Lulusar Lake

Lulusar lies beside the road to Babusar at around 3,400 metres, a long narrow lake held between bare ridges with snow patches lingering on the slopes above through most of the summer. It is the source of the Kunhar river, which runs the length of the Kaghan valley below, and the water is dark and very cold, reflecting the mountains when the surface is still. Because the lake is right at the roadside, it needs no walk and gets a constant flow of vehicles stopping for photographs, with stalls selling tea and maize at the pull-offs. The surrounding area is a designated national park, and marmots are common on the slopes. Walking along the shore for twenty minutes leaves the stalls behind and gives a much better sense of the place, with the lake stretching away and no sound but wind.

What you actually see

• The lake - a long dark sheet of water between bare ridges.
• The Kunhar source - the outflow that becomes the Kaghan valley river.
• Snow patches - lingering snowfields on the surrounding slopes.
• Roadside stalls - tea and food at the pull-offs.

When to go

June to September, when the road is open; the lake freezes and the area is inaccessible in winter. Early morning gives still water and reflections before the day's traffic arrives. Weekends in July and August are very busy.

Honest expectations

The roadside setting means noise, parked cars and litter at the main pull-off, and the experience is a photo stop rather than a wilderness moment unless you walk. Altitude is enough to leave visitors breathless. There are no facilities beyond stalls and no shelter if weather turns.

Nearby

Babusar Pass is up the road; Naran and Saiful Muluk lie south.