Exploring Rama Meadows and the isolation at Naltar

Several trees grow along the trail with large shrubs running along each side of the route from Chillam to Astore. The course is just like any other mountainous route — uneven and bumpy. Passing through small towns and villages on the flank of the mountain, one can see a stream of ice-cold water gushing out from Deosai.

Saif-ul-Malook (KPK) : The Lake of Fairies

On the north east side of Mansehra district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, there is a Valley known as Kaghan Valley. In Kaghan Valley there is a lake known as Saif ul Malook. This lake is located on the northern side of Kaghan Valley. It is located near a village known as Naran. It is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan. It is 10,580 feet high and its surface area is about 3.60km.

The distance from Naran to Saif ul malook is 8 kilometers, but it takes almost one hour to reach there. One can also adopt tracking to reach at Saif ul malook. The road for Saif ul malook is steep and rough and the way to sail ul malook is dangerous, foolish mistakes can cause death. Road is very slippery at places where the water of glaciers is falling in the Kunhar River from road. If one remains a bit careful, then a track is very exciting. There are many wonderful landscapes in the way and the Glaciers are just amazing. It’s so cold inside the glacier and water is falling in it like it is raining. One can never forget the cold drops of water touching your body gently.

As you reach near Saif ul malook, you will find that many jeeps are parked near this area. Some food stalls like of pakoras, tea and other general items like snacks, sweets, etc. Some food places are also found, where people have their lunch.

The weather of this lake is uncertain. No one knows when the sun will hide behind the clouds and it starts raining. When it rains the weather becomes too cold that there is a need of warm clothes. The color the lake also varies with weather. Due to sun rays, water of the lake shows different beautiful and eye-catching shades. In winter the whole lake is covered with snow.

The shape of the lake is like a bowl and its water gives an awesome effect of blue color. Water supply to this lake is from melting glaciers. The Malka Parbat peak is in the east of this lake, forming a mirror image in lake. Boating facility is also available.

There is a very famous fairytale about Saif ul malook, written by a Sufi poet. It’s about a prince who falls in love with a fairy of this lake, on the 14^th night (Islamic month). If you haven’t seen this place, you must visit.

LALUSAR LAKE AN UNEXPLORED TOURISTPLACE

Unaffected by pollution and located over 11,000 feet above the sea level on Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road amid Bassal and Babusar tops, the lake doesn’t attract large crowds of tourists due to distant location and closure of the road to it for most part of the year due to heavy snowfall.

However, those who manage to reach there are in awe of the place’s beauty.

Accompanied by family, tourist Marriam from New York said she had travelled across the world but had no words to state the beauty of Lulusar Lake.

It’s unique. It has soothing environment. The lake’s splendor is unaffected by pollution unlike Saiful Muluk, which has lost picturesqueness due to littering by visitors,”

The nature is everywhere. Only fewer human beings are here and therefore, the place is so serene, so peaceful in the midst of high mountains and greenish meadows,”

SWAT VALLEY MASTIJ LAKE IS A PIECE RIGHT OUT OF HEAVEN

The lake is famous for its serene environment and how it seems to change form when viewed from different angles

Located in the far-flung mountains above the scenic Janshai meadows in Kalam valley, the lake is one of the hundreds of glacial lakes located at 13,081 feet above sea level and can be accessed through a scenic trek.

The Mastij Lake, in particular, is famous for its serene environment, turquoise water and how it seems to change form when viewed from different angles.

A lush green view of a hamlet in Janshai meadows.

Tourists pose for photos in front of Mastij waterfall.

A stunning view of Mastij Lake beyond Janshai meadows

An enchanting view in Janshai meadows in Anakar valley
"This is a unique lake as it not only changes its shape from different angles but also changes the colour of its water. From some angles the water is clear blue, from the top it changes to a mirror-like reflection while from the front the water appears a turquoise blue,” said Faisal Saeed, a young trekker and medical student who recently visited the lake with a group of trekkers.

The lake can be reached after 10 hours of a tiresome trek but according to trekkers and tourists, the path is scenic and once one gets to the lake and sees it, it all seems worth the effort put in.

Trekkers and tourists pass through Anakar forest towards Mastij Lake.

A stunning view of blue water river in Anakar valley, the starting point of the trek to Mastij Lake.

Trekkers and tourists are taking a break in Janshai meadows.

Trekkers stay in local huts at Gujar Banr towards Mastij Lake.

Trekkers and tourists on the way to Mastij Lake.

Trekkers and tourists on the way to Mastij Lake.

Trekkers and tourists rest in scenic Janshai meadows.

Trekkers and tourists pass the scenic Janshai meadows towards Mastij Lake

Visitors enjoy the scenic beauty and serenity of Mastij Lake.

An enchanting view of the serene Mastij Lake.

A stunning view of Mastij Lake beyond Janshai meadows in Anakar valley, Kalam