Utror Valley

Snow Lake is in fact not a lake but a vast high-altitude glacial basin in the Karakoran Mountain Range, simply known as Snow Lake. It is located 16,000 ft above sea level and is approximately 10 miles (16 km) wide. The basin lies at the head of the Biafo and hispar Glaciers, which spread down in opposite directions forming a 100 km river of ice that is among the World's longest continuous glacier systems outside the polar regions. Martin Conway was the first foreigner visitor who came here and gave Snow Lake the name in 1892.

Kaghan Valley is a scenic wonderland offering plethora of stunning sights on each foot step. Siri Lake is yet another beautiful spot of the valley located in dense pine forest. From Kiwai (24 km from Balakot), a road goes upwards to the popular hill station of Shogran, from where a jeep track leads to the summer pastures of Siri and Paya. Siri (2 km short of Paya) has a small lake and a rest house while Paya is a vast expanse of undulating pine meadows.

Sheosar Lake is located in Deosai Plains (near Skardu) at an elevation of 13,590 ft. Deosai is a treeless wilderness over 13,000 ft covering an area of more than 3,000 sp km. Sheosar Lake lies at the western end of the plateau towards the Astore side. The lake is deep blue in color and presents magnificent views of snow-capped mountains. Himalayan Marmots and many migratory birds can be see around Sheosar Lake.

Located in a truly remote and perfect wilderness setting, Saral Lake is a place of sublime beauty and enchanting mystery. The lake lies at the border area between Azad Kashmir and Kaghan Valley. The area is uninhabited but the brief summer months bring life when the Gujjar herder families come here with their animals to graze in the summer pastures. From Kaghan side, Saral Lake can be approached either from Jalkhad through Noori Nar Pass or from Besal through Purbinar Valley.

Satpara Lake (8,650 ft) is a vast and beautiful lake in Gilgit Baltistan and is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the country offering trout fishing and row boating. It is an important lake in Skardu Valley supplying water to Skardu Town, which is located just 9 km to the north. In 2002, the Government of Pakistan decided to build a dam on the Satpara Lake and the project is in progress.

Kaghan Valley's prime attraction is the stunning Lake Saiful-Maluk, located 10 km to the east of Naran at an altitude of 3,215 meters. The lake is surrounded by an amphitheater of snow-capped mountains and it is not hard to see why local legends speak of princes, fairies and jealous demons who visit the lake at night to dance and bathe. Saiful-Maluk Lake is delightful in summer, when the meadows of alpine flowers are in bloom, and the water is reflecting the peak of Malika Parbat (5,219 m).

Uniquely situated at the border between Kaghan Valley and Azad Kashmir, the Ratti Gali Lake is an epicenter of excitement, adventure and beauty. Situated in pretty remote location at an elevation of 12,000 ft, the lake is a place of immeasurable beauty. No place else in the area combines a deep pure lake, so blue in color with sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high. Ratti Gali Lake can be approached either from Kaghan Valley through Ratti Gali or from Dowarian in Azad Kashmir.

Rush Lake is a high altitude lake located in Nagar Valley (Gilgit Baltistan) at an altitude of 4,615 meters (15,140 ft) above sea level. Often wrongly stated as the highest lake of Pakistan, Rush Lake is high but not the highest. The lake offers incredible vistas all around, including Miar Peak, Rush Peak, Golden Peak and Ultar. The lake can be reached from Karimabad (Hunza) via Hopar Village and Hopar Glacier.

Pari Lake (13,300 ft) is one of the most beautiful lakes in Swat Valley. It lies in a remote corner 3,400 ft above the famous Kundol Lake. Pari Lake can be approached either by the direct steep climb from Kundol or by an easier route from Liddu & Dera Banda. In local language it is known as "Khapero Dund" meaning "The Lake of Fairies" and indeed justifies the name. The setting is mysterious and awesome and an eerie silence surrounds the lake.

Recently discovered by some intrepid trekkers, Noori Lake is a thing of beauty and pleasure. Nestled between Azad Kashmir and Kaghan Valley at an altitude of 12,780 ft, Noori Lake lies in a completely uninhabited area. The lake remained hidden and unnamed for a long time and was given name in 2009 because of its proximity with Noori Top, Kaghan Valley.

"Mahodand" meaning "Lake of Fishes" is located 35 km north of Kalam, Swat Valley. It is a very popular picnic spot and is very crowded in summer. Mahodand is in fact a stretch of Ushu River where it runs across level terrain, allowing it to widen out and giving the appearance of a lake. The lake is surrounded by pine trees and beautiful open grassy meadows at an altitude of 9,400 ft. Boating and fishing are prime sports at the lake.

