The turquoise water
Reflecting snow and slopes.
MHA abbasi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shahzaib Damn Cruze — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ali Razaq — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shahzaib Damn Cruze — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shahzaib Damn Cruze — CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Saiful Muluk is a mountain lake in northern Pakistan, at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near the town of Naran, in Saiful Muluk National Park. It lies at 3,224 m, above the tree line, and is among the highest lakes in the country. Its green-turquoise colour among snow peaks makes it one of Pakistan's best-known summer destinations. The lake is named after a legendary prince from a folk tale, later set in verse by the Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. The legend tells of Saiful Muluk's love for a fairy princess, a story that draws visitors as much as the view does. Malika Parbat, the highest peak in the valley, stands near the lake and can be seen on clear days. You stand on the shore and see the water reflecting green slopes and snow. You can take a small boat or a horse along the shore, or reach the snout of a small glacier at the far end. The shore gets very crowded in summer with families and sellers, so start early. Keep away from snow caves, as they can collapse. It is about 5 km in a straight line from Naran, and the road needs a local jeep. Heavy snow makes access hard in winter, so the best season is June to September. Bring warm clothes, and check the state of the road before setting out.
Reflecting snow and slopes.
At the far end.
The valley's highest peak.
North of Naran, Kaghan Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
A folk tale of Prince Saiful Muluk, set in verse by Mian Muhammad Bakhsh.
It is very hard, as heavy snow limits access.