MINGORA: Hundreds of thousands of tourists from across the country visit the scenic Swat valley every year but very few have discovered many of its most beautiful spots reachable after a daylong trekking in the mountains.

Of the over 50 lakes, Bashigram is a glacial lake located in the alpine zone of Bashigram valley near Madyan.

Reaching a height of 11,500 feet, it is a perfect spot to satisfy ‘summit fever’ of adventure lovers.

“This is where I feel myself lost in nature. Looking at the lake is not a mere observation to a water pond but it gives a feeling of something magical and sensational,” said Tariq Aziz a regular mountain climber who was sitting along the lake enjoying serenity of the site, adding that he found respite from the struggles of the routine life by seeing here alpine peaks, glaciers and peaceful nature.

The enchanting Bashigram Lake can be reached after five to seven hours trekking from Kas village after traversing outstanding panoramic views and beautiful mud-made hamlets now and then.

“We reached the incredibly charming alpine lake by trekking along the gushing stream, thick forest and some mysterious but attractive hamlets on the trail. Emerald coloured lake silhouetted against the blue sky has wow factor in it while the mountains around it giving a look of high wall,” Fazlullah, a trekker from Manglore village, said, adding that trekkers must come here for at least two nights.

Another trekker and nature lover, Shaukat Ali Khan, who visited the lake, said it was an ideally beautiful spot and he forgot the tiresome trail after seeing the lake. “It is a worth-seeing spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers,” he said.

Haji Badar, a guide from Kas village, said the lake was not only visited by Pakistani trekkers but also by foreigners. “Last week I came with a couple from UK who seemed much impressed with the spot. They said the lake was one of the most beautiful in the world,” he said.

However, some trekkers were sad to see plastic bottles in the lake and they urged the visitors to the lake not to pollute the natural beauty.

Another breathtaking spot is the cave waterfall located at Shaho village in Kalam valley. Despite its pristine attraction the spot is completely hidden where, so far, very few tourists happened to visit.

However, the spot has become a point of attraction for adventure lovers where they throng to enjoy cool spray of gushing water with a sense of mysteriousness.

Located deep in narrow creek of Shaho created by confluence of two mountains along the Ushu River in Kalam valley the cave is veiled by thick bushes and trees. However, the gushing water rushes out from the cave in high speed making a lovely scene.

“I was asking about a nearby waterfall in Kalam valley from local residents that a man told me about this waterfall. I requested him to guide me to the cave and he willingly did it. When I reached here it was hard to climb down and entered the cave but once I managed to enter it I could not believe its enigmatic power as the water rushes out of a big hole with pressure leaving people in fear,” said Suleman Khan a tourist from Mingora who visited the cave with friends.

He said there were number of birds flying inside instead of bats while the cold spray of water made me feel cool and fresh. There is no proper entrance to the cave but one has to climb down from a big rock leading to the waterfall in the cave where many visitors are hesitant to go down.

“I wanted to see the waterfall in the cave and planned to visit it but when I reached the big rock and looked down it was mysterious as the water seemed to engulf me. Plus the rock was slippery so I did not dare to climb down to avoid any mishap,” said Abdul Rauf a visitor to the cave, adding he only managed to see the speedy water coming out of some crack in the mountains.

He said it needed a big heart and adventurous mind to get down to the cave and see the waterfall, and it was risky for ordinary people to enter it.

The awe-inspiring waterfall in the cave is a must-visit spot for those who love mountains and waterfalls. The visit to the waterfall in the cave gives a unique pleasure, unattainable from other waterfalls.

Qudrat Ali, the local resident of Banr area in Kalam valley said very few people knew about the cave waterfall.

“I have not seen any tourist here as it is hidden. The waterfall is located in the mountains of Shaho village which comes out of a hole. The water flows in a deep ditch and once an animal fell into it and disappeared to this day,” he told Dawn.

He said the waterfall could become a tourist spot if the government constructed cemented steps down to the cave and also install an iron grill for the safety of visitors more and more visitors will visit it.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2016