Shandur Lake is a gem nestled amidst the celestial peaks of the Himalayas. The lake emerges as a masterpiece, a canvas of tranquility that beckons the adventurous spirit. This trip takes you through beautiful terrain to serene lakes and meadows, as well as a glimpse into the beautiful culture of the kind and welcoming locals living there.
Shandur Lake:
During my search on the next place I want to visit, I stumbled upon the articles of Shandur Lake. All the detailed articles I read, the pictures I saw, and the experiences people shared about their visit to Shandur made me certain about my trip.
As far as I remember, nothing has ever excited me more than nature. Nature’s alluring beauty has always fascinated me since childhood, and it has always kept me captivated. Lakes hold a special place in my heart among nature’s stunning creations like mountains and oceans. Their calmness and peace made me a lake enthusiast from a very young age. I got fond of exploring different lakes, feeling all the tranquility one needs in this hectic, fast-paced world.
Embark on a visual odyssey with me as I paint with words the mesmerizing tapestry of Shandur Lake.
Flying to Islamabad
The journey started from Islamabad where I packed all the essentials such as camping gear, hiking gear, a reliable backpack carrying all the necessities including a first aid kit, clothing, energy bars for rough days, and a camera, of course. All along I was so excited and thrilled for my trip. After I finished packing, I drove to Islamabad by road in my car.
On reaching Islamabad, I went to visit the famous Daman e Koh, Pakistan Monument, and Faisal Mosque. Islamabad’s refreshing environment tempted me to linger, but it wasn’t my ultimate destination.
Islamabad to Chitral:
I stayed there for a couple of days and headed to Chitral on a jeep which I booked earlier for 8000 thousand rupees. It took me 2 days to reach Chitral. After multiple stops at the local markets and food streets, I finally arrived at Chitral in the late evening. I stayed in Chitral for 2 days. Their arts and crafts, folk songs, food and beverages, and overall the fascinating aesthetics of Chitrali culture amused me.
Chitral to Shandur Lake:
Next, I took the 5-hour jeep track to Shandur Lake. The route that the jeep driver took was quite rough and I got a bit scared, but he assured me that It was safe and I had no other option than to trust him. Thankfully we reached Shandur Lake safe and sound.
Shandur Lake, a 3730 m elevated lake located in the district of Chitral, Gilgit Baltistan is on the top of the list of all the mesmerizing places in Pakistan. It is also known as Roof of the World mainly due to the flat surface of the upper area of the lake. It is quite pleasant at Shandur Lake with a constant temperature of 14 degrees maintaining quite a cloudy weather.
This lake captures the hearts of tourists due to the majestic clouds above the lake, the mountains on either side of the lake, and the lush green meadows all around where the air was so fresh and calm that it refreshed my mind and made me fall in love with nature all over again.
Due to its breathtaking views and beauty, Shandur Lake is a popular tourist spot where people like me are eager to visit and capture serene beauty in the pictures.
Activities You Can Partake In At Shandur Lake:
Shandur Lake is the perfect vacation spot for every age group, as you can partake in a wide array of activities. You can explore the pristine waters of Shandur Lake for fishing experiences. The lake is home to a variety of trout species, offering an excellent opportunity for travelers interested in fishing.
You can even embark on scenic hiking trails around Shandur Lake to witness breathtaking landscapes. The Shandur Pass and surrounding hills provide panoramic views perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Horse riding against the backdrop of the Himalayas is also one of the most popular activities there. Local guides can arrange horse riding expeditions for visitors.
Another reason for its popularity and high tourist activity is the Shandur Polo festival, famous among the locals of Chitral. I heard about it from a colleague of mine who a native of Chitral. She told me not to miss the festival since it is the biggest Polo Festival in Pakistan. It is one of the reasons I scheduled my trip in July since the festival is held from the 7th to the 9th of July. This festival holds such importance mainly because Shandur is the home to the highest polo ground in the world which is about 12,200 feet high. In this annual festival, A polo match is played at Shandur top among the teams of young talented Chitral-ees and Gilgit-ees.
Rich Culture Of Shandur Lake:
The festival is not only about the sport, but they also sing songs in the festival. Their songs repeatedly mention ‘Shandur,’ admiring the place and its people in a truly beautiful way. My colleague said people worldwide come to Shandur for the famous festival. But I couldn’t believe my eyes when I witnessed the aura of the sport, the spirit of the natives, their hospitality, and how people from different countries were sitting beside me, enjoying the great
I also immersed myself in capturing the unique beauty of Shandur Lake and its surroundings through photography. The changing hues of the lake and the stunning mountain backdrop provided me with excellent photo opportunities that truly showcased the breathtaking scenery.
Conclusion:
I stayed there for a week, and each second of my time was worth it. The locals were so welcoming, they told me various tales about the lake. I got the insight of their culture and lifestyle which is dramatically different from us city dwellers. When I was about to leave, I was so overwhelmed by all the love the locals poured and I was not ready to leave the beautiful lake, but the journey I had was so memorable. Shandur Lake is a must-visit
If you are interested in visiting more of the unreal lakes of Pakistan, check these articles out:
Upper and Lower Kachura: Exploring the Twin Lakes