Mirror-like Izmis glacial lake draws tourists to Utror valley

[ghazi52]

Mirror-like Izmis glacial lake draws tourists to Utror valley

Tourists can hike from Utror forest to the Izmis base camp through the Chinaitshing meadows and Kalam Banda.

Fazal Khaliq

Lying amid snowcapped, towering mountains in Utror valley, the enchanting Izmis lake invites adventure seekers and nature lovers to experience its charming views and unsurpassed serenity.

Izmis lake is a glacial lake located to the southwest of Utror valley in the alpine zone at an elevation of 11,500 feet about 13 kilometres above Utror bazaar in Swat valley.

Since the lake is surrounded by several small caves, the locals named it 'Izmis', meaning 'caves' in the local Kohistani language.

"Izmis lake is completely different from the other lakes in Swat valley because its crystal clear water reflects the mountain towering above it. At first glance, I thought it was a huge mirror," said Ikram Khan, a trekker from Saidu Sharif who had visited the lake with his friends.

The visitors told that the entire valley and the trek towards the lake was a nature lover's paradise.

"If you love nature then Izmis lake and its surrounding meadows are the perfect places for you, and I am sure that the lush green carpet grassland, waterfalls, thick forests, trickling streams and calm magical lake will make you fall in love with this nature wonder," Babar Ali, a trekker, said.

The visitors to the lake and meadows said that the terrain of the valley was different as the location of its meadows gave the impression of a roof surrounded by snow capped peaks.

Visitors to Izmis lake said it was a memorable trip for them because they witnessed unique natural wonders along with the biodiversity of upper Swat.

They suggested that visitors to the area take special care of the environment and its beauty by keeping the area clean and not littering.

Trekkers hike from Utror forest to Chinaitshing meadows. ─ Photo by author

Trekkers walk through Chinaitshing meadows towards the base camp of Izmis lake. ─ Photo by author

Trekkers set up camp at Chinaitshing meadows. ─ Photo by author

A view of Chinaitshing meadows. ─ Photo by author

A view of Chinaitshing meadows. ─ Photo by author

Trekkers move towards Izmis lake through Kalam Banda. ─ Photo by author

A view of the lush green grassland at Kalam Banda on the way to Izmis lake. ─ Photo by author

A group of goats stare down at trekkers in Kalam Banda. ─ Photo by author

Lambs are grazing on the grassland at Chinaitshing meadows. ─ Photo by author

Jubilant trekkers pose for a photo in front of Izmis lake. ─ Photo by author

A trekker poses for photo in front of Izmis lake. ─ Photo by author

View of the Izmis lake in Utror valley, Swat. ─ Photo by author

 

[Pakistansdefender]

Wao .

 

[khansaheeb]

Wow, I want to go there. Unsurpassed beauty and huge potential, Pakistan is the destination for all who seek to view God's craftsmanship in creation.