Hundreds of tourists are visiting the frozen Andarab Lake in Swat’s Kalam Valley, turning the scenic glacial site into a major winter attraction. Visitors from across the country are engaging in ice skating, walking on snow and other seasonal activities on the frozen surface of the lake.
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The lake, known for its pristine beauty, was previously accessible only after a strenuous seven-hour trek. However, the construction of a dirt track by the provincial government last year has made it reachable by 4×4 vehicles, significantly increasing tourist traffic in both summer and winter.
This winter, the frozen lake has drawn large crowds eager to experience the rare sight and enjoy adventure activities. Tourists say the landscape offers a unique and memorable experience that highlights Swat’s appeal throughout the year.
“Swat has no fixed season,” said Muhammad Aslam, a visitor from Lahore. He said walking on the frozen lake and witnessing its icy beauty made the trip unforgettable and encouraged more people to explore the valley during winter.
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Another tourist, Ayesha Karim from Islamabad, described the experience as thrilling but raised concerns over safety. She said many visitors were unaware of the risks posed by fragile ice and stressed the need for clear safety guidelines and monitoring.
Environmentalists and climate activists, however, have expressed serious concerns over the rising influx of tourists. They warned that unregulated access could lead to pollution, waste dumping and irreversible damage to the lake’s fragile ecosystem.
Rahim Khan, an environmental activist from Mingora, said limited access in the past helped preserve the lake’s natural condition. He warned that increased human activity could degrade Andarab Lake in the same way as other popular tourist spots in the region.
Experts have urged the government to regulate tourism, restrict access during sensitive periods and enforce waste-management and safety measures. They also cautioned that activities on frozen lakes could be life-threatening as fluctuating temperatures weaken ice layers.
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Despite these warnings, tourist numbers continue to rise, highlighting the challenge of balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation in Swat’s fragile mountain landscape.