Northern Areas of Pakistan:
Northern Areas of Pakistan is the most spectacular & fascinating region of Pakistan. Here, world’s three famous mountain ranges meet the Himalayas, the Karakorams & the Hindukush. The whole Northern Areas is like a paradise for mountaineers, climbers, trekkers, hikers & anglers.
The Karakoram Pakistan:
The historic Karakoram Pass (5575m), an ancient trading route between the Northern Pakistan & Xinjiang (China), gives its name to the range west of it that forms the watershed between the Indus & the Central Asian deserts. The eastern boundary of the Karakorams is the upper Shyok river from where it extends over 322 km westwards to the karumbar river & the Hindukush range, to the north Shaksgam tributary of the yarkand river & to the south, the Indus bounds the karakorams, Here the Nanga Parbat (8126m) massif is the western anchor of the great Himalayan range which stretches in an arc 24, 124 km east to Burma, it boundary & barrier the razor edge which for centuries has determined the destiny of south Asia. Such is the setting of the Karakoram Range, this remnant of a primeval ice age. The third pole with extensive glacier systems & the greatest concentration of lofty mountains in the World.
Highest Peaks in Pakistan:
Of the fourteen over 8000 meters high Peaks on earth, four occupy an amphitheatre at the head of Baltoro. Their shapes, forms, sizes & colors provide tremendous contrast, which defy description. These are K-2 (8611m) world’s second highest peak in the World. The undisputed monarch of the sky, Broad Peak (8047m) massive Gasherbrum I (8068m) & Gasherbrum II ( 8035m) the Pakistani Pyramids that even Cheops would have preferred for a tomb, Muztagh Tower, deceptively sheer, Chogolise, the Bird Peak, in whose eternal embrace lies Hermann Buhi, the first man to climb Nanga Parbat, the Cathedrals of Baltoro with their great knife edge ridges, the sky cleaving monoliths of Trango Towers & the most beautiful of all, the Peak of perfection, Paiyu (6600m) first climbed by a Pakistani expedition in 1977. There are scores of over 7000 meters high peaks in the karakoram ranges & hundreds of nameless summits below 6000 meters, In the Lesser Karakorams there are equally great peaks such as Rakaposhi (7788m) the dominant giant in Nager & Hunza Valleys. Its north face is fantastic precipice (5791m) of plunging snow & ice.
The Hindukush is also a mountain vastness containing hundreds of peaks, many above 7000 meters including Trichmir (7705m) that is the highest point of the range. The western bastion of the Himalayas is Nanga Parbat (8125m), once dreaded as the” killer Mountain” but climbed many times by various expeditions since the first disasters.
Longest Glaciers in Pakistan:
Some of the longest glaciers outside polar region flow in the karakorams. The Siachin glacier is 75 km long. The Hisper, (52km) joins the Biafo at the Hisper La (5154m) to form a 116 km long ice corridor. The Batura is 58 km in length. But the most outstanding of these rivers of ice is the Baltoro (62km). This mighty glacier, fed by some 30 tributaries, constitutes a surface area of 1,219 sq km. Seen from a distance, Baltoro appears smooth & beautiful but in fact it is a chaotic tumbling mass of rock & ice, troughs & hillocks & the debris of centuries. It is a unique, remote corner of earth. For here, in a frozen wilderness of crags, cornices & crevasses raise lowering spires of granite, great snowy peaks with fluted icy ridges & pinnacles that pierce the sky.
Silk Route & the Karakoram Highway Pakistan:
For many centuries, caravans have braved these tortuous mountains treading precariously along paths providing shortcuts between the great towns of Central Asia & the rich markets of South Asia. However, the trails were hazardous, angry rivers horrifying to contemplate, & the nature’s storms caused even the most intrepid to quall on the high passes & in the desolate gorges. In 1947, travel in & out of the Northern Pakistan could have been described almost as it had been 15 centuries earlier by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien, in 400 AD , The way is difficult & rugged, running alone a bank exceedingly precipitous, When one approaches the edge of it, his eyes become unsteady, & if wishes to go forward in the same direction, there is no place on which he can place his foot, & beneath are the waters of the river called the Indus, Thus the traders of yore had travelled over this route for centuries & carried silk, tea & porcelain from China to be bartered for gold, ivory, jewels & spices from South Asia.