Lulusar Lake (11,200 ft) is the largest lake of Kaghan Valley and the source of River Kunhar. Located 50 km from Naran at the head of the valley, Lulusar is a grand and mysterious lake. Its water is deep green in color and sheer mountains rise directly up from the lakeside. This lofty sublime body of water is majestically calm and dignified like a huge bluish green emerald or a pure turquoise set between mighty mountains.

Kundol Lake is a beautiful lake in Swat Valley.

Kachura Lake in Skardu Valley is located inside an upscale tourist resort called Shangrila. It is situated 32 km from Skardu on the road to Gilgit. In the springtime, lake's banks are adorned by a multitude of colourful flowers. Kachura Lake's water is crystal clear and perfectly reflects the surrounding scenery. The spot is greatly admired for its majestic silence and beauty and is a popular destination for tourists.

Hanna Lake is located at an altitude of 6,230 ft near Quetta, the capital city of Balochistan. Located just 10 km from Quetta, Hanna Lake is one of the main attractions of the city. Hanna Lake is very attractive for holiday-makers and is crowded with hikers and campers in holidays. The turquoise waters of the lake provide a rich contrast to the sandy brown of the hills in the background.

Godur Lake is the largest and nearest lake to Kalam, but rarely visited due to difficult approach. The lake lies to the southwest of Kalam at 12,600 ft above sea level. From Kalam, there are two routes to Godur. One route follows the Godur Nullah and climbs very steeply through the narrow gorge. This route is quite difficult and strenuous. The second route is from Desan (near Utror), which is long but less steep.

Gattian Lake is located in Azad Kashmir near the border with Kaghan Valley at 12,000 ft above sea level. Gattian Lake is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire Azad Kashmir and is rarely visited by outsiders as it lies in a remote side valley. The lake is neighbour to the famous Ratti Gali Lake which lies just 3 km to the south.

Fairy Lake (13,350 ft) is the first lake of "Sat Sari Mala" --- A group of six lakes in the upper part of Kaghan Valley. In local language, "Sat Sari Mala" means "the chain of seven lakes", though actual number of lakes is six now. These lakes are in steps and water of each lake falls in the next one. The lakes are located at the head of Kaghan Valley near Gittidas, 60 km north of Naran.

Kaghan Valley is renowned for its countless glistening jade lakes, but the gem of gems in this treasury of natural jewels is Dudipatsar Lake. Boasting a height of 12,700 ft, the lake offers peace and tranquility, instilling a sense of time removed. The lake is most picturesque in July, with its waters reflecting the ring of ice-encrusted guardian peaks. Dudipatsar Lake lies 18 km to the east of Besal, a settlement in Upper Kaghan Valley.

Dharam Sar Lake is a small but incredibly beautiful lake in the upper part of Kaghan Valley. At an altitude of 13,150 ft above sea level, the lake offers picturesque views of snow-capped mountains. Dharam Sar Lake can be reached from Babusar Top where a jeep road descends to the Gittidas Plain. The lake is just 15 minute walk off the jeep track.

Chitta Katha Lake is located in the Southern Valley of Azad Kashmir at an altitude of 13,300 ft. The route to the lake is from Kel, where a jeep road leads to Shounter Valley. After reaching a small village in the valley one has to climb 5 to 6 hrs to reach the lake. Chitta Katha is a vast beautiful lake surrounded by high jagged mountains.

Batogah Lake (13,500 ft) is a remote isolated lake at the border between Kohistan and Kaghan Valley. The lake lies just near the Batogah Pass which is an alternative route connecting Kaghan Valley with Gilgit Baltistan and can be reached from Naran in 4 hrs by jeep. The area is uninhabited but in summer months few sheep herders arrive here to graze their animals.

Banjosa Lake is situated in the Poonch District of Azad Kashmir at an altitude of 5,875 ft. Banjosa is an artificial lake and a tourist attraction 20 km from the city of Rawalakot and 85 km from Rawalpindi. The lake is a beautiful spot for family vacations and attracts many visitors. The lake has beautiful surroundings and its water reflects the green forest standing along.

At an elevation of 13,500 ft, Ansoo Lake is a high-altitude lake located in remote region of Kaghan Valley. The name comes from its tear-like shape as "Ansoo" means "Drop of tear" in Urdu. The lake can be reached by a strenuous trek from Lake Saiful Maluk passing through the base camp of Malika Parbat. In recent years, Ansoo Lake has emerged as the most popular adventure among the tourists in Kaghan Valley.