|Chota Mahudand Lake Kalam, Swat|

Assalamualaikum to all Steemians!!

I hope you all are good nd fine.This week’s adventure is brought by @muhammadfaisal as part of Steemit Challenge Season 26 nd I'm here to participate in it. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer or just someone who loves serene landscapes, this Challenge is your chance to share the magic of your favorite Natural spots. So let's start it!!

^{Captured from Parking lot}

The Small Mahodand Lake
is located near Kalam Valley in Swat Pakistan. It is smaller in size compared to the original Mahodand Lake but much easier to access. Families often come here to enjoy the calm environment sit in the cottages, eat local food nd capture beautiful Photographs.
During Summer this place becomes a favorite spot for Tourists due to its pleasant weather Blue Water nd breathtaking Green surroundings.This stunning alpine lake is a paradise for nature Lovers, hikers nd Photographers.

📍 Location Overview

• Where is it? Chota Mahudand Lake is located in the Kalam Valley, Swat District, surrounded by lush Green Mountains and snow Capped Peaks.
• Accessibility: Reaching the lake requires a Moderate Trek (around 1-2 hours) from the nearest road making it Perfect for advanture Seekers.
• Special Features: Known for its Crystal Clear turquois water the lake reflects the surrounding Peaks like a Mirror.

📜 History & Background

• While not much is documented abt its History the lake is a glacial formation, fed by melting Snow from the Hindu Kush Mountains.
• It is part of the Greater Mahudand Lake region which includes several Smaller Lakes in the area.
• The name "Mahudand" means "Lake of Fishes" in the local language as it is home to trout fish.

🏞️ Scenery & Landscape

Chota Mahudand Lake is like a painting come to life. The Turquoise Blue Water shines under the sunlight changing colors from deep blue to Emerald Green. Surrounded by tall nd snow covered mountains in Winter nd lush green hills in Summer, the lake acts like a giant mirror, reflecting the sky nd peaks perfactly. The best spots to take photos are near the water’s edge, where the reflactions are Clearest nd from the Small hills around the lake which give a breathtaking Panoramic View of the entire Valley. The air is fresh, the scenery is peaceful nd every angle feels like a Postcard.

^{Captivating view of the lake}

🌿 Wildlife & Flora

The area around Chota Mahudand Lake is rich in natural beauty. You’ll find wildflowers blooming in different colors during Spring nd Summer, adding Charm to the landscape. Tall pine trees nd alpine shrubs cover the hillsides, making the air smell fresh nd earthy. If you’re lucky, you might spot Mountain Goats grazing on the slopes or Eagles soaring high above. The lake itself is home to trout fish, which is why locals call it "Mahudand" (Lake of Fishes). Remember to watch quietly nature reveals its magic to those who are patient.👀

🚶♂️ Activities Available

This place is perfect for those who love the outdoors. The trek to the lake takes about 1-2 hours nd is moderately Challenging, making it exciting but not too difficult. Once there, you can set up a camp, enjoy a picnic by the water, or simply relax nd take in the views. Photographers will love capturing the Changing Colors of the Lake nd the Dramatic Mountain Backdrops. If u have permission u can even try fishing for trout. For those who enjoy stargazing, the night sky here is incredibly clear, away from City lights.

🏕️ Facilities & Amenities (What to Expect)

Since Chota Mahudand Lake is a natural, remote spot, don’t expect luxury facilities. There are few restaurants or shops, so you can bring your own food, water nd snacks. Camping is allowed but you should carry your own tent nd sleeping bags. There are no proper restrooms, so it’s best to use facilities in Kalam town before starting your trek. If u plan to stay overnight, make sure to pack warm clotheseven in Summer, Nights can get chilly. Always clean up after yourself to keep this beautiful place Pristine for others.

⏳ Best Time to Visit (When to Plan Your Trip)

The ideal time to visit is btwn May nd September when the weather is pleasant nd the trekking paths are clear. During these months the Lake is full, the wildflowers are in bloom nd the days are Sunny. Winter visits (November to March) are possible but much harder due to heavy Snow, making the trek Risky unless you’re an experienced driver. Early mornings are the best time to see the lake at its calmest, with Perfect Reflections nd fewer pple around.

🎟️ Tickets & Entry Rules (Important Things to Know)

Good news ♡ there is no entry fee to visit Chota Mahudand Lake! However, visitors must follow Eco-Friendly rules to protect this Natural Wonder. Do not litter carry a Trash bag nd take all waste back with u. Avoid making loud noises that might disturb Wildlife. If u camp use designated spots nd avoid cutting trees or making large fires. Fishing is Allowed, but check local Regulations first. Respect the environment so Future travelers can enjoy it just as much as you do.

📋 Quick Info Chart

Aspect	Details
Location	Kalam Valley, Swat, Pakistan 📍View on Google Maps
Best Time	May - September
Trek Duration	1-2 hours (moderate)
Entry Fee	Free
Activities	Hiking, Camping, Photography, Fishing
Facilities	Small restaurant, Parking Lot
Steem-Atlas	[//]:# (!steematlas 35.510878 lat 72.608989 long d3scr)

💖 Personal Experience & Tips (Why This Place is Special)

Chota Mahudand Lake is one of those rare places where you feel completely at peace with nature. The Silence, the fresh air nd the stunning views make it worth every step of the trek. My favorite memory is sitting by the lake at sunrise, watching the water glow in golden light. If you visit, here are some useful tips: Wear strong hiking shoesthe path can be rocky nd uneven. Bring layered clothing bcoz the weather changes quickly. Pack a power bank for your phone since there’s no electricity. And most importantly hire a local guide if you’re unsure about the route they know the best nd safest paths.

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The Lake (Front View):

At the Front the Beautiful Small Mahodand Lake can be seen with its crystal clear Turquoise Water The blue green shade of the water reflects the Sunlight nd Surrounding greenery making it look Even more Charming.

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Design nd Surroundings:

The banks of the lake are structured with Stones forming Steps or Slopes which not only keep the water safe but also provide Sitting Space for visitors.

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Small Huts / Cottages:

Along the side of the Lake a row of Small Wooden huts or cottages is visible. Each of them has Orange nd Green colored roofs built for tourists to sit relax nd enjoy food while ovarlooking the Water.

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Flowing River Stream:

On left side of the lake a fast flowing river runs Parallal to the lake Its sparkling Blue Water adds to the overall beauty of the place nd creates a soothing sound of Flowing Water..

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Mountains and Greenery:

In the background tall lush Green Mountains nd dense Pine trees dominate the scene These towering trees nd forested slopes give a Peaceful nd Natural environment to the Lake.

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Wooden Fence:

Around the lake a wooden fence is visible built to ensure Safety for the Visitors nd to Maintain Boundaries. At the cornar there are also wooden swings or frames probably made for Children’s play or as a photo spot for Tourists.

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Sky and Weather:

The Sky above is partly cloudy with Patches of light breaking through clouds.This photo have been taken in the late afternoon. The overall weather looks Cool nd Refreshing typical of Mountainous Areas.

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That's it from today's challenge. I hope everyone liked it.I truly hope that in the future, there will be more challenges like this. I'll be excited to participate again!!

With best wishes. Now I would like to invite: @neelofer, @muhammadalizeb and @habib3311 to participate in this challenge

I captured all these pictures from my own mobile Samsung Galaxy A12 pro

Allah Hafiz!!