Saiful Malook's snowy charm captivates visitors

With its fairy-tale allure, the lake offers a magical escape for winter travellers

BALAKOT:

The natural beauty of Saiful Malook Lake, located in the picturesque Kaghan Valley, has been further enhanced after a fresh snowfall.

The towering snow-covered peaks, surrounded by pristine blue waters and a blanket of white snow, create a breathtaking scene that transforms the area into a real-life depiction of the romantic tale of Prince Saiful Malook and the fairy Badiul Jamal.

While tourists can still access the lake despite the snowfall, the path to Saiful Malook Lake is likely to be closed for the season following additional snowfall, with access expected to remain closed until the next tourist season.

The lake, famed for its association with the romantic story of Prince Saiful Malook and the fairy Badiul Jamal, truly appears to be a land of fairies these days, attracting tourists from across the country. Visitors flock to the lake to witness the stunning views, snow-covered mountains and the crisp, refreshing weather.

Located nine kilometres from the town of Naran, at an altitude of 10,578 feet above sea level at the northernmost tip of the Kaghan Valley, Saiful Malook Lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks on three sides. The sunlight that reflects off the snow-covered mountains creates a mesmerising glow, making the scene even more magical.

Tourists visiting the lake are often awestruck by its beauty, and many find themselves lost in the enchanting love story of Prince Saiful Malook and Badiul Jamal, as described in the famous Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh's epic Saiful Malook.

Visitors typically reach the lake via a jeep track from Naran, with the jeep ride itself being an adventure. After the recent snowfall, the lake remains accessible, but with more snow expected in the coming days, it is anticipated that the route will be closed until next season.

For snow-loving tourists, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Saiful Malook Lake and the surrounding snow-covered peaks before the path is blocked.