The Un-tapped Lakes of Pakistan: A Hidden Natural Treasure
Pakistan, a country known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse natural beauty, is home to a plethora of un-tapped lakes that remain hidden gems waiting to be explored. From the majestic northern regions to the scenic southern areas, these lakes offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
1. Attabad Lake
Located at the town of Gojal near Hunza. It is the largest lake of Pakistan, spanning roughly 13 square km. Amazingly, it was formed by a massive landslide in 2010. The lake has stunning turquoise colored waters and is quite deep. The view is mesmerizing owing to the fact that, it is surrounded by golden mountains. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, camping and skiing.
2.Batura Lake
Batura Glacier melts and the water reservoir formed as a result is known as Batura Lake. It is located at a distance of around 60 km from Hunza. The height of this lake is 2900 meters. This lake is famous for its awe inspiring view with Passu Cones and Batura Glacier in the backdrop.
3.Blind Lake
Blind or Jarbazhou Lake can be found at the outskirts of Skardu city on the way to Shigar valley. This lake is located in Sarfaranga Desert (Cold Desert). The distinction of Blind Lake and Katpanah Lake is that these lakes are sitting right in the heart of desert, with cold climate and at one of the highest plateaus making it an exceptional treat for visitors.
4.Borith Lake
This lake has a distinction of being the hunting spot for the Mir of Hunza. Travel enthusiasts rate it as most under-rated lake. It is located at Borith, a local community near Husseini village, Gulmit ,Gujal upper Hunza. Can also be accessed via trekking of 2,3 hours from Ghulkin glacier. The altitude is 2600 m above sea level. This lake houses migratory birds in summers and is a serene haven.
5.Dakholi Lake
Dakholi lake is the second highest lake of Pakistan. It is located at a height of 4839 m from sea level. It falls in the mountains of Khaplu broq and Surmo Valley District Ghanche. The lake remains largely unexplored making it a hot spot for explorers.
6.Ghanche Lake
Discovered in 2015, by two adventure seekers Ghanche lake lies in Ganche Nualah, seven hours walk from the town of Khaplu. Locally known as “Khenpi Tso” meaning on the right side, as there are two lakes side by side. At 4600 m above sea level, surrounded by famous hills(K2-8611m, Broad Peak-8047m, Gasherbrum2-8035m, Gasherbrum3-7952m, and Gasherbrum4-7925m) along with lush green meadows. All in all, Ghanche Lake is an experience of a life time.
7.Ghorashe Lake
Ghorashe Lake is in Kharmang Valley of Gilgit Baltistan. The main attraction is apricot forest surrounding the lake. Despite having difficult access, large number of tourists turn up to have a spike in adrenaline and enjoy trout fishing with mesmerizing views.
8.Handarap Lake
Handarap Lake is located at Shandur Valley of Gupis Yasin District. Located at a hike of four hours from Handarap village with an elevation of 3285 m, this lake offers colored waters reflecting the surrounding scenery. The jaw dropping experience is a must have if one is adventurer and nature lover.
9.Hrkolong Lake
Hrkolong Lake is in Khaplu Valley of Gilgit Baltistan. The height of lake is 4,126 m above sea level. This gem of a lake is encircled by uber green fields and snowy peaks. Main attractions feature camping and fishing. Last but not least, Hiking and Trekking offer ample exciting opportunities.
10. Khalti Lake
This lake is technically Gilgit River finding enough width on its way to take a shape of lake. The spot is six km from the town of Gupis. It is surrounded by the mountains of Hindu Kush. The lake is famous for its quiet and tranquil environment. The lake has two delightful aspects. In summers it offers fishing and in winters, skiing accompanied by camping. It is easily approachable as this lake is located by road side.
11. Paristan Lake
Paristan lake was discovered in 2018, near Skardu by explorers. With an elevation of 4767 m, it is one of the highest lakes. The isolation has rendered an un tapped beauty second to non. The experience of being on un paralleled heights with chilling winds and deep blue waters popping up in the middle of grass carpets is worth getting to this lake.
12.Pari Lake
Locally known as Khapiro Dandh. This Lake(s) is situated in Utror Valley of Kalam Swat, Khyberpakhtunkhwa.
These two lakes are separated by a small piece of land. However, the bigger lake is the main attraction. The view is astonishing after the long trekking.
13. Katpanah Lake
Katpanah Lake is around 4km from the city of Skardu. The scenery is unique as the valley is wide enough to differentiate it from other lakes. Moreover, wide variety of trees serve as fences on the borders separating waters from land. This in turn alters the scenery unconventionally, rendering a dazzling escape from reality. This oasis in the lap of towering peaks, with soothing winds and birds singing in the background, creating an aura of ecstasy.
