BarSwat
Lake4.7
3,000m (9,840 ft)
Kandol Lake
The Emerald Eye of the Mountains
Trek from Bahrain, Upper SwatJune to SeptemberFree (Guide: Rs. 3,000/day)
A stunning emerald-green lake cradled in a rocky cirque high above Bahrain. Kandol Lake rewards trekkers with one of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in all of Swat, where sheer rock walls drop into crystal-clear water.
Gallery
History & Origins
Kandol Lake sits in a glacial cirque carved by ancient ice flows high in the mountains above Bahrain. The name 'Kandol' is derived from the local word for 'cauldron,' describing the pot-shaped depression in which the lake sits, surrounded on three sides by steep rock walls.
Like many high-altitude lakes in Swat, Kandol was traditionally visited only by shepherds and hunters. The lake is fed by seasonal snowmelt and rainfall, and its level fluctuates dramatically between spring (when it is full) and late autumn (when it shrinks considerably).
Kandol has emerged as one of the premiere trekking destinations in Swat. The trail from Bahrain is challenging but clearly defined, passing through multiple ecological zones from riverside to forest to alpine meadow to rocky moraine. The dramatic setting of the lake, combined with the sense of accomplishment from the trek, makes Kandol an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Emerald Green WatersRocky Cirque SettingMulti-Zone EcologyDramatic Rock Walls
Activities
TrekkingCampingRock ScramblingPhotographyNature Study
How to Get There
The trek starts from the Bahrain side of the valley. The 12 km trail ascends steeply through forest and meadows to the lake. The trek takes 6 to 8 hours uphill. A local guide is recommended. Most trekkers camp near the lake and return the following day.
Open in Google MapsTravel Tips
- 1A two-day trip (one day up, one day down) is ideal.
- 2The trail is steep in places. Trekking poles are very helpful.
- 3Bring enough water. Streams are available along the route but not at the lake itself.
- 4The rock walls around the lake create beautiful echoes and interesting light patterns.
- 5Weather can change quickly at this altitude. Carry rain gear.
Quick Facts
TypeGlacial Cirque Lake
Trek Distance12 km one way
Trek Duration6 to 8 hours uphill
DifficultyModerate to Difficult
Water ColorEmerald Green
CampingYes (bring own gear)
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: June to September
Entry: Free (Guide: Rs. 3,000/day)
Elevation: 3,000m (9,840 ft)
Location: Trek from Bahrain, Upper Swat
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