Kaghan is a heavenly part of Northern Pakistan which is filled with breathtaking sceneries and phenomenal scenic wonders. We have elaborated in an earlier article about the Lake Saiful Muluk. In this article, we’ll describe another natural wonder which lies in this region. This is a lake in Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park which has fantastic flora and fauna. The snow capped mountains include magical forestry full of fragrant shrubs and conifer tress.  Similarly, the region is home of many wild and rare species like black bear, snow leopard, snow cock and magnificent Himalayan partridges.  The whole park has unique wetlands and beautiful lakes which have critical importance for the resident biodiversity of the area. These water bodies also host the migratory waterfowls which come to this region during their long distance journey.

Dudipatsar Lake of Kghan Valley, Pakistan

Dudipatsar Lake or Dudipat Lake is located at an elevation of 3,800 metres in the extreme north of the Kaghan Valley, in the Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in northern Pakistan. The word “dudi” means white and “sar” means lake. This name has been given to the Dudipatsar lake because of the white color of snow at surrounding peaks. In summer the water of the Dudipatsar lake reflects like a mirror. The word “sar” is used with the name of each lake in the area, translating as ‘lake.’

Beautiful reflection of the surrounding mountains in the mirror water of Dudipaster

The ideal time to reach Dudipatsar Lake of Kaghan Valley, Pakistan is from June to late September during the year. The Dudipatsar Lake is also the home of the rare Seema Trout Fish which are naturally distributed in the freshwater lakes and rivers of the Himalayan Region. The side valleys, specially the banks of the Dusipatsar Lake become lush green in the months of June and July. This area was badly affected during the 2005 earthquake but since then lots of efforts are made for the restoration of this tourist destination including rebuilding and adding new tourism facilities and infrastructure.

Shandur Top, the roof of the world  is one of the entrance to the splendid valley of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Shandur Top is world renowned pass which is located about 3740 meters above sea level exactly in the midway between Chitral and Gilgit and commonly known as “ The Roof of the World”. Covered with high snowy mountains in winter and lush green meadows in summer Shandur Top  is particularly known for its traditional Shandur Polo Festival which is held annually in the month of July.

Shandur-top-fields-view. Photo by Imtanan Ali

Shandur Top is the meeting point of Hindukash , Pamir and Karakoram ranges. It can be reached via air or by transport. Subject to good weather conditions daily flights are available from Peshawar and Islamabad to go to Chitral and then this fantastic spot can be reached by jeeps. From Chitral and Gilgit the land route is adoptable by 4×4 jeeps but both the ways are full of marvelous sceneries of nature. The famous Shandur Lake is a big lake and is the habitat for waterfowl species. This lake and other beautiful streams situated in this piece of heaven are also the home of the delightful Trout fish. The native language of Shandur Top is Khowar.

Shandur-Lake-view Photo : Imtanan Ali

In 1936, a traditional polo tournament was initiated in Shandur Top. Polo “ The royal sport” which is also considered as the king of all sports and remained as the favorite game of the royal elites. Since then every year in July, Polo is played in its original form on Shandur Top and a grand polo tournament takes place yearly which is world famous as Shandur Polo Festival. This colorful event full of regional folk music and dances , camping and other entertainments makes the chilled environment of Shandur lifetime memorable. The top teams of Gilgit and Chitral participate in this polo contest. Every team consists of six players with three or four reserve players and it seems a warlike encounter between the sides. All contestants play without helmets and also demonstrate their tartar blood. The players also roar at each other and it is important to mention that this freestyle polo is played without specific rules. The polo stick also works as a dagger, which can be used to whip or hook the opponent horse. The team which scores nine goals, wins the game. The tournament lasts for three days and the final is played on 9th of July.

Shandur-top-polo-festival

This fabulous festival is organized by the Gilgit-BaltistanTourism Department at Shandur Top , the roof of the world and thousands of local and foreign visitors attend this tournament. After the ending of festival the tourists start other activities like visiting the beautiful valleys of Chitral Mastuj, Boni,  Kalash and on Gilgit-Baltistan side Phunder, Gupis, Yasin & Ishkoman valleys and similarly Gakuch Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu which are the centers of centuries old cultures and customs.