Ansoo Lake is a lake in the Kaghan Valley of the Mansehra district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.
Ansoo Lake is famous for its distinctive tear-drop shape and is 13,927 feet (4,242 meters) above sea level.
The lake is included in one of the most beautiful and hidden lakes in Pakistan and is a famous tourist spot, especially for trekkers and hikers. It is also a famous fishing and camping point.
Insights of Ansoo Lake
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Ansoo Lake Hike | Takes approximately 6-7 hours |
| Ansoo Lake Story | Believed to be formed by a glacier and has a tear-shaped design |
| Ansoo Lake Location | Located in the Kaghan Valley of Pakistan |
| Ansoo Lake Depth | Estimated to be around 36 meters deep |
| Ansoo Lake Weather | Varies depending on the season, with cool temperatures and occasional snowfall |
| Ansoo Lake Height | Located at an altitude of 13,927 feet (4,245 meters) above sea level |
Discovery of Ansoo Lake
Pakistan Air Force pilots were flying low over the Kaghan Valley in 1993 when they spotted something amazing – a lake shaped like a teardrop! This beautiful lake, later named Ansoo Lake (Ansoo means “tear” in Urdu), had been hidden from sight until the pilots flew by as stated by Dawn News.
Ansoo Lake Weather
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The lake is situated at an altitude of 13,927 feet (4,242 meters) above sea level, due to which it faces freezing winds, harsh temperatures, and, heavy snowfall.
In Summer (June-August), the weather is comparatively better with a temperature range of 10-15°C during the day, but it falls at night.
However, in winter (December-February), the temperature can drop below freezing point and the lake is often covered with a blanket of ice.
Due to its high altitude and remote location, the weather at Ansoo Lake can be surprising and can change frequently, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast before planning a visit and be prepared for the surprising extreme weather conditions.
Location
Aanso Lake lies within the proximity of Malika Parbat which is the largest peak in Kaghan Valley of the Mansehra district . It is situated above Saif ul Malook Lake and can be reached through a trek or by renting a horse from the town of Naran.
How To Reach Ansoo Lake
There are 2 routes to reach Ansoo Jheel which are as follows
1. Via Lake Saif Ul Malook
Embark on a mesmerizing journey from Lake Saif ul Malook to Ansoo Lake, a trek spanning seven to nine hours. To ensure a smoother experience, start your trek early in the morning. Night trekking is challenging, hence the early departure.
The Two Halves of the Journey: Valley and Malka e Parbat Base:
The route encompasses two distinct halves. The initial phase takes you through a picturesque valley, setting the tone for the adventure. From there, ascend towards the base of Malka e Parbat, the towering mountain that leads to Ansoo Lake.
2. Via Village Mahandri
Mahandri Village is situated approximately 25 miles south of Naran which offers an alternative trekking route to Ansoo Lake.
From Mahandri Bazaar to Village Manoor
From Mahandri Bazaar, you can take a jeep ride to Village Manoor. This route introduces you to the beauty of Village Manoor along the way to Dher. From there, you will start your trek to Ansoo Lake.
Dher: A Verdant Meadow Along the Trek
After about 7 hours of trekking, you’ll encounter a scenic delight named Dher, a lush green meadow that adds to the allure of the journey.
Distance to Ansoo Jheel From Major Cities
| City | Distance | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad | 280 km (via Hazara Motorway) | Take the Hazara Motorway and exit towards Mansehra, then follow the road to Balakot and onwards to Naran Kaghan. |
| Lahore | 620 km (via Hazara Motorway) | Take the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway, exit towards Hasan Abdal, then follow the road to Abbottabad and onwards to Naran Kaghan. |
| Karachi | 1,200 km (via M2 and Hazara Motorway) | Take the National Highway (N5) to Lahore, then take the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway and follow the same route as from Lahore. |
The Ansoo Lake trek is approximately 7-8 km long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. Depending on your physical fitness it can also take 6-8 hours to reach the Lake.
