Fancy a dip in Mahodand Lake?

The lake is popular for its scenic beauty and abundance of fish.

SWAT:

Scores of nature enthusiasts are thronging the Mahodand Lake from across the country this season. Known for it’s emerald green water and abundance of fish, the spot remains an attraction for most tourists owing to it’s beauty and serenity.

Located some 40 kilometres from Kalam valley, the lake is surrounded by lush landscape. One has to travel a dirt track passing through roaring waterfalls, vast green meadows and flickering small lakes to reach it.

“Words really can’t describe the scene. There are many waterfalls, tall cedar trees and exotic scent of wild flowers, the combination of which leaves imprints on the mind and the heart,” Mrs Rehman, a tourist from Lahore said while talking to The Express Tribune.

Before the summer, the lake was not accessible for common vehicles and only jeeps with four-wheel drive could get through the stony-slopes, due to which very tourists managed to get past.

“Last time, we had to hire a jeep to get here. The road was not only difficult but also dangerous in some parts. I hope the government would work on it’s uplift,” Mohammad Iqbal, a tourist from Mingora told The Express Tribune.

“Though the road is not paved, but it’s good enough for adventure lovers like us. The view and the atmosphere are really amazing,” said Anwaar Ahmad who had come with his family from Peshawar.

A complete tent city was set up to facilitate the tourists. Many small groups and families were busy enjoying the lush green valley. Some were sitting, some lying, some were busy cooking and others eating.  Some were riding horses while others enjoyed boat rides in the lake.

Shazia, another tourist from Peshawar, who was enjoying the emerald green field along the lake said, “Each view is unique and beautiful. I would love to visit here over and over. But there is certainly need of development and advertisement so that more people could come here since many don’t even know about it.” While commenting on the calm aura of the valley, she said, “Initially, I was skeptical of coming here but I’m glad that I did.”

The children seemed to be engrossed in a world of their own as they splashed water on each other “I love mountains and rain. We have come here especially to eat fish. I will ask my friends to come here and enjoy the beautiful weather,” Faiqa Malik, a third grader said with a smile.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2012. 

View more pictures of Mahodand Lake here.