Ziarat

 

       

                                                                                           

Region of Ziarat was a part of Sibi District but in 1986 it was declared to be a separate district. It is a place rich in natural beauty. It is mostly a mountainous region filled with snober forest. It contains the biggest forest of snober trees in Pakistan and second largest in the world with the area of 113,000 hectors. It is also extremely rich in wild life as well. Due to its height from sea level the region is mildly cold in summer and cover in snow in winter, it has continental climate. The people of ziarat are extremely welcoming, people visiting ziarat often mention their polite attitude and hospitality. It is land of apple fruit groves; locals often invite visitors passing by to their groves to eat apples and other fruits as much as they like. You can easily find a fruit tree in the wild as well.

Quaid Residency: -

 

Ziarat is also famous for the Quaid-e-Azam residency also known as Ziarat residency where Muhammad Ali Jinnah spend land two and half moths of his life. This place also has an history of its own, in July 2013 it became a target of a terrorist rocket attack and a lot of its structure was destroyed but it was later rebuilt and inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. It is preserved the way it used to during Jinnah’s stay. This residence also has its own art gallery consisting of some very rare pictures of    Quaid-e-Azam and his family. Many people know ziarat because of this residency. It has been given the status of national heritage.

Zero Point: -

Another famous visiting point in ziarat is zero point, it is the highest peak in ziarat, from where you can see a lot of mountain tops and view is really eye catching. The journey to zero point is also very interesting as well because it consists of very steep road, and on the way, you can find a very famous stay point, where, there is tree which is hundreds of years old and it looks exactly like it written Allah in Arabic, many people go to visit this location. The region of ziarat has a lot more to offer to its visitors but due to limited infrastructure, especially road people can’t reach to locations because to mountainous terrain.

Tips and Tricks: -

Mostly people go to ziarat from Quetta, provincial capital of Baluchistan. And its is approximately 126 Km away from Quetta which took roughly 3 hours to reach their and there are not a lot of facilities along the way, so if you are going on your own transport make sure to check air in your car tires, make sure you a spare tire and tools for any case of emergency. You should have your fuel tank full and you should also buy some food to eat along the way. It is a place worth going. Or you can book a trip through trip.pk it will be extremely economic and secondly you will not have to worry about any thing because it will be taken care off by the trip organizers. To enjoys some of the view that you normally can’t I would suggest you bring a drone with you for the ariel shot because the beauty of this terrain from the ariel view in believable. If you are travelling from Punjab or any other place to ziarat make sure that you dress and pack things according to the weather in ziarat. Apart from Ziarat city, other regions are scarcely populated, and because of rough terrain some time mobile signals don’t work their so it better if get a map or plan before hand, the locations you want to visit and plan accordingly, or hire a local tour guide.

Mohenjo Daro

The Great Stupa Mound

The city of Mohenjo Daro is perhaps the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site found in Pakistan. According to the discoveries of archeologists, the historical backdrop of Mohenjo Daro is millennia old, tracing all the way back to 26th century BC. This antiquated city was a piece of the major metropolitan settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization, otherwise called Harappan Civilization. Mohenjo Daro is a word gotten from Sindhi, a language expressed locally in the area, and that signifies 'Hill of the Dead'.

For over 3,700 years, the antiquated site of Mohenjo Daro stayed unseen. In any case, a few obstruction discoveries during the 1920s prompted enormous scope unearthing that at last uncover the archeological jewel of Mohenjo Daro. The removal exercises were driven by John Marshall, who was the then Director-General of Archeological Survey of India.

A good ways off of 5 km from the Mohenjo Daro air terminal, the superb 5000-year-old vestiges are undeniably found away from the buzzing about of any metropolitan region of the territory. Mohenjo Daro is additionally considered as a real part of the most well known verifiable attractions in Sindh from where numerous antiquated relics have been uncovered. These incorporate various sorts of devices produced using materials like stone and copper, figures, estimating instruments like equilibrium scale and loads, gems articles, and toys. These ancient pieces are shown in the Mohenjo Daro gallery, which is situated a ways off of around 800 meters from the archeological city of Mohenjo Daro.

Going via air from Karachi to Mohenjo Daro will require no less than 60 minutes. Nonetheless, because of the absence of cutting edge highlights and framework, just more modest airplane can land and take off from here. The pace of a single direction airfare to/from Mohenjo Daro is around PKR 6,000, which shifts from one aircraft to another. Assuming you are visiting the recorded site by street from Karachi, it will be a six-hour drive. Essentially, you can likewise take a train from Karachi to Dokri, which is an unassuming community situated a ways off of 7 km from Mohenjo Daro.

