The Pristine Beauty of Mahodand Lake

By Fazal Khaliq

Perched amid high peak mountains of the Hindukush range in Ushu Matiltan valley, the emerald green Mahodand Lake is not only known for its serene environment and paradisiacal landscape but it is also a popular scenic resort for anglers and pescatarian where they can find an abundance of the best trout fish. Lake is a rich source of brown and rainbow trout.

Mahodand Lake means a fish lake which can be reached through a 35 Km dirt track zigzagging along the gushing river from Kalam valley. It is one of the most visited lakes in Pakistan and is always thronged with tourists from across the country and abroad. The lake lies at an elevation of about 9603 feet and extends about two kilometers.

Though the track to the lake is rugged and bumpy, yet the views along the route comprises spectacular landscapes, clouds resting on the mountain peaks, roaring waterfalls, streams and river of crystal-clear water, cool water springs, lush green meadows and calm lakes which add to the thrill of the journey and as a tourist rightly puts it, make the experience an adventurous one. Lake is a good escape from heat in summer for people living in other parts of the country.

difficult to distinguish if the scene is real or a painting-such is the magnificence of the lake. Words may not do justice to the landscape of the Mahodand Lake and its surrounding areas.

However, passing through unending scenic landscapes at both the sides of the track with multiple charms the first view of the lake is no more than a beatitude. The first sight of the lake is wonderful as a window of a vast cinematic view opens in front of you once you enter the boundary of the lake. A huge and calm water body with cedar trees at both ends, a lush green meadow at the right side with dozens of boats moving across, a colorful tent city to facilitate tourists and snowcapped mountains at the back drop welcome you. Boating is the favorite activity of the tourists at Mahodand Lake.

One could not ignore a beautiful and unique scene on the way to Mahodand Lake which was why the 35 Km distance was often covered in three to four hours. It often gets

A complete tent city with makeshift restaurants has been established to facilitate the tourists. One can see many small groups and families busy enjoying the lush green valley. Pink and yellow flowers around the lake multiply the beauty of the lake. Many tourists enjoy riding horses while others relish boat rides on the lake.

It is worth visiting this spot where one could enjoy multiple retreats— respite from scorching heat in the summer season, mesmerizing views of the lake, scent of wild flowers waving amid grasslands and the tranquil of the environment. This is simply a site which does not offer a lake view alone but offers manifold retreats to what a nature lover wants.

One should not limit themselves to the wonders of Mahodand lake but go beyond it. Kundalshai, another small lake would await them with a more pristine landscape which is just a 10-minute drive from Mahodand Lake.

On the way to Donchar waterfall, small wildflower meadows located along the gushing river of emerald green water offer captivating views to the visitors. It would definitely leave the most cherished memories among the visitors.

Words cannot describe the beauty of the enchanting lake and awe-inspiring noise of the waterfalls in the entire valley from Kalam to Mahodand lake and then to Donchar waterfall. The entire valley is a heaven on earth. With better infrastructure, the number of tourists visiting the Mahodand Lake is multiplying each year.

About the Author

Fazal Khaliq is a journalist and research writer with a focus on culture, terrorism, tourism and archaeology. He is the author of nine books and loves travelling frequently to beautiful destinations within Pakistan.

By Fazal Khaliq