UPPER DIR: The unexplored tourists’ spot Shandoor Lake needs attention of the authorities to promote tourism in Upper Dir, according to local people.

The lake is situated near the picturesque valley of Kumrat. It can be a good addition to the natural beauty of the valley if it is developed as tourists’ spot.

The Shandoor Lake is situated on the peak of a lush green mountain towards the north-east of Byar at a height of 9,720 feet from the sea level. The crystal clear water of the lake and image of the mountain in the water create a glamorous and attractive scene to captivate the visitors.

Local people urge govt to build road to Shandoor Lake

The lake is surrounded by forests of precious deodar trees and various kinds of beautiful wild flowers. The members of the local hiking team, who visited the lake, termed it a good track for hiking. Arshad Khan and Nasir, the leaders of the team, said that they visited Shandoor Lake and found it a beautiful place to visit again.

They termed natural beauty of the spot matchless. They said that the route to Shandoor Lake was a perfect track for hiking. “If government and the tourism corporation make some arrangements, it can be developed as an attractive tourists’ spot,” they added

Sajidullah, a member of the team, said that it took eight to 10 hours on foot from the road to reach the lake. He added that presence of thick forests and natural waterfalls made the route more enjoyable.

Arshad khan said that local people were kind and hospitable. They said that they provided food and rooms to tourists for stay free of cost. He said that the best period to visit the lake was from May to August because after that the local people left their temporary houses, built on mountain to live there in the summer season. They shift to plain areas in the winter season.

Besides Shandoor Lake, Upper Dir has several beautiful lakes including the famous Katora Lake, Saidgai Lake, Zakhana Lake, Dabai Lake, Shahzor Lake and Kashkin Lake. However these lakes need to be explored and developed into tourist’s spots.

The local people demanded of the government and the tourism corporation to build access of road to Shandoor Lake and make other arrangements so that the place could be developed as tourists’ spot. They said that it would generate revenue for the government besides boosting tourism in the district.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2018