Saiful Malook draws tourists in droves

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake offers a serene retreat and stunning views

KAGHAN:

Saiful Malook – a lake known for its fairytale atmosphere – attracted many tourists and adventure sports enthusiasts during the Eidul Fitr holidays.

Nestled amidst snow-capped peaks of the Malika Parbat range in Mansehra's Kaghan Valley, the famous lake captivates visitors with its fairytale-like charm. The arduous journey that travellers make from Pakistan's lower areas to the northern highlands of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is instantly rewarded as they encounter the breathtaking beauty of Saiful Malook Lake.

Spanning 1.06 square miles with a depth of 113 feet and sitting at an elevation of 3,224 meters above sea level, Saiful Malook's oval shape with crystal-clear and greenish-blue waters leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of tourists each year. Revered as a lake of legends and princes, Saiful Malook is enveloped by the serene mountains of Malka Parbat in upper Kaghan, offering a peaceful retreat to tourists from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Named after the Persian Prince Saiful Malook, the lake attracts both international and local tourists, particularly during the summer months when its pleasant climate and cascading waterfalls from nearby glaciers add to its allure. The lake is immortalised in Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh's epic, "Fairytale of Saiful Malook," which recounts the prince Saiful Malook's quest for the fairy princess Badriul Jamala - a journey marked by enchanting adventures and unfulfilled longing.

Though Pakistan boasts numerous stunning lakes like Ansoo, Lalusar, Dudipastar and Sheosar, Saiful Malook stands out for its blend of fairytales, striking beauty and pristine waters.

Dental surgeon Dr Muhammad Tahir, attested to the lake's exceptional charm, citing its lasting impression compared to other global lakes he has visited. He said that in today's digital age, there is a growing recognition of the potential for leveraging social media to enhance mountains and eco-tourism as well as archaeology for economic development.

Alpine Club of Pakistan President Abu Zafar Sadiq highlighted how the growing digital and social media can transform the tourism landscape, especially Saiful Malook's charm in Pakistan. "Saiful Malook and similar celebrated tourist sites offer stunning beauty and significant economic promise for Pakistan subject to the government patronage. Despite its immense potential, Pakistan's tourism sector has struggled to reach its full economic potential mainly due to natural calamities and security challenges," he said.

According to the data he shared, in 2017, tourism contributed only $8.8 billion, or 2.9% of GDP, which rose to $15 billion, or 5.7% of GDP, in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and security issues exacerbated challenges to tourism in Pakistan, which led to a notable decline in tourism revenue and employment in Pakistan.

Currently, KP Wildlife Department, which oversees Saiful Malook and Lulusar lakes as part of national parks, is working to ensure sustainable protection and improved tourist facilities. Future developments, such as a chairlift project and enhanced service areas, aim to elevate the tourist experience while supporting local economies. Overall, as Pakistan continues to enhance its digital presence and infrastructure, Saiful Malook Lake remains a symbol of the nation's rich natural and cultural heritage, poised to attract and inspire millions of visitors from around the world.