Discover the Magic of Saiful Malook Lake in Pakistan

APP 

Mansehra: As pre-monsoon flowers begin to bloom, the interplay of sun and clouds over the towering Malaka Parbath in Kaghan Valley creates a mesmerizing spectacle. 

This valley is home to the famed Saiful Malook Lake, an oval-shaped body of crystal-clear greenish-blue water that captivates tourists with its unique beauty.

Saiful Malook Lake, steeped in fairy tales, enchants visitors with its serene ambiance and breathtaking scenery. Spread over 1.06 square miles, the lake is 113 feet deep and sits at an altitude of 3,224 meters above sea level.

 Visitors often feel a sense of ecstasy and peace upon arriving, following the long journey from the plains of Pakistan to the picturesque Kaghan Valley.

The lake is named after Persian Prince Saiful Malook, and its waterfall, fed by the glaciers of Malaka Parbath, leaves a lasting impression on the minds of countless tourists each year

Renowned historian and poet Mian Muhammad Bakhash wrote about the romantic tale of Prince Saiful Malook and the fairy princess Badriul Jamala in his book “Fairytale of Saiful Malook,” highlighting the enchanting allure of this natural wonder.

Former Ambassador Manzoorul Haq shared his admiration for the lake, stating, “I have visited many lakes around the world, but the gripping natural beauty, oval shape, and clean greenish-blue water of Saiful Malook Lake in upper Kaghan have impressed me the most.”

 He emphasized that Saiful Malook is his ideal tourist destination due to its fairy tales, unique natural beauty, and excellent road connectivity. Families can enjoy the relaxed environment and explore nearby lakes like Anso and Dudipatsar through jeep and horse rides, adding to the fun and excitement.

Haq also expressed concern about pollution, urging the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA), Wildlife Department, and District Administration to maintain cleanliness and protect the lake from pollution.

He suggested that vehicles be parked outside the lake premises to preserve its ecology, a practice common in international tourist spots.

Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager of KP Culture and Tourism Authority, highlighted Pakistan’s rich natural and manmade lake heritage, including South Asia’s largest Manchar Lake and other significant lakes like Paristan and Shimshal in Gilgit-Baltistan. He noted that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa boasts around 100 lakes, including the world’s 33rd highest natural lake, Karambar, in Chitral.

Swat Valley is emerging as a tourism hub, featuring snow-clad peaks, trout-filled rivers, waterfalls, and lakes. Mahodand Lake in Ushu Valley, Swat, is notable for its brown and rainbow trout and camping opportunities.

Other lakes like Khanpoor in Haripur and Tanda Dam Lake in Kohat offer water sports and ecotourism activities.

The KP government is investing in developing recreational spots at various lakes, constructing roads and jeep tracks to enhance accessibility. Salahuddin Khan, Divisional Wildlife Officer, mentioned that Saiful Malook Lake, now a national park, will benefit from a project aimed at improving facilities, including parking, cleanliness, and wildlife protection.

The development of Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZ) in Mankiyal, Thandyani, Ganol, and Madaklasht, supported by the World Bank, along with new camping pods and jeepable tracks, will further boost tourism and provide better access to these natural treasures.