Barich Lake: the unseen gem of Ghizer

Khesraw Hayat Kakakhail

The Hindukush and Hinduraaj mountain ranges are filled with mythical stories, and every village in these ranges is a testament to the wonders of nature. One of the famous and beautiful villages in these ranges is the village of Golaghmuli, lies between Hindukush and Hinduraaj mountain ranges, which is geographically surrounded by beautiful mountains, glaciers, streams, cold water springs, green meadows, and rivers. Barich in Golaghmuli has a small but stunningly beautiful lake, which has remained hidden from tourists so far.

This lake is a masterpiece of nature, and its beauty captivates everyone who sees it. This lake, nestled in the village, has remained off the tourist radar due to lack of promotion, waiting to be discovered and shared with the world.

Barich Lake is not like other lakes in the region, such as Shahi Mal Lake, Golaghtori Lake, Shoji lake, and Baha Lake, which remain present throughout the year. However, its beauty is worth seeing from the end of June to the end of November. Unlike other lakes in the region, Barich Lake has absorbed the green color of the surrounding greenery.

Located 175 kilometers from Gilgit city, towards Shandur, in Golaghmuli village, the story of how Barich Lake came into existence is a topic for another time. The lake is quite deep, and local people, mostly children, practice swimming in it during the summer season. A spring beneath the rocks maintains the lake’s water level and provides drinking water for the villagers, who cherish this natural resource despite having tapped water in their homes.

The Barich Lake serves as a vital water source for the fields in Golaghmuli village, meeting nearly 70% of the village’s water requirements. This abundance of water contributes to the village’s exceptional beauty and lush green landscapes, making it a unique and picturesque destination. This green water lake, situated at the confluence of large rocks, feels like a magical wonder of nature.

The rocks near the lake have a structure that makes it extremely easy to climb, and when you reach the top and look at the lake, it feels like you’re viewing a magical valley. In the evening, when the sun’s rays peek through the mountains and fall on the lake’s water, a unique scene unfolds. The entire lake sparkles with golden rays.

A person gets lost in this scene and feels like they’re part of a fairy tale. For a few moments, they become mesmerized by the lake’s beauty. When the sun’s yellow rays fall on the clear water from the top of the mountains, the water becomes even more captivating. Especially during sunset, the scene becomes incredibly breathtaking.

And when the lake’s water shines in the moonlight, it becomes even more enchanting, captivating the hearts of viewers, creating a rhythm in their heartbeats, and making them unable to escape its charm. Time stands still as one sits, spellbound, on a rocky outcropping, basking in the serenity of nature.

The district administration should develop the lake as a tourist destination by building essential infrastructure and promoting it to local and international tourists. Enhancements could include clearing surrounding bushes, creating climbing paths on nearby rocks, installing a protective fence, and setting up an information center.

Local people can set up food stalls to provide food and drinks to tourists, which will also increase their income. If the administration adopts a sincere approach, we can create a standard recreational spot for people while also protecting this precious gift of nature.

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