Kalam valley

Kalam valley, like other vales of Northern Pakistan, is rich in natural beauty. It is known for its waterfalls, lakes, lush green hills and other gifts bestowed upon it by the nature. Being only at a distance of 270km from Islamabad it is frequently visited by tourists and adventure travelers. The river of Swat flows though this region and offers spectacular scenery to the visitor. The neighboring valley of Laddu is also breath-taking.

The fascinating places of Kalam valley include:

Kandol Lake:
It can be reached in about three hours from Laddu. It is advisable that you take a guide along with you.

Mahudand Lake:
It is a lake about 40 km from Kalam. It is accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle, and is a good location for fishing.

Other Lakes:
These include Lake Naseerullah and Lake Saifullah.

Snow capped mountains of the valley

Kaghan Valley

Mahudand Lake

Mahudand Lake

Kondol Lake

The river of Swat

Kaghan Valley

The 155km long Kaghan Valley is situated at an altitude of 4170m (13690ft) in the Mansehra district, NWFP, Pakistan. Kunhar river flows through its length. Local languages spoten here are Hindko and Gojri while Urdu is also spoken.

The tourist attractions of Kaghan valley are many and are very popular among tourists specially its lakes. These include Lake Saif-ul-malook, Lake Dodipatsar and Lalusar Lake. The mountain peak of Malika Parbat (5, 296m) is also accessible from Kaghan valley. In addition to these, Shorgan is also regarded as a fascinating place.

Most visitors to Naran pay a visit to Saiful Muluk Lake (10,500 feet) 6 miles east of town. If the road is open you can arrange transportation by jeep. If the road is closed, it is an easy, gradual three-hour walk, and the lake is a lovely spot for a picnic. you can also take some guide with you. you can ask it from hotel, or any shops but make a good deal. Espacially if you plan to walk in may/june, due to big ice-glaciers you may require a horse to put all your luggage on it. Brown Trout and Mahasheer are stocked in the pure silvery waters between Kaghan and Naran. The Kunhar river's trout is considered best in the South Asia.

The Kaghan area can reached by road via the towns of Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or Naran. It can also be reached from the capital, Islamabad. You can drive in a rented car, taxi, station-wagon or bus to Abbottabad which is 122 kms from Islamabad and 217 kms from Peshawar. Abbottabad is also a Charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.

The tourist season of Kaghan valley is from May to September.

Lalusar Lake

Kaghan Valley

Lalazar, Kaghan Valley

Gilgit

Gilgit is a mountain town in the north of Pakistan. Its ancient name was Sargain. Later on people started calling it Gilit. Today the locals call it Sargain-Gilit. Gilgit is spread over an area of 3800sq km (14700 sq mi) and has an altitude of 1500m (4900ft). It is famous as a major hub for traveling and mountaineering expeditions in Northern Pakistan.

In ancient times Gilgit was an important town on the Silk road. It name is also present in the accounts of well known travelers like Xuanzang and Faxian. Its rulers were once Hindu but about five and a half centuries ago the Muslim era began. In 1877 the British established Gilgit agency which in 1935 came under their control along with the valleys of Hunza, Nagar and Yasin. Gilgit became a part of Pakistan in 1947 and took an active part in 1947's war for Kashmir.

The attractions of the place include Kargah Buddah a 7th century rock with Buddah engraved on it's face, the valley of Naltar, 700 hundred years old monument of Taj Moughal,Hunza Valley, Ferry Meadows in Raikot, Shigar town, Skardu city, Haramosh Peak in Karakoram Range, Bagrot-Haramosh Valley, Deosai National Park, Astore Valley, Rama Lake, Juglot town, Phunder village, Yasin Valley and Kargah Valley.

Gilgit is just off the Karakoram Highway between Chilas and Karimabad, and most people arrive by road. The main bus stand is on the Karakoram Highway, and requires a taxi ride or shared jeep to reach from town. There are booking agents in town for long distance buses along the Karakoram Highway. The journey from Islamabad can take as long as 24 hours.

The best season to visit is from May to mid October. The local dialect is Shina, however, Urdu and English are also spoken and understood.

Buddha engraved on rock at Kargah Buddha

Rakaposhi, Northern Areas,Kashmir, 27th highest of the world at 7788m

A bridge over river near Gilgit

Heaven on Earth!!

Skardu

Skardu is the capital of Baltistan, the newly formed province of Pakistan. It is situated at the border of Chinese Xinjiang region and Indian-occupied Kashmir at an altitude of 2438 meters in the Karakoram mountains. The native people of this marvelous place are a mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak the ancient Balti language. Due to Baltistan's closeness to the Tibetan culture it is also referred to as Tibet-e-Khurd meaning the Little Tibet. The everyday life of the people of Skardu is very similar to that of “Land of Lamas”.

The tourist attractions of Skardu include Kharpocho fort (King of Forts) situated on a hill overlooking the town, Kachura lake famous for its brown trout located at a distance of 32km from Skardu, the Sadpara lake with a fairy-tale island at is center 8km away from the town, the valleys of Khaplu and Shigar and the famous Buddha rock carvings dating back to 8th century A.D. Baltistan is known for its "Pattu" - hand woven woollen cloth for jackets, coats etc. You can also pick up colorful intricately embroidered "Chugas" (Baltistani gown) and wooden spoons at Skardu bazaar.

