Ansoo Lake

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. In Himalyas Mountain Range, it is one of the highest lakes just near the Malika Parbat, the highest mountain in the Kaghan Valley.

Unique Structure of Ansoo Lake

The structure of this lake is too much unique as compare to other lakes in mountainous regions. There is no way to physically access the lake due to its physical structure of steep snow walls in the crater. 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 and luck.

Weather Conditions in Ansoo Lake Trek

Weather conditions in Ansoo Lake Trek and at Ansoo Lake is not predictable. A clear trek may get into fog within 10 to 15 minutes. It will becomes difficult to move forward. At Ansoo Lake, such dense fog completely obscure the view of the lake.

How to access Ansoo Lake?

Ansoo Lake can be accessible from Saif-ul-Maluk lake through a steep trek within 7-9 hours. Trek is normally covered with snow and only accessible in a short period from mid of July to mid of August. Trek is also not easy but presents a picturesque view to the trekkers, so tourists can capture the valuable moments of their life there. 14-18 hours are normally required for total round-trip of the Ansoo Lake. For this purpose, one must start trekking before the dawn nearly 3 to 4 AM, so that you will be at the lake around 11 to 12 PM. Then spending one hour there, and start the back journey nearly 1PM to return back to Naran before darkness. It is also advised to spend minimum one day in Naran to adjust yourself with the weather before starting the Ansoo Lake trek. You can hired jeep from Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk from the Naran Bazaar.

To plan the trek of Ansoo Lake, one must wear proper high-ankle mountaineering boots with stiff grip to avoid slipring on the trek. Trekking Poles must be required to walk on inclined and descending paths. Warm under-garments and jackets must be required as there is icy winds and low temperature on the trek. Rain coat basic first-aid box must in your shoulder bag to avoid snowfall or rain. As there is no shelter and food over the trek, so visitor must have enough water and eatables with them. Don't attempt to perform solo trekking on this trail.

Malika Parbat Base Camp

The first destination on the trek is the Malika Parbat Base camp, which rather easier part of the trek. From there, one can get the clear and splendid view of Malika Parbat. The beautiful peak of Malika Parbat covered with snow stands in front of your. From the Malika Parbat Base Camp, the trek becomes steeper and difficult to travel, so tourists must have the proper equipment and food with them. This part of trek is not easy, so this trekking adventure is normally recommended for experienced trekkers only.

After struggling four hours, visitor gets the most amazing and wonderful view of the Ansoo Lake inside the deep glaciers. Returning back before the evening is better, as camping in icy weather and the windy atmosphere becomes the most difficult part of this tour. Care must be necessary while standing near the crater of the lake. It becomes life threat if minor mistake is occurred there.

Alternate Route of Ansoo Lake

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.

The entire expedition kicks off before dawn from the banks of Saif-ul-Maluk Lake. Make sure to book 4x4 jeep before a night from Naran, so you will get back before the darkness.

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.