By Shahzaib • Thu Sep 18 2025
Hidden in the heart of Pakistan’s Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake is one of the country’s most mesmerizing destinations. With its striking turquoise waters surrounded by the rugged Karakoram mountains, the lake seems like a timeless natural wonder. Yet its existence is surprisingly recent – born out of a devastating natural disaster in 2010.
On 4 January 2010, a massive landslide crashed into the Hunza River, blocking its flow and swallowing several villages. The catastrophe destroyed homes, displaced thousands of people, and claimed at least 20 lives. As the river swelled behind the landslide, a new body of water began to form. Within months, the rising waters created a lake stretching more than 20 kilometers in length and over 100 meters deep. Known today as Attabad Lake, this tragedy-turned-landmark has become one of Pakistan’s top tourist attractions.
The landslide submerged the village of Shishkat and partially flooded Gulmit, leaving families uprooted and livelihoods disrupted. At the same time, a vital section of the Karakoram Highway – Pakistan’s legendary “Eighth Wonder of the World” – was destroyed, cutting off trade and travel routes to China. In response, engineers later constructed a series of tunnels and bridges to reconnect the region. What once seemed like an isolated disaster site gradually transformed into a hub of opportunity, as locals turned to tourism for survival.
Today, Attabad Lake is a magnet for both local and international travelers. Its crystal-clear, glacier-fed waters are perfect for boating, jet skiing, and even ziplining. Many visitors enjoy lakeside resorts such as Luxus Hunza, while others prefer glamping domes or traditional guesthouses in nearby villages. The best months to visit are June through September, when the weather is pleasant and mountain passes are open. In winter, the frozen surface of the lake offers a surreal experience, with opportunities for ice-skating.
For those seeking breathtaking views, a hike to Baskochi Meadows provides an unmatched vantage point over the lake and surrounding peaks. Sunset is particularly spectacular, when the mountains glow golden and the lake reflects fiery hues of the sky.
What could have been a permanent tragedy has instead become a source of livelihood. Many families directly affected by the landslide now run boating services, food stalls, or handicraft shops around the lake. Larger hotels lease land from local residents, providing an additional source of income. Women entrepreneurs have also taken a lead, selling homemade crafts and traditional food to visitors.
Attabad Lake is just one of Hunza Valley’s many marvels. Travelers often combine their visit with trips to the Hussaini Suspension Bridge, the iconic Passu Cones, Baltit Fort, and Hopper Glacier. Together, these sites showcase the raw beauty and cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Despite its charm, Attabad Lake’s future is uncertain. Geologists caution that the stability of the landslide dam is not guaranteed. A powerful earthquake or heavy flooding could potentially breach the barrier and drain the lake, causing downstream destruction. For now, though, it remains a reminder of nature’s power – both destructive and creative.
Attabad Lake is more than just a tourist spot; it is a symbol of resilience. Born from disaster, it now represents renewal, opportunity, and the enduring beauty of Pakistan’s north. For anyone traveling to Hunza, a visit to Attabad Lake is not just recommended – it is unforgettable.