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.