Ansoo Lake

Ansoo means tear, and the lake takes the name from its shape, a narrow pointed oval that reads as a teardrop when seen from the ridge above. It sits at about 4,130 metres on the flank of Malika Parbat, the highest peak in the Kaghan valley, in a rock basin that holds snow late; in a cold year the surface is still frozen into July and the tear shape disappears entirely. The usual route climbs from Saiful Muluk lake over a high shoulder, a full day of walking with around 1,200 metres of ascent on rough ground, some of it scree; an alternative comes up from the Manoor valley. The lake is not visible until the last moment at the rim, which is part of its reputation. Most parties camp near Saiful Muluk and start before dawn, returning the same evening.

History

The lake lies at 4,126 metres near Malika Parbat, the tallest peak of the Kaghan Valley, and it was first spotted in 1993 by Pakistan Air Force pilots flying low over the region. Its name means "teardrop", after its shape, and growing tourism has since strained the path and the fragile ground around it (Wikipedia, Ansoo Lake).

What you'll find

• The tear-shaped lake - visible suddenly from the rim above the basin.
• Malika Parbat - the Kaghan valley's highest peak above the lake.
• The ridge crossing - a high shoulder walked to reach the basin.
• Late snow - frozen surface and snowfields into midsummer.

When to go

Mid-July to September; earlier and the lake is under ice and the route under snow. Weather closes the ridge often, and parties turn back regularly. Start before dawn to be off the high ground before afternoon cloud and storms.

Things to know

This is a demanding day at altitude, with loose ground, route-finding difficulties in cloud and no facilities anywhere on the route; a local guide is close to essential and people get into trouble every season. If the lake is frozen, the famous shape is simply not there. Horses can be hired for part of the way but not the final section.

Nearby

Saiful Muluk lake is the usual base; Naran town lies below.

Key facts