It is against this backdrop that Pakistan & China joined hands in 1967 to construct a 900 km, Karakoram Highway on the alignment of the ancient Silk Route, for its sheer mountain grandeur 7 breath- taking panorama of beauty, few places on earth can match the superb landscape through which the karakoram highway snakes. A fantastic & unforgettable spectacle is the passage of the highway along the Batura glacier, rated as the World’s seventh largest glacier, The Khunjerab Pass which the highway crosses, & the nearby Mintaka Pass, lie astride the fabulous ancient Silk Route that led from Europe to Asia & over which history’s most famous tourists once travelled. These include the Ventian Marcopolo, after whom has been named the wild Marcoplo Sheep, in the 13th century, the Chinese Monk Fa Hien in the in the 4th century & the Central Asian historian, Abu Rehan Al- Beruni in the 11th Century.
Today, the Karakoram Highway Connects Islamabad with Kashgar (China). Via Abbottabad, Mansehra, Thakot, Besham, Pattan, Chilas, Gilgit & Hunza across the 4733 meters high Khunjerab Pass. The Highway, built by the Pakistani & Chinese engineers, has been described as a marvel of civil engineering & even as ‘ The Eight Wounder of the World; Hunza Adventure Tours Pakistan can book Bus tickets from Sost( Pakistan) to Taxkurgan ( China), for overland traffic betweenPakistan & China, Open from 1st May till 31st December every year.
Mountaineering & Climbing in Pakistan:
Since 1954, when the karakoram range of Pakistan was opened to expeditions for climbing & trekking, the mountains & glaciers of the north have become an international playground. There are hundreds of peaks still lying un-climbed. This is a great challenge for the mountaineers & climbers the World over.
Royalty Fees in 2012:
K-2 7200 US$ for group of 7 climbers and 1200 US$ for additional climbers.
Broad Peak, GI, GII, GIII and Nanga Parbat US$5400 for group of 7 climbers and US$900 for additional climber.
Mashabrum, Gasshabrum IV US$2400 for group of 7 climbers and US$300 for additional climber.
Spantik Peak US$1500 for group of 7 climbers and US$180 for additional climber.
Permit:
All Peaks routes for mountaineering have been designated as open zone or restricted zone. Permits for climbing peaks in open zone, are issued by the Ministry of Tourism Pakistan, within 24 hours of the receipt of application. However, for peaks routes in restricted zone, permits are issued within 14 days from the date of receipt of the application in Ministry of Tourism Government of Pakistan.
Trekking in North Pakistan:
Northern Pakistan is a Trekker’s Paradise.
Most of the trekking routes lie in the Northern Mountains of the Karakorum, the Himalaya the Hindukush & the Pamir. Trekking Season start from May & end till the end of October. The Ministry of Tourism Government of Pakistan. Has defined trekking as walking below 6000m. It has designated three zones for trekking open, restricted & closed. Foreigners may trek anywhere in open zone without a permit or services of a licensed mountain guide. For trekking in restricted zone, foreigners must deposit a fee of US$ 50 per person per trek to obtain a trekking permit from Ministry of Tourism, it also requires hiring a licensed mountain guide, buying a personal insurance policy for the guide & the porters & attending briefing & de- briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, at the beginning & the end of each trekking trip. No trekking is allowed in closed zones, which are the areas near Pak-Afghan border & near the line of control with Indian held Kashmir.
White Water Sports in Pakistan:
Only those who dare take up the challenge of the frothy white waters of the roaring mountain rivers in Northern Pakistan know the excitement & thrill that such sports offer. Tourists can now undertake white water sports such as rafting, canoeing & kayaking ect. In the rivers Indus, Gilgit, Hunza, Swat. Shigar, Shayok & Kunhar. White water sports in these rivers of Northern Pakistan hold immense potential for the adventure lovers & sportsmen.
Angling in Pakistan:
Rivers & lakes of Northern Pakistan are filled with trout. Popular with the anglers are: Kunhar river, Lake Saiful Maluk, lake Lulusar & lake Dodipatsar in Kaghan valley: Swat river & Mahodand lake in Swat valley, Gilgit river, Phandar lake, Handrab lake (along the Gilgit- Shandur Road). Chitral river & Shandur lake, Astor river & Rama lake in Astor valley: Sadpara & Kachura lakes in Skardu Valley ect. The fishing season lasts from April to September, & permits are available from the local Fisheries Department.