Location: 38 km south of Larkana City

Entry Fee: PKR 10 for locals and PKR 200 for foreigners

Timings: 8 am till 7 pm (from April to September) and 9 am till 5 pm (from October to March)

 

Kumrat Valley-The Hidden Gem

A natural depression located within the higher Dir district of KPK, Pakistan, Kumrat natural depression may be a magic place. The valley is found at a drive of concerning two hours from the city of Thai. The foliage and funky weather of Kumrat valley throughout the summer season attracts thousands of tourists from all round the world.

Wood Canal, Kumrat 

Kumrat valley has inexperienced meadows, snowy mountains, Panjkora River, and  forests of foggy mounds. The forests are home many different kind of plant and animals. The cedar forest trees are one amongst the attention-grabbing options of Kumrat Valley. The dense cedar forest trees create the ambiance a lot of lovely and also the valley greener and therefore attract many tourists. Kumrat valley is one of the best choices for camping during spring season. Tourist from different places visit Kumrat valley for picnic and camping. There are well developed sites for camping, borne fire and picnic. In summer the season is pleasant. Summer temperature ranges from 15 to 25 C. while in winter the temperature ranges from -2 to -10C. Teenagers who love adventure visit the place during winter.

To reach Kumrat from any town in Pakistan, you initially got to get to the city of Thall that is splendidly referred to as the doorway to the valley. Trip organizers to Kumrat usually use it as a launching point. From Thall, you have got to require the route of Uttar Road, which is truly a roller-coaster of twist and turns because of the mountainous landscape of the region.

In Utrar, a little town in KPK, you'll be able to rent a shared taxi, the price of which is PKR 150-200 per person. However, from Utrar Bazaar to Thall, you would like to require a 4X4 Jeep, which is able to even be shared by different passengers, cost accounting you PKR five hundred per person. Finally, to induce to your destination, you have got to rent a jeep; now a personal one with a driver that may value you somewhere around PKR 2000-4000, counting on the season and therefore the weather.

 

Waterfalls and Lakes

If you're keen on waterfalls, then this place is for you. You’ll fancy here lovely and wonderful waterfalls as a result of there are variety of waterfalls during this spectacularly beautiful place.

Katora Lake

As I discussed above, you'll see the Katora Lake in Kumrat Valley, that is one in every of the foremost beautiful lakes in Pakistan.

 

Foods and Accommodation

As regards the foods and accommodation, you'll not notice several hotels or restaurants in Kumrat Valley. Thus it's extremely suggested that you simply take your own food and necessary luggage. Anyhow, the govt. of KPK and native authorities are attempting to create necessary living arrangements for tourists.

Camping, Kumrat Valley

Wild Animals

Variety of animals, together with snow leopards, monkeys, brown bears, porcupines, Markhor, ibex, deer, jackals, musk, manual pheasants, and chakores are found in Kumrat Valley. The govt. of KPK is getting to declare it national part.

There are also many different facts regarding this valley. But rather than simply looking forward to reading, you want to attend this lovely, lavish inexperienced vale and luxuriate in the superb sceneries, mountain views, beautiful rivers, waterfalls and lakes, picket canals and far more.

End Note:

Pakistan is blessed with many beautiful places like Kumrat Valley, Malamjaba, Kalam and many more. As a civilized nation it is our duty to keep our environment neat and clean. In northern areas people usually left the plastic bags, papers and other garbage their which can pollute and destroy the natural habitat of these places. Recently Pakistan was considered as best place for tourist we should maintain this positive image forever.

 

Swat-The Mini Switzerland

Swat is the one of the beautiful district of KPK, Pakistan. Swat is also famous by the name “Mini Switzerland” or “The Switzerland of Pakistan”. Swat valley is known for its beautiful landscapes, valleys, lakes, forests and mountains covered by snow caps. There are many tourist destinations in swat which attract tourists all over the world. The following are famous places of swat:

 Malam Jabba

Malam Jabba is 314 km from Islamabad. The development of swat motorway further reduced the travelling time to reach swat. Malam Jabba is famous for ski tournaments.  Six to eight feet of snow falls in Malam Jabba. In winter different winter sports tournaments including ski takes place there. Before Covid 19, different ski divers from all over the world participated in ski tournaments. The government also improved the infrastructure and development different resorts for tourist. The local authorities are also directed to provide every facility to tourists and to guide them to promote positive image of Pakistan.  1.5Km long chair lift attract families especially children. There is also one of the Pakistan highest zip line which is 9200 feet above sea level and its length is about 2000 feet.

You can visit Malam Jabba at any season. Every season has its own beauty there. Most tourists visit this place during winter season between December and February. Because in winter this become people crowed in winter due to Ski Championship in which many foreign players participate.  

Malam Jabba chair lift

       

kalam

Kalam could be a spectacular natural depression is found within the higher Swat at a distance of 96km (59 miles) from Mingora and 326 kilometer (202 miles) from capital of Pakistan in Pakistan. The Kalam valley city and hill station are settled at an elevation of regarding 2,000m (6,600 ft.), nonetheless its alternative traveler attractions shake up to about 6,096m (20,000 ft.) in high.

