There’s no shortage of amazing tourist destinations in Pakistan. From the mountains of Himalayas to the ruins of Mohenjo-daro, there’s something for everyone to explore. And while the country does not have too many coastal cities, there are a lot of natural and artificial lakes in Pakistan for tourists to visit. While all of them have something to offer to the tourists, there are certain lakes that are more popular than the others. 

In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 famous lakes of Pakistan so you can decide a travel destination before vacations come along!

1. Saif-ul-Maluk Lake

Saif-ul-Maluk is the most famous lake in Pakistan and is visited by millions of tourists every year. The lake is located near the town of Naran. Many people consider it the most beautiful lake in Pakistan because of the way it is framed by mountains on both sides. During summer, the lake is filled by glacial water which gets frozen when the cold winter months arrive. 

Saif-ul-Maluk has a legendary and popular folklore attached to it. The folklore tells the story of an Egyptian prince Saiful Maluk whom the lake is named after. People who visit the lake can read the story in detail at the entrance of Saif-ul-Maluk. Summer is the best time for visiting Saif-ul-Maluk as the roads are clear of snow. While some adventurous tourists go see the lake during winter months, the way leading up to it isn’t easy to get through when it is covered by heavy snow. 

2. Shangrila Lake

When talking about the most popular lakes in Pakistan, it is impossible not to talk about Shangrila Lake. Also known as Lower Kachura Lake, Shangrila Lake is located in the area of Gilgit Baltistan near the city of Skardu. A popular tourist resort named Shangrila Resort was established on the bank of the lake in 1983. The resort continues to host domestic and foreign tourists every year. 

The landscape of the lake is amplified by the beautiful resort and the presence of the mighty Karakoram hills in the background. When viewed aerially, Shangrila Lake looks like a heart-shaped waterbody which adds to its charm. Summer months are ideal for visiting Shangrila Lake and the city of Skardu as the region gets too cold during winter. 

3. Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake, also referred to as Hunza Lake, is located in Gilgit Baltistan’s Gojal region. The lake formed in 2010 when a substantial landslide, often referred to as the Hunza landslide, impounded the water of the Hunza River. A portion of the Karakoram Highway as well as the populations of central Hunza and Gojal Valleys were affected by the formation of the Attabad Lake. 

Today, Attabad Lake is a popular tourist spot as it welcomes people from all over the world. From fishing and boating to jet-skiing and ice hockey, tourist activities are arranged around the year at the Attabad Lake. Hunza Winter Festival is held on the frozen lake during the month of January every year. During the festival, people can participate in the celebration of local cultures as well as watch winter sport competitions. While Attabad Lake can be visited around the year, summer months are better for fishing and related activities. 

4. Mahodand Lake

Mahodand Lake is located at the foothills of the Hindu Kush mountains in Swat District. The beauty of the lake can be observed in its full glory during the summer season when it is surrounded by different varieties of alpine flowers. There are dense forests around the lake, mostly made up of pine trees that are home to various species of wild birds. 

While the lake is abundant in trout fish, fishing is only allowed to licensed anglers. However, visiting the lake and camping on its beautiful banks is a treat in itself. People can also go boating on the lake and observe its green waters more closely while enjoying the sight of the beautiful mountains in the background. The best time to visit Mahodand Lake is during summer months when the lake is not frozen. 

5. Ratti Gali Lake

Ratti Gali Lake, one of the many glacial lakes in Pakistan, is located in Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir. It is the ideal lake to visit for adventure seekers as reaching it often requires trekking for 19 kilometers. If the weather conditions are suitable, tourists can also cover this distance in a jeep. 

The trek to the lake gives tourists a chance to see various waterfalls and streams on the way. The area is also known for its diverse range of flora and fauna. To get to the lake, tourists pass through forests and meadows that have their own charms. One side of the Ratti Gali Lake is surrounded by tall mountains which are often reflected in the lake’s clear waters. Tourists can truly enjoy the beauty of the look and its surrounding areas during summer months. 

Conclusion

Pakistan has a lot to offer to tourists regardless of the type of dream destinations they have. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone who likes to enjoy a cozy day at a scenic location, Pakistan’s beauty has got you covered. While there are hundreds of lakes in Pakistan, the top 5 mentioned above can be a good place to start for those who wish to explore the country. If you are planning to visit any of these lakes, you can travel via air to the nearest city with an airport by booking your flight with ApnaTicket.pk. 

Visit our tours and flights portal and book your ticket for your next trip to Pakistan’s northern areas today!

FAQs

How many lakes in Pakistan? 

There are more than 500 lakes in Pakistan. Many lakes are still undiscovered, and therefore unnamed, due to their location. Even locals of the region have failed to discover some of these lakes. The data gathered about these lakes depend on Google Maps imagery and doesn’t offer a lot of information. 

Which lake is very famous?

Many lakes in Pakistan are famous for their stunning beauty including Saif-ul-Maluk Lake and Attabad Lake. Thousands of people visit both these lakes every year from Pakistan as well as foreign countries. You can book your tour to the lake with Apna Ticket to have a memorable experience!