Napur Lake: a symphony of Nature’s splendor
Khesraw Hayat Kakakhail (Golaghmuli, Ghizer)
Ghizer is aptly referred to as the ‘land of lakes’, a title that barely scratches the surface of its breathtaking natural beauty. The sheer magnificence of this region leaves both visitors and locals in awe, prompting spontaneous expressions of wonder and reverence. I’ve had a lifelong fascination with exploring these lakes, and while I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many, some still remain on my bucket list, beckoning me to return and uncover their secrets.
The village of Golaghmuli in Ghizer alone boasts an impressive six lakes, each with its unique charm and character, like a string of precious gems scattered across the landscape. Napur Lake, situated at an altitude of 11,800 feet above sea level, is a stunning example, offering a visual treat that’s simply sublime and awe-inspiring. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror, creating an ethereal atmosphere that mesmerizes all who lay eyes on it. The surrounding landscape, dotted with a little lush greenery and few wildflowers, and black boulders adds to the lake’s allure, making it a true masterpiece of nature’s artistry.
One fine day, I was busy with some work at home when someone told me that Professor Anwar Khan was waiting for me outside. Brother Anwar Khan is an English professor at Cadet College Hassan Abdal and is currently living in Beijing, China, with his children. He had come home on a short leave. I immediately went to meet him and asked him to come in. He said that he and two or three others were waiting for me to go on a trip to Napur Lake. I was overjoyed. I quickly packed some food and drinks in my bag and went to Shahmeer’s shop, where Shah Alam Aleemi and Muhammad Rahim a.k.a Saddam (a teacher at Aga Khan Higher Secondary School Gilgit), were waiting for me. We all traveled to Shahimal in Shahmeer’s car, picked up some more food and drinks from Sajid’s tea shop in Shahimal, and then started our journey on foot to Napur Lake from the shore of Shahimal Lake. I love tea, so I suggested that we bring tea-making utensils and ingredients, and we can all make and enjoy tea together.
To tackle the arduous ascent from Shahimal, we gathered sturdy walking sticks from Uncle Jadeed’s forest, which would provide crucial support during our trek. Additionally, these sticks would double as firewood, enabling us to brew tea upon arriving at Napur Lake. Given the lake’s barren surroundings, devoid of trees, bringing these sticks was a stroke of genius, akin to striking gold in a desolate landscape.
As we climbed higher from Shahimal Lake, the scenery of Golaghmuli village unfolded before us, becoming increasingly captivating. I found myself involuntarily uttering “Subhan Allah” in reverence, awestruck by the beauty around me. Although we had a long and arduous trek ahead, our engaging conversations made the journey feel effortless, and we hardly noticed the steep incline or felt any fatigue.
As we approached the lake, my heart was racing with excitement. I couldn’t help but think about how breathtaking the first glimpse of the lake would be. Since it was my first time visiting, it felt like a surprise. When we reached an altitude of approximately 11,000 feet above sea level, sudden heavy rain started pouring down. We didn’t have any umbrellas, so we took shelter under a large rock near the lake to escape the rain. Getting soaked in the rain and witnessing the rain added to the beauty of our trip. As soon as the rain stopped, we resumed our journey and reached the lake’s edge. I tried to be the first to reach the lake, but Professor Anwar Khan achieved that honor. I cannot put into words the emotions I felt when I first saw the lake.
After reaching the lake, we felt very calm and started enjoying the view. Along with the view, we also had some biscuits and took photos. The lake was experiencing cold winds, and the waves were forming due to these winds, making the lake even more beautiful. There’s a large mountain near the lake, and the glacier on it is the source of the lake’s water. When we were sitting by the lake, suddenly a large chunk of ice fell from the mountain into the stream, creating a frightening sound due to the avalanche, making the scene even more memorable. It felt like nature was doing all this to welcome us to the lake. Local shepherds were grazing their livestock by the lake, and they also seemed to be welcoming us.
With time passing, we decided it was the perfect moment for a warm cup of tea. We collectively cut down our walking sticks for firewood and struggled to ignite a fire due to the high altitude and dampness from the rain. Once the flames rose, we brewed tea using the lake’s crystal-clear water. I took pride in preparing the tea, and with Saddam’s assistance, we created a delightful blend. As we waited for the tea to steep, a traveler from Abbottabad joined us, sharing his quest for minerals in the area. Although unsure of his findings, he revealed that soil near the lake boasts an impressive 68% iron content, according to soil tests. This discovery further enhanced the lake’s allure. As we savored our tea, sweetened with salt – a secret of our good health – our guest from Abbottabad refused to take “Namkeen Chai”. We offered him Seven-Up and cake instead. Our tea was met with enthusiastic ‘Wows!’ as we relished the strong flavor. Inquiring about the tea’s quality, I asked everyone, ‘How’s the tea?’ professor said, ‘The tea is fantastic,’ while Shah Alam joked, ‘The tea is just like Abhinandan’s tea.’ Saddam enjoyed the lively conversation. We captured more memories through photography. I ventured solo to explore the surroundings, uncovering ancient carvings, which Shah Alam later also discovered.
With a heavy heart, it was time to say goodbye to the breathtaking scenery and embark on our return journey. We opted for a different route, tracing the path of the lake’s water flow to “Chamoti” and “Bresto Tek”. Our brief respite at Sajid’s shop near Shahimal Lake’s edge was followed by a leisurely drive, with me at the wheel and our companions engaged in lively conversation. As we pulled into Golaghmuli Market at 8:30 pm, our unforgettable adventure drew to a close, leaving an indelible mark on our memories.
Life’s journey should be punctuated with visits to such enchanting destinations, marveling at nature’s splendor and cherishing her precious gifts. By immersing ourselves in these experiences and sharing them with others, we can truly appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.