Swat valley’s Mastij Lake is a piece right out of heaven – Pakistan

Nestled between gigantic mountains and overlooked by ice-covered peaks in the back and a lush green meadow in the foreground, Mastij Lake in Swat is a sight to behold.

Located in the distant mountains above the picturesque Janshai meadows in the Kalam Valley, the lake is one of hundreds of glacial lakes located at 13,081 feet above sea level and can be accessed through a scenic hike.

Mastij Lake, in particular, is famous for its serene environment, turquoise water and how it seems to change shape when viewed from different angles.

“This is a unique lake, since it not only changes its shape from different angles but also changes the color of its water. From some angles, the water is light blue, from the top it changes to a mirror-like reflection, while from the front the water appears turquoise blue, ”said Faisal Saeed, a young hiker and medical student who recently visited the lake with a group of hikers.

You can reach the lake after 10 hours of an exhausting hike, but according to hikers and tourists, the road is picturesque and once one reaches the lake and sees it, everything seems worthwhile.

“Although the hike is very difficult due to its long distance and steep terrain, it is a paradise for tourists where nature lovers can enjoy lush green meadows with water running through them, thick forests with the sound of birds and some Tall and lush waterfalls. "Says hiker Naseer Khan, adding that those who intend to visit the lake should be well prepared.

Visitors to the lake say that one should have the right camping and trekking equipment, food and a proper guide if they want to travel to the lake.

“I have visited about 10 lakes in the alpine zone of the Swat Valley and each lake has a different shape and color. Mastij is a lake that seems to have a different shape from different angles since from one angle it seems square, from another it seems to be rectangular, while my favorite is a heart shape that can also be seen from an angle, "Ziaullah Khan, another visitor to the lake said Dawn.

All photos by author.