MINGORA: Tourists and trekkers have invited the nature lovers and adventure seekers to visit Mastij Lake if they want to be intoxicated by nature.

Located in the far flung mountains above the scenic Janshai meadows in Kalam valley, Mastij Lake is surrounded by gigantic hills and rocks, some lush green and some covered with snow. The lake, located 13,081 feet above the sea level, is accessed through a scenic trek.

“This is one of the most beautiful lakes in Swat. It is surrounded by mountains of different colours. Lofty snow-capped mountains on its back make the lake mysterious while lush green mountains on the front add to its natural beauty,” Hamza Khan, a trekker from Mingora, who visited the lake recently, told Dawn.

The lake can be reached after 10 hours of a tiresome trek but according to the trekkers and tourists it is full of scenic wonders and the visitors do not feel tired.

Surrounded by gigantic hills, the lake is 13,081 feet above the sea level

“Though the trek is very tough because of its long and steep distance yet it is a tourists’ paradise where nature lovers can enjoy lush green meadows with water running through them, thick forests with birds chirping and some noisy waterfalls which keep the travellers busy in their limitless charm,” Naseer Khan, another trekker, told Dawn.

He said that the people, who wanted to visit the lake, must be well-prepared. He said that one must had proper camping and trekking equipment, food and proper guide if he wanted to visit the lake.

“I have visited about 10 lakes in Swat and each lake has different shape and colour. Mastij is the lake, which gives different shapes from different angles. From one angle it looks square and from another it gives rectangle shape while the most attractive shape is a heart shape of the lake,” Ziaullah Khan, another visitor, told Dawn.

The tourists said when they first caught the sight of the lake after climbing a steep and tiresome ascent, it was so beautiful that they forgot their tiredness and were enchanted by its dazzling beauty.

“The first sight of the enchanting lake really made me intoxicated,” said Amjad Ali Sahab, another visitor.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2019