Tanda Dam Lake Kohat
Tanda Dam is a picturesque earth-fill dam and protected Ramsar wetland site in Kohat famous for serene blue lake waters migratory waterbirds boating and lush green surrounding hills.
ExploreMahodand Lake Kalam Swat
Kalam, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Overview
Situated thirty five kilometers beyond Kalam town in the upper Ushu Valley at an elevation of 2865 meters above sea level Mahodand Lake Lake of Fishes is the most famous pristine glacial alpine lake in Swat District Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Fed by melting high mountain glaciers and natural freshwater springs the lake is renowned for its turquoise blue waters sprawling pine meadows colorful wildflowers and towering snow-capped peaks of the Hindu Kush range. Accessible via an adventurous off road 4x4 jeep safari route passing through Ushu Forest Matiltan Waterfall and Paloga Village Mahodand Lake offers travelers a world class alpine experience featuring wooden boating trout fishing horseback riding lakeside camping and breathtaking wilderness photography.
Highlights
- Iconic high altitude glacial lake sitting at 2865 meters elevation in upper Ushu Valley
- Known as the Lake of Fishes famous for rich populations of wild mountain trout
- Surrounded by dense deodar pine forests rolling pastures and snow-capped peaks
- Premier adventure venue for wooden boating horseback riding and wilderness camping
- Primary destination for the iconic 4x4 jeep safari route starting from Kalam town
Things To Do
- Take a relaxing wooden boat ride across the calm turquoise waters of Mahodand Lake
- Experience horseback riding along the lakeside pastures and green meadow trails
- Enjoy outdoor wilderness camping under clear starry night skies on the lake banks
- Try your hand at trout fishing or taste fresh fried river trout at lakeside stalls
- Hike further up the valley trail to explore the nearby pristine Saifullah Lake
Local Transportation
Accessible via an adventurous 2 to 2.5 hour 35 km off road 4x4 jeep drive from Kalam town through Ushu Forest and Matiltan using local 4x4 Willy or Prado jeeps.
Accommodation
Wilderness camping in personal or rented alpine tents along the lake bank or local wooden guesthouses and hotels down in Kalam town 35 km away.
Food & Cuisine
Lakeside wooden dhabas and open air stalls serve fresh fried mountain trout fish, mutton karahi, hot pakoras, fresh flatbreads, and green Kahwa tea.
Safety Information
Safe and highly popular tourist destination. Use local experienced 4x4 jeep drivers for the unpaved track and wear warm windproof jackets as alpine winds off the glaciers can be cold.
Travel Tips
Leave Kalam town early around 8:00 AM to enjoy calm lake water reflections before midday winds start creating ripples across the lake surface.