Kalam is famous for lakes, waterfalls, meadows, lush green forests and different cultural festivals. Mahodand Lake is famous tourist spot of Kalam. In local Pashto language it is known as “LAKE OF FISHES”. Every year thousands of tourists visit this place for camping, fishing and enjoy both in winter and summer. Another famous lake which many people don’t know is Izmis Lake. There is no road access to this lake so only accessible by hiking and trekking. The trekking is about 3 hour depending upon the weather conditions. Proper hiking and trekking gear are advised for it. The Lake is of enticing emerald color, encircled by lush inexperienced mountains. Many tourists visit the lake for camping to enjoy the peaceful environment and feel the beauty of nature. If you are camping lover then this place is best for camping with proper camping gears and other necessary things. There are many forests in Kalam which are natural habitat for different wild lives. These are “The national forest of Kalam, The great forest, and Kalam forest playground”.  The Kalam Bazar is one of the commercial and market center of the valley. The handicrafts, shawls, handmade ornaments in the bazar attract different tourists. In this bazar there are many small hotels which serve the tourist and visitors with their cultural and local dishes. The uniqueness of this bazar is that it is located on the bankside of the river. It is also known as DownTown.   

Mohodand Lake

   Bahrain

Bahrain could be a lovely city and it's located in Swat. Bahrain is known for native handicrafts. The weather of Bahrain is incredibly gentle and warm. January is that the best month to go to Bahrain Valley. It’s the joining-point of Daral and Swat River. Through a car, you'll be able to reach to Bahrain from capital of Pakistan in 6 hours. The travel distance of Bahrain from Islamabad is 307 km. Bahrain is famous for handicrafts like shawls, woolen hats, and jewelry.              

                                                                       

Bahrain

 

 Kumrat Valley

                  

 Kumrat valley is one in all the scenic valleys of KPK. Mountains, forests, inexperienced meadows are the important attractions of this valley. Kumrat natural depression weather is extremely cold. Several waterfalls are located close to Kumrat natural depression.  Throughout summer season thousands of tourists visit Kumrat valley and luxuriate in the exciting beauty and greenery. Through a car, you'll reach to Kumrat natural depression from national capital in ten hours. The space of Kumrat Valley from Islamabad is four hundred km.

 

The Spiritual Attraction of Swat, KPK

Swat is the district of KPK province of Pakistan. It is considered as the third largest district of KPK having population of 2,309,570. It was also considered as the Switzerland of the Pakistan due to its beautiful landscape and mountains covered with snowcaps.

History of Swat

The old name of swat was UDYANA which was then changed to SUVASTU. This land was first captured by Mahmud of Ghazni which was then taken by the Yusufzais. Majority of the local speak Pashto as their native language. They also speak Urdu to great extent. It was the princely state of Yusufzais which become the part of Pakistan after independence.

Swat valley was greatly affected by natural disasters including floods and earth quake. The 2010 flood destroyed the infrastructure and roads. The tourist points were affected badly. Before 2008 Taliban and Pakistan Army war in the region the buildings, roads and bridges were damaged. The peaceful region of swat was considered as dangerous area back in 2008. Several incidents of killing and kidnapping of foreign tourist damaged the image of swat. These incidents also force the local people to left the region and migrate to other districts of KPK.

After 2009, Pakistan Army took over the valley and restored the infrastructure, roads, bridges and schools. Slowly and gradually the peace of the valley was restored by the help of local people, government and Pakistan Army and forces.

Now Swat valley is one of the top tourism destinations in Pakistan and also in the world. The beauty attracts a lot of tourist around the world especially in winter season. In winter season, ski players all over the world visit Malamjaba for ski tournaments.

Heritage of Swat Valley

The people of swat valley are simple innocent people. They usually made handmade ornaments and embroidery shawls, bags, caps and other decorative items. The basic source of income is agriculture. They grow different fruits and vegetables. The apple of swat is famous in Pakistan. 18 different types of apples grow in swat region. People also grow strawberries peaches and oranges. Swati embroidery is also famous in swat. In past, it was the hobby of the unmarried young girls to make embroidery dresses, shawls, pillow covers, table cloth, scarves, handkerchief etc.

Heritage places to visit in Swat

There are many old heritage and famous tourist points in swat which many of us don’t know at all.

Buddhist Stupas

There are many famous archaeological sites in swat which belong to Buddhist period. There are estimated 1400 stupas and monasteries in swat. They were used for worship and religion education.

Swat Museum

There is also swat museum which contain old heritage belong to the Gandhara Civilization. It is located between the cities of Mingora and Saidu Sharif.

White Palace (Sufed Mahal)

White Palace (Sufe'd Mahal)

In Saidu Sharif there