Mahodand Lake – The Magnificent Lake in Swat Valley
I went to Mahodand Lake, which is roughly 40 kilometers from Kalam in the Ushu Valley in Khyber-Swat Pakhtunkhwa's District. We stayed at the Kalam Hotel, which had a magnificent view of the valley from above.
Mahodand Lake is located in the Hindu Kush mountain range at an elevation of 9,400 feet (2,850 meters) and spans around two kilometers in length. From Kalam to the lake, it took us around three hours to travel a distance of 35 to 40 kilometers.
Only a 4WD vehicle can get you to Kalam in 3 hours.
Ushu Forest – Swat Valley (Kalam)
I started my travel early in the morning via road, and after passing through the Kalam Forest, I arrived in Usho. There are a few hotels in the region that offer a spectacular view of the valley. The gushing streams are not only a sight for tourists and locals, but they also serve as a source of electricity for the community.
I encountered numerous nomads with their herds moving far into the valley on my journey, and I had to stop and wait for the road to clearup most of the time. For the natives, this is a common occurrence; nonetheless, most visitors from the metropolis would be surprised. I stopped in Mahi Banal, one of the most scenic sites on my trip to Mahodand Lake, after crossing Matiltan.
Mighty Falls
After another half-hourdrive, I arrived at the Mighty Falls, another renowned tourist attraction. During the summer, these falls turn into a breath-taking spectacle that willstay with you for the rest of your life. I came across local traders selling cold drinks and other eatables until I reached Mahodand Lake. I lingered here for 15 to 20 minutes, snapped a few photos, and then moved on to my next destination.
With each mile I travelled, I was surrounded byawe-inspiring scenery. But that wasn't all this earthly paradise had to offer. When I stopped beside the road to photograph the amazing countryside, I found myself in front of another majestic panorama that took my breath away. Itimmediately came to me that even a brief halt can provide what a lifetime ofsearching cannot.
I arrived at a place called Chashma-e-Shifa after another half-hour of travel. Locals think that any sickness can be cured by drinkingthe water that flows into this creek. I lingered here for a while, taking inthe natural beauty of the place.
Chasma-e-Shifa
Mount Falak Sher, the valley's tallest peak with a height of19,416 feet, is a must-see for anybody visiting Swat Valley (5,918 meters). The sight of this massive snow-covered mountain, which can be seen from the lush green Ushu Valley, was truly an experience.
Lake Mahodand
I spent quite some time exploring the lake before deciding to hire a boat to cross the lake and reach an island around 50 meters away. Deforestation was clear, and concerned authorities must address it in order to promote and encourage local tourism.
