The Hidden Beauty of Daral Dand: A Tranquil Lake in Swat Valley

Wearing the colour of spirits, the world of Daral Lake is full of secrets. It takes you to a place, where the things appear to have got something secret to tell you about the hidden beauty of Daral Dand. 

Transcendental Hidden Beauty of Daral Dand: More than just a Water Reservoir

Holding transcendental beauty in its calm and serene, but mysterious and striking features, the lake of Daral is far more than just being a water reservoir. Here, the sun looks like it is on fight with the dangling mist, the clouds bob up for drizzling ahead, the stars meet up the dead dark, the light fears to breach into the silence of long night. The time seems to have stood still in the hidden beauty of Daral Dand. 

A Touch of Ecstasy in the Hidden Beauty of Daral Dand:

The nature is completely connected with the meadows around the bloom through vibrant colours of variety of wildflowers, the crisp and clean air is filled with the scent and sound of gentle breezes rustling through the trees. The visitors experience a touch of ecstasy in hidden beauty of Daral Dand after rigorous climb. The mundane life is thoroughly disconnected in the serenity and exhilarating view of this masterpiece of nature's grandeur. 

Daral Lake Location:

Nestled in the hill top of the western upper reaches of Bahrain at an elevation of 3,505.2 m (11,500 ft), the magnificent lake, also called Daral Dand, is sprawled over a huge area in a giant amoeba like shape at the foothill of Spinsar Mountain. Large rugged and jagged boulders of various shapes and sizes guard and shackle the lake. The lush-green grass and exotic flowers that blanket the edges give a welcome contrast to the blue and wavy water of Daral lake Swat against the rugged and jagged mountain cliffs in the background. This, ofcourse, makes it an illustration of natural beauty and a sanctuary of peace for nature lovers.

The Pristine Hidden Beauty of Daral Dand mingles with myths:

Melting glaciers feed this alpine scenic lake of Daral. The surrounding mountains give rise to Daral Khwar, which is the main left tributary of Swat River. However, not even a trickle of water escapes this literally huge sprawling landlocked lake. The worth of spirituality keep this huge water reservoir rejuvenated throughout the year. The lake also entails some interesting myths. 

According to the locals, it is an abode of angels while others say there is a huge treasure of gold but guarded by supernatural entities with golden rollers. Other myths reveal that a golden horse comes out of the lake which can be seen only by those people who have supernatural powers. Whatever may be fact, the effects of the superstitious beliefs have a driving force for the tourists.

Fragile Amphibians Adds to the Hidden Beauty of Daral Dand:

There was no fish fauna in this huge and sprawling lake. Experiments were made to add fishes to it, but failed, according to the shepherds. Now the fish fauna reportedly exists in the lake to add to the hidden beauty of Daral Dand. Whereas, leaping and swimming frogs in it is a spectacle, which compels one to think about survival of these fragile amphibians in such a harsh, and intimidating eliminate. 

Wildlife and Flora:

The areas around Daral are homes to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The surrounding forests are inhabited by various species of birds, including the Himalayan monal, a bird known for its iridescent plumage. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the region’s elusive wildlife, such as snow leopards or Himalayan ibex, although these creatures are often shy and elusive.

Pride of Shepherds:

The vast and sprawling pasture and grasslands around this tranquil lake sustain different communities of nomads. It is a pride of the four tribes of shepherds from Matta region. who make the valley lively busy driving summer. They can be divided into Mula Khel Chechyan Gujjar, Jatan, Jwanr Khel and Katan Khel. They have their own Bandas or territories around  for grazing sheep, for which they give some money to the royalty holders of Bahrain. 

Trekking for about an hour from Daral Lake lands you in a small lakelet called Dand Ghara (Lake edge) in local vernacular. It looks like an offshoot of the gigantic Daral Lake and most of the nomads live around its vicinity. A small mosque built by the nomads on its edges provides relief and respite for trekkers. You can spend a night here and relish the calm surrounding, and company of inquisitive nomad kids for whom the trekkers in their strange attire and backgrounds is the only source of attraction.

Ancient Mosque:

Near the lake, there is an ancient mosque (Masjid), where the shepherds and visitors offer their prayers and use it as a resting place for night. The Masjid was built by the forth fathers of these shepherds, who lived there in the past with their families. They had built a small colony there. The Masjid and the ruins of the houses are a specimen of the power of the elders of these shepherd, who brought huge sized timber for roofs and pillars. The Masjid and the ruins immortalizes the primitive survival skill of these people. The faithful descendants of the shepherds make necessary repairs in the Masjid to preserve it as a sacred monument from their elders in the ruins of this uninhabitable resort.

