Your Buddy: Lakes

Swat Valley is full with lakes located in the mid of most of the mountains.

Some places on earth are so wonderfully and spectacularly designed by the hands of Mother Nature that one finds it hard to describe the beauty and serenity of the area in written words. To experience the true and real beauty of these areas, it becomes binding to visit the area and explore the uniqueness and exquisiteness personally. Moreover there are several categories of people and all of them have their own standards and parameters of beauty as it is aptly said, "beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder". For me it is the best place in the world to escape from the routine hectic and busy life and spend some moments in the lap of pure and serene Mother Nature though some people may consider it madness or lunacy to leave the comforts and facilities of home and suffer, though sometimes, the bitterness of nature. Anyway let us take a walk in the domains of fairies where greenery inspires you, streams sing for you, cool gusts of wind caresses you and move its invisible fingers through your hair.

Saifullah Lake, which lies in the North of Kalam and Mahudand Lake, is famous not only among nature lovers, and escapists but also the exotic trout fish hunters. The valley can be accessed through an un-metalled road from Kalam in a four by four (4x4) vehicle which ends in Mahudand Lake. The road is bumpy and tricky but the surrounding landscapes engrosses you so severely that you wish for more and expect to discover new panoramas. From Mahudand a track up to maximum one hour is leading to Saifullah Lake. This Lake look similar to Mahudand Lake but both have difference in own beauty. There is also a big roaring waterfall near the Saifullah Lake which brings freshness in air with vapors spread in the air.

The small hamlets that are scattered in the mountains and the bellowing smoke that spirals into the sky from the houses are some, which lives in the memory forever. Swat River, which is born here, is shackled by the tall mountains, which has turned its water into a roaring monster trying to release itself from its fetters, but there are some places where the river is calm and silent without showing any sign of rebellion. After driving for about four to five hours from the vast valley of Kalam, you will enter the wonderful and spectacular valley of Mahodand where the small lakes, towering trees and sprawling pastures welcome you. Some temporary restaurants and hotels have been constructed by the locals, which provide essential facilities of food and accommodation. They also provide boating facilities in the lakes.

Map of Saifullah Lake

Its coming ahead from Mahudand

Pari Lake II is located at the highest altitude in the mountain ranges of Swat near Pari Lake I. It is comparatively greater in size and depth than the other lake situated in its vicinity and remains open in the months of July till September. The western face of the lake is open and its water flows down to the gigantic Kundol Lake which is situated in the foothills down. The towering mountains surrounding the lake are a safe haven for the bulky Snow-cock and brightly colored Monal pheasants. These birds can be heard and seen during the early hours of dawn here. Due to the limited space around the lake and freezing weather, the Grazers have not erected any construction around the lake and rely on the surrounding natural caves for staying. Therefore a tent must be taken if someone wants to stay for a night there. Due to the awesome height of the lake, no fire-wood can be found nearby therefore, gas cylinder must be on the top of priority list.

The lake is almost quarter a kilometer in length and is surrounded by steep pastures where the grazers take their livestock in the hot months of summer when fodder is scarce in the plains. Due to its alarming height and uncertain weather, the lake remains undisturbed in comparison to Kundol Lake which is easily accessible and is visited by several tourists in summer. Pari Lake II has a twofold importance; it provides a huge share of water to Kundol Lake and is a safe feeding ground for the indigenous as well as migratory birds. The lake has a strong potential for eco-tourism which will not only help conserve the lake but also create a new source of income for the local community. Construction of proper trekking trail, provision of essential trekking equipment and camping sites can boost eco-tourism here which will certainly increase the sustainability prospects of the lake. Pari or Fairy Lake II is a place worth visiting not only due to its ecological importance but the immense natural recreational potential the lake posses. The unadulterated and serene environment around the lake is an amenity and the picturesque beauty all-around keep the visitor in a state of frenzy all the time during the stay near the lake. The wide horizon, spectacular panoramas, haunting silence and cool breeze are some of the priceless gifts which a nature lover can find here in abundance.

Map of Pari Lake

Spin Khwar is a beautiful lake hidden in the lap of mountains towards the north of Kundal Lake and east of Utror valley. The name Spin Khwar has a clear significance as a small white stream in the east flows down to the lake from the surrounding mountains and is a major source of water for the lake.

The lake is accessible through two tracks, one from Kundal and the other from Ladu valley. The track from Ladu is comparatively easy to walk and less tiring while the track from Kundal is not only difficult but alarmingly dangerous although it is short and links Kundal and Spin Khwar. Its steepness and dangerous bends needs an experienced trekker and unending physical strength. The grazers in the area have built small huts and a mosque where one can stay but a personal tent is more recommendable as these huts are in a poor condition due to lack of maintenance.

Spin Khwar Lake has formidable size and depth surrounded by tall mountains on all sides except the western face from where a stream of water invisible under the rocks and boulders flows down to River Swat. Tall coniferous trees around the lake reinforce the beauty of the surrounding and the lake.

The lake has a considerable size and is an ideal refuge for local and migratory birds and animals. Green pastures and wild flowers decorate all the landscapes around the lake. Spin Khwar is a rarely visited lake due to lack of publicity and popularity. The surrounding of the lake is pure and natural due to less human intervention. The ecosystem and ecological balance of the lake is in perfect order and the lake is an ideal shelter for the local and migratory bird and animal species. The water of the lake remains placid and calm due to the closely located melting glaciers water. The serene environment, hypnotizing silence and beautiful landscapes never weary the eyes and ears of the beholder. The sonorous music of streams, bleating of goats and lambs and the gentle jingling of the bells in their necks make the surrounding more enchanting and mesmerizing.

Spin Khwar Lake has an immense potential for eco-tourism as beautiful landscapes and campsites are available in close proximity with the lake. The lake can become a famous recreational spot if proper tracks and other necessary facilities are provided to the visitors.

Map of Spin Khwar Lake

Saidgai Lake is situated in the Hindukush chain of mountains, interspersed by several small and large lakes, which runs from the western edges of the Pamir plateau, west of the Karakoram. The mountains have snow-covered tops and are crossed by some minor glaciers. Saidgai Lake is located in the peripheries of Swat and Dir mountain ranges and serves as a huge reservoir of water for Hushirai Khwar (Stream), Dir.

The lake can be accessed through three different trails and sides; Hushirai valley,Dir , Sulatanr,upper Swat and Sakhra lalko,upper Swat. The Lalko, name of village, trail to the lake is the most easy and breathtaking regarding accessibility and natural beauty. A jeepable and unmetlled road ends in the beautiful and exotic valley of lalko where your trekking and hiking chapter starts. From here, continuous trekking for almost seven to eight house lead you to your desired destination. On the way dark green pine, conifer and cedar forests keep you cool and refreshed; and small scurrying streams quenches your unquenchable thirst. On the way you will come across a vast pasture, which is called Gabina jaba (Honey marshes) in the local vernacular. This highland of pastures and grasslands is so exquisite and picturesque regarding natural beauty and generosity that its breathtaking landscapes linger with through out your life. Several streams and torrents like winding snakes of immense length cross these pastures. During April and May. The pastures wear a blanket of countless and innumerable variety of flowers of different shads that tempt different species of rare birds and insects. These buzzing insects and singing birds swarm these huge natural carpets of various colours and shades.

The ascend to the lake is exasperating and laborious but the surroundings are so strikingly beautiful that the sense of exhaustion and aching body never ventures in your way. Everywhere, different landscapes and panoramas will nourish and soothe your tired nerves and bodys.

A spring called lalko cheena (Lalko Spring) lies on the way to Saidgai that provides extra attraction and amusement. The spring is situated at the foot of tall rugged mountains and is famous for it therapeutic effects. Several patients of diverse nature throng the spring to take a bath and immerse themselves in its cool and curing water.

Saidgai Lake is situated at a very high altitude above sea level. The best season to visit and explore the lake is during the months of July to September every year. In the remaining, a thick coat of snow covers the lake and makes it difficult for the observer to differentiate it from the surrounding landscapes.

Saidgai is considered as one of the largest lake in the area and several adventure loving people swarm the area to discover and explore this spectacular jewel of nature. Splendid company and availability of essential trekking paraphernalia quad ruples the delight and enjoyment of this extraordinary journey. Clean and unexploited nature accompanies and welcomes you at every step. The shimmering and sparkling water of the lake, and the circular ripples created by the cool gusts of winds in the lake are some of the precious memories which will soothe and revive your senses in moments of solitude eternally.

Map of Saidgai Lake

The pastoral valley of Swat has abundance of precious resorts of nature where one can find solace and respite from the never-ending struggle of life. Kundal or Kandolo Lake is one such place here upon which the Maestro of nature has spent extra time and effort to paint.

Kundal Lake is situated in the north of Utror valley. One can easily access it from Kalam via Utror from where a link road ends in a green valley called Ladu in the foothills of the lake. You can either hike to Ladu from Utror or take a four-wheeler to ease and minimize your journey. It consumes almost two hours to reach the beautiful valley of Ladu. For the adventurous kind, a walk in the romantic valley will unravel several new mysteries. The people who take temporary residency over here during summer plow the open land and harvest potatoes and turnips, which are famous all over the country for its exotic taste. There is also a small hut in Ladu where you can take tea and get something for eating. From Ladu it takes almost four hours to reach the lake. Some locals can guide you and even take your luggage if properly paid. The mountains around this small valley are covered with tall cedar and pine trees and meandered by different streams and torrents. The people are friendly and provide you guidance if required.

