The Timeless Charm of Saiful Muluk Lake

Fakhar-e-Alam

Peshawar: Beyond the busy plains of Pakistan lies a world of towering peaks, crystal-clear waters and timeless legends — the enchanting Saiful Muluk Lake, a natural wonder nestled in the heart of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Kaghan Valley.
Surrounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Malika Parbat range in Mansehra district, the lake appears like a scene from a fairytale. Its emerald-green waters, peaceful surroundings and breathtaking landscape have made it one of Pakistan’s most iconic tourist destinations.
Located at an altitude of 3,224 metres above sea level, Saiful Muluk stretches across 1.06 square miles and reaches a depth of nearly 113 feet. Its oval shape and mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a spectacle that continues to attract thousands of visitors every year.
Known as the “lake of legends and princes,” Saiful Muluk carries a rich cultural legacy. The lake is associated with the Persian prince Saiful Muluk, whose mythical love story with fairy princess Badriul Jamala has been immortalized by renowned Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh in his famous poetic work Saiful Muluk.
For generations, the tale of the prince’s search for his beloved fairy princess has added a magical dimension to the lake’s natural beauty, making it more than just a tourist attraction — it is a place where folklore, spirituality and nature come together.
During the summer months, the lake becomes a hub for local and international tourists seeking relief from scorching temperatures. The pleasant weather, surrounding glaciers and cascading waterfalls further enhance its charm.
Although Pakistan is home to several spectacular lakes, including Ansoo, Lulusar, Dudipatsar and Sheosar, Saiful Muluk holds a special place due to its combination of breathtaking scenery, cultural heritage and legendary appeal.
Former Pakistani ambassador Manzoorul Haq described Saiful Muluk as a destination whose beauty leaves a lasting impression, even when compared with renowned global tourist sites.
However, experts believe that the true economic potential of such destinations remains largely untapped. With the growing influence of digital technology, social media and artificial intelligence, Pakistan can transform its natural landscapes into globally recognized tourism brands.
President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan Abu Zafar Sadiq said destinations like Saiful Muluk possess enormous tourism and economic potential but require greater government support, modern facilities and effective digital promotion.
“Saiful Muluk and similar breathtaking sites offer stunning vistas and significant economic promise for Pakistan, subject to government patronage,” he said.
Pakistan’s tourism sector has faced several setbacks over the years, including natural disasters, security challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these difficulties, tourism showed significant growth before the pandemic, contributing billions of dollars to the national economy and supporting millions of livelihoods.
Experts now believe that digital platforms, virtual tours and targeted online campaigns can help showcase Pakistan’s hidden tourism treasures to the world.
Abu Zafar stressed the need for adopting modern tools such as GPS-based tourism services, artificial intelligence applications and professional digital marketing campaigns to attract foreign visitors and improve tourist experiences.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader infrastructure development initiatives are also expected to improve connectivity and create new opportunities for tourism, hospitality and transport sectors.
Ambassador Manzoorul Haq suggested developing a chairlift between Naran and Saiful Muluk to enhance accessibility and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
Yet, preserving the lake’s natural beauty remains a major challenge. Environmental experts warn that increasing tourist activity must be matched with improved waste management, sanitation facilities and sustainable planning.
More waste bins, better parking arrangements and additional cleaning staff are among the measures needed to protect Saiful Muluk from environmental degradation.
Professor Naveed Farooq of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan said Pakistan’s lakes are natural treasures that need global visibility through digital platforms.
“Saiful Muluk, Ansoo and Mahodand lakes are gems of Pakistan. Using digital technology to highlight these destinations can attract international tourists and boost the country’s tourism sector,” he said.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department, which manages Saiful Muluk and Lulusar lakes as national parks, is also working on conservation measures and improving visitor facilities.
With planned developments, better infrastructure and responsible tourism practices, Saiful Muluk has the potential to emerge as one of South Asia’s leading eco-tourism destinations.
More than just a lake, Saiful Muluk represents Pakistan’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and the promise of a future where technology and tourism combine to bring the country’s hidden wonders to the world. The feature report was released by APP.