Attabad Lake in Hunza Valley, once called a “paradise on earth,” is losing its famous beauty. The lake, famous for its deep turquoise-blue waters surrounded by high snow-capped mountains, is now shrinking fast. Many visitors and locals say it is no longer the untouched wonder it used to be.
The lake was formed in January 2010 after a massive landslide blocked the Hunza River. It quickly became one of Pakistan’s top tourist spots. At its largest, it stretched over 21 kilometres long and reached more than 100 metres deep. Tourists came in large numbers to enjoy boat rides, stunning views, and the peaceful setting.
However, in recent years, the lake has changed a lot. By mid-2026, large areas have dried up, showing exposed sand, mud, and dry land where clear water once flowed. Experts say heavy silt and sediment from floods and rivers are filling the lake. Climate change and reduced water inflow have also played a big role in shrinking it to just a fraction of its original size.
Increasing tourism has added more problems. Unplanned hotels and resorts have been built near the shores. Waste, plastic, and even sewage from these places are polluting the water. Floods have brought extra trash into the lake. Many people now complain that the once-pristine environment feels crowded and dirty.
Locals and environmental groups are calling for urgent action. They want responsible tourism, better waste management, and limits on new construction. The Gilgit-Baltistan Environmental Protection Agency has suggested a five-year ban on new hotels around the lake to protect its fragile ecosystem.
Attabad Lake still attracts visitors, but its future is uncertain. Strong conservation efforts are needed so that this natural wonder does not disappear completely. Future generations deserve to enjoy the same paradise that once amazed the world.
