Ansoo Lake (Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa)

 

Ansoo Lake, the most beautiful lake, is situated in Kaghan Valley near Malika Parbat in Manoor Valley at an altitude of 13,940 feet. It is just like the teardrop shape, so named as - Ansoo -, means teardrop in English. It also looks like a human eye in shape.

There is no way to physically access the lake due to its physical structure of steep snow walls in the crator. Tourists can only view the lake at the distance, there is no place to stay there, as camping is very much risky there due to severe icy cold weather and heavy wind around it. It also covers with fog and clouds most of the time, so getting a clear view of it, is on chance.

It can be accessible from Saif-ul-Maluk lake through a steep trek within 3-4 hours. Trek is normally covered with snow and only accessible in a short period from mid of July to mid of August. Trek is not easy but presents a picturesque view to the trekkers, so tourists can capture the valuable moments of their life there. The first destination on the trek is the Malika Parbat Base camp, which rather easier part of the trek. After that, the trek is steeper and difficult to travel, so tourists must have the proper equipment and food with them. Returning back before the evening is better, as camping in icy weather and the windy atmosphere becomes the most difficult part of this tour.

Ansoo Lake is also accessible through Mahandri village, which is located 40km to the south of Naran. To the left of Mahandri Bazar, a jeep track is used to access Manoor village. From here, a 6-7 hours trek leads toward Ansoo Lake, passing through a beautiful green meadow, known as Dher at the altitude of 16,500 feet. After Dher, by crossing a steeper trek, the lake is visible from the top of the mountain.

About Kaghan

Kaghan Valley, a scenic wonderland, is at height of beauty among many beautiful valleys in Hazara in the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. It is one hundred and sixty kilometers long valley in the Lower Himalayan mountain range, having an elevation of 2,134 feet to 13,690 feet at Babusar Pass.

The road to Kaghan is a little bit dangerous due to the deep slopes to the river on one side and the lofty mountains on the other side. The valley is fully covered by pine and fir trees densely overgrown with a variety of other plants, except at the Babusar Top area. The Babusar Top is highest point in the Kaghan Valley, and it is a gateway to access Gilgit-Baltistan. One can also get a view of the Nanga Parbat and mountain ranges in the Kashmir region.

The road from Balakot ascends along the Kunhar River that is flowing in deep ridges and through lovely forests. The spectacular views and sceneries are near Shogran, surrounded by peaks and pine forest, covering with a layer of silver shined clouds on the top. From Shogran, you can visit the famous peaks of Siri and Payee, with breathtaking views at their top.

Naran is one of the most attractive hill stations in Kaghan valley, with its pleasant and cool atmosphere. Saif-ul-Maluk lake can be accessed from Naran by a jeep within 30-45 minutes. One can also enjoy two hours trek from Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk lake. There is a number of glaciers in the passage of Kaghan to Narran and from Narran to Saif-ul-Maluk, and those are real enjoyment in exploring Naran. From Saif-ul-Maluk lake, a splendid view of Malka Parbat, the highest mountain in this valley, can be seen in clear weather.

Babusar Pass, a jeep track leads to Chilas on Karakoram Highway. Lulusar lake, on the side of road, gives charming view of the Khunhar River. Traveling from Lulusar Lake to Babusar pass is just like flowing on the top of mountains with a broader view of mountain ranges.

The river Kunhar, originating from Lulusar lake, runs through the valley and merges with the Jhelum River just outside Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir. The shining green water of the Kunhar River with the flowing ranges of mountains, is the real beauty of this valley.

The Kaghan valley has number of lushgreen meadows on the top of mountain ranges, where one observe grazing herd of sheep, goats, etc. The Kundi Meadows, located behind Rajwal villageone, is a lushgreen plain on the mountain top. It can be accessed after 5-6 hours trekking.

Fishing is one of the best sports activities in Kaghan. In the upper parts of the valley, Brown Trout and Mahasher are stocked in pure silvery waters of the Kunhar River. The Kunhar river trout is considered to be the best throughout South Asia.