14.Naltar Lakes
Naltar Valley is situated at a distance of 34 km from Gilgit city, at an elevation of 4678 m. This spot is alive without seasonal barriers. Naltar Valley has thick forest cover and snowy hills setting it apart from neighboring vallies. Naltar Valley has three lakes but the main attraction is Naltar 3 or Bishkiri lake. The track to lakes is off road however, the journey is spell binding. The aforementioned lakes are in ascending order located at distance from each other. The first one is famous for multiple color it radiates. The second one , where drive ends, has deep blue water is reportedly more beautiful than the previous one. Last but not the least, the infamous turquoise colored lake resides, after a hike of around an hour. The journey takes one to an altogether different realm.
15.Kachura Lakes
Located near the city of Skardu. There are two lakes namely Lower Kachura and Upper Kachura Lake(s) respectively.
Lower Kachura Lake
Situated at a height of approximately 2500 m. This lake features a resort named Shangri-La. The lake is surrounded by picturesque huts put to perfection. This resort offers Motel facility while checking all the boxes
of a fairy tale haven.
Upper Kachura Lake
One can reach Upper Kachura lake after 30 mins uphill walk from Lower Kachura Lake. However, can be accessed via car too. But, the scenic track is more enjoyable on foot, as alpine forests with water streams transfers the visitors to another land. The lake is large in comparison to Lower Kachura Lake. The spot caters the needs of fishing enthusiasts and swimmers. The transforming shades at lake accentuates tranquility, away from temporal boundaries.
16.Phander Lake
Phander is the largest of four lakes placed in Koh i Ghizer, Gupis Yasin District of Gilgit Baltistan. At s distance of 184 km from Gilgit, the regional headquarter, Phander valley is rated to be the most beautiful valley by visitors. Distinctively, the valley is flat and broad and that is why it is called Phander-meaning “Palm” in local language. The track to the lake is worth seeing. It is a grassland with water streams in between at intervals. The spellbinding silence with raw natural beauty of the track all the way up to the main lake is irresistible.
17.Rama Lake
Rama Lake can be reached from Astore, 100 km drive from Gilgit. The lake is around 14 km from Astore city. Like numerous wonders of Pakistan’s Northern Areas, Rama lake is as pretty as a picture. However, the story does not ends here. To reach the lake one has to traverse through Rama Meadows; a jewel of Astore valley. Covered with pine, cedar and juniper trees, Rama meadows are greenwood peaks surrounded by glaciers. Rama lake(s) are astoundingly beautiful glacial lakes nestled in alpine conifers.
18.Rush Lake
Rush lake is said to the highest lake in Pakistan with an elevation of 4694 m. Rush lake can be accessed via Nagar valley and Hoper valley. Nearby landmarks include the famous Karakorum glaciers and peaks like, Hoper and Miar Glaciers rising from Miar and Phuparash peak respectively. The trek to lake is difficult and requires 4 days therefore the visit must be accompanied by a guide. The tantalizing views of Rush Lake are worth the adventure.
19. Sadpara or Satpara Lake
Sadpara lake sits just above Skardu city on the way to the surreal Deosai Plains.It is 5 km from Skardu and at an elevation of 2636 m. The melting glaciers are the source of the turquoise waters of Sadpara lake. In the midst of rocky mountains spanned over around two square km, this pool hosts an island which reminds of a lagoon. This spot is an ideal rest area-albeit a beautiful one-on the way from Deosai to Skardu.
20. Sheosar Lake
In Shina language ‘Sheo’ means blind and ‘Sar’ means lake. Travel Junkies call it the jewel of Deosai. Located on the western front of Deosai planes, in Skardu district of Gilgit Baltistan. Undoubtedly, this lake stands apart from its category owing to the following features. The lake is around 1.8 km wide and around 2 km long with a depth of 40 m. It is located at one of the highest wetlands on earth with an elevation of 4250 m. The lake is naturally shaped like a nest in between mountains. Deosai plains remain inundated with freezing wind gusts and super chilled deep blue waters. The feel is indescribable and hypnotizing.
Conclusion
Gilgit Baltistan is jewel in the crown of Pakistan’s breath taking natural beauty, waiting for the world to discover in its purity, from time immemorial. These lakes manifest folkloric allure having the quality of numbing the mind with sheer exquisiteness. These areas are extremely peaceful in nature and in character, inhibited by peace loving people always in search of harmony which coincides with their welcoming culture.