Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with eye-catching and awe-inspiring beauty and bestowed this beautiful homeland with breathtaking scenic beauty. There are charming places that attract tourists and travelers all over the world. The northern areas of Pakistan are very famous due to their adorable and awesome, lush green valleys and wonderful and magnificent lakes. These regions are rich in scenic views that enchant the visitors visiting there with their inspiring beauty.
Lakes in Pakistan
Nature has adored Pakistan with the abundance of Lakes. These lakes have summed up the beauty and attraction of Pakistan. These lakes are the source of water supply to the local areas. These lakes not only fulfill the shortage and requirement of water but also are a source of Pakistan’s economic growth as they are attractive spots for tourists. These lakes also offer adventurous water sports.
There are about 60 lakes in Pakistan. More than 30 lakes are present in Northern areas in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan whereas the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan also have their regional lakes. In this topic, we would enlist and discuss the top 15 most famous lakes in Pakistan.
- Attabad Lake
- Lake Saif-ul-Maluk
- Satpara Lake
- Dudipatsar Lake
- Lulusar Lake
- Ansoo Lake
- Swaik Lake
- Mahodand Lake
- Ratti Gali Lake
- Sheosar lake
- Banjosa Lake
- Chitta Katha Lake
- Rush Lake
- Karambar Lake
- Lower Kachura Lake
1. Attabad Lake
The most beautiful lake in Pakistan known as, “Attabab Lake” is present in the awesome valley of Hunza in the province of Gilgit Baltistan. As this lake is located in Gojal town, it is also known as Gojal lake. This lake provides alluring scenes. Despite its magnificent beauty, this lake was not traced on the map till 2010. In 2010, a disaster took place in Attabad and due to this disaster, this lake appeared which was an unseen part of River Hunza.
Attabad lake has the distinction of being the largest lake in the Province of Gilgit Baltistan as it covers an area of 13.5 square kilometers. This is the destination lake for most the national as well as international tourists. The color of the water in this lake is blue and this lake has a depth of 358 feet. This lake not only attracts the tourists due to its scenic beauty but also the water sports here are a source of attraction for the travelers. These recreational activities may include boating, fishing, jet skiing as well as swimming.
2. Lake Saif-ul-Maluk
This lake is situated at the end of Kaghan in the Naran Valley in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This beautiful lake covers an area of about 2.5 Square kilometers with its beauty. it has an altitude of 3.224 meters or 10,578 feet. This lake is famous because it is the largest lake and also the most beautiful lake in Pakistan. It is about 50 feet deep.
The surrounding snowcapped mountains add to its beauty. The lake and the gigantic mountains together give a very enchanting scene. The water level in this lake rises in summer as the melting snow adds water in the lake. So we can say that this lake is fed by these mountains. After reaching Naran, one has to hire a jeep to go to this lake as the path is very rocky and stony. It is about an hour’s drive from Naran to this lake.
There are many tales about lake Saif-ul-Maluk which are fantasized by the locals of Naran and Kaghan. In one of the tales, a Persian Prince took a fancy to a fairy Princess at this lake. Local people also use to say that fairies come on this lake when there is the full moon and its light is spread everywhere that creating a very enchanting scene.
3. Satpara Lake
Satpara lake is the very famous lake that is situated in the beautiful valley of Skardu in the province of Gilgit Baltistan. This lake is formed due to the water reservoir formed due to the Satpara dam which is one of the most famous dams in Pakistan. This lake is spread over an area of 2.5 square kilometers and has an altitude of 8650 feet.
Supplying water to Skardu Valley
Satpara lake has significance not only for being a very beautiful and awesome lake but also because it is the biggest lake in Pakistan having fresh water. The Satpara stream actually follows the path and falls into the lake that then feeds the Satpara dam. This lake and dam are a source of supplying fresh water to the Skardu valley. Thousands of gallons are filled every day that are taken to the Skardu Valley.
4. Dudipatsar Lake
It is present in the beautiful and lush green valley of Kaghan in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has an altitude of 3800 meters (12,500feet). This lake is present in the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park which is present in the Kaghan Valley. The word Dudipatsar Lake means, White mountains Lake. The snow-capped mountains surrounding this beautiful lake testifies its name as a white mountains lake.
One can not reach there on a car as it has no paved path. It could be accessed by walking on foot and so named Dudipat lake. It is about 10 hours hike from Besal which is about one hour from Naran. One could do hiking or ride on a horse to reach this glorious snow-capped white mountains lake.
