Saiful Mulok Lake Description(Lake Saif-ul-Malook)
Saiful Mulok Lake Description(Lake Saif-ul-Malook)
Contents
Saiful Mulok Lake Description(Lake Saif-ul-Malook) 1
Mythological and Cultural Significance. 1
Climate and Best Time to Visit 2
Environmental Considerations. 2
Important Features of Saiful Muluk Lake. 3
Saiful Muluk Lake – A Detailed Review
Location:
Saiful Muluk Lake is located in the Kaghan Valley of Mansehra District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. It is situated at an altitude of 3,224 meters (10,578 ft) above sea level, surrounded by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Malka Parbat range, the highest mountain in the valley.
Formation and Geography
The lake is a glacial alpine lake, formed primarily by the melting of glaciers from the surrounding mountains. Its waters are fed by glacial rivers, giving it its distinctive emerald green, clear, and limpid colour. The lake covers an area of about 2.75 km and reaches a depth of over 50 metres (164 ft) at some points.
During winter, the lake is covered in ice and solidifies, making it accessible only by hiking. In summer, the lake offers stunning views, as the snow melts and creates a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding mountains.
Mythological and Cultural Significance
Saiful Muluk Lake has deep roots in folklore and spirituality. It is related to the Sufi story written by Mian Muhammad Bakhsh in his Persian poem Saif al-Muluk.
Legend tells the story of Prince Saif al-Mulk, who falls in love with Badi al-Jamal, a fairy princess. The prince's journey to find her is filled with trials, symbolizing the spiritual quest for divine love. According to the story, the lake is the meeting place of two lovers and acts as a gateway to a mystical realm inhabited by fairies.
Visitors often report a mystical and unreal feeling at the lake, especially under the moonlight, which adds to its appeal.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The climate around Saif al-Muluk Lake varies dramatically:
- Summer (June to September): Best to visit. Temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) along accessible roads.
- Winter (October to May): The lake is frozen over and inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
- The best time to visit is between July and August, when the surrounding grasslands are lush and wildflowers are in bloom.
Sightseeing and Access
How to Get There:
- The lake is located about 8 km (5 miles) from the town of Naran.
- From Naran, visitors can rent a jeep to reach the lake, as the rugged terrain requires special vehicles. Alternatively, adventurous travelers opt for a hike of around 3 to 4 hours.
Activities:
- Boating: Visitors can enjoy rowing or pedal boating on the calm waters of the lake.
- Trekking: The trails around the lake and towards Mallika Parbat offer amazing views.
- Camping: Many tourists camp near the lake to experience its beauty under the starry sky.
- Photography: The picturesque setting of the lake and its surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.
Flora and Fauna
There is a variety of wildlife in and around the lake, including:
- Flora: Alpine flowers, grasses and shrubs, including blue poppies and wild lilies.
- Fauna: Marmots, Himalayan white grouse and occasionally ibex or markhor are seen in the area.
The lake is also considered a habitat for trout, which thrive in its cool waters.
Environmental Considerations
The increasing influx of tourists has raised concerns about environmental degradation. Problems include:
- Litter near the lake.
- Disturbance of natural habitat.
Local authorities are making efforts to preserve the pristine environment of the lake through educational and eco-tourism initiatives.
Important Features of Saiful Muluk Lake
Feature Details
- 3,224 meters (10,578 ft) above sea level
- Type a glacial alpine lake.
- Best season to visit Summer (July-August)
- Distance from Naran is 8 km (5 miles).
- The main attractions are mythological stories, scenic beauty, trekking and boating.
- Nearby Peaks Malika Parbat (5,290 m/17,356 ft)
The Result
Saif-ul-Muluk Lake is a jewel of Pakistan and offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural mystery and adventure. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer or a seeker of spiritual inspiration, the lake promises an unforgettable experience amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas.
