List of Top 20 Beautiful Lakes in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country rich in culture, tradition, having beautiful deserts, majestic mountains, historical places in Pakistan, lush green plains, breath-taking archaic landscapes, fascinating hill stations, enormous glaciers, famous dams, and beautiful lakes. All these explain the beauty of Pakistan.
Pakistan is located in the South Asia region. It’s listed as the fifth most famous country globally with a population of 225,302,728 by Worldometers. The lakes are the most attractive spots for locals and foreign tourists. Most of the lakes are on the northern side of Pakistan – Chitral valley, Gilgit Baltistan, Swat valley, and Azad Kashmir. More than 20 lakes are on the north side, where Balochistan and Sindh lie. Some of them are natural, glacial, freshwater lakes, and some are artificial lakes. In this blog, we have listed down the top 20 highest lakes in Pakistan. Explore Cafes in Islamabad.
List of Lakes in Pakistan With Location, Elevation, and Distance From Islamabad
| Lakes | Location | Surface elevation | Distance from Islamabad |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Satpara Lake | Skardu Valley | 2,636 m | 656 km |
| 2. Attabad Lake | Attabad, Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan | 4,693 m | 644 km |
| 3. Ratti Gali Lake | Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir | 3,700 m | 158 km |
| 4. Saif-ul-Maluk Lake | Naran | 3,224 m | 293 km |
| 5. Ansoo Lake | Kaghan, Manoor Valley | 4,250 m | 138 km |
| 6. Mahodand Lake | Usho, Kalam Valley, Swat | 2,865 m | 359 km |
| 7. Lulusar Lake | Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, KPK | 3,410 m | 339 km |
| 8. Upper Kachura Lake | Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, KPK | 2,500 m | 627 km |
| 9. Lower Kachura Lake | Kachura village, Skardu | 2,500 m | 624 km |
| 10. Manchar Lake | Jamshoro District and Dadu District, Sindh | 35 m | 1165 km |
| 11. Dudipatsar Lake | Kaghan Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan | 3,800 m | 176 km |
| 12. Banjosa Lake | Rawalakot, Poonch District, Azad Kashmir | 1,981 m | 132 km |
| 13. Rush Lake | Nagar Valley Gilgit-Baltistan | 4,694 m | 628 km |
| 14. Pyala Lake | Jalkhand, Kaghan Valley | 3,410 m | 323 km |
| 15. Swaik Lake | Kallar Kahar, Chakwal | 457 m | 135 km |
| 16. Chitta Katha Lake | Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan | 3,700 m | 158 km |
| 17. Khalti Lake | Khalti, Gupis-Yasin District, Gilgit–Baltistan, Pakistan | 80 ft (24 m) | 637 km |
| 18. Naltar Lake | Naltar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan | 3,050–3,150 meters | 647.0 km |
| 19. Rama Lake | Astore Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan | 3,300 meters | 591.9 km |
| 20. Sheosar Lake | Deosai Plains, Gilgit Baltistan | 4,142 meters | 646.6 km |
1. Satpara Lake
Blossoming with a rainbow, bright blue, and surrounded by the majestic glacial mountains, this lake is a fairy-tale place in the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu. It is a natural freshwater lake spread over an area of 2.5 km². It has an elevation of 2,636 meters (8,650 ft) above sea level. A multi-purpose concrete-faced Satpara Dam is at a distance of 1.8 km from the lake. The downstream of the lake is enlarged in size after the completion of the Satpara Dam. Satpara Lake supplies water to the Skardu Valley and caters to the Satpara Stream. It is known as the most beautiful lake in Pakistan. Also read about deserts of Pakistan.
2. Attabad Lake
Attabad Lake, also known as Gojal Lake, is located in the Gojal region of the Hunza Valley in Gilgit−Baltistan. It’s a high-altitude lake, having a scenic view. This lake was found in 2010 due to a major landslide in Attabad. The lake is 21 kilometers in length and over 100 meters (330 ft) in depth. For the last few years, this lake has become one of the most visited lakes in Pakistan and the biggest attraction spot for tourists. With an elevation of 2366m / 7762 ft, it’s the largest lake in Gilgit-Baltistan. Apart from beautiful views, the lake is also famous for offering recreational activities including boating, fishing, and jet skiing. Also get to know about dams in Pakistan.
3. Ratti Gali Lake
Ratti Gali Lake is famous among people for having the title of “Queen of Lakes” as it is located near the Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. It is considered to be one of the most paradisiacal places in AJK. It’s an alpine glacial lake with an altitude of 3,683 meters (12,083 ft). The lush green grass, wildflowers, and cool winds creating a unique ambiance make Ratti Gali the most beautiful lake in Pakistan. You can reach this lake via hiking on the Dowarian base camp. The best time to visit this outstanding and Queen of lakes in Pakistan is between July to September. You can also read about museums in Pakistan.
