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SAIFUL MALOOK, Jul 09 (APP):With monsoon clouds rolling across the northern skies of Pakistan, the fabled Saiful Malook lake has transformed into a breathtaking haven, captivating visitors with its blend of natural grandeur and mythological charm.
Tucked beneath the mighty Malka Parbat in the upper Kaghan Valley, the famous lake has become a magnet for tourists and ecotourism lovers arrived from across Pakistan.
The seasonal monsoon rains ranging from gentle drizzles to sudden downpours have given the landscape a surreal beauty to tourists as black clouds hovering over their surrounding amid thrill and excitement.
Mist rises from the surrounding pine forests, and the interplay of sunlight and clouds with chirping birds casts magical reflections across the lake’s crystal-clear, blue-green waters.
The recent spell of monsoon rain has not only revived the verdant surroundings in Kaghan but also sparked a notable influx of travelers and adventure sports enthusiasts.
The lake is spanning on 1.06 square miles with a depth of 113 feet and sitting at an elevation of 3,224 meters above sea level leave an indelible mark on the hearts of thousands of tourists.
Among them is 25-year-old Waris Khattak from Karak, who sought refuge from the scorching southern heat.
“The oppressive weather back home pushed me to visit this beautiful lake,” said Waris, who was enjoying a plate of freshly grilled trout with his family along the lake’s shore. “The peace, the cool breeze, and this amazing water—it feels like another world.”
Children ran carefree along the banks, dipping their hands into the cold water, while couples posed for pictures amid cascading waterfalls that flow from the snow-capped Malka Parbat, feeding the lake and enhancing its serene, oval-shaped beauty.
Locals and tour operators alike say this season has brought one of the highest turnouts in recent years, driven by improved road access and social media buzz. Many of them emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness and eco-responsible tourism, urging visitors to preserve the lake’s pristine environment.
But beyond its natural allure, Saiful Malook is steeped in folklore. According to legend, the lake was named after a Persian prince, Saiful Malook, who is said to have fallen in love with a fairy princess, Badri Jamala.
Historians recount how the prince was drawn back time and again to this enchanted place, chasing visions of his ethereal beloved. Today, the myth lives on not just in local storytelling but in the very ambiance of the lake, which feels touched by the otherworldly.
The lake is immortalized in Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh’s epic, “Fairytale of Saiful Malook,” which recounts the prince Saiful Malook quest for the fairy princess Badriul Jamala, a journey marked by enchanting stories and unfulfilled longing.
Though Pakistan boasts numerous stunning lakes like Ansoo, Lalusar, Dudipastar, and Sheosar, Saiful Malook stands out for its unique blend of fairytales, striking beauty, and pristine waters.
Gulzar Rehman, ex conservator forest along with his wife attested to the Saiful Malook lake’s exceptional charm, citing its lasting impression compared to other global lakes destinations.
In the today’s digital age, he said there is a growing recognition of the potential for leveraging social media to enhance mountains and eco-tourism as well as archeology for economic development.
He highlighted how the growing digital and social media can transform the tourism landscape especially Saiful Malook charm in Pakistan.
“Saiful Malook and similar breathtaking tourism sites offer stunning beauty and significant economic promise for Pakistan subject to the KP government patronage.”
Despite its immense potential, he said Pakistan’s tourism sector had struggled to reach its full economic potential mainly due to natural calamities and security challenges.
Tourism contributed only $8.8 billion, or 2.9% of GDP in 2017- a stark contrast to the $15 billion, or 5.7% of GDP in 2019.
However the COVID-19 pandemic and security issues have exacerbated these challenges, with a notable decline in tourism revenue and employment in Pakistan.
He emphasized the importance of embracing digital innovations, such as virtual tours of Saiful Malook through social media campaigns, to attract more visitors.
He advocated for hiring digital professionals and utilizing platforms like GPS and artificial intelligence to promote Pakistan’s diverse tourism offerings.
He also suggested that developing attractions like a chairlift between Naran and Saiful Malook lake could generate significant revenue and enhance the socio-economic conditions of people of the region.
However, challenges remain, including environmental and accommodation concerns. Efforts to improve waste management and enhance facilities are crucial for preserving the natural beauty of Saiful Malook and other lakes of Pakistan.
Increased litter bins, sanitary workers, and improved parking facilities are among the necessary measures to maintain the lake’s allure.
Professor Dr Naveed Farooq of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan underscored the importance of digital showcasing of all lakes especially Saiful Malook for attracting foreign tourists.
“Saiful Malook, Ansoo and Mahudhand lakes are gems of Pakistan. Utilizing digital technology to highlight these treasures can draw international visitors in droves and further boost tourism.
KP Wildlife Department, which oversees Saiful Malook and Lulusar lakes as 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.
Key projects has been approved by KP Govt for heritage preservation and tourism promotion Under World Bank’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Project (KITE) Program.
Tourism Department spokesman told APP that these projects include upgradation of various museums in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa costing Rs. 295 million, Development and Preservation of Babu Dheri, District Swabi of Rs. 45 million, restoration and conservation of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s Historic Buildings in Peshawar with allocation of Rs 33.8 million and Beautification and Renovation of Rani Ghat, District Buner costing Rs 40 million.
The other approved projects are provision of modern facilities at Takht-e-Bhai archaeological site Mardan costing Rs30 million, upgradation of security and safety measures at key archaeological sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa costing Rs 220.59 million, development of Gali Bagh, Mansehra costing Rs 35 million and improvement of Koh-e-Suleman tourist site at Dera Ismail Khan costing Rs 155 million besides restoration of Sheikh Badin site at Dera Ismail Khan costing Rs 190 million.
As clouds drift over the glistening water and the sound of distant thunder echoes through the valley, Saiful Malook once again proves why it remains one of Pakistan’s most iconic and mystical destinations