If you are undecided about where to go in Pakistan,? Then we suggest you get your luggage ready and take the route to Kalam. The ultimate abundance of unimaginable natural beauty is awaiting you. The high-rise peak feasts your eyes wide open to see the small streams and waterfalls along with the Swat River running between the dense forest of Kalam Valley.
Then park your car at Kalam Valley and hire a private jeep to route your way to Mahodand Lake. Make sure you get ready at 7:00 a.m. sharp, as you have to cover approximately six destinations on the way to Lake. You can spend half an hour at every place to feel the real beauty of Kalam Valley.
These points are Ushu Forest, Mahi Banal, Matiltan, Shaudur Waterfall, Chasma-e-Shifa, Mahodand Lake, and Saifullah Lake. Ask your driver to drive the jeep carefully, as this is a mountain road with hairpin curves, dangerous drop-offs, and is pretty narrow. The gorgeous crystal-clear lake is about 40 KM from Kalam in the Ushu Valley of the Swat District, KPK (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) at an elevation of 9,400 feet.
Mahodand Lake banks are beautifully covered by high-rise pines and pastures that serve as camping sites during the summer. The lake is fed by melting glaciers and springs of the Hindu Kush mountain and gives rise to the Ushu Forest, the major left tributary of the Swat River. Mahodand Lake is famous as the “Lake of Fishes.”.
Brown and rainbow trout are commonly found in the lake. The emerald-green-colored water is divided into a series of small and large streams. The locals are overfishing for their daily income, which is badly hurting the fish population. They also use illegal fishing methods like electrocution, dynamiting, and large nets. Mahodand Lake is mainly reachable in the summer season; however, access is limited in the winter. The lake is mainly covered with thick snow, which poses a high risk of avalanches.
Mahodand Lake basin is surrounded by a sheet of alpine flowers like geum, blue poppy, potentilla, and gentian. Many stunning waterfalls reinforce the sweetness of the vale with different lengths and sizes. When crystal-clear water comes down, you will feel like milk coming down from rock mountains with a cracking sound. The weather is quite pleasant in the summer, so it is better to have some warm clothes for your children in case of an emergency. The temperature is cold if there is rain.
Hence, the gravel and tricky bumpy road are not paved, but the surroundings are truly amazing. Visitors are facilitating their intent to enjoy the lush green valley. Each view is unique in the emerald green field along the lake. People enjoy here boating, camping, horseback riding, bird watching, relaxing, nature, and many more. Also, you must take your power bank to charge your phone’s battery.
At every point, you would like to take snaps or selfies. So, phone charging is very essential to be full before your journey starts. Indeed, Mahodand Lake is a gift of nature that loves nature. The majestic landscape covers high-rise cedar trees, exotic flowers, herbs, and roaring river swat.