4. Saif-ul-Maluk Lake
Saif-ul-Maluk Lake, known as Jheel Saif-ul-Maluk, is located in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 9 kilometers from the Naran valley, at the northern end of Kaghan Valley, near the Saiful Muluk National Park. With a surface elevation of 3,224 meters (10,577 ft), it is spread over an area of 2.5 square kilometers. The Jheel Saif-ul-Maluk is listed as the top 10 highest lakes in Pakistan. It’s a mountainous lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and melting glaciers, these peaks feed the lake. There is a famous story behind the lake, locals said that the Prince of Persia fell in love with a fairy princess at this lake. The recreational activities of the lake include boat riding and snowball fighting. It is also a point of attraction for the Kaghan valley which is one of the most visited hill stations in Pakistan.
5. Ansoo Lake
Talking about another beauty of Pakistan, here comes the Ansoo Lake which is located in the Mansehra District of Kaghan Valley. The unique shape of the lake attracts tourists to come and spend their time with nature. As for its name Ansoo, the lake is shaped like a teardrop – the Urdu word Ansoo means “teardrop”. With an elevation of 4,245 meters (13,927 ft) above sea level, it’s placed on the list of the top 10 beautiful lakes in Pakistan. It’s situated near the Himalayan Mountains – Malika Parbat, the highest mountain in the Kaghan Valley. It was founded in 1993 by Pakistan Air Force pilots who were flying at a low altitude in this specific area. Curious to explore related topics? Don’t miss Provinces of Pakistan.
6. Mahodand Lake
Mahodand lake, also known as the “Lake of Fishes”, is located in northern areas of Pakistan in the Usho valley, 35 kilometers from Kalam in Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With an elevation of 2,865 m (9,400 ft), the lake is surrounded by meadows, mountains, and thick forests. It has a maximum length of 2 km (1.2 mi) and maximum width of 1.2 km (0.75 mi). The most attractive thing about this lake is it’s freezing and is covered by heavy snow during winter. In summer, the lake is enclosed by a layer of alpine flowers which gives a stunning look to the lake. The lake also contains plentiful trout fishes, which are a big source of angling.
7. Lulusar Lake
Lulusar Lake is located in the Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. At the elevation of 3,410 m (11,190 ft), they are the main headwaters of the Kunhar River. It’s the lake that internationally justifies a beautiful Pakistan. The water of Lulusar Lake passes through the southwest areas including Jalkhand, Naran, Kaghan, Jared, Paras, Balakot, and the Jhelum River. It is about 50 kilometers from Naran. The word “lulu” means long, where “sar” means top or peak, that is why it’s considered to be the longest glacial water lake in Kaghan. The Dudipatsar National Park is situated near the lake. The Dudipatsar Lake and Lulusar Lake peaks are in Dudipatsar National Park. Also read about historical places in Peshawar.
8. Upper Kachura Lake
The crystal clear waters and the stunning view of the Upper Kachura lake is another breath-catching beauty of Pakistan. With an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), it is located in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. It covers the area of the Karakoram mountain range in the western Himalayas. It’s famous for having recreation activities including trout fishing, hiking, and Himalaya mountaineering. With a depth of 70 meters (230 ft), the lake is surrounded by mountains and thick green forests. It is one of the most visited places by the locals and foreign tourists. Get to know about historical places in Islamabad.
9. Lower Kachura Lake
Lower Kachura Lake is also famous for its name Shangrila Lake. At a height of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft), it is located in Kachura village, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. The bank of the lake, Shangrila resort, was built in 1983, after the completion of the resort, the lake has become a point of attraction for the tourists and locals. The reason behind its popularity was the resort because it was the very first resort in Skardu. On the other hand, the beauty of the lake motivates people to come and spend their holidays with friends and families. Also check out best travel agencies in Peshawar.
10. Manchar Lake
Manchar is the biggest lake in Pakistan, located in the west of the Indus River, in between Jamshoro and Dadu District, in Sindh. It’s just 18 km from Sehwan Sharif. It’s a natural freshwater lake with an elevation of 35 meters (115 ft). This lake is spread over an area of 228 to 250 km2 (88 to 97 sq mi). It has a maximum length of 23.5 km (14.6 mi) and maximum width of 12.08 km (7.51 mi). A fact about this lake is that sometimes it takes floodwater from the river. The southern end of Manchar lake is the center of the Laki Hills, a section of the Kirthar Mountain range. All these are the things that make it the biggest lake in Pakistan. You can also read about forex trading in Pakistan.
