KANDOL LAKE IN SWAT VALLEY

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Kandol Lake:

The Kandol lake is a beautiful and stunning lake in the North of Utror valley in Swat. There is a link road which is leading to the Kandol lake, while passing through Ladu valley from Kalam. It takes two hours to reach the Ladu valley on foot whereas a four-wheeled vehicle takes quite a lesser time to get there. Trekking area is quite safe and the tourists can enjoy all the way by the captivating natural scenery along-with the trek.

Utror Valley:

The Utror valley is tranquil and calm place with dense forests, mountains, serene environment, meandering river and obviously the majestic Kandol lake. From the Utror bazar, the road along the river takes about 15 to 20 minutes to access the bridge for crossing the river. There is junction point for the two trekking routes; one goes to the Ladu and another to the Kandol lake.

Trek To The Lake:

First of all the trek towards the Kandol lake goes parallel to the river, on a sandy and rocky patch which consists of a three to four hour of trekking and hiking from the bridge to the lake. It is better to start hiking early in the morning to avoid sweltering sunshine. Water is available everywhere along the trek but it is better to keep drinkable water bottles along-with you to avoid inconvenience. However no food-corner might be available along the trek that’s why it is advised to bring food items and snacks. In case of camping, carry all the relevant gear which is essential for cooking like fuel etc.

Initially riverside sandy trek runs from almost between the clumps of trees and grassy-land with entwining streams. There is a small hamlet on the opposite side of a stream, connected with a small wooden bridge. There are a few mud cottages, lush-green slopes in the foothills of the mountains and the vast fields of potato crops. For crossing the streams either ice-blocks or tree trunk are used.

The trek to the lake is mainly in ascending, along the mountain ridge. It is an intensive trekking for half an hour, in the beginning, on the muddy and narrow zigzag trek. Then the thick forest starts, which is comparatively a better trek for hiking. The path through the forest opens in a wide and rather deep gully; furthermore it is quite impassible from the opposite angle of the ridge. It takes a consecutive trekking on the right side, through a wider and leveled land with a clearly visible path, which approaches to another gully, where there is a small glacier. The glacier connects with the gully nearly all the year round. It takes 10 minutes to reach the Kandol lake after crossing the glacier carefully.

The Lake:

Kandol is a large emerald green lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains with grassy slopes which intermix with the glacier water. The clear icy water with the reflection of nearby mountains presents a spectacular view of the lake. The fragrant breeze and pleasant temperature make the lake a worth-visiting place and an ideal spot for camping and picnic. Tourists can enjoy a strolling around the lake, explore the beauty of the nature or meditate in the solitude.

Author: Fehmeeda Farid Khan