Ansoo Lake – The Beautiful Tear-Shaped Lake of Kaghan Valley
Pakistan is a land full of beauty, culture, and amazing natural places. It has many hills, mountains, lakes, and valleys that attract visitors from all over the world. One of the most unique and beautiful places among them is Ansoo Lake in the Kaghan Valley.
About Ansoo Lake
Ansoo Lake (which means tear lake in Urdu) is a tear-shaped lake located in the Kaghan Valley of Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It sits at a high altitude of about 4,245 meters (13,927 feet) above sea level in the Himalayan Range, near Malika Parbat, the tallest peak of Kaghan Valley.
The name “Ansoo” comes from its tear-like shape. From above, the lake looks like a human eye — the central ice patch looks like the iris, and a curved ridge above it looks like an eyebrow. This eyebrow becomes clearer in summer when the ice melts. Sadly, part of this ridge was damaged in the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.
The view of Ansoo Lake is breathtaking. Its peaceful surroundings and crystal-clear water make it one of the most stunning natural sights in Pakistan.
Location
📍 Ansoo Lake, Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
It is one of the highest lakes in the Himalayas and is close to the famous Lake Saif ul Mulook.
How to Reach Ansoo Lake
There are two main routes to reach Ansoo Lake:
1. From Saif ul Mulook Lake
The most popular route is from Saif ul Mulook Lake.
-
It takes about 4 to 5 hours of hiking to reach Ansoo Lake.
-
The hike is steep and can be difficult, so it’s better to start early around 6:00 AM.
-
You can also hire horses and local guides at Saif ul Mulook to make the journey easier.
2. From Manoor Valley
The second route starts from Mahandri town, about 25 km south of Naran.
-
Take a jeep from Mahandri Bazaar to Manoor Village.
-
From there, the trek begins and can take up to 7 to 9 hours.
-
Horses and guides are also available here for tourists.
Both routes offer stunning views of green valleys, waterfalls, and snowy peaks.
Best Time to Visit Ansoo Lake
The best time to visit Ansoo Lake is July and August.
-
Most of the year, the trail is covered in snow and difficult to cross.
-
During summer, the path becomes clear and the lake is not frozen, showing its true beauty.
-
Always start your trek early in the morning to return before dark.
Many tourists visit Naran and Kaghan Valley during this season to enjoy the cool weather and explore places like Ansoo Lake, Saif ul Mulook Lake, and Hunza Valley.
History and Myths of Ansoo Lake
Ansoo Lake was first discovered in 1993 by a Pakistan Air Force pilot flying low over the Kaghan Valley. Later in 2010, explorers from Peshawar visited the lake to promote tourism in the region.
There is also a beautiful legend about how the lake was formed.
According to locals, a Prince named Saif ul Mulook fell in love with a fairy princess. But their love was forbidden. A giant named Deuo Safavid also loved the fairy and became jealous. When he realized he could never win her love, the giant cried — and from his tears, Ansoo Lake was formed.
Whether you believe the story or not, the beauty of this lake truly makes it feel like something magical.
Final Thoughts
If you love nature, mountains, and adventure, then visiting Ansoo Lake is a must. The journey may be tough, but the peaceful beauty of the lake at the end makes it all worth it.
📞 Contact us to plan your visit to Ansoo Lake and explore the breathtaking beauty of Kaghan Valley with ease.