#magicallake

(At Saif-ul-Malook Lake)

Being a Pakistani, I must say we’re blessed with numerous worth seeing places. Lake Saif-ul-Malook is one the most attractive tourist spot and ranked as fifth best  tourist destination in Pakistan. The bluish-green crystal clear and freezing water, surrounded by huge glaciers, including Malika Parbat, reflects the beauty of Saif-ul-Malook.

Last year, the tour was arranged by our university for this heaven. Considering it was May, and peaked summers were around the corner, I expected it to be as hot as it is here down in Faisalabad. However, it is interesting to note that May is actually the tail end of winter in northern areas. We were traveling by bus and started from Faisalabad passing through Abbottabad before reaching Naran. After a long tiring journey and too many stayed we reached Kiwai.

(Taken at Abshar Hotel,Kiwai)

Kiwai is a small beautiful village surrounded with wonderful waterfalls. Many Hotels arrange to dine in waterfalls so, you can enjoy your meal while dipping your feet .We had our breakfast there and captured some of the precious moments. After a long tiring journey, we reached our desire paradise ‘Naran’.

(At river Kunhar,Naran)

After taking the rest of a few hours, we get ready to visit the magical lake. We hired a jeep and went to the saif_ul_malook. While we were on our way to Lake after we covered few miles the road was blocked because of heavy snowfall. Although the crane was cleaning the road but process was bit slowly. From that spot, we had to walk toward our destination. The blocked road had a narrow path for tourists to cross. Moreover, it was a bit difficult for us to cross because the snowy narrow path was a bit slippery.

But we managed with the help of natives and each other. From here the adventurous journey like roller-coaster started. On the way to Lake, the path surrounded by huge mountains covered with snow and giving matchless scenic view. Snowcap peaks cuddling with clouds. Soon, it started drizzling and it enhanced the beauty.

(On the way to Lake) 

Saif_ul_malook Lake is kind of a bowl where multiple glacial waters accumulate. The lake is like a mirror – cradling the mountains, the sky, the innumerable twinkling stars, the glowing orb of the moon – so still, so clear, you can hardly tell the between reality and reflection. It is a sight to behold. Also, it consists of large eco-diversity which includes a rare brown trout fish and many plant species. It’s famous for its unknown depth which is still not confirmed. The magical lake is completely frozen during winters due to heavy snowfall. The ideal time for tourists starts in May. The weather of this divine place is extremely pleasant during the daytime, whereas at night the temperature becomes very low.

(Clicked in front of magical lake,Saif-ul-Malook)

 Fairytale of Saif-ul-Malook

The history of this exquisite lake is much famous and attracts tourists from all over the world. The story is about a prince, Saif-ul-Malook, who fell in love with a fairy princess, Badi-ul-Jamal. The tale was written in poems by numerous poet and writers.

A storyteller narrated: Saif-ul-Malook was an Egyptian prince who lost his heart to the fairy queen who was the slave of White Gaint. The prince passed several daunting exams and prayed to achieve his love, as she was a fairy queen and the prince was human. A human eye can never see a demon or fairy as they are “fire borne”.After praying for consecutive 40 days without food and rest he met her fairy. He took away and hide in a cave near the Lake. When the Gaint came to know that his love was stolen, he lost his temper and created turbulence in the lake which results in Flood. Some natives said that the Ansoo Lake that is few miles away from Saif-ul-malook, was created out of the tears of the white giant when he found out that the fairy was gone.

After Fairytale, we decided to do hiking and observe the matchless beauty of the lake from the top. For that we rented shoes and sticks so, it’ll be easy to do hiking. Although, shoes were of Gaint sizes but we managed. Hiking was great fun and most adventurous part of the journey. Also, the chilled wind was striking our faces and temperature was a bit low at the peak. We decided to have lunch first, then we’ll move forward. After having a lavish meal we did Snow fighting and came down towards the lake. As climbing up was tough but descending dow the mountain was bit easy and hilarious for us. We started sliding and rolling down ourselves like a polar bear. It’s the best way to digest food and consumes less energy so, it's highly recommended.

(At Peak ,Saif-ul-Malook)

Camping at the time of the full moon is like sitting in a fairyland. At night, the moonlight dances at the floor of the lake, twinkling stars, floating lights, and the shimmering waves make the view matchless. It is highly recommended for those who want to see the moon shining at it brightest amongst five billion stars in the sky.

 (Taken at fairies lake ,Saif-ul-Malook)