It is well known that Pakistan is a land with majestic natural places, but one can only truly understand if they have experienced it live. We were lucky enough to explore some of Pakistan’s best-kept secrets, an expedition that started from Kaghan Valley’s hidden gem – Lulusar Lake, to the ‘Queen of Lakes’ – Dudipatsar.
So, join us as we reflect on our adventurous journey full of thrills, trekking, sheer happiness, and majestic moments.
Start of the Expedition:
The journey started as we packed our bags and grabbed our hiking essentials such as boots, warm clothes, and raincoats (as the weather here is unpredictable and rain can hit anytime). We took everything necessary and then got in our car to reach Lulusar Lake.
Lulusar Lake:
Lulusar Lake is located in the Kaghan Valley along the Naran-Babusar in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is situated at 11,190 feet (3,350 meters) above sea level. The best time to visit it is from June to September as the weather is warm and when much of the snow has melted.
As we reached the shore of this heavenly Lake, we were left totally wonderstruck. The cool breeze, the mesmerizing blue Lake, and the towering mountains in the distance all make for a stunning view. Lulusar is known for its crystal clear and deep blue waters with exotic greenery, and we couldn’t deny it either. We took a pause and soaked in the magic of this sanctuary of peace. What a little heaven this place is, where serenity is guaranteed!
The Trail Begins:
After some moments of peace, we were ready to set off for our journey. We parked our car and hired a local to look after it. Finally, we reached the point where the trailhead started. As we moved forward, we found a police check post that does the necessary checking and keeps track of everyone moving across. Next, we were walking in the middle of nature, where there was no network, signal, or noise and if there was only something, it was nature, wilderness, and peace.
We were fortunate to have a knowledgeable guide accompanying us. He shared with us the tales of the places and most importantly, the origins of the enchanting name “Lulusar Lake.” The word “sar” translates to “top peak” in the local dialect, while Lulusar is the mountain’s name where this Lake cradles.
Towards the Dudipatsar Lake
Without any stop, we continued moving to our destination – Dudipatsar Lake, also known as Dudipat Lake. It is located at an elevation of 4,734 meters (15,495 feet) in Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park in Kaghan Valley. The trek starts from the village of Besar, which serves as the base camp for the Dudipatsar Lake trek. The Dudipatsar trail covers a distance of approximately 18 km, going along the tributary of the Kunhar River.
We were told that in 2005 a massive earthquake hit Pakistan and made access to the Lake difficult. However, the Government of Pakistan worked diligently to rebuild the infrastructure and restore safe tourism to this dazzling jewel.
The average time for the hike is around 5-8 hours which can be challenging, but the scenic views along the way make it all worth it.
As we trekked, a sudden spell of downpour showered us. Fortunately, we had our raincoats knowing about the tropical zone and the unpredictable rainfalls. We continued moving over expansive alpine meadows, majestic glaciers, and the unspoiled natural beauty. A region full of flora and fauna, a venture that lets the visitors experience immaculate beauty. Inhabitants of the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park include snow leopards, black bears, marmots, mountain goats, weasels, lynx, Himalayan snowcock, snow partridge, and a variety of bird species.
Next, we reached Mullah Basti, a campground approach to the Lake. It took us 6-7 hours of a tedious but breathtaking journey to reach close to our destination. As we made our way closer to the Lake, the landscape began to change. We could witness the snow-capped mountains and the lush green meadows around.
Witnessing the ‘Queen of Lakes’ Dudipatsar:
When we saw the Lake of Dudipatsar, it took our breath away. The first glimpse of its pristine water froze us in time. The “Queen of Lakes,” Dudipatsar, was in all its glory, spreading its magical essence in the surroundings. Its name Dudipatsar translates to the color white, which refers to the white snow covering the mountains around it. The enchanting gleaming Lake’s water and the snowy peaks definitely compensated us for the sweat.
We sat and soaked ourselves in the grandeur of this wondrous gem of Pakistan. The supreme magnificence of the Lake kept enchanting us with picture-perfect views. We sat there for hours, enjoying the serenity and capturing the beauty through our eyes. The tremendously fascinating view gave us a memory of a lifetime. We could not stop capturing these unforgettable moments with our cameras.
We set up our camp to spend the night in this mesmerizing place. As the sun bid goodbye and the sky turned dark, the place turned more magical. We gazed up at the starry sky and felt more alive than ever. There was a different kind of serenity at night. No city chaos, no rush, no crowd, just stars shining bright and the crystal lake reflecting the shimmering light. As the night deepened, the cold breeze in the silence of the wilderness wrapped around us like a gentle embrace. We sipped our tea around the crackling campfire and spent the nights hearing ancient tales from the guide and other tourists.
With the rays of dawn rising, we woke up, packed our bags, and bid goodbye to this magnificent Lake of Pakistan. Before leaving, we also had a chance to meet the friendly locals and indulge in authentic Pakistani cuisine, which was the perfect end to our unforgettable trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the foot trekking journey from Lulusar Lake to Dudipatsar is an experience that we will always remember. It was not just a trek but a journey to explore the true meaning of life and nature.
To all the adventurers out there, we highly recommend this trek, which will give you memories for a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, wear your trekking shoes, and set off for an adventure your soul craves!