Mahodand Lake - a homeland of trouts in sparkling waters in Swat

In northern Pakistan there is a land called Swat, which is called "Switzerland of the Orient". It is famous for its surreal natural beauty. In the middle of the country is a unique lake called Lake Mahodand. Arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The lake is located 40 km from Kalam in the Ush Valley, part of the infamous Hindu Kush Mountains. Mahodand Lake is a homeland of trouts in the sparkling waters of swat and is considered on of the best place for fishing and camping. The lake is 9,400 feet above sea level and stretches for 2 kilometres. Mahodand Lake lies at the foot of the 2,865 m (9,400 ft) Hindu Kush Mountains and is surrounded by meadows, mountains and dense forests. Similarly, the shores of Lake Mahodand are covered with pine and willow trees and serve as a campground in the summer. Formed from the melting glaciers and springs of the Hindu Kush Mountains, Lake Mahodand flows out of the Ush Kwar, the largest left tributary of the Swat River.

To reach this magical lake, you should start early in the morning as it takes about 3-4 hours to reach the lake. There are spots along the way with metal roads, but most of the roads are rocks and gravel. I would not recommend using your own vehicle as there is abuse from below. Rent a Jeep at the local market or ask the front desk at the Roadhouse in Karam to make arrangements. The trail isn't perfect, but it offers more views than you can imagine. Continue through the forest, along the riverside and finally along the skyscrapers. All done in 3-4 hours. After many twists and turns, the lake finally appears, and you can't take your eyes off it. Next to the lake, horses roam in all their glory. A camping kit is available. You can also rent a boat to experience the lake up close or just sit back and relax. If you're lucky and clouds don't block your view, you'll be able to see the tallest mountain in the valley at 19,416 feet called Falak Ser from the lake. The lake is really beautiful, but tourists are ruining the area around the lake. No one has cleaned up the trash and there is trash everywhere. So, if you are planning a visit to the lake, it's a good idea to bring a garbage bag and not litter there.

Flora and fauna

In winter, Lake Mahodand is frozen and covered with heavy snow. In summer, the lake basin is surrounded by layers of alpine flowers such as gum, blue poppy, potentilla and gentian. Additionally, the lake is surrounded by various pine species that serve as a habitat for wild birds. Similarly, the lake contains many trout fish that provide ideal fishing opportunities, although fishing is only permitted to licensed anglers.

Fishing and camping

Visitors fish and camp on the lake. The waters of Lake Mahodand are divided into a series of small and large streams and were once full of brown trout and rainbow trout introduced by the former rulers of Swat province. Overfishing for daily income by locals and illegal fishing methods such as electrocution, dynamite and large nets have led to a significant decline in fish populations.

Popularity

The lake is known for its freezing water and abundance of trout fish; the lake is located in the Ushu Matiltan valley around 40 kilometres above Kalam.