Change from Family life to Group Life:

With the passage of time, the trend of living in families got vanished and a new trend of the youngsters, living in clusters, got developed. The change from family life to group life span over thirty to fourty years.

An Ideal Haven for Shepherds:

Daral is an ideal haven for these shepherds in the abundant greenery and containing small and large water reservoirs and springs. There is also a large ground, called Jabba, which provides refreshment to these shepherds, since their forefathers arranged horse competitions in the stadium. Presently, there are over hundred horses grazing around with lose control from their owners who seldom comes to see them.

Tests and Trials of Shepherds:

Although the place is an ideal haven for these shepherds, it is not without its tests and trials for them. They have given much to Daral. The real test for them is when someone of them seriously fall ill or dead. Some years back, there was an incident when a young shepherd had fallen from a rock and died. “It was the second of such accident, which happened in my presence”, says Dilaram one of the shepherds. “We had to take the dead body to his home in a hurry for timely burial by their families”, he added.

2010 floods:

The devastating floods of 2010 were no less than a Doomsday for the shepherds. They were stranded in their Bandas with the rising water level by consecutive five days rain. Some of theirs sheep were washed away by the floods before their eyes. They could do nothing, except to look at the approaching death and pray for their lives, as the water had entered their barns.

Daral Lake Accessibility:

Situated at the confluence of Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges in Bahrain valley, Daral Lake is accessible only during the summer. It can be accessed through different routes. The tourists mostly use the routes through Lalkoo. The trekking journey begins at the end of an unmetalled-cum-jeepable road at Lalkoo Village, which is at an hour drive from Matta town. 

Lalkoo is the last village on this road. It is accessible on a metaled/semi-metaled road at an affordable price. A fielder car charges you around Rs:4000 to 5000 for booking. Other public transport options are also available at lower fares of Rs:250 from Matta. This area has a small roadside restaurant and a hotel. It provides refreshment or stay facilities to the tourists. There are two routes to the lake from Lalkoo. One is called piazakai route, which is around six hours’ steep and rigorous trekking. There is also a spring of water on the way. The locals say the water of the spring has healing power against skin diseases. 

The other way to the lake leads through Gabin Jabba. The tourists mostly use this route. Though the hike looks pretty steep at the start, the locals have made a zigzagged trail that makes it a bit less hectic. The tourists can also visit the lake from Bahrain. It takes them four-hours trekking on bare mountains and then descends down towards the East to reach there. There is also a way to the lake from Saidgai Dand on two to three hours trekking. 

A dazzling view on the way to Daral Lake: Journey to the Heart of Nature

The best and favoured trail to Daral is through Gabin Jabba, being full of lush green meadows, divine flowers, dense forests and trickles of crystal clear water. Though the trail is tiresome, it is full of fun and amusement. The weather is cold due to several glaciers and snow around. The trail runs over sky touching heights of the mountain, with spectacular sights and panoramas. A close look towards the south reveal the winding silhouette of Swat River disappearing in the distant horizon. 

The trekkers forget the labour after seeing the natural beauties, full of nature, blended with small colorful flowers, roaring streams of unadulterated water, lush green pastures. Walking for about 5-6 hours, based on one’s pace, on bare mountains you reach Daral Pass. From Daral pass, one has the option to continue west towards Saidgai lake from where one can descend into Usheri valley in Dir. Now the trail start descending towards the East where the Lake is located. The descent is tricky and treacherous and requires utmost care and precaution while climbing down the gully. 

Best Time to Visit the Lake:

The best time to visit Daral Dand is during the months of June to September. In winter, the trails to the gripping tourists attraction are closed due to heavy snowfall. During the summer, Daral Lake weather is mild, and the trekking paths are more accessible. The lake is usually free of ice, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its beauty. However, it's important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as the mountains can be unpredictable.

Tips for Travelers:

Given the challenging nature of the trip, it is advisable to trek with a guide. You should either join shepherds on the way to their relatives or hire a local guide. They know the terrain well and can ensure your safety and help you navigate the best routes. Also pack wisely by bringing appropriate gear for trekking, with sturdy boots, warm clothing, and camping equipment if you plan to stay overnight. 

Don’t forget essentials like a first aid kit, water purification tablets, and energy snacks. While to avoid sunblock or fatigue due to the high altitude, it’s important to acclimatize properly to evade altitude sickness. Take your time during the trek and stay hydrated.

Respect the Pristine Environment:

Daral Dand (lake) and the area around it has an unspoiled natural beauty. It is, therefore, crucial to keep it that way by ensuring you leave no trace. Pack out all of your trash and avoid any such activities that could harm the clean and pristine environment and the hidden beauty of Daral Dand.