Kaghan:
When the pre-Monsoun rain gently falls on the majestic slopes of Malika Parbat, the quiet Kaghan Valley undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Located at 3,224 meters above sea level and framed by snow-draped tops, Lake Malook enchants thousands of tourists who avoid the burning heat on the plains of Khyber Pakthunkhwa.
More than just a scenic destination, the lake is steeped in legend and poetry. The rain here not only refreshes the air – it arouses the spirit. Clouds drift in and out, play hiding with the sun, as wild flowers bloom along the oval coastline of the lake and transform the whole landscape into something out of a history book.
Named after a Persian prince, Lake Saiful Malook got widespread fame through Sufi Saint Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s poetic epic, Safarnama Saiprul Malook, who tells the story of Prince’s love for Fairy Princess Badriul Jamala. The narrative has immortalized the lake in both folklore and national consciousness.
“It’s like stepping into a dream,” said Ehsanullah Khan, a Dubai-based Pakistani businessman visiting the lake for the fourth time. “I have seen lakes in Switzerland and Canada, but the turquoise waters and the mythical charm of Saifule Malook offer a peace as opposed to other places.”
The lake, which spans 1.06 square miles and fed glaciers from Malika Parbat, leaves an indelible touch to visitors.
Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager of the KP culture and the Tourist Authority, emphasized the enormous potential of Pakistan’s Sea-Streve Nord. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to over 100 lakes, natural and man -made. From the carambar -lake in Chitral, the world’s 33. Highest, to Mahodand in SWAT, we invest in infrastructure to make these wonders more accessible at the same time as ecological sustainability.”
The growing tourist flow to SaIFUL Malook and the surrounding lakes has also raised concerns about environmental degradation. Bearing, especially with plastic bags and packaging, has destroyed the lake’s once-free reputation. “Sa special Malook is the identity of Pakistan. Seeing garbage here is heartbreaking,” Ehsanullah Khan said. He called on the authorities to enforce strict waste management and parking regulations.
In response, Kaghan Development Authority, with the support of the Wildlife Department and District Administration, has rolled a comprehensive project under the Saiful Malook National Park initiative. According to Divisional Wildlife Officer Salahuddin Khan, the sea area, which spans 12,000 hectares, will soon have a dedicated parking facility, cleaner access routes and permanent animal management offices under the KP Protected Area Initiative.
“Saiol Malook has now been brought under the National Parks Act of 1975,” said Salahuddin. “This is an important step in preserving its alpine ecosystem and the unique flora and fauna in the region. I came with my family to celebrate my brother’s birthday in SaIFUL Malook, where we enjoyed colorful boat trips in his lake, said Sundas Khayam, a lecturer at Peshawar while talking to app.
She said the hiding and search between clouds and sunlight with chances of rain impressed her the most. The KP government’s wider tourist strategy includes the development of four integrated tourist zones (ITZS) in Mankiyal, Thandyani, Ganol and Madaklasht with World Bank’s help.