Skiing in Pakistan:
Ski facilities are available at Naltar & Kalabagh( Nathiagali), Anuual ski tournament is organized by Pakistan ski Federation at Naltar in February.
Polo Game in Pakistan:
The favorite sport in Northern Areas is polo, which originated here. It is more rugged, free style version than the sedate variety known in the plains.
A polo tournament is held in Gilgit from 1 to 7 November. However, passion for Polo remains the highest on the Worlds highest Polo ground. Every year, Shandur (3700 meters) invites visitors to experience a traditional polo tournament between the teams of Chitral & Gilgit from 7th to 9th July. The festival also includes folk music, folk dance, traditional sports & a camping village is be set up on the Pass.
Baltistan:
Baltistan spread over 26,000 square kilometers, Baltistan is situated amid the great Himalayas & Karakoram ranges on either side of the mighty Indus & its tributaries, surrounded by Gilgit & Hunza Valleys in the West, Indian held Kargil, Ladakh & Kashmir regions are in the East & Southeast. The Chinese province of Sinkiang lies in the North. It is also known a” Little Tibet” because of its proximity as well as ethnic, cultural & linguistic bondage with Ladakh & Tibet in the East, Baltistan itself consists of six valleys namely Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu, Kharmang, Gultari & Rondu. The city of Skardu (2286m) situated on the left bank of the mighty riverIndus is linked with Islamabad through a 766 kilometers long metailed road. A daily Boeing flight also operates btewwen Islamabad & Skadru.
Every year Baltistan passes through pleasant summer ( 2 dergee C to 40 degree C) from March to September severe winters, freezing . It contains the most spectacular & fascinating mountainous region of the world where hundreds of virgin peaks still lying unclimbed challenging climbers the world over. Hikking among them is an awesome experience but exploring the valleys & the local culture is equally rewarding. The most prominent peaks among these are K-2 (8611meters) second only to Everest, Gasherbrum I & II , Hidden Peak,Broad Peak, Masherbrum, Chogolinga ect. Baltistan also has an extensive glacial chain which includes the 75 kilometers long Siachen glacier, the largest glacier in the world outside the polar region, Concordia, Baltoro ect. Medicnal plants & delicious tempetate fruits specially apricots rich in taste & flavor are abundantly available. Polo matches in Skardu are a great attraction especially on festival occasions. In fact it is a traditional Balti game, which is called “The Game of Kings” or “ The King of Games” It has now become popular throughout Northern Areas including Chitral. During the second week of August each year, a polo tournament is held to mark the liberation of Baltistan from Dogra rule in 1948.
Skardu:
Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched on 2438 meters above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the karakorums. Balti people are a mixture of Tibetan & Caucasian stock & speak Balti an ancient form of Tibetan.Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle & architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the ( Little Tibet). It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang & Indian- Occupied Kashmir. The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27 degree C & minimum October 8 dergee C. Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks & glaciers Baltistan.s five valleys, Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu & Kharmang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples & pears.
What to See in Baltistan:
Kharpocho Fort:
Skardu has an ancient Fort known as Kharpocho Fort (king of Forts) situated on a small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, three kilometers from Skaedu across Sadpara Nullah on Skardu Sadpara road. Pre- historic men & animals figures are carved on rocks along Kachura Lake. Some rock carving & diagram of a monastery near Perkuta ( Mehdiabad) Nalah are also found.
Lovely Lakes:
Upper Kachura (34km), Lower Kachura ( Shangrila-29km) Lake & Sadpara (8km) Lake, are very famous for fishing & boating.
Shigar Valley:
The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the karakorams, Gasherbrum & K-2, is only 23 km away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley’s gentle, irrigated slopes are filled with terraces of wheat, maize & barley its orchards of apricots, mulberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples & nuts are unique to Baltistan. The wooden mosque in the middle of the town was built by Kashmiri carpenters several hundred years ago. There is the ex- Raja’s old Fort & Palace in the village.
Khaplu Valley:
This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 km east of Skardu Khaplu is the starting point for most trekking & climbing expeditions, Many famous mountains such as Masherbrum, Saltoro, Sia Kangri, K-6, K-7 are located here. Chaqchan mosque is one of the earliest mosque in Baltistan (1504AD) attributed to Sayed Ali Hamdani. There is a palace of Raja of Khaplu & remains of Thorsikhar Fort.
Satpara Lake:
Nine kilometers south of Skardu is beautiful Satpara Lake, brilliant blue & stocked with rainbow trout. The walk to the lake is a dry, moderately steep three hours (8-9km) climb up Hargisar Nala from the City.
Deosai Plain:
The deosai plains, about 50km southwest of Skardu, comprise an immense, uninhabited grassy plateau, which borders Indian administered Kashmir,No where are the plains lower than about 4000 meters, they are only accessible for about four months each year & snowbound for the rest.
A trek across the plains has become popular jeep trek route between Skardu & Astore valley.
From July to September, you can trek from Astore valley to Skardu in as little as a week. Intrepid mountains bikers have done Astor to Skardu in five days.
Hushe Valley & Mashabrum View:
Those who would like to see gorgeous 7821 meters massif of Mashabrum without trekking to it could try & walk up the Shyok Valley road pass the police checkpoint & the turn off to Hushe Valley towards Surmo.
Hushe is the trekker’s route to Mashabrum & an alternative to Shigar for mountaineers heading towards Concordia. For a close look at Mashabrum you can take a four day, three nights walk on a moderate grade from Khaplu to Hushe & back, with stops at Kande, Hushe & kande again.
Thalay Valley:
Thalay valley gives a glimpse of the Mashabrum range up this valley is three or four day trek from Khasumik over the 4572 meters Thaley La to Shigar.
Shigar Fort Residence:
(The Palace on the Rock).
Built upon a huge boulder at the foot of a steep rock. Shigar Fort/ palace is known locally as Fong Khar, literally, the Palace on the Rock, it is located in oasis, like surrounding, irrigated by the waters from the glaciers of Baltistan, one of the most impressive regions in the karakoram ranges, & unsurpassed in natural beauty & cultural richness.
The complex at Shigar comprises the 400 year old fort/ palace & two more recent buildings, the Old House, & the Garden House. The former palace of the Raja of Shigar has been transformed into a 13 room heritage guesthouse, with the grand audience hall serving as a museum of Balti culture & featuring select examples of fine wood, carving, as well as other heritage objects.
Furnishings in the 13 historic rooms are discreet & tasteful, utilizing simple wooden furniture & hand woven textiles produced by craftsmen from the neighboring village. Original features such as bed niches as integral parts of the rooms. They provide a rare & unique atmosphere, which cannot be experienced anywhere else in Pakistan.
The Garden House has been converted into a guesthouse with seven modern rooms, each including a television, The verandas off each room overlook the traditional Amacha garden, which is shaded by a centuries old Chenar tree & features a Kashmir style pavilion set within a square water basin.
The Old House features the reception a guest lounge, terraces & restaurant areas. There is easy access to the orchards & garden areas, which offer spectacular views & numerous areas for relaxation & leisure activities.
Leisure Activities:
While many visitors choose the Shigar Fort Residence for its beauty & tranquility, there are a variety of activities in the area. These range from hiking to the old Shigar Fort or trekking to K-2 base camp, day hikes to remote valleys & other points of interest such as the Deosai plateau, visits to cultural sites that reflect the unique mix of Hindu, Buddhist & illamic influences, including the Buddha Rocks, & the nearby settlements of Khaplu, Kiris & Kharmang a short hike to the organic village of Nangasoq, near Skardu, a visit to the hot springs at Chutron ( two hours from Shigar), or perhaps a polo match in the birthplace of the game.
Organic Village Nangsoq:
The first organic village of Pakistan, Nangsoq is opened to tourists located at a walking distance of 45 minutes, 2 km, from Skardu main city behind the historic Kharpocho fort, just at the meeting point of the Indus & Shigar Rivers. This village was jointly visited by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan & the Royal Couple of UK Prince Charles & Lady Kumala Parker on April 11, 2006, The route to this organic village is one of the most exciting scenes of the the whole visit to Skardu. It gives the visitors a memorable & surprising experience of trekking simultaneously on narrow but safe mountain path, on sandy bank of the Indus & stony foot of historic Madoqkhar, Un-like other parts of the country, farmers in this village, instead of using modern agricultural machineries & equipments, still follow the centuries old traditional & local tools & plant for cultivation & food production.
Sadpara Lake:
At a distance of eight kilometers south of Skardu or 15 minutes drive lies the awesome Sadpara Lake where Sadpara Dam is being constructed. It has clean water full of trout fish & a Fairy Tale Island in the centre.
Kachura Lake:
The lakes are situated at a distance of 30 kilometers west of Sradu. The upper Kachura lake is famous for its natural beauty & the lower Kachura for Shangrilla & Tibet Motel.
Katpana Lake:
A lovely drive of only 10 minutes from Skardu main city the fascinating traditional ancient villages of Sundus & Katpana, will bring you at the bank of picturesque Katpana Lake, where you can watch a large population of migrating ducks swimming in the crystal clear water.
Buddah Rock Carvings:
This historical rock is situated between Skardu city & Sadpara Lake on the bank of Hargisa stream. The images of great Buddha surrounded by his disciples more then 1400 years old sculpture. It was a place of worship for Buddhists till the middle of 14 century AD.
Mohenjodaro:
About 350 miles (580km) from karachi on the highway via Dadu lies Moenjodaro which, in the local language, means Mound of the Dead. It is one of the sites of the Indus valley Civilization which flourished here 5000 years ago.
Thar:
Thar desert of Sindh is yet another area of considerable intrest, its landscape, flora and fauna are totally different then other parts of the country . The rising sand hills which extend without interruption into Rajasthan in India, are dotted with stunted thorny bushes, coctus and small villages where people live in mud plastered conical hutments.
Sukhur:
In and around sukhur there are many intresting sites having important historical as well as archacological significance. Sukhur is full of mausoleums of saints. The tomb of Mir masum dominates the skyline of the city and there are several moaques which are attractive.
Cholistan:
Pakistan covering over25000 sq. km.It extends south into the Thar desert in Sindh and towards east into India Rajasthan desert.
Multan:
The mediaeval, memorable, majestic, mysterious and mystique Multan. In fact the history of Multan is the sub- continent every invader from Alexander to the Mouryans. kushans, Huns, Arabs, Ghaznavids, Mughals, Afghans, Sikhs and right to the british fought for the control of this magnificent city. it is considered as a city of saints and sufis and mystics. whatever the truth, multan is probably the oldest living city in south Asia.
Harappa:
Harappa is located on an earlier course of the river ravi and like Maenjodaro the excavations have revealed a series of cities, stacked one upon another, with its citadel and great granary, seems similar in many ways to Maenjodaro and like its southern sister city appears to have thrived around 3000-1700Bc. The Harrapan society seems to have been egalitarian, pursuing a rather simple way of life.
Lahore:
Lahore is the city clams attention not only of the politicians, rulers and students of history, archaeology and antiquities, but also of the general and even casual visitors or readers as it offers many interesting places and faces. It is full of life and attracts millions of visitors of every class and cread every year from all parts of Pakistan as well as abroad. It has its own personality and charm not equaled easily by any other city of the subcontinent.
Quetta:
The city sprawls over a plateau about 4500 feet above sea level, but tresses by knife edge, grey mountains of takatu, zarghoon and chiltan etc. these hill ranges vary in the height having their own high points and valleys whose hidden beauties deserve attention and exploration.
Ziarat:
This small hill resort is located around 8000 feet above sea level and offers cool-dry climate. Apart from old juniper forest, this is now disappearing fast, the valley of fears abundance of roses and fragrant lavender Bushes which cover significant part of the landscape.
Gwadar:
Gwadar is the second largest town of balochistan today. Its beach is excellent, the best in Pakistan, and its mountains area are beautiful too.
Uch Sharif:
Uch Sharif, during the 13th century it was an important center for religious, cultural and literary, pursuits and attracted scholars, saint, poets and pirs from several parts of Asia. The town is now known for its ancient tombs and mosques through much of their glory has been lost but even the ruins are considered as beautiful even today and attract hundreds of visitors.
Wahgah Border:
The Pakistan India border is 29 km (18 miles) from Lahore along the GT road at Wahgah flag ceremonies are held daily, raising in the morning and lowering 30 minutes before the sunsets. This daily routine is colourful and traditional. The Indian and Pakistani soldiers trying for military perfection.
Islamabad:
Islamabad the new capital is located in the lap of the margala hills extending far into the murree hills and beyond up to Kashmir. Often dismissed as a modern, characterless city, Islamabad has certain attractions of its own, with its wide trees lined avenues and parks, gardens and fountains giving it an air of spacious senses and abundant greenery. Its main asset is its setting at the foot of the margala hills which dominate the city rising up to 1580 meters (5184 feet).
Murree:
Murree also called as Malika-e-Kohsar, (Queen of the hills) lies on one of the outer Himalayan spurs, in the north-east of Islamabad.
Bhurben:
About 10 km from and known for its first class nine halls mini golf course amongst the hills which attract a large number of enthusiasts. There is a golf club, a rest house and one of the most spectacular resort hotels.
Nathiagali:
Nathiagali with its fascinating landscape, refreshing walks, bracing climate, beautiful ridges thickly covered with pines, chest net, oak and maple, and above all, its quiet, calm an
Kalam:
Its great attractions is its altitudes and therefore cool climate during the summer months, as well as the beauty of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Shogran:
Shogran is located at 2400m above sea level. It is the most beautiful place in the Kaghan valley and ideal for spending a weekend. You can either track up to summer pastures at about 2700m to the forest rest house (2 hrs walk) or trek down to kawai on the main Balakot. Kaghan road, through a dense pine forest. The walk up to summer pasture could be more exciting as you could see malika Parbat (5296m) the highest mountain in Kaghan valley, and whose shadow in the clear white water of Saif-ul-Maluk adds to the beauty of this legendry lake. hiking is superlative.
Kalash valley:
Also known as Kafiristan, has been whittled down to three valley only which are situated in chitral. The northern most district of pakistan. The entire area covered by these valleys is a paradise of rolling green hills, corn fields, rushing streams full with icy cold water add trout, waving walnuts, peachs, pears, appricots,mulberry, apples and grapes.
Taxila:
Taxila is one of the famous archeological sites of the Gandhara period and there are hundreds of legends spun around the Taxila sites, ruins of which can be seen even today. It remained center of Buddhism for centuires and thus is a must for all those who visit North of Pakistan.
Azad Kashmir:
The heaven on Earth is physically the scythe- shaped. The territory of Azad jammu and Kashmir is dotted with a vast chain of scenic and natural beauty spots amidst flowing steams, gushing out springs and flowering plants. The mountain tops over the valleys look like circular and rectangular caps. The panorama is really pleasing.
Peshawar
Peshawar is the main entreport to the planes of Pakistan,is one of the oldest cities of Asia.
For over two thousands of years it has been the gossiping,marketing,and meeting place for the
people of central Asia,the middle east and the subcontinent of Pakistan and India etc.
Chitral
Chitral is the area of outstanding natural beauty with spectacular chances of trekking and mountain
climbing.It is also the land of singing streams,wonderful valleys,deep and steep gorges and a
variety of people.
Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit is a town of orchards of ,fields, shops and springs,houses and streets appears to have placed
there quite naturally.People are never far from nature.The shops run almost in two.three rows over
a mile or so interspersed by school and municipal offices.
Hunza
The shangrilla of Pakistan,located in the Northern Areas of the country, is surrounded by high
mountains deep glaciers and fruit laden gardens.The clear air and natural diets of hunza people
help them to live long and happy lives.
Skardu
Skardu has been a dream land of the mountaineers from all parts of the World for over hundreds of
years.It is to the northeast of skardu that the karakorum mountains assume their most impressive
and unyeilding characters.
Deosai
It contrasts sharply with ring of jagged rocky mountains that surrounds it on all sides.Gently rolling
hills extends into the distance as far as the eyes can see clothed in a soft cladding of vegetation and
carpeted with brighted coloured flowers in summer.The plateau is population free rivers flow past
crystal clear and icy cold.
Kaghan valley
Kaghan valley is 160 kilometers long.kaghan valley is sat amongst the lush green panorom.At
the northern adge of the monsoon belt,kaghan supports an abundance of vegetation.The lower slopes are well cultivated with spectacular terraces,higher up.
the mountains are clothed in forest of himalayan pines and fir with snow cover
peaks looming above.
Neelum Valley
About 240 kilometers long,the picturisque.Neelum valley is situated to the north
and north east of Muzafar Abad.running parallel to the kaghan valley,it is seperated from it by snow covered peaks,someover 4000meters above sea level.
excellent scenic beauty,panoramic view,towering hills on both sides of the noisy
Neelum river,lush green forests,enchanting streams,high altitude lakes and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.
Karakorum High Way
The karakorum high way follows one of the principle silk road routes.Pakistani proudly
refers to the road as the eighth wonder of the World.The KKH was carved into the Indus
valley above the furious torrents of the Indus river,right up through the Hunza valley and over the mighty Karakorum mountains via Khunjerab pass to China.
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