The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27 C and minimum (October) 8 C. Skardu can be reached by plane. Pakistan International Airlines fly daily from Islamabad (Pakistan's capital city). The air journey is full of thrills and would itself be regarded as the highlight of the visit. It can also be reached via Karakorum highway using daily bus services offered by Nothern Area Transport Company from Islamabad. Its very hilly drive. 20 hours from Islamabad.

Another big city of Gilgit is four to five hours drive away from Skardu. You can go to Pakistan - China border via Gilgit. You may visit most famous Khunjrab Pass, K-2 Mountain base camp etc.

Mountains surrounding Skardu

Indus river near Skardu

Flight to Skardu

Ansoo Lake

This tear shaped lake is situated at an altitude of 16490 feet(5027m) in the vicinity of Malika-e-Parbat (Queen of mountains) in the Himalayan range. (In Urdu “Ansoo” means tear). Nature kept this beauty hidden from the eyes of humans until 1993 when a pilot of Pakistan Air Force reported it's existence during a low flight over it. Earlier, even the local people did not know that it existed.

It can be reached via a difficult trek from the Saif-ul-Maluk lake which is itself a marvelous place. The journey takes about one day and one night. One must be a good hiker if he wants to reach Ansoo lake because no jeep or car can reach there. Mules or horses can be hired but still one has to travel at least 50% of the path on foot. There are a number of streams in way but it is highly recommended that you take plenty of fresh water and juices with you. The ideal time for the visit is from July to August because in the end of August heavy snow fall begins.

So, first reach Lake Saiful-Malook. Do spend some time there and enjoy. From there, I suggest hire a guide who should be a local of these areas. The Path to Ansoo Lake is straightly passing from the base camp of Malka-e-Parbat, the most beautiful peak near Saiful-ul-Malook. You can hire mules along with guide to carry your camps and heavy utensils. And it would be a good exercise if you carry your bags yourself and take pity upon poor animals :) It should take not more than 2 or 3 hours to reach Base Camp of Malka-e-Parbat. If you happened to stay at base camp, then don't forget to enjoy the beautiful scenes of Malka-e-parbat during the evening time.

Let me specify that this whole track is full of very beautiful and marvelous scenes of mountain peaks covered with snow, so with the difficulty of climbing you will really enjoy the scenes!!

Ansoo Lake

Hike to the Ansoo Lake

Lake Saif-ul-Maluk

Located near the valley of Naran, at an altitude of 3,224 m (10,578 feet) Lake Saif-ul-Maluk is undoubtedly the most enchanting place in the world. The place casts such an immense impact on the onlooker that for a moment he considers himself in heaven. The famous Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh wrote a legendary fairy tale which revolves around the lake. It tells the story of a Persian prince who came across a fairy at the lake and fell in love with her. Even now some people believe that, in full moon, fairies descend from there home in the sky, to take the a bath in the lake.

A breath taking view of the lake

Lake Saif-ul-Maluk is regarded as one of the top tourist attractions in Pakistan. The lake is accessible from Naran by a 14km long road. It can also be visited on foot from Naran which takes almost 4-5 hours. During the journey one witnesses some of the most beautiful sights and sounds of nature. The water source of this lake are the towering glaciers around it which provide it with fresh water and help to keep it clear. Although after the earth quake of 2005 in the northern areas of Pakistan, and the government's recent war against terrorism, their was a sharp decline in the number of tourists visiting the region but now the tourism industry is flourishing again. One needs a strong sense of adventure to enjoy this marvel. But believe me it is totally worth it!!

A recently built bridge

Kalash

In the mountain valleys of northern Pakistan live the people with most extraordinary rituals, beliefs and culture, the Kalash. Kalash are an ethnic group residing among the towering mountains of Hindu Kush range. Their population is about 6000 and they speak the Kalasha language belonging to the Indo-Aryan branch of languages (Urdu and Pushto are also understood widely as secondary languages). The word Kalash has been derived from the name of Kafiristan Kalasha which was present in Afghanistan.



These people are polytheists and their culture is completely different from the overall culture of Pakistan. The most remarkable element of their culture is the dress they wear. Women use long black robes and head gears with eye-catching beads, buttons and feathers on it while men distinguish themselves by wearing special woolen hats with feathers and small metallic bells on it. Most men use Shalwar Kameez as their general dress. Nature plays central role in the lives of these people. Every year a number of festivals and sacrifices are arranged to give thanks to gods. The three main festivals include Joshi festival in late May, the Uchau in autumn, and the Caumus in midwinter. Crows represent the ancestors of Kalash people. That is why crows are treated with respect and are fed at special occasions and festivals. In general the Kalash have a close link with Indo-Iranian traditions.