Ansoo Jheel History in Urdu
انسو لیک پاکستان کے کاغان ویلی میں واقع ایک خوبصورت پہاڑی جھیل ہے۔ یہ جھیل برفانی جھنگا سے بنی ہے اور اس کی عجیب آناکونی شکل کے باعث یہ دلچسپی کا باعث بن گئی ہے۔
“انسو” کا نام اردو زبان میں آنسو کے مطابق ہے اور یہ جھیل اپنی شکل اور سورج کی روشنی میں چمکنے کے طریقے کے باعث ایک آنسو کی شکل میں نظر آتی ہے۔ مقامی داستانوں کے مطابق، انسو لیک ایک دکھی عاشق کے آنسووں سے بنا ہے جس نے صدیوں تک روتے رہے اور جس کے آنسووں سے یہ جھیل بنی۔
انسو لیک سمندر سے 13927 فٹ (4245 میٹر) بلندی پر واقع ہے اور برفانی پہاڑوں اور سرسبزی سے گھرا ہوا ہے۔ جھیل کے ارد گرد علاقے میں مقامی ثقافت اور روایات کا بھی ایک خوبصورت اظہار ہے، جہاں بہت سے لوگ مقامی باشندوں سے مل کر ان کی زندگی کے بارے میں سیکھنے کا موقع حاصل کرتے ہیں۔
Ansoo Lake History (English)
The history of Ansoo Lake is not well-documented. The lake is located in a distant and less populated area of the Kaghan Valley in Pakistan, which is believed to be a factor in the lack of information about its history.
Ansoo lake is not known to have been populated in the past, and it is likely believed that the first human visitors to the lake were trekkers, hikers, or shepherds.
It has neither been generally referenced before 21st century in the literature nor the lake recorded in any official documents.
Romantic Story of Ansoo Jheel
Ansoo Lake garners recognition not only for its stunning beauty but also for the romantic narrative it holds.
Locals believe that the lake earned the name Ansoo (meaning “tear” in Urdu) due to a poignant love story linked to its existence.
As the tale goes, a prince and princess fell in love with each other and would often visit Ansoo Lake together. While enjoying the beautiful scenery around the lake one day, a sudden storm appeared, sweeping away the princess with its heavy winds and rain.
The prince was heavyhearted and cried those tears filled the basin, resulting in making a lake in the shape of a tear.
This heart-rending love story has become a part of the lake’s folklore and adds much more to its romantic aura. The beauty of Ansoo Lake and the emotions tied to its story never fail to captivate visitors.
Trekking to the lake is a popular activity for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It’s stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley make the journey even more worthwhile.
For more information and tour guides, visit E-Lands Pakistan – Explore Pakistan
FAQs
Here are some FAQs related to Ansoo Lake
Why is Ansoo Lake famous?
Ansoo Lake is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and the emotional narrative attached to its origin. Its tear-shaped outline, nestled amidst the mountains, evokes a sense of awe and wonder among visitors, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
What is the story of Ansoo Lake?
According to local legend, Ansoo Lake owes its name (“Ansoo” meaning “tear” in Urdu) to a heartrending love story. It’s said that a jilted lover’s tears gave rise to the lake, with its shape reflecting a teardrop. This poignant tale adds an aura of melancholic romance to the lake’s already enchanting ambiance.
Where is Ansoo Lake?
Ansoo Lake is located in the Kaghan Valley of the Mansehra District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It lies at the base of Malka e Parbat, surrounded by the captivating landscape of the Himalayan mountains.
How do I get to Ansoo Lake?
There are two primary trekking routes to reach Ansoo Lake
Via Lake Saif Ul Malook: Start from Lake Saif ul Malook and trek for 7 to 9 hours. Commence early in the morning to avoid night trekking challenges. The journey takes you through a valley and then ascends from the base of Malka e Parbat.
Via Village Mahandri: Begin your trek from Village Mahandri, situated approximately 25 miles south of Naran. Take a jeep from Mahandri Bazaar to Village Manoor. After around 7 hours of trekking, you’ll encounter the scenic Dher meadow before reaching Ansoo Lake.
What is the height of Ansoo Lake?
Ansoo Lake is situated at an elevation of approximately 4,245 meters (13,927 feet) above sea level. Its lofty location contributes to the stunning panoramic views and adds to the sense of accomplishment for trekkers reaching its shores.
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