Kaghan:
While the pre-mousson rains gently fall on the majestic slopes of Malika Parbat, the serene valley of Kaghan undergoes a breathtaking transformation. Nestled 3224 meters above sea level and framed by snow peaks, Lake Saiful Malok enchanting thousands of tourists escaping from the burning heat of the plains of the Khyber Pakthunkhwa.
More than just picturesque destination, the lake is imbued with legend and poetry. Precipitation here does not simply refresh the air – it awakens the mind. The clouds derive in and out, playing hide and seek with the sun, while wild flowers flourish along the oval coast of the lake, transforming the whole landscape into something of a book of tales.
Named from a Persian prince, Lake Saiful Malook has acquired generalized renown through the poetic epic of Saint-Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, Safarnama Saiful Malok, who tells the story of the prince for the magical princess Badriul Jamala. The story immortalized the lake in folklore and national conscience.
“It’s like entering a dream,” said Ehsanullah Khan, a Pakistani businessman based in Dubai visiting the lake for the fourth time. “I saw lakes in Switzerland and Canada, but turquoise waters and the mythical charm of Saiful Malok offer peace unlike elsewhere.”
The lake, extending over 1.06 square miles and fed by glaciers by Malika Parbat, leaves an indelible brand on the hearts of visitors.
Muhammad Ali Syed, Managing Director of the KP Culture and Tourism Authority, underlined the immense potential in the north of the Pakistani lake. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to more than 100 lakes, natural and artificial. From Lake Karambar to Chitral, the highest 33rd in the world, in Mahodand to Swat, we invest in infrastructure to make these wonders more accessible while ensuring ecological sustainability.”
The growing tourism influx of Saiful Malok and surrounding lakes has also raised concerns about environmental degradation. Waste, in particular with plastic bags and packaging, has spoiled the once preliminary reputation of the lake. “Saiful Malok is the identity of Pakistan. Seeing the garbage here is heartbreaking,” said Ehsanullah Khan. He urged the authorities to apply strict waste management and parking regulations.
In response, the Kaghan Development Authority, with the support of the District Wildlife and Administration Department, has deployed a complete project as part of the SAIFUL MALOOK National Park initiative. According to the Divisional Wildlife Agent Salahuddin Khan, the lake region, covering more than 12,000 acres, will soon offer dedicated parking, cleaner access routes and permanent fauna management offices as part of the KP Protected AREA initiative.
“Saiful Malok has now been introduced under the 1975 national parks law,” said Salahuddin. “This is a major 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 Malok, where we enjoyed colored boat walks in his lake, said Sundas Khayam, speaker in Peshawar, while discussing with App.
She said that the hide and seek between the clouds and the sunlight, with chances of rain, impressed her the most. The broader tourism strategy of the KP government includes the development of four integrated tourist zones (ITZ) in Mankiyal, Thandyani, Ganol and Madaklasht with the help of the World Bank.
