Top Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in Pakistan!

As far as stunning alpine landscapes go, there are few spots around the globe that can rival northern Pakistan. Nestled amid the junction of three of the world’s highest mountain chains – the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush – lies an incredible array of natural bodies of water.

Ranging from the bright neon-turquoise waters formed by large-scale mountain landslides to elusive high-altitude alpine lakes that take several days of hiking across large glaciers to reach, exploring the beautiful lakes of Pakistan is truly an adventure in itself. The following is a complete guide to the very best lakes in the country.

Why Pakistan Has So Many Lakes?

The vast quantity of lakes in Pakistan can be attributed to its geology. Northern Pakistan is home to the second largest concentration of glacial ice in the world after the polar areas, having thousands of glaciers moving across the steep mountain valleys.

The slow movement and melting of these thick masses of ice leads to the creation of deep holes in the rocks due to the formation of typical glacial lakes. Also, the high seismicity and presence of very steep rock faces contribute to the formation of natural dams made of the earth. Large landslides sometimes block the flowing rivers, creating large and deep water bodies within the shortest time possible.

Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake

Situated in the heart of the stunning Hunza Valley, the Attabad Lake is undoubtedly among the most famous lakes in the area due to its beauty. Surprisingly enough, it is one of the most recent ones too.

Attabad Lake came into being in 2010 when the river Hunza was completely blocked off by a landslide which led to flooding and submerging of a part of the Karakoram Highway. Currently, it is among the leading tourist centers known all over the world for the brilliant turquoise hue of its water. The secret of the neon-colored water is in the so-called “rock flour” – the fine silt produced by the upstream glaciers that stays suspended in the water and reflects the sunlight. Visitors can enjoy renting either jet skis or speedboats or even the colorful wooden boats in order to travel between the magnificent grey mountains.

Saif-ul-Malook Lake

Saif ul Malook Lake

No compilation about the beautiful lakes in the Alpine region will be complete without the inclusion of Saif-ul-Malook. This stunning glacial lake, situated at an altitude of 10,578 feet in Kaghan Valley close to the town of Naran, is associated with plenty of local legends.

It is said that a certain Persian prince called Saif-ul-Malook once became so enamored of a fairy princess that the locals say the fairies come down to the lake every time there is a full moon night. This lake is supplied with water from the snow that melts from the surrounding ridges, giving the perfect reflection of the highest peak in the valley called Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains). It is best visited during summers when the snow blocks have melted and cleared the road to the lake.

Shangrila Lake

Shangrila Resort

Also referred to as “Lower Kachura Lake”, the Shangrila Lake resembles a fairy tale picture. Situated just a short distance from Skardu Town, which lies to the north of Baltistan, the heart-shaped lake is encompassed on all sides by lush red apple orchards, apricots, and thick green pine forests.

What makes this lake famous is the Shangrila Resort, which is located around it and contains distinct cottages with bright red roofs, set off wonderfully against the dark green water of the lake and the high grey mountains of the Karakoram range in the backdrop. This is a truly peaceful and beautifully manicured retreat that offers fine boating and walks around the lake.

Upper Kachura Lake

Upper Kachura Lake

Just walking or jeep riding distance away from Shangrila, lies its rough but untouched version: Upper Kachura Lake.

Unlike the commercialized Lower Kachura Lake, the Upper Kachura Lake still stays untouched and pristine. Lying amid huge boulders and rocky surroundings, this lake has an extremely deep blue-green color of a dark emerald shade. The lake is renowned for its natural stocks of wild trout. Dense wild apricot trees surround the banks of this lake. This place provides an ideal setting for tourists who wish to go off track and spend some quiet time with nature.

Sheosar Lake

Sheosar Lake is located right in the heart of Deosai National Park, also referred to as the “Land of the Giants,” and this lake is considered one of the world’s highest alpine lakes, having an elevation of 13,589 feet.

Deosai is one of the largest, highest altitude alpine plateaus of its kind, which remains covered in snow all year round. However, when the summer season, which is travel time in the west, arrives, the entire plateau turns into a carpet of colorful alpine flowers and green grasses. Sheosar Lake fits into the landscape very well, being like a large mirror reflecting the vast open sky and on good days the summit of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth highest peak.

Rush Lake

For avid trekkers and adventure seekers, Rush Lake can be considered as the ultimate alpine destination. Located at an elevation of 15,400 feet, it is the highest alpine lake in Pakistan and one of the highest such lakes in the world.

Accessing the lake requires an adventurous trek, which includes passing through the huge debris-covered Bualtar and Barpu glaciers. This is a physically challenging trip, but the end result will definitely surprise you. The lake itself is located in the high mountain bowl that surrounds the panorama of renowned Karakoram mountains, providing a view of Spantik (Golden Peak), Malubitting, and most famous of all, the majestic K2 mountain range in the distance.

Borith Lake

If you want to go to a great place for bird watching that is hidden in the heights of mountains, then you should visit the amazing Borith Salt Lake which is located in the high Hunza Valley in proximity to the small settlement of Gulmit.

The lake itself gets its water from the springs under the earth and from the melting of the water of the nearby Ghulkin Glacier. This unique lake is situated in a rather arid and beautiful depression surrounded by sandy banks and rocky cliffs. The lake being slightly salty and located in a remote location, is a perfect refuge for many migrating birds, flying across Central Asia.

Ansoo Lake

Exactly shaped like one drop of a tear falling down from the mountains, Ansoo Lake (the name of the lake itself translates into ‘teardrop’) is an absolutely unique natural wonder, located far up in the Himalayas near Saif-ul-Malook.

Located at an altitude of about 13,500 feet, the remote lake is completely frozen for the majority of the year, only to melt out during the summer months in order to show its unique shape of a teardrop with the snow formed ‘iris’ in the middle of the lake. Getting there is not easy one has to spend about 7 to 9 hours going up through tough mountain passes with heavy fogs.

 Plan Your Scenic Mountain Tour with NPP!

Ready to witness the glowing turquoise waters of Attabad or stand before the legendary shores of Saif-ul-Malook? Contact National Planners Of Pakistan northern expedition team today to customize your perfect 2026 scenic lake itinerary!