Overview
Ansoo Lake, whose name means "tear" in Urdu, is a small lake shaped like a drop of water, high above Lake Saiful Muluk in the Kaghan Valley. It lies at about 4,100 m, close to the peak of Malika Parbat, in a stony bowl where snow and ice linger for most of the year. The lake is said to have been noticed from the air by pilots in the early 1990s, and few people visited it before the trek became known.
Reaching it is a long, steep walk from Saiful Muluk, on a trail over rocks, scree and snow, usually done as a long day or with a night in a tent. The effort is rewarded by a view of the lake and the huge slopes of Malika Parbat, though the lake is often partly frozen or covered in cloud. It is a trek for fit, well-prepared walkers, not a casual excursion.
Highlights
- The tear-shaped outline of the lake in its stony bowl
- Views of Malika Parbat and the high Kaghan peaks
- A challenging high-altitude trek above Lake Saiful Muluk
- Wildflowers and glacial streams on the lower trail in summer
Best time to visit
The trek is usually possible only in August and September, when most of the snow on the trail has melted. Weather in the high basin is unpredictable, and the lake can be frozen or covered in cloud. Outside this period, the route is dangerous.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Not ideal
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Good
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Not ideal
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Islamabad (ISB), then drive via Abbottabad and Mansehra to Naran in the Kaghan Valley, a drive of about six to seven hours. From Naran, jeeps run to Lake Saiful Muluk, where the trek starts. Hire a local guide, and ask in Naran about the current state of the trail.
What to expect
The trek is long and steep, gaining well over 700 m from the lake at Saiful Muluk, with loose rock and snow patches in places. There are no shops or shelters on the trail, and weather can turn cold and wet quickly. Allow a full day, start early and carry food, water and warm clothing.
Practical tips
- Hire a local guide and check the weather and the trail conditions before you go.
- Start early, carry plenty of water, and bring warm layers and rain gear.
- Acclimatise in Naran or at Saiful Muluk before trying the trek.
- Take all rubbish away: growing visitor numbers have affected the trail and the lake.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Ansoo Lake?
About 4,100 m. Sources give slightly different figures, up to about 4,250 m.
Why is it called Ansoo Lake?
Ansoo is Urdu for tear, and the lake is shaped like a teardrop.
How long does the trek take?
Most people allow a full day from Saiful Muluk, with a very early start. Some prefer to camp to reduce the pressure.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Ahmedali532 (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Heshamkhan (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, DrFayyazH (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
