DUDIPATSAR LAKE TREKKING GUIDE

Dudipatsar lake is termed as Queen of lakes in Pakistan. It is not because of the Lake only, but because of its beautiful trek. However it is still not very popular among tourists because its remote location and long trekking. However, in recent couple of years it is gaining popularity. I trekked this lake on 22nd Jul 2022 and hence sharing my experience so that you may plan your visit accordingly.

WHEN TO VISIT DUDIPATSAR LAKE

Unfortunately the window of this Lake trekking is very small and you can only visit this lake in the months of July and August. This is because of Snow that melts until June and hence beauty appears in July and August. The locals setup their Camping facility in June End

In September, it starts cold weather and snowfall again and hence locals remove their camping site in September 2nd week.

IMPORTANT LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS

SAFETY/ SECURITY

The history of this lake has not been very good in terms of Safety. Many tourist were attacked by some Chilasi/ Kohistani looters in past decade. However these days KPK Govt. has appointed several policemen who stays at Mullah ki Basti – camping site and also clear the trek daily if any tourist need help.

On my return, we were trekking in dark at 8pm and 2 policemen continuously trekked with us until we reached back Besal.

However if you go beyond Dudipatsar trek (towards Saral pass and Rati gali trek) then there is no such security over there and there are chances that those Chilasi looters might loot you on the way.

TREKKING AND CAMPING EQUIPMENT

I always recommend to buyYoBefore going on any trekking or camping trip, make sure you always have high quality branded products with you that should withstand extreme condition. I recommend Pakistani brand DOMINANCE from where i buy most of my trekking and Bike gadgets. Must check their latest discounts: https://bit.ly/DOMINANCEpk

HOW TO REACH BESAL USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Besal is the basecamp in order to start your trekking. If you have your own car then you can directly reach Besal and park your car. However if you want to reach there using public transport then you can take below local (non-AC) vans:

Take Van from Pirwadhai Mandi mor (Rawalpindi) to Mansehra (Cost 500 Rs)
From Mansehra Bus terminal, take another van to NARAN which will take 4 hrs and 550 Rs
In Naran there are no local vans but if you go at the end of Naran Bazar, there is taxi stand after the metal bridge. People pool a taxi and go further. We also got a pool car and paid 400 Rs per person to the driver to drop us at Besal.

ACCOMMODATION/ FOOD FACILITIES AT BESAL

At Besal, there are many options of Accommodation. Few people have established camping sites having. Each camp has capacity of 4 persons at a rate of 1000 ~ 2000 Rs/tent

Moreover there are proper Family rooms available at a rate of 2500 to 4500 Rs/room

There are multiple food restaurants available where you can have Desi aswel as Fast food.

Parking space is abundant and you can also setup your own tent (without any charges)

MOBILE SIGNALS/ INTERNET/ ELECTRICITY AT BESAL

Currently (Aug 2022) there are no mobile signals at Besal however rumors are there that Telenor will be installing their tower in 2023 or 2024
Satellite wifi internet is available. You need to purchase a card of SkyNet from Moon Restaurant or Pak Dream hotel. I bought 1 GB data at 200 Rs valid for 3 days
Electricity is now 24 hrs available at Moon restaurant and BUTT karahi restaurant (hotel) as they have installed water turbines which generates free electricity

PREPARATIONS FOR DUDIPATSAR TREKKING

Since this trekking is not a simple one and you should prepare yourself seriously. Below are the must-to-bring things and you should not skip any of these:

Trekking stick
Rain coat
Round Hat
Sun block
Trekking shoes
Trekking (stretchable) pants

TREKKING DETAILS

1. TREKKING DISTANCE

The total distance from BESAL to DUDIPTASAR lake is around 18 km

From Besal to Mullah ki Basti Camping site: 15km approx
From Mullah ki Basti to Dudipatsar lake: 3 Km approx

2. TREKKING TIME

From Besal to Mullah ki Basti Camping site: 7 ~ 9 hrs
From Mullah ki Basti to Dudipatsar lake: 1.5 ~ 2 hrs

NOTE: Horses are also available at the start of the trek. They charge 3000 ~ 4000 Rs for one side

3. TREKKING PATH/ DIFFICULTY

The terrain of the trek is very good and beautiful
Initial 3 hrs are difficult due to upward hike but after Galma village you enter into meadows and the path becomes beautiful and relatively easier

4. FACILITIES AT MULLAH KI BASTI CAMPING SITE

After almost 7 ~ 9 hrs trekking from Besal, you reach at MULLAH KI BASTI camping site. The locals setup this facility only in July and August and you are allowed to trek only when this facility is available (from security point of view)

There are almost more than 10 ~ 12 tents available and each tent can accommodate 6 to 7 persons.

Per night cost of each tent varies from 1500 to 3000 Rs

They have small kitchen too and can serve basic level food and tea