Eid Rush Turns Saiful Malook Into Tourist Paradise
Fakhar e Alam
Peshawar: Nestled deep within the breathtaking upper Kaghan Valley, the enchanting Lake Saiful Malook has once again become the center of attraction for thousands of tourists and adventure lovers during the Eidul Azha holidays, offering visitors a magical escape into nature’s serenity.
Surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the majestic Malika Parbat mountain range in Mansehra district, the world-famous lake welcomed a massive influx of domestic travelers seeking peace, adventure, and relief from the summer heat.
The laughter of families, excitement of tourists, and splendor of cascading waterfalls created a festive atmosphere around one of Pakistan’s most celebrated tourist destinations.
The demanding journey from Pakistan’s plains to the northern highlands quickly fades from memory as visitors encounter the mesmerizing beauty of Saiful Malook, a lake often described as a real-life fairytale.
Spread over 1.06 square miles, with a depth of 113 feet and located at an altitude of 3,224 meters above sea level, the oval-shaped lake captivates tourists with its crystal-clear greenish-blue waters and breathtaking natural scenery.
Known as the “Lake of Legends,” Saiful Malook derives its name from the Persian prince Saiful Malook and remains deeply rooted in folklore and Sufi literature. The lake gained immortal fame through Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s epic poem “Saiful Malook,” narrating the mystical love story of Prince Saiful Malook and fairy princess Badriul Jamala.
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During summer, the lake transforms into a vibrant tourism hub as pleasant weather, surrounding glaciers, and waterfalls flowing from Malika Parbat add to its charm. Tourists arriving from across Pakistan described the lake as a symbol of tranquility and natural beauty unmatched by many destinations worldwide.
Children surgeon Dr Malik Riaz, who visited the lake with his family during Eid holidays, said Saiful Malook leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
“My visit to Hazara division remains incomplete without seeing this beautiful lake,” he remarked, adding that Pakistan’s scenic destinations should be promoted aggressively through digital and social media platforms to attract foreign tourists and strengthen the national economy.
Abu Zafar Sadiq, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, highlighted the growing role of digital technology in transforming Pakistan’s tourism sector.
He said destinations like Saiful Malook possess immense economic potential if properly promoted through modern digital campaigns, virtual tours, GPS integration, and artificial intelligence tools.
“Saiful Malook and other breathtaking sites can become major contributors to Pakistan’s tourism economy with proper government patronage and international marketing,” he said.
Despite possessing immense tourism potential, experts noted that Pakistan’s tourism industry has long faced challenges due to security concerns, natural calamities, and limited infrastructure. However, improved road networks under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and initiatives linked to the “One Belt, One Road” project are expected to boost tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors significantly.
Riaz Khan, an academician from Nowshera who visited the lake with his family, said the waterfalls flowing from Malika Parbat and boating activities inside the lake make Saiful Malook a truly unforgettable experience.
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Tourism experts have also proposed ambitious projects such as a chairlift between Naran and Saiful Malook and the development of cable car systems in northern areas to further improve accessibility and generate economic opportunities for local communities.
At the same time, environmental experts stressed the urgent need to preserve the lake’s pristine beauty through better waste management, increased sanitation services, improved parking facilities, and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Professor Naveed Farooq of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan described Saiful Malook as a national identity of Pakistan and emphasized the importance of showcasing the country’s natural treasures globally through digital platforms.
“Saiful Malook, Ansoo, Mahudhand, and other lakes are priceless gems of Pakistan. Modern digital promotion can attract international tourists in large numbers and strengthen the country’s tourism economy,” he said.
According to tourism experts, Pakistan’s tourism industry is rapidly expanding and is projected to contribute over $5.5 billion to the economy by 2029. Domestic tourism continues to drive this growth, with nearly 50 million local tourists visiting northern areas annually, boosting local businesses, transport, hospitality, and food industries.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, which manages Saiful Malook and Lulusar lakes as national parks, is also working on sustainable tourism initiatives and improved visitor facilities to protect the region’s ecological beauty.
As Pakistan continues investing in infrastructure and digital outreach, Lake Saiful Malook stands tall as a symbol of the country’s rich natural heritage, captivating travelers with its legendary beauty and promising a brighter future for Pakistan’s tourism industry.