11. Dudipatsar Lake
Dudipatsar is a picturesque lake located in the north end of the Kaghan Valley, in the Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. At an elevation of 3,800 meters (12,500 ft), it is only accessible on foot. With a maximum length of 835 meters (2,740 ft) and a width of 600 meters (2,000 ft), it’s surrounded by snow-patched shady dales mountains. The trail starts from a village named Besal and continues onward to the Poorbi Naar river – a tributary of the Kunhar River. The trail is famous for its flora and fauna. The name Dudipatsar describes it as a White Mountain Lake, referring to the snow-clad peaks encircling the water body. The lake water is a greenish-blue hue and very cold, reflecting like glass. If you are a hiking and trekking lover, you must visit this one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. The lake had plenty of trout fish, but it’s illegal fishing with explosives and nets. The fauna of the lakes includes leopard, Himalayan snowcock, the snow leopard, marmot, weasel, black bear, lynx, and snow partridge. Full of red and pink flowers, Dudipatsar is a dream place because of its stunning views and majestic mountain with an average elevation of 4,800 meters (15,700 ft). Also read about real estate companies in Pakistan.
12. Banjosa Lake
Banjosa is an artificial lake located 20 km from the city of Rawalakot in Poonch District in Azad Kashmir. It’s surrounded by a thick pine forest and majestic mountains that enhance the beauty of the lake. The forest is enlisted among top beautiful forests in Pakistan. Its charming and romantic views are perfect for tourists and couples. It’s accessible by a metalled road from Rawalakot. The reason for being the most beautiful lake in Pakistan is its weather that remains cool in Summers and cold in Winter. Snowfall also occurs in Banjosa Lake, which is the perfect time to visit this majestic lake. With an elevation of 1,981 meters (6,499 ft), the supermarket is just 01 kilometer (0.62 mi) away in Chotta Gala Bazaar and Banjosa Bazaar. Rest houses and a few hotels are also located near this lake. The fresh air, and the blue water, make the tourists soothing and they can enjoy boating on the lake. The impressive surroundings attract tourists to visit and enjoy the beauty of nature. Looking for more fascinating content? Check out Things to know before investing in Cryptocurrency.
13. Rush Lake
At an elevation of 4,694 m (15,400 ft) above sea level, Rush Lake is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from Nagar valley, in the North of Miar Peak and Spantik (Golden Peak). It’s the highest alpine lake in Pakistan and 25th highest lake in the world. The trek of Rush Lake starts in Hopper and climbs up to Rush Peak at 5200 m, where it is achievable to see K2 and Broad Peak. It also offers views of Spantik, Malubiting, Miar Peak, Phuparash Peak, and Ultar Sar. If you want to have a first-time taste of Himalayan trekking, we recommend the Rush Lake trek. Rush Peak is a high point itself, on a broad ridge that can be reached with relative ease. The trek is quite rough and tricky, with constant ascending and descending while climbing up. It’s not easy for everyone to climb this stunning lake. Only a hiking and trekking lover can climb to Rush Lake. That is why it’s known as the highest and toughest lake in Pakistan to climb. Also learn about housing societies in Islamabad.
14. Pyala Lake
Pyala Lake is located in Jalkhand, Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at an elevation of 3,410 meters (11,190 ft). Jalkhand comes before LuluSar Lake on the way to Babusar from Naran. It’s about 40 kilometers (25 mi) from Naran. While traveling towards the Lake, you will enjoy a fascinating view of the beautiful River Kunhar, streams, and some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Pakistan. It’s a round-shaped undeveloped but significant lake, as it is a bowl-shaped lake atop a hill, situated in the middle of Lulusar Lake from Naran. The story behind this lake is also attractive, as it said that a long time ago, this lake came into being as a result of Shahab-e-Saqib – a falling star. It contains highlands, gardens, and mountains, which gives it a stunning look. It’s astonishing to see the reflection of the mountains in the water of this lake when the water is crystal clear and clean. The quietness of the surrounding mountains melts hearts, the vision of the view reflects your mind, and the wind talks with your inner writer. Get to know beautiful parks in Islamabad.
15. Swaik Lake
Swaik Lake is also known as Khandoa Lake because of its proximity to the village of Khandwa. It is located in Kallar Kahar, Chakwal District of Punjab. You can reach Swaik lake via the M2 motorway linking Lahore and Islamabad. The journey from Islamabad to this stunning spot is so mesmerizing. The capital itself is very picturesque, offering scenic views of parks and recreational areas. The beautiful picnic spots in Islamabad are no exception. This lake has blue-green water with cold waterfalls that are perfect for a swim. It’s also a perfect place for family and friends for a picnic purpose. But it’s not visited much by tourists because it is hidden from the main roads. You can enjoy partake in cliff diving and trekking around the area. By the locals, the lake is called Neela Pani. It’s a deep shallow water lake covered between the highest and most astounding rocks, cliffs, and mountains. The water is crystal clear and pure. The best time to visit this stunning lake is between July to August, because it’s the beginning of the rainy season. The stunning mountains, cliffs, and rocks made it an awesome and one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. Read more about swimming pools in Islamabad.
