Main image

Internet Archive Book Images CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Chaqmaqtin Lake

Lake

High in Afghanistan's Pamir mountains, Chaqmaqtin Lake sits in remote alpine terrain; trekkers and herders visit for glacial water, secluded camping and wide mountain views.

Chaqmaqtin Lake KabulBamyanHeratMazar-i-SharifBand-e Amir National ParkChaqmaqtin Lake
In this guide

Chaqmaqtin Lake essentials

Country: Afghanistan
Driest months: Oct-Dec
Pay in: Afghani (؋)
Language: Pashto

Chaqmaqtin Lake at a Glance

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Chaqmaqtin Lake

Best visited in summer when mountain passes and trails are most likely to be navigable.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 0°C to 10°C
Most accessible season for trekking and camping with relatively stable weather.
Shoulder (May, Sep)
May, Sep · -5°C to 8°C
Shorter windows for weather stability, suitable for experienced trekkers only.

Weather & Climate near Chaqmaqtin Lake

Climate

Chaqmaqtin Lake's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -20°C to 19°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 41 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
17°
Warmest Month
-37°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -19° - -8° -18° 7 mm overcast 78% 2.0 m/s 0.4 low 9.8h
February Poor -20° - -7° -18° 8 mm overcast 81% 2.0 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.7h
March Poor -16° - -3° -14° 12 mm overcast 75% 2.3 m/s 1.1 high 11.8h
April Poor -7° - 3° -5° 16 mm overcast 61% 2.4 m/s 1.7 very high 13.0h
May Acceptable -1° - 9° 1° 22 mm overcast 53% 2.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.0h
June Good 3° - 14° 7° 10 mm partly cloudy 47% 2.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.5h
July Very Good 5° - 19° 12° 12 mm partly cloudy 43% 2.2 m/s 2.8 extreme 14.3h
August Very Good 5° - 18° 12° 15 mm partly cloudy 46% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.4h
September Good 0° - 14° 6° 8 mm partly cloudy 45% 2.3 m/s 1.9 very high 12.3h
October Acceptable -6° - 6° -3° 7 mm partly cloudy 47% 2.4 m/s 1.1 high 11.1h
November Poor -13° - -1° -10° 2 mm partly cloudy 62% 1.6 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.0h
December Poor -19° - -5° -16° 6 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.6 m/s 0.4 low 9.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Chaqmaqtin Lake

Access is remote and typically by extended overland travel through Badakhshan Province. Travelers should coordinate with local guides and arrange permits and logistical support in advance; routes may involve long days on rough tracks or multi-day treks.

Tips for Visiting Chaqmaqtin Lake

  • Access requires local knowledge-hire an experienced guide familiar with mountain terrain and seasonal streams.
  • High-altitude camping skills and proper cold-weather gear are essential; temperatures drop sharply after sunset.
  • Respect wildlife and fragile alpine vegetation; the lakeside environment recovers slowly from trampling.