A man dancing during Uchaw festival

The Kalash were ruled by Mehtar of Chitral from 1700s onward. Although the original Kafiristan Kalasha (Afghanistan) was converted to Nuristan by Amir Abdur Rehman after the Durand agreement in 1890s, the Kalash of Pakistan enjoy a complete social and religious liberty and have strong relations with the Muslims of nearby areas. Strong measures are being taken to conserve the Kalash language as it has been declared endangered by UNESCO. Currently about 5,000 people speak Kalasha. Badshah Munir Bukhari unicoded the Kalasha Language in 2005. Working in close collaboration with various international researchers and linguists. Today the Kalash people are prospering and their numbers are increasing. Tourism now makes up a large portion of the economic activities of the Kalash. To cater to these new visitors, small stores and guest houses have been erected, providing new luxury for visitors of the valleys. People attempting to enter the valleys have to pay a toll to the Pakistani government, which is used to preserve and care for the Kalash people and their culture.

Hunza Valley

Lush green fields, snow capped mountains, beautiful springs and friendly people make the enchanting Hunza valley a perfect spot for tourists and nature lovers. It is located in the north of Pakistan at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). The local languages spoken here are Burushaski, Wakhi and Shina, while many people understand Urdu (National language of Pakistan). Most of the people are Muslims. Hunza is administratively divided into 5 districts run by D.Cs controlled by the chief minister of Gilgit which is, in turn, controlled by the federal government of Pakistan itself. The capital is Karimabad.

In the past Hunza was a princely state near Nagar. This state continued to survive until 1974 when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto finally dissolved it. There are many versions about who inhabited the valley first. According to one, Alexander Zulkarnain made an effort to inhabit and develop the sublime valley. An other version implies that Alexander The Great annexed the area and at the last moments of his life alloted it to his loyal commanders. Who made it irrigable and inhabitable. Yet another version says that many people fled from the Tartar country after a great revolution and settled in the valley. About 200 years after the introduction of Islam in the area, the first Muslim ruler Mayroo Khan (Given the title of Thum) married, and twin sons were born. His sons were always hostile towards each other and Mayroo Khan had to break up his empire into two parts (Nagar and Hunza), when the question of succession arose. The British conquered the valley at some time between 1889 to 1892.

Hunza valley is a Heaven for mountaineers and climbers because of the towering mountains surrounding the valley. These include Rakaposhi 7,788 m (25,551 ft), Ultar Sar 7,388 m (24,239 ft), Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 m (24,045 ft), Ghenta Peak 7,090 m (15,631 ft), Hunza Peak 6,270 m (20,571 ft), Darmyani Peak 6,090 m (19,980 ft), and Bublimating (Ladyfinger Peak) 6,000 m (19,685 ft). The picturesque Baltit Fort is also worth seeing. Valley's tourists season is from May to October. The Karakoram highway connecting China and Pakistan provides easy access to the exotic valley. Regular bus services are also present for tourists.

Baltit Fort

Rakaposhi, Northern Areas,Kashmir, 27th highest of the world at 7788m

Chitral Valley

Chitral Valley:

The Chitral valley, located in the northern region of Pakistan, is one of the most remarkable places in the world when it comes to natural scenic beauty. Its picturesque mountains, beautiful springs, Juniper forests, friendly people and rivers teeming with the famous Trout fish are truly spellbinding. Alexander the great passed through this region in 327 B.C and left behind the signs of his culture.

Location:

The Chitral valley is situated amidst the mighty mountains of The Hindukush range. This mountain range is 322 km long. The chitral valley is separated from China by the Hunza region and from the Soviet Union by a narrow part of Wakhan, a province of Afghanistan. Chitral river flows near the Chitral district.

Facts and Figures:

Coordinates: 35°53′N 71°48′E

Elevation: 1278-7700 meters

Area: 14504 square meters

Population: 1,59,230

Religion: Mostly ISLAM

Local Language: Khowar

Famous Sport: Polo

Area Code: 0943

Currency: Pakistani Rupee

Time Zone: PST (UTC+5)

Dress:

The people of Chitral valley mostly wear "Shalwar Kameez" which is the national dress of Pakistan. Women wear "Duppatas" and Shawls along with "Shalwar Kameez". The most popular head dress of the Chitrali men is the woolen "Pakol". In winters, the men wear long baggy coats having long sleeves known as the "Shuqa". These coats are also made out of wool.

The people of Kafir Kalash distinguish themselves by wearing specific woolen hats with feathers and/or small metallic bells. The Kalashi women wear an eye catching head gear which consists of a black cloth with shells, buttons and feathers on it.

People of Kafir Kalash

Sports:

The traditional sport of Chitral is Polo. World's highest Polo ground (Shandur Polo ground) is also present in this area, where the Shandur Polo festival takes place. Around 15,000 people visit this place during the Shandur Polo festival which lasts for about a week. Football is also very popular in the valley. A number of football clubs are present in the Chitral district.

Approach Routes:

The valley is easily accessible by air from the historical city of Peshawar. Most of the land routes are over mountain passes. Towards the North Lowari pass leads 365 km to Peshawar.To the east, there is a 405 km (252 mi) route to Gilgit over the 3,719 m (12,201ft) Shandur Pass.
And in the west, the Dorah Pass provides an additional route to Afghanistan.