Rawal Lake
Lake Artificial reservoir near Islamabad used for recreation
A reservoir and recreational area in Islamabad formed by Rawal Dam; residents and visitors use the lake for boating, picnics and shoreline walks with Margalla Hills views.
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Rawal Lake is an artificial reservoir in the Islamabad Capital Territory of Pakistan created by damming the Korang River. The reservoir was constructed in the 1960s to augment the water supply for Islamabad and nearby areas.
The lake and its surrounding parklands are used for boating, angling, and picnicking, with promenades and viewpoints frequented by residents and visitors. The Margalla Hills form a scenic backdrop on the northern side of the lake.
Rawal Lake was developed as part of Islamabad’s early infrastructure and has since functioned both as a municipal water source and a local recreational amenity. Management of the reservoir includes water-level control and facilities for visitors.
The lake lies within the Islamabad Capital Territory, to the south of the Margalla Hills and within easy driving distance of Islamabad’s urban areas.
- Purpose and date: Created by damming the Korang River in the 1960s to provide a municipal water supply for Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
- Recreation: Used as a recreational area with boating and picnic facilities and framed by the Margalla Hills on the northern side.
How to Get to Rawal Lake #
About a 20-30 minute drive from central Islamabad via Murree Road; taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient options.
Tips for Visiting Rawal Lake #
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the lake and to avoid midday heat.
- Boat hire and small cafés are available - ask locally for the safest operators and recent water levels.
- Combine a lakeside walk with a visit to Pakistan's nearby Faisal Mosque viewpoint if staying in Islamabad.
Best Time to Visit Rawal Lake #
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for lakeside walks and boat trips around Rawal Lake.
Weather & Climate near Rawal Lake #
Rawal Lake's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 38°C. Abundant rainfall (1032 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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June
June is the hottest month with highs of 38°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C. Heavy rain (238 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (267 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 15 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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