Ansoo Lake

Ansoo Lake, which remained undiscovered for many years, was found by Pakistan Air Force pilots in 1993 while flying at low altitude. Named Ansoo, which means “teardrop” in Urdu, this lake sits at 4,245 meters (13,927 feet) above sea level.

The lake’s unique teardrop shape makes it one of Pakistan’s most distinctive natural wonders. After Lake Saif ul Malook, it stands as the most popular trekking destination in Naran Valley. Guide Tourism Pakistan has been guiding trekkers to this hidden gem for years.

Ansoo Lake Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Location	Naran Valley, Mansehra District
Elevation	4,245 meters (13,927 feet)
Discovered	1993 by Pakistan Air Force pilots
Name Meaning	“Ansoo” means teardrop in Urdu
Unique Feature	Teardrop shape visible from above
Trek Duration	7-9 hours one way (14-18 hours round trip)
Difficulty Level	Difficult to very difficult
Best Time	July and August

Where Is Ansoo Lake Located?

Ansoo Lake is located in Naran Valley of Mansehra District at an altitude of 14,000 feet, near Malika Parbat, the highest mountain in Naran. The lake sits in a remote glacial basin accessible only by challenging mountain treks.

[IMAGE: Map showing Ansoo Lake location relative to Naran, Saif ul Malook, and Malika Parbat]

Alt text: “Map of Ansoo Lake location in Naran Valley Pakistan”

Only a few lucky souls witness the beauty of this lake because it is mostly covered in fog. This mysterious quality explains why discovery came so late.

How to Reach Ansoo Lake

Two routes lead to Ansoo Lake. Guide Tourism Pakistan operates guided treks on both routes.

Route 1: Via Lake Saif ul Malook

A trek of seven to nine hours from Lake Saif ul Malook leads to Ansoo Lake. Start early as it gets difficult in the dark. The journey: valley to Malika Parbat, then from base camp to Ansoo Lake. The elevation gain from Saif ul Malook (3,224 m) to Ansoo (4,245 m) exceeds 1,000 meters.

[IMAGE: Trekkers ascending steep trail from Saif ul Malook toward Malika Parbat]

Alt text: “Trek route from Saif ul Malook to Ansoo Lake Pakistan”

Route 2: Via Village Mahandri

Second option through Village Mahandri, 25 miles south of Naran. Jeep to Manoor village, then 7-hour trek through Dher meadows. Guide Tourism Pakistan arranges jeep transport and guides.

Best Time to Visit Ansoo Lake

Season	Months	Conditions	Accessibility
Early Summer	May – June	Heavy snow, dangerous crossings	Not recommended
Peak Season	July – August	Snow melted, clear trails, best visibility	Best time to visit Ansoo Lake
Late Summer	September	Cooling weather, early snow possible	Risky for inexperienced
Winter	October – April	Covered in snow, extreme cold	Inaccessible

The best time to visit Ansoo Lake is July and August, as it remains covered with snow for the rest of the year. Guide Tourism Pakistan monitors weather patterns to schedule treks during optimal conditions.

Ansoo Lake Trek Difficulty

The Ansoo Lake trek ranks among Pakistan’s most challenging high-altitude treks. Requires 7 to 9 hours continuous uphill climbing from Saif ul Malook. At 4,245 meters, altitude sickness affects many. Guide Tourism Pakistan provides experienced guides who know safe routes. Fog covering Ansoo Lake creates navigation challenges.

[IMAGE: Challenging rocky terrain on Ansoo Lake trek with steep elevation]

Alt text: “Difficult rocky terrain Ansoo Lake trek Naran Valley”

What to Expect on the Ansoo Lake Trek

The trek to Ansoo Lake unfolds in three stages. From Lake Saif ul Malook, the trail climbs through rocky terrain toward Malika Parbat, taking 3 to 4 hours. The middle section crosses glacial valleys, taking 2 to 3 hours. Malika Parbat base camp serves as a rest point.

[IMAGE: Malika Parbat mountain peak with base camp and trekking trail visible]

Alt text: “Malika Parbat base camp on route to Ansoo Lake”

The final ascent is most challenging. The distinctive teardrop shape of Ansoo Lake becomes clear from the rim.

The Mythical Tale of Ansoo Lake

Prince Saif ul Malook fell in love with fairy princess Badar Jamal. Demon Duo Safaid (White Giant) was also in love with her. He trapped her but learned she wanted to marry the prince. On realizing his defeat, he cried so much that it formed a lake, now known as Ansoo Lake.

[IMAGE: Artistic illustration of the Ansoo Lake legend with prince and fairy]

Alt text: “Legend of Ansoo Lake Saif ul Malook love story Pakistan folklore”

Essential Preparation for Ansoo Lake Trek

Train 6 to 8 weeks before your trek. Spend 2 to 3 days in Naran Valley before attempting. Visit Saif ul Malook first for altitude exposure. Guide Tourism Pakistan guides monitor for altitude issues. Essential gear: mountaineering boots, waterproof jacket, warm layers, trekking poles, sun protection, 3 liters water, snacks, first aid with altitude medication, headlamp.

Safety Considerations for Ansoo Lake Trek

At 4,245 meters, acute mountain sickness (AMS) can strike anyone. Carry altitude medication. Fog creates disorientation and getting lost is dangerously easy.

[IMAGE: Foggy conditions at Ansoo Lake showing limited visibility]

Alt text: “Fog covering Ansoo Lake creating navigation challenges”

Guide Tourism Pakistan monitors weather and postpones treks when unsafe. The 14 to 18 hour round trip exhausts even fit trekkers. Mobile signals are nonexistent. Solo attempts are extremely dangerous.

Ansoo Lake Camping Options

Camp at Malika Parbat base camp allows summit attempt with lighter packs and better acclimatization. Requires four-season tents for extreme cold. Guide Tourism Pakistan camping packages include all equipment: tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and support staff.

Ansoo Lake Trek Packages — Guide Tourism Pakistan

Guide Tourism Pakistan offers comprehensive Ansoo Lake trekking packages. Day trek starting before dawn requires 14 to 18 hours of trekking. Two-day camping at Malika Parbat base camp allows better acclimatization and increases success rates.

Packages include: experienced guide certified in high-altitude trekking, porter services, transportation from Naran to Saif ul Malook, camping equipment, meals, first aid, altitude medication, satellite communication, and emergency evacuation coordination.

Why Trek with Guide Tourism Pakistan

Guide Tourism Pakistan specializes in high-altitude treks including Ansoo Lake. Our guides have summited dozens of times and recognize altitude sickness symptoms immediately. All carry wilderness first aid certification.

Guide Tourism Pakistan maintains perfect safety records on Ansoo Lake treks. We handle every detail from Naran accommodation to Saif ul Malook transport to camping equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions