Pakistan is a blessed country, famous for its natural beauty and hospitable people. Apart from historical places to visit in Pakistan, you can also explore lakes in Pakistan, with one of the most famous lakes in Pakistan being Attabad Lake, known for its mesmerizing beauty and recreational activities.
Graana.com brings you a concise yet informative guide to Attabad Lake.
Overview of Attabad Lake
Situated in Gojal Valley, Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, Attabad Lake has a length of 14 kilometers and was created as a result of a natural disaster in the village of Attabad. This lake is known for its icy blue water, which originates from the Hunza River and the glaciers in the surrounding area.
As a result of the increasing number of visitors coming to Attabad Lake, many hotels and resorts have been constructed in the area. It is considered one of the deepest lakes in Pakistan, with a depth of 8,396 ft.
History of Attabad Lake
The Attabad Lake, found in the Gojal district of Hunza Valley, is an example of a natural phenomenon that occurred in January 2010 due to a landslide in the surrounding area.
On January 4, 2010, a significant landslide tore down the slopes of the isolated Hunza Valley in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Northern Pakistan, creating the location of the Attabad Lake. The settlement of Attabad was buried, resulting in the deaths of twenty people and the destruction of twenty-six dwellings.
The new lake’s water levels continued to rise as of the 10th of June in 2010, thanks to the diversification of the inflow and outflow of the lake’s water level. As a result of the severe weather that has been affecting these northern areas, the distribution of food, medication, and other essential items has been halted.
This is due to the fact that the majority of the means of transportation to Hunza Valley, such as helicopters, as well as other services, were unable to start operating again. This lake in the Gilgit Baltistan region is quite popular with tourists and provides a wide variety of things for them to enjoy, including water sports like jet skiing and boating, as well as fishing.
The naturally formed lake can be seen running through Hunza Valley. After 11 years, Attabad Lake now provides a means of subsistence for many people in the surrounding area due to the proliferation of guest homes and hotels.
At the Attabad Barrier Lake, the Karakoram Highway underwent a realignment that included the construction of five tunnels for 24 kilometers.
Currently, the route is included within the purview of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This connection is the highest paved international route in the world, located at an elevation of 4,693 meters.
How to Reach Attabad Lake
- Travel to Gilgit-Baltistan: Begin your journey in the northern Pakistani province of Gilgit-Baltistan. Given that Gilgit is a significant city in the area, you can go to Gilgit-Baltistan via plane or road.
- Travel from Gilgit to Karimabad in the Hunza Valley: You can take a local taxi or bus to get to Karimabad in the Hunza Valley. Attabad Lake is one of the nearby attractions that can be explored from Karimabad, a charming town.
- Drive Your Car or Hire a Driver: If you don’t have a car and want to get to Attabad Lake from Karimabad, you can drive or hire a driver. Depending on the state of the roads, the trip is about 30 to 40 kilometres long and lasts 1 to 2 hours.
- Pass via the Attabad Tunnel: The Attabad Tunnel is the prominent landmark on the route to Attabad Lake. After a landslip obstructed the previous path, this tunnel was built to offer access to the lake. The tunnel is a work of engineering genius and provides breathtaking lake vistas.
- Attabad Lake is where you will eventually arrive after passing through the tunnel. Spend time admiring the lake’s mesmerising blue waters and the high mountains surrounding it. You may also enjoy boat rides to see the lake’s distinct beauty up close.
Please be aware that the state of the roads in this area might change, so it’s a good idea to check the most recent weather and road reports before setting out. For a safe and pleasurable vacation to Attabad Lake, it’s also a good idea to follow local laws and get advice from residents or tour guides.
Attabad Lake Weather
The temperature never rises over 31 degrees Celsius, even in the height of summer. The climate is mild. Between April and October, visitors will enjoy the mildest temperatures.
Things to Consider Before Going to Attabad Lake
Located roughly forty-five minutes east of Karimabad, Attabad Lake is the administrative center of the Hunza District in Pakistan. If you go on your own, you can plan excursions on the lake or in Karimabad with local guides.
The duration of the majority of boat rides is typically at least 1 hour.
You also can organise five-day itineraries from Islamabad, which typically include visits to Attabad Lake, the Hunza Valley, and the region along the Pakistani-Chinese border.
Although it is solidly built and well maintained throughout, landslides can occur at some points along the Karakoram route. Following the route for around 20 kilometers will bring you to Attabad Lake, which is located in a valley and resembles a serpent.
Recreational Activities at Attabad Lake
Like Keenjhar Lake, Attabad Lake is home to a vast array of recreational opportunities suited for people of all ages and those with a wide range of hobbies. On these boat journeys, you will have the opportunity to experience some delightful and genuinely tranquil moments.
In addition, Attabad Lake is an excellent location for fishing due to the amount of brown trout and mahseer that can be found here. You also can take a journey across the lake on a jet ski if you are more interested in the daring side of things.
The recent uptick in tourism has resulted, in part, in the proliferation of hotels, guesthouses, and various types of small sellers all along the lake. You can sit back and relax with a piping hot cup of tea while taking in your location’s natural splendor and calming atmosphere.
Attabad Lake has become an incredible tourist destination and is now Gilgit Baltistan’s most popular attraction. People go from far and wide to see it during the spring and early summer months when the lake is most vibrant.
The breathtaking turquoise and teal blue view is a veritable feast for the eyes. On the other hand, during the winter, it freezes over completely. You should avoid planning a trip between June and August to avoid crowds. The best season to visit the lake is from April to October.
Stories Related to Attabad Lake
Attabad Lake is a relatively young lake created by a significant landslip in 2010. It is situated in the Hunza Valley of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan province. Although there aren’t any legends about the lake that date back centuries, it does have a recent past and a few tales about how it came to be:
- The terrible landslip that caused Attabad Lake is the most well-known incident involving this body of water. A significant landslip stopped the Hunza River in January 2010, damming it and creating the lake. Due to this natural calamity, many residents lost their lives, their homes, and their means of support. The landslip and the lake’s following creation are crucial moments in the area’s modern history.
- The Submerged Settlement: The settlement of Attabad itself is one of the heartbreaking tales associated with Attabad Lake. After the landslip, the lake’s surging waters engulfed the entire community. Rooftops and tree peaks from the village’s past can still be seen poking above the water’s surface. It acts as a reminder of the tragic incident and the tenacity of the neighborhood.
- Attabad Lake has developed into a well-liked tourist destination over time because of its magnificent blue waters and the striking mountain backdrop. The lake is often compared to a story of nature’s tremendous power and its capacity to produce something beautiful even during tragedy by visitors who are awestruck by both the lake’s beauty and its peculiar origin story.
- The Rebirth of Life: Some residents and tourists interpret the creation of Attabad Lake as a sign of optimism and rebirth. The lake has provided fresh chances for tourist and economic development despite the damage brought on by the landslip, giving the local communities a glimpse of hope and prosperity.
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