The road to Paye Lake: some turns are enough to raise your hair

Siri Paye is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 3.025m (9,924ft) above the sea level, located in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Is the road to Paye Lake dangerous?

The road to the summit is mostly unpaved, narrow and steep. Set high in the Kaghan Valley, the road is not easy. Some turns are enough to raise your hair. New drivers are strictly not advised to drive up here, nor someone who is not aware of such terrain. A 4x4 vehicle is required. 

Is the road to Paye Lake open?

Beware that you do not travel up here in harsh weather conditions like heavy rain or snowfall as landslides and avalanches may occur any time during such weather, making the area very risky. Heavy rainfall with some hail is also experienced often, in addition to hurricanes and thunder giving the visitors a surprise and worsening the traffic situation. Moonsoon winds bring heavy rains with occasional hail storm. Unexpected thunder storm and heavy rains keep environment cool and sometimes create difficulties for visitors to move around. Warm clothes are recommended for nights due to low temperature. Heavy snow keeps valley covered throughout the winter season. Siri Paye boasts scenic green mountains and snowcapped peaks, with a peaceful environment and natural beauty that is soul-soothing.

How long is the road to Paye Lake?

The trail is pretty steep. Starting at Kiwai, at 1.502m above the sea level, the ascent is 13.8 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.556 meters. The average gradient is 11.2%, with some sections up to 15%. The more you travel up, the steeper and narrower the road gets.
Pic: Ahmer Mansoor