Saif-ul-Maluk Lake

Naran, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Saif-ul-Mulook Lake is a shimmering jewel nestled at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley, near the town of Naran in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Perched at an elevation of 3,224 meters (10,578 feet) above sea level, it’s one of the highest alpine lakes in the country—and arguably one of the most enchanting.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Malika Parbat, the lake’s turquoise waters reflect the sky with an almost surreal clarity. Formed during the Pleistocene epoch by glacial activity, Saif-ul-Mulook is fed by glacial melt and remains icy cold year-round. Its depth reaches about 113 feet (34 meters), and its surface area spans 2.75 square kilometers.

What truly sets this lake apart is the legend it carries. According to folklore, it’s named after Prince Saif-ul-Mulook, a character from a Persian-Arabic fable who fell in love with a fairy princess, Badri-ul-Jamala, at this very lake. The story, immortalized in Punjabi verse by the Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, weaves themes of love, longing, and the mystical realm of fairies.

The lake is accessible via a rugged jeep track from Naran, followed by a short hike. It’s best visited between May and September, when the snow has melted and the trail is open. In winter, heavy snowfall cuts off access, and the lake often freezes over, creating a stark, otherworldly landscape.

Visitors can enjoy boating, horse riding, camping, and even stargazing—on clear nights, the Milky Way stretches across the sky like a celestial river. The lake is also a gateway to the challenging trek to Ansoo Lake, a tear-shaped glacial lake hidden high in the mountains.