Blue Treasures Of KP: Unlocking Ecotourism, Water Sports Through Lakes

APP

Peshawar: Blessed with an abundance of natural and mountains beauty, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) stands out as a unique province of Pakistan, home to a stunning array of lakes that offer unmatched serenity and ecotourism potential for tourists to explore.

From the legendary Saiful Malook in the Kaghan Valley to the pristine Mahodand Lake in Swat’s Ushu Valley, these alpine wonders attract thousands of tourists each year seeking peace, adventure, and connection with nature especially during summer.

Framed by the majestic Malika Parbat in the Kaghan Valley, the iconic Saiful Malook lake stirs the imagination with its crystal-clear, greenish-blue waters and mythic charm.

Situated at 3,224 meters above sea level and covering over a square mile, the lake is named after a Persian prince and immortalized in the poetic folklore of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s fairytale of Saiful Malook. According to the tale, Prince Saiful Malook fell in love with a fairy princess, Badriul Jamala, in this magical setting and came here again to find his love.

“I hae visited many lakes across Pakistan, but Saiful Malook remains unmatched for its natural beauty, waterfalls and enchanting stories,” said Manzoorul Haq, a retired ambasaador from Nowshera.

“It’s my forth trip at Saiful.Malook and Ansu Lakes and surely won’t be the last amid great excitement,” Manzoor who arrived to explore the famous lakes of Mansehra district told APP.

“The Ansu lake beauty has impressed me the most due to its calm and serenity,” he said.

He said Ansoo and Dudipatsar Lakes are also accessible via jeep or horseback, enhancing the area’s appeal for families and adventurers alike.

Ansoo Lake is a teardrop-shaped wonder and one of the highest in the Himalayas at 4,126 meters while Dudipatsar Lake is Known for its mirror-like surface and alpine surroundings being the must visit sites.

However, visitors have raised concerns over pollution, with litter and plastic waste marring the lakes beauty.

He urges authorities such as the Kaghan Development Authority and Wildlife Department to enforce cleanliness and introduce eco-friendly tourism practices, including parking areas located outside lake premises, a common practice in international ecotourism sites.

Manzoor said that they spent sometimes at Siri and Payala Lakes as its  serene destinations ideal for camping and nature walks.

“Before these famous lakes, we visited mahodand Lake which is a jewel of the Swat Valley at 2,900 meters, famed for trout fishing and surrounded by pine forests and camping sites.

Swat, often dubbed the tourism capital of KP, boasts seven tourism-friendly features such as snowy peaks, trout rivers, waterfalls, lakes, Swat Motorway, snowfall, and lush green valleys.

According to Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager of the KP Culture and Tourism Authority, the province is home to around 100 lakes, including the globally ranked Karambar Lake in Chitral which is one of the world’s highest natural lakes at 4,272 meters.

Significant projects are underway to improve accessibility and enhance the ecotourism experience.

Among them are Mahodand Lake development project focuses on walking trails, wooden boats, huts, a parking area, and camping pods.

He said small bridges will connect lakes in the Mahodand area to improve scenic appeal and accessibility.

Ali Syed said a substantial amount were spent on construction of all-season jeep tracks in 16 districts, particularly in the Malakand and Hazara divisions.

Referring to ntegrated Tourism Zones project, he said four zones at Mankiyal (Swat), Thandyani (Abbottabad), Ganol (Mansehra), and Madaklasht (Lower Chitral) will be developed with World Bank support and road connectivity to Swat and Hazara Motorways.

Saiful Malook Lake, spread over 12,026 acres, is now part of a national park designated under the 1975 Preservation and Management Act.

A mega project has been approved for its conservation, including the construction of a parking complex, gates, wildlife offices, and provision of cleaning machinery.

KP is also leading the way under the Prime Minister’s Protected Areas Initiative, becoming the first province to offer national park services to the public, with dedicated DFOs managing ecological preservation, wildlife habitats, and alpine ecosystems.

While the north dominates the ecotourism landscape, KP’s southern and central districts are not far behind. Lakes like Tanda Dam (Kohat), Khanpur (Haripur), and Kundal (Swabi) are developed for water sports, paragliding, and recreational use.

These efforts aim to distribute tourism more evenly across the province and offer year-round destinations for nature lovers.

With its kaleidoscope of lakes set against majestic peaks, KP is not just a haven for tourists but a blueprint for sustainable ecotourism in Pakistan.

Protecting these natural treasures through thoughtful development, strict environmental regulations, and public awareness is essential to preserve their magic for generations to come.