The trail to the lake from Ladu is easy to follow as a huge stream flows down from the lake, which mingles with River Swat in Kalam valley. It goes beside the stream and leads you to the lake. The trail is a joy to walk on but proper care should be taken because one accidental slip can prove fatal. Therefore wearing good qualities shoes with gripping soles must be arranged in advance. The first two hours walk is in a narrow valley beside the roaring stream but later the narrowness gives way to wideness and the valley starts expanding till you reach the lake. The mountains around the lake have scarce trees scattered far and wide but grass and thick vegetation pervade the surrounding landscape that reinforces the beauty of the lake.

Two other lakes, Khapiro (Faries), and Spin khwar (White Stream) are located in the peripheries of Kundal Lake and can be accessed through the lake in five to six hours. To visit all the three lakes in one go consumes almost four days and nights but will certainly be exasperating and exhausting.Kundal is a huge and sprawling lake. According to the local's estimate, the length of the lake is two kilometers and its width is one kilometer. A huge stream feeds it in eastern side where huge glaciers melt down in summer. There are two hamlets where two small mosques can provide you accommodation but its better to have your own tents in case of emergency use. The nomads with their livestock constantly roam the peripheries of the lake and flock back their sheep in the evening around the hamlets. They are very cooperative and will provide the typical nomadic delicacies of butter, buttermilk, cheese and maize bread upon request happily. Some of them have also opened a kind of hut restaurants where tea is served upon payment. They have also arranged diesel-operated motorboats in which you can take a tour of the lake and reach the other side easily because to the other end may take two hours minimum.

The lake seems an exact duplicate Lake Saifulmaluk in Gilgit. Both the lakes are almost of the same size and appearance. The location and surroundings of both the lakes are almost identical but the one is known but the other is still concealed in the romantic mountains and pastoral locales of Swat valley. The tourism authorities need to wake up to publicize the lake and arrange special tours to familiarize this precious gift of nature for all.

The atmosphere transforms dramatically when the night falls. The sky during night is extremely clear and the minutest star can be observed with naked eye. During full moon, the dim and cool light of the bright moon transforms the whole atmosphere like magic. The panoramic galaxies of stars twinkle and sparkle in crystal clear skies. The slowly gliding reflection of the moon in the lake, the tall silhouettes of towering cedar trees and the mysterious silence reiterates the concept that the place is the abode of fairies where human beings are aliens. The mesmerizing surrounding reminds one of haunted places in Greek mythology where giants, imps, spirits and fairies dwell and rule.

The landscapes during the early dawn are so compelling and thought provoking that a person of aesthetic sense will certainly make the moments eternal through his gifted faculties. The radiant rays of the nascent sun, the cool waves of morning breeze, the distant calls of mysterious birds, the shimmering blue water of the lake and the tranquil atmosphere are the countless gifts of nature presented to a keen and sensitive observer. Indeed Kundal lake is a place on earth where one can relax and cast away the worries of daily hectic and busy life. It is a heaven for nature lovers where nature is pure and unspoiled, the skies clean and clear and the water fresh and sparkling.

Direction to Kundol Lake from Mingora Swat

The name Izmis means caves in Kohistani and as the lake is surrounded by several natural caves, the people have named the lake after these caves. Izmis Lake is located to the North-east of Utror valley at a high altitude above the tree line. A small jeep-able link road from Utror leads towards the location of the lake which ends in a valley called Loypanrghalay. The lake can be accessed from here after trekking for almost two hours.

The track meanders between sprawling and lush green carpets of grass covered with flowers of different colours and hues. The grazing cows, lambs and goats make the panoramas more exciting and beautiful. A small hamlet called Kalam Banda is located on these eye-soothing highlands where the grazers welcome everyone in their own special rustic style. The grazers who go to the pastures mostly belong to Utror valley. The signs of technological advancement can be observed here as the grazers have built a Hydro Power Plant to avail the water and electricity in these awesome heights. The lake lies almost at a distance of one hour from this heavenly locale.

Down side of Izmis Lake toward Kalam Valley

The Lake is surrounded by towering mountains covered with sheen green grasses and herbaceous plants which attract several grazers from the plains in summer. The eastern and western faces of the lake are open with wide gullies at both ends. The grazers have constructed small stone and earthen structures in the peripheries of the lake which provides the temporary residence during summers. It also serves as a watershed for a small stream which mingles with River Swat in Utror. The watershed areas of the lake have turned to peat-land/marshes and are an excellent feeding ground for the migratory birds as well as local bird and animal species. According to the grazers several species of aquatic birds visits the area and feed in the marshes but the local poachers' poses a grave threat to the survival of these endangered species of birds as they regularly visit the area and ruthlessly hunt-down these birds.