Mahodand Lake
The most beautiful part of Swat valley is Kalam. It is the upper part of Swat valley and about 6,800 feet above the sea level. Around 35 kilometer from Kalam, resides a lake with shimmering blue water called Mahodand. Mahodand Lake is situated in in the Upper Ushu Valley the Hindu-Kush Mountain Range. height elevation is 9,603 feet (2,927 metres) and expands over two kilometres long piece of land. Mahodand Lake weather is cool in summer days. It takes around three hour journey to cover a distance of 35 to 40 kilometres from Kalam towards the lake. The best time to visit of this lake in april to October becuase of weather.
On starting the journey, by the road on a four-wheel jeep, one can enter into the Forests of Kalam and after crossing it, the first stop-over is Ushu Valley. Some patches of the Valley are really fantastic and eye-catching. Gushing water of streams not only gives a spectacular view, but it is also a source of water supply and Power generation for the locals.
The way towards the Lake, one can see many nomads with their herds of sheep/goats, travelling deep into the Valley. One has to stop and often wait for the clearing-up of the road, when herds are crossing the roads. It is a routine scenario for the locals; however it could be a surprise for the visitors/tourists, especially for the foreign tourists. Mahi Banal is the next milestone after Matiltan, a picturesque place towards the Mahodand Lake.
There is another popular tourist resort of the 22 Mighty falls, after half an hour further journey. There is a small market on the way to Mahodand Lake.
The Mahodand Lake, the Majestic gift of Nature, lies at the foothills of Hindu-Kush Mountain Range, at an elevation of 9,603 feet (2,927 metres), surrounded by the lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains and thick forests. The tall and lofty Pine trees enhance the beauty of the Mahodand Lake manifold.
Mahodand Lake gets frozen during heavy snowfall in the winters, on the contrary in the summers the surface of the lake is full of wild flowers like Geum, Blue Poppy, Potentilla and Gentian etc. The Pine trees provide shelter to the hundreds of the birds. The lake is a ideal location for the anglers, as it contains a plenty of trout fish, yet fishing is allowed only to the licensed anglers, which could be obtained from relevant authorities.
The Mahodand Lake is also known as Lake of fishes and indeed it is full of fishes. It is a favorite spot for people who are fond of fishing. You need to take permission from PTDC Resort in Kalam for fishing. The broad blue sky with shinning clouds, scenic beauty of Mahodand with tall pine trees, surrounded by gigantic mountains and a view of lush green meadows is like a heaven on earth. The calm and pleasant environment can fulfill your heart with joy and comfort. The track from Kalam to Mahodand is a dirt track but after crossing the dirt track you would experience the natural and unspoiled beauty of Lake Mahodand.
Useful Tips to Visit Mahodand Lake
The recommended months for a trip to Lake S are from April to September due to Mahodand weather. But if you need to enjoy the greenery and get a closer look at the glaciers, visit June to August.
Try to keep yourself hydrated and keep small amounts of snacks and biscuits while traveling. Be sure to keep some chewing gum with you, it will help keep your ears open: slightly_slaming_face:
Always carry some basic medicine whenever you need to travel anywhere, especially in mountainous areas. On the way to Mahwandand, you will not find any pharmacy or medical store so having emergency medicine with you will be really beneficial while traveling this lake.
Keep warm clothes, you may face cold weather even in hot weather.
Once you get there, you can enjoy boating, eat fish or grilled chicken. But I would prefer to eat fish from there. You can even stay overnight in a camp there but if you are with family. I would prefer you to come back to Kalam Valley. Stay there overnight and then travel back to Saidu Sharif or Mingora the next day. Stay overnight there, enjoy the beauty of the Swat Valley with the roaring rivers of Swat.
Don’t forget to bring your camera, you will get beautiful heavenly views during your entire journey to Mahodand Lake.
Mahodand Lake must be at the top of one’s priority list while planning a trip to Swat and Kalam Valley in Summer weather. It will be a pleasant and unforgettable experience of one’s life. Its charms, landscape and imperial elegance make it highly dignified in the pool of distinguished lakes of Pakistan.
if you are planning to visit there then make your stay better while camping with your friends. Don’t forget to take camping tents with you for smooth night experience.