Dudipatsar Lake: 1 Day Journey of Friendship and Natural Wonder

Dudipatsar:

Dudipatsar Lake is located in the Batakundi Valley, near Besal. It sits at a height of around 12,500 feet above ocean level and is popular for its blue and green waters and the untouched nature that surrounds it. “Dudipatsar” signifies “White Mountain Lake” in the nearby language, reflecting the snow-covered peaks that enhance its peaceful beauty. Away from city life, Dudipatsar provides a peaceful getaway among the mountain meadows and rugged landscapes, attracting both adventurers and nature lovers.

A Bold Beginning: Setting Off for Dudipatsar Lake:

In September 2017, my three friends and I set out on an exciting adventure to reach Dudipatsar Lake. We began from Besal, where we parked our car in the Moon Restaurant’s parking area, located in the beautiful Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Pakistan.

Before we started our hike, the local police warned us that the trek was very tough and that we shouldn’t try to complete it in one day without proper camping gear or food. Despite the police’s warnings and advice, we still wanted to go on the hike, and then the police had us sign a form saying we were responsible for our own safety. They also suggested that we hire a guide to help us with the difficult trail.

Adventure Unfolds: Crossing the small water crossing in a Unique Way:

Our adventure began with a memorable experience. First, we had to cross a small river using a special kind of lift, which is mostly used in those areas. The guide used a rope to pull himself to the other side. One by one, we each sat in a lift while the guide pulled us to the other side. It was a challenging and exciting way to start our trek.

           
Confronting Challenges: Rugged Paths and Icy Streams:

The trail became more challenging when we came across the icy streams that really tested our stamina. We also had to cross a small river where the water came up to our knees. We took off our shoes and socks, held them in our hands, and carefully walked through the river. Along the way, we met local people who were heading to lower areas to avoid the severity of the coming winter season. They were surprised to see us hiking there during this season, as we were the only hikers they saw so far. They warned us about the unpredictable weather and advised us not to continue since we didn’t have enough food or camping gear.

A Moment of Calm: Discovering Mulla ki Basti:

As we continued our journey, we reached Mulla ki Basti, a very quiet and isolated village. The village was almost empty because the residents had moved to lower areas to escape the cold winter. We took a short break in one of the empty houses and were amazed by the beautiful scenery around us. While we were resting at Mulla ki Basti, we split up: one of my cadet friend and the guide continued the hike towards Dudipatsar Lake due to their stamina, while the other three of us decided to stay and rest in Mulla ki Basti because we were very tired. The place felt like a fairy tale with its magical views. The more we looked around, the colder our spines felt, not because of the weather but due to the serene and beautiful atmosphere.

Facing Reality: Turning Back Before Sunset:

Our guide and one of my cadet friend reached Dudipatsar Lake in just six hours. The rest of us were still one kilometer away from the Lake; at that time, we saw our cadet friend and guide coming back from the lake; they told us, “It’s almost 6 PM, and Dudipatsar Lake is an hour away from here. We can’t go any further because we need to head back as well.” We decided to return since it was getting dark and we only had our mobile phones for light. With heavy hearts, we turned back because staying any longer would be too risky. So, only my cadet friend was lucky enough to see Dudipatsar Lake.

The Tough Return: Navigating the Dark Trails:

The journey back was very difficult, as we had to move through rough and uneven ground while it was getting dark. When we finally reached the Moon Restaurant in Besal, where our car was parked. The restaurant staff was amazed that we managed till Mullah ki Basti and such a challenging trek in just one day.

Reflections: Lessons Learned from the Trek:

Even though we didn’t get to Dudipatsar Lake, we were very proud of what we accomplished and felt a strong bond with each other. The tough and exciting hike brought us closer together, and we created memories that we will cherish forever.

The Bigger Picture: Why the Journey Matters More:

Looking back on our adventure, we realized it was about more than just hiking. It taught us important lessons about being strong and persistent, working together as a team, and respecting the power of nature. Although we didn’t reach Dudipatsar Lake this time, the journey was an incredible experience. The beauty and surprising maturity of Pakistan’s northern mountains were stunning and worth visiting, but keeping the safety measures and equipment is a must.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Future Adventures:

Our trek to Dudipatsar Lake reminded us of how beautiful and challenging remote places can be and worth exploring; it gave us many stories to tell and helped us develop a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. Although this was not budget travel, this adventure also brought us closer together as friends and inspired us to look for more exciting adventures in the future.

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