Color Lake is a 16.4 km trek in the Swat & Kalam region of northern Pakistan with around 1,718 m of elevation gain.
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Distance
- 16.4km
- Elevation gain
- 1,718 m
- Duration
- 7h
- Best season
- May – Oct
The journey
Color Lake is a 16.4km expert-level hike in Swat & Kalam. It climbs 1,718 m and takes about 7h.
Color Lake is a 16.4 km trek in the Swat & Kalam region of northern Pakistan with around 1,718 m of elevation gain.
Trail Statistics
Trail map
Ways up
2 recorded routes to the same place. Pick the one that suits the day you have.
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Via Color Pass | 6.2km | +784m | 3h | Moderate |
| From Somi Village | 16.4km | +1,718m | 7h | Expert |
Elevation profile
Climb over the length of the trail. Tap or drag along it to read elevation and grade.
Weather
Five-day forecast at the trailhead, 2,357 m.
Today
10°4°
Tomorrow
12°2°
Thu
12°3°
Fri
10°4°
Precipitation 0.1
Sat
12°2°
Expect roughly 10°C colder at the high point (3,925 m), before wind chill. Mountain weather turns faster than any forecast.
Forecast from MET Norway, updated hourly.
Frequently asked questions
Tell me about the trailhead
The primary trailhead for the Color Lake trek is Paloga Village, located in the Ushu/Kalam region of Upper Swat Valley
Tell me about the route
From Paloga Village, hikers begin the multi-day alpine ascent following the valley upward toward the Jabba Campsite. From Jabba, the trail pushes over the steep Color Pass to reach Color Lake before descending down into the Kandian Valley (Upper Kohistan) via Eshai Banda.
Altitude of the lake?
Around 3900-3950m
When is the best season to visit Color Lake?
Summer is generally the practical season for visiting high-altitude lakes in northern Pakistan, once snow conditions ease.
Can cloudy weather affect the lake's appearance?
Yes, overcast conditions can make the colours appear less vivid than they do under direct sunlight.
What terrain should I expect around Color Lake?
Expect natural mountain terrain rather than a developed lakeside walkway, with conditions varying according to the route and season.
Should I rely on local facilities for food and water?
No; carry essential food, drinking water and emergency supplies unless you have confirmed local arrangements.
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