5. Lulusar Lake
Lulusar Lake is among the top beautiful and famous lakes in Pakistan. It is situated in the Naran Valley in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This lake is the main source of River Kunhar. It is the most visited place for tourists as it attracts them with its enchanting beauty and eye-catching scenes of the beautiful Kaghan and Naran Valley add to its beauty.
It is the tourists’ and travellers’ destination spot not only because of its scenic beauty but also because of the paved roads which have made this lake easily reachable. Otherwise, most of the lakes have rocky and stony paths and to reach there, one must take a drive on a jeep but this lake is easily accessible by car. It is about an eight-hour drive from the capital city, Islamabad.
6. Ansoo Lake
Ansoo Lake is situated in the Kaghan Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is one of the most beautiful and alluring lakes in Pakistan and is present between the gigantic Himalayan mountains. It is a high-altitude lake with having an altitude of 13,927 feet. The unique thing about this lake is that it has a shape of a teardrop i.e. Ansoo which it is named as Ansoo Lake. Its Distinctive shape is the main reason why the trekkers and tourists are captivated and attracted to it.
Some people say that it is the shape of a teardrop but some also say that it has a resemblance with human eye as its shape is like that of the eye and the frozen island in between is looks like an eyeball or iris in the eye.
In 1993, a low flying aircraft discovered this lake and spotted its amazing shape.This lake is not easily accessible and there is no paved path to reach this lake. However, it could be accessed by a full day horse drive from the lake Saif-ul-Maluk. As this lake is difficult to reach, it is not populated. There are no houses or places to reside over there. However, people do camping there.
7. Swaik Lake
Swaik lake is located in the province of Punjab in Kallar Kahar Tehsil, district Chakwal. As it is present in the village of Khandoa, it is also known as Khandoa Lake. This lake is very famous and has significance due to its captivating and alluring blue-green water. It has an amazing waterfall that attracts tourists. It also offers water sports like swimming and boating etc. This lake is also a picnic spot for tourist families. They also do cooking and Bar-BQ and enjoy a lot.
This lake also has no metalled roads and paved paths to reach it. Therefore, it is less visited by people. However, the path is very rocky and steep and one can take part in trekking in the surrounding areas. This wonderful lake is about at 50 minutes hike from the M2 motorway.
8. Mahodand Lake
This lake is amongst the most famous lakes in Pakistan. It is situated in the Usho Valley which is about 45 minutes from the Kalam Valley in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The word Mahodand means, “fishes”. So, Mahodand Lake means, “Lake of Fishes”. This lake is located in the bottom hills of the Hindukush Mountains Range and so there are lush green forests and meadows all around which gives a very fascinating look.
Water Sports
It also does not has a well-paved path but a jeep can take you there. When you reach there, you can enjoy a lot as there one can play many water sports boating, swimming and as the name signifies fishing. One can also enjoy doing camping there.
The summer season is the best season to visit this lake and enjoy not only its charming beauty but also to enjoy these water sports. Fishing also has more fun in summer as a large variety of trout fishes can be caught there.
9. Ratti Gali Lake
This lake is one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in Pakistan and is located in Azad Kashmir in the delightful and charming valley of Neelum. This lake has an altitude of 3698 meters or 12,130 feet. The main source of water in this lake is the snow-capped mountains. The glaciers melt in summer and fed this lake. This lake is the most alluring lake and it appeals and attracts the nature lovers with its lush green grass, beautiful flowers in the valley and the gigantic snow capped mountains.
There is no regular path to reach this lake. One has to hike from the Dowarian base camp to reach this lake. Only jeeps can come to the Dowarian camp and from there the trekking and hiking path starts.
10. Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake one of the most famous lakes in Pakistan is also named Shausar Lake. This lake is located in the province of Gilgit Baltistan in the famous Deosai National Park. Deosai is the second-largest plateau on earth and it is also known as the “Bed of Flowers” as it is beautified by all sorts of colorful flowers everywhere.
This lake is very attractive and charming and it fascinates the tourists with its scenic beauty that is multiplied by the awesome colorful flowers. This lake has an altitude of 13,589ft. and has a width of 40 meters and a length is 2.3 km. In the spring season, the majestic wildflowers bloom everywhere and display a very alluring and delightful view. So, the spring season is the most recommended season to visit this lake.
11. Banjosa Lake
Banjosa Lake is also one of the most beautiful and awesome lakes in Pakistan. The distinctive thing about this lake is that is a man-made or artificial lake. it is situated in the alluring valley of Azad Kashmir in Rawalkot, Poonch District. It has an altitude of 1981 meters (6499ft). The beauty if this lake is enhanced by its surroundings which are beautified by the dense pine trees. This pine forest adds to its beauty.
This lake is easily accessible as there is a paved metalled road to reach this enchanting lake. The climate here is moderate and becomes cold in winter and hot in summer. The summer season is the best time to visit this lake as the temperature varies from 16 degrees to 23 degrees and there is an atmosphere.
12. Chitta Katha Lake
This beautiful lake is present in the awesome Shounter Valley of Azad Kashmir. It has an altitude of 3.963 meters. The name “Chitta Katha” means “White Stream” and this stream connects with many other streams in the valley providing water to the locals. This is a very famous lake and a good tourist spot.
This Lake has no paved path to reach it and so one can reach here by a jeep. After 20 kilometers ide on the jeep there comes the 5 km long trekking path.
13. Rush Lake
This lake is located in the beautiful Nagar Valley in the province of Gilgit Baltistan. It has an elevation of 15,400 feet (4,694 meters). Rush lake has the significance and distinction of being the highest lake in Pakistan as it is is around 4700 meters above sea level. When numbering the highest lakes in the world, it comes on the 25th number.
This lake is also not easily accessible and one has to do hiking from the Nagar and Hopar Valley. The surrounding views of this lake are very fascinating and enchanting as there the beautiful peaks of Miar, Phuparash, Ultar Sar, etc. present panoramic views.
14. Karambar lake
Karam Lake, one of the most beautiful and famous lakes in Pakistan is located in the province of Gilgit Baltistan in Ishkoman Valley. It is a very famous lake as it is the second-highest lake in Pakistan as it has an elevation of 14,016 feet from the sea level.
This lake present between the two provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan is also known as Qurumber lake. This lake has a very distinctive and awesome color of water. The enchanting blue color captivates and attracts tourists to visit it.
15. Lower Kachura Lake
It is situated in the Beautiful and awesome Skardu Valley in the province of Gilgit Baltistan. It has an altitude of 8200 feet or 2500 meters. It is also known as Shangrilla lake near this lake a resort named, Shangrilla Resort was built there in the 1980s.
The word Shangrilla means, Heaven on Earth, and this charming place justifies its name by its eye-catching and breathtaking scenic views. This lake is also very famous due to the Shangrilla resort that offers a lot of water sports and makes one’s trip exciting and enjoyable.
FAQ’s
Some of the most commonly asked questions about lakes in Pakistan are mentioned below.
How many lakes are there in Pakistan?
There are a total of 60 lakes in Pakistan. Some of them are natural and some are artificial. All these lakes are spread all over Pakistan in different regions whereas northern areas are beautified as they have the majority of lakes.
Which lake is the deepest in Pakistan?
The deepest lake in Pakistan is the Karambar lake as it has a mean and maximum depth of 17.08 m and 55 m respectively. This lake supplies water to the Karambar Valley.
Which lake is the most beautiful lake in Pakistan?
Lake Saif-ul-Maluk is the most famous lake in Pakistan. It is the top tourist attraction in the Naran Valley. This magnificent lake presents enchanting and breathtaking views.
Which lake is the largest man-made lake in Pakistan?
Manchar Lake is the largest lake in Pakistan. It is not only the largest lake in Pakistan but also has the superiority of being the largest lake in South Asia. It is a man-made and artificial lake. This lake is spread over a large area of 100 sq. miles (260 sq. kilometers).
Which lake is the tallest lake or high altitude lake in Pakistan?
Rush lake is the tallest lake in Pakistan as it has the highest altitude of 15,400 feet. It is also the highest alpine lake in Pakistan. It is about 4700 meters above sea level. This lake is situated in Nagar Valley.
What is the name given to a famous lake in Gilgit?
A lake was built in the province of Gilgit Baltistan in the Gojal region in Hunza Valley in January 2010. This beautiful lake became the famous lake in this province and was named Attabad Lake.
Why is Attabad lake blue?
Attabad lake, located in Hunza valley has chilly blue water in summer. It is because in summer, glaciers and snow-capped mountains in the Hunza valley melt and slit into this beautiful lake. However, in winter, this lake is frozen.
