19/07/2026
Attabad Lake was formed on January 4, 2010, when a massive landslide in the village of Attabad (in the Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan) crashed down, destroying 26 homes, killing 20 people, and creating a natural dam that blocked the flow of the Hunza River for five months.The blockage caused the river's water to pool behind the debris, creating a lake that eventually stretched 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and reached over 100 meters (330 feet) deep. The rising waters submerged over 19 kilometers of the vital Karakoram Highway, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and leaving many others stranded. By late May 2010, authorities excavated a spillway to allow the trapped water to flow safely over the natural dam and stabilize the rising levels.Today, while born from a tragic natural disaster, the lake has become one of Pakistan's most famous and picturesque tourist destinations, renowned for its striking, crystal-clear turquoise waters. The unique blue hue is created by fine glacial silt suspended in the chilly water, which catches and reflects sunlight.For a closer look at the stunning landscape and the tragic origins of the lake, this documentary provides a full visual history: