Mahodand Lake is famous due to its trout fish and cold water. Swat is a piece of land in Northern Pakistan – often referred to as the “Switzerland of East.” It’s famous for its surreal natural beauty. However, there is a lake like no other called Mahodand Lake in the center of this land. It’s no doubt one of the most stunning lakes in the world.
Between the glacial alpine hills in Kalam Valley’s upper gorge, Mahodand Lake emerged as a tourist hotspot. Nature lovers have been flocking to it from across the country.
The water of Mahodand flows in small and big streams. Mountains and tall trees surround the lake. Mahodand is heaven for people who love nature and adventure.
Road Conditions of Mahodand Lake
Many people are looking to visit this beautiful spot but are unable to. It could be because of the access, as only people with 4×4 vehicles can reach the site. If the government constructed proper roads in this location, it could become a tourist hub one day.
Standard vehicles or cars cannot bear the rough and bumpy road. However, I wouldn’t advise taking your car because it will get damaged. Instead, hire a Jeep and travel on it.
If you are more of a visual person, then please watch the following video, which summarizes my Mahodand Lake trip:
How to get to Mahodand Lake?
To get to this magical lake, you have to leave early in the morning because it takes around 3-4 hours to get to the lake. On your way there, you will get patches of metal road, but most of the path is just rocks and gravel.
You’ll cross Kalam Forest and arrive at your first pause in Usho. On your trip, you’ll cross by nomads and with their herds, reach Matiltan, and then stop at Mahi Banal, the most picturesque place on your route. River Swat flows throughout the track.
After another half hour, you’ll find yourself at the Mighty 22 Falls, which is another fascinating tourist destination. You’ll then arrive at Chashma-e-Shifa, where locals believe in having water that can cure any disease.
The next stop on your route is Mount Falak Ser, the highest mountain in the Swat Valley and only 15 to 20 minutes away from Mahodand Lake.
Tour to Mahodand Lake
Mahodand Lake is Known for its freezing water and excess of trout fish. The lake is in the Ushu Matiltan Valley, 40 kilometers above Kalam.
Tourists can feast their eyes on hundreds of waterfalls, lush landscapes, pastures, snow-capped peaks, and clusters of pine and cedar trees in the distance.
Mahodand is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Tourists love its water’s color and noise, especially the brooks gushing out of the small vales around the lake.
Pink and yellow flowers further embellish the beauty of the lush greenery around the lake.
There are now a lot of hotels near the lakeside. Still, residents of the valley have connected camps to facilitate tourists. In addition, there is a facility to enjoy boat and horse rides at Mahodand.
Things to do in Mahodand Lake
The jewel green lake is known for its freezing water and abundance of trout fish. Apart from this, it also boasts multiple waterfalls which tourists can visit. Lush sceneries, meadows, and scattered clumps of cedar trees and pine trees add to the view. In the distance, you can see gorgeous snow-capped peaks. Pink and yellow flowers also add to the beauty of the location.
Camping
Mahodand is said to be a heaven for thrill-seekers and lovers of nature. Lush greenery and spectacular views of Mahodand Lake fascinate tourists from all over the country. The residents from the valley have installed tents and camps to facilitate tourists. Horse rides and boat rides are also readily available at the lake.
Weather
During winter, access to the lake is restricted due to heavy snow. It also has a high risk of avalanches within the area, with snow expected even in summer. That’s why the best time to visit the lake is only during the summer season.
Location
Mahodand Lake is in the Hindu Kush range of mountains at 9,400 feet (2,850 meters). It spreads over two kilometers in length approximately. It takes around three hours to cover a distance of 35 to 40 kilometers from Kalam to the lake.
You have to make an effort to get there. But the trip in a 4×4 jeep is worth it. I reached Mahodand Lake on my motorbike.
Saifullah Lake
On a ten-minute walk above Mahodand Lake, another beautiful but smaller lake is known as the Saifullah Lake. The local name of Saifullah Lake is Kundail Shai. Different waterfalls came our way while moving to Safiullah Lake from Mahodand. There is a facility for a boat ride in Saifullah Lake. Next to the lake is a small jungle which one can reach on a boat.
On the borders of Saifullah Lake are waterfalls, wandering streams, alpine trees, and snow-capped mountain peaks. Its beauty is further magnified by the swaying pink, white, and yellow wildflowers that dot the exterior outlines.
Nasrullah Lake
The last lake in the area is Nasrullah Lake, which tourists do not go to. Nasrullah is an actual lake in terms of size. The water flows from this lake towards Saifullah and Lake Mahodand. If you ever visit Kalam, do go to Lake Mahodand.
Hopefully, this blog will inspire you to visit Mahodand Lake. Also, if you have any questions on KPK or my experience traveling on a bicycle/motorbike, please comment below or email me. I’ll try to reply to you as soon as possible.
