Kharkhari Lake

Kharkhari Lake (Urdu: خرخڑئی جھیل) also known as Kharkhari Danda (Pashto: خرخڑئی) in Pashto is an alpine glacial lake located in the Gabral Valley to the north of Kalam Valley in Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is reachable by road from the town of Kalam, following the Utror river to Bahandra. From Bahandra, one must hike to Kharkhari Lake which takes up to 2 hours.[1]

Kharkhari Lake
Kharkhari Lake in Swat Valley
Kharkhari Lake
Location	Kalam Valley , Swat Valley
Coordinates	35°40′38″N 72°24′03″E
Lake type	Glacial lake
Primary inflows	Glacial waters
Primary outflows	Mahoo Dand
Catchment area	z
Basin countries	Pakistan
Surface elevation	9,488.2 ft (2,892.0 m)
Settlements	Kalam Valley

Kharkhari lake is sometimes called Gabral Lake, as it is situated near the Utror Gabral valley. After flooding in 2010, roads are affected badly so most people use a 4x4 vehicle to reach the lake.[2]

One has to pass from the towns of Utror and Gabral to reach the lake, known for the scenic beauty of their surrounding valleys. Travel time is approximately 3 hours. One can find trees of walnut, apple, and pears throughout the way.[3] A final one kilometre walk takes one to the brink of the lake. Unlike Utror River, Kharkhari is calm. The hypnotic quietude is only interrupted every now and then by tourists who camp along its banks. The lake is predominantly blue with a hint of green which is highlighted by the sunlight filtering through the water surface.[4]

3 days hike from here onward from the lake will lead to Chitral.