16. Chitta Katha Lake
Chitta Katha Lake is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the Shounter Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Nestled amidst the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas, this alpine lake captivates visitors with its pristine turquoise waters and stunning surroundings.
The lake is known for its crystal-clear reflection, which mirrors the snow-capped peaks and lush greenery that encompass it. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering opportunities for trekking, camping, and fishing.
Chitta Katha Lake’s serene ambiance and untouched beauty make it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature. Its awe-inspiring vistas and untouched wilderness leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who visit. You can also read about best Places to visit in Islamabad.
17. Khalti Lake
Khalti Lake, located in the breathtaking Khalti Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a hidden gem of natural beauty. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush green meadows, this pristine lake in Pakistan is a sight to behold. Its tranquil fresh waters and picturesque surroundings create a postcard-perfect scene.
Khalti Lake is known for its untouched serenity and offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace in nature. Visitors can indulge in various activities to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Khalti Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. You can also read about Online earning websites in Pakistan.
18. Naltar Lake
Naltar Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. It is one of the most visited tourist places in Pakistan. Naltar Lakes is a combination of three beautiful lakes that flow in the Naltar Valley in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Bashkiri Lakes is also part of the majestic water body.
Have you wondered that how many lakes in Pakistan or just in the Northern areas of Pakistan? According to an estimate, there are approx. 1090 Lakes in Pakistan, and 500 plus are located in northern areas of the country. Most importantly, the region of Gilgit-Baltistan is the location of most of these 500 lakes. As per a research study, more lakes are yet to be discovered in the area.
Therefore, Gilgit-Baltistan is also called a city of lakes in Pakistan. The altitude of Naltar Lakes ranges from 3,050-3,150 meters, which makes approx.—10,010 – 10,330 ft.
The lakes attract thousands of tourists every year for many reasons; for instance, the water bodies’ color is entirely different. One lake is entirely green due to algae and greenery at its bottom, and one is blue due to the reflection of the sky and stunning surroundings. The third lake of the combination is azure in color, with thick pine forests in its enclosure.
The best time to visit Naltar is from May to October, as the area is covered with heavy snow the rest of the year. As there are minimum sources to accommodate tourists, the visitors can only stay for a couple of hours in the lake surroundings.
19. Rama Lake
Pakistan is a land of beautiful views, majestic mountains and mesmerizing lakes. The northern area is the hub of beautiful lakes in Pakistan, and Rama Lake is one of them. The aesthetic lake is located at the eastern slopes of the majestic mountain range Nanga Parbat, in the vicinity of Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
The Astore Valley is located at an elevation of approximately 10,800 ft., which is 3,300 meters above sea level. Due to its high altitude, the valley is covered with heavy snow for most of the months in a year, and there is only a limited time frame to visit and adore the beauty of Rama Lake.
The geographical location, surroundings, and mesmerizing views make Rama Lake one of the most important lakes in Pakistan. One fascinating feature of Rama Lake is the dramatic change of color with time. With sunlight, the color of Rama Lake changes from dark green to greenish blue. The surroundings of Nanga Parbat add to its beautiful color, and the water color seems like flat-blue green.
20. Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake is known in Pakistan for numerous reasons. It is one of the most attractive jewels of Gilgit-Baltistan, located on the western end of Deosai National Park near Skardu. It is known as the highest lake in Pakistan.
The name of the lake is a combination of two words, i.e., Sheo, which stands for blind in the Shina language (the local language of the region) and “Sar”, which stands for the lake. So, the lake can also be called Blind Lake.
Sheosar Lake is 1.8 km wide and 2.3 km long, with a depth of 40 meters. The height, size, depth and altitude make Sheosar a significant tourist point in the region. Due to its peak, the lake is only accessible from a few routes, among which two are common. One way is from Skardu by jeep, which takes a few hours, while the other is from Deosai National Park from Astore by jeep. It takes approx. 4 hours. Hikers also enjoy a long trek to the lake from Skardu. It takes approx. Two days.
The snow-covered mountain, crystal clear water and majestic views make it one of the greatest tourist attractions of the region. Due to heavy snowfall and difficult routes, the ideal season to visit is from May to October.
Conclusion:
So this was the list of lakes in Pakistan that are a big source of tourism as we as these lakes are increasing the beauty of Pakistan. If you are a nature lover, you must visit these lakes once in your life. These creations make us realize the “Kudrat of Allah” that can never be defeated by anyone. We hope this article was helpful to you. You can also read our blog on Mountain Ranges in Pakistan
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