On January 4, 2010, a significant landslide descended from the slopes of the remote Hunza Valley in the Gilgit Baltistan Region of Northern Pakistan. The village of Attabad bore the brunt, with 20 casualties and 26 homes destroyed. However, the calamity didn't end there. The landslide dammed the Hunza River, causing the water level to rise rapidly, posing a threat to villages both upstream and downstream.
The natural dam formed by the landslide resulted in a lake with depths exceeding 300 feet and stretching over 13 miles in length. This displacement affected around 6,000 individuals from upstream villages and submerged a 12-mile section of the Karakoram Highway, cutting off the region.
In May 2010, authorities excavated a spillway to regulate the flow over the dam, but excessive water flow in June led to further flooding, affecting lower Shishkat and partly flooding Gulmit. By August 2010, the spillway began functioning better, yet the disaster had impacted up to 25,000 individuals, including those affected by the initial landslide, flooding, and highway destruction. Although aid was provided, fears lingered over the dam's stability and the safety of downstream residents and trade routes with China.
Fortunately, the dam remained intact, and from the tragedy emerged an unexpected attraction: Attabad Lake. With its turquoise waters, the lake became a prominent draw in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The lake's hue, resulting from glacial silt deposits, is most vibrant in spring and early summer, freezing over during winter.
Attabad Lake now sees a surge in tourism, offering activities like boating, jet skiing, and fishing. This influx has led to the establishment of hotels, guesthouses, and campsites, benefiting locals impacted by the disaster. Despite the lake's serene surface, it's a reminder of the once-vibrant village submerged below.
The Pakistani government plans to build a dam around the lake as water levels continue to rise. Travelers should note that Attabad Lake is about 30 minutes east of Karimabad, the capital of the Hunza District, and can arrange boat trips with local guides or through organized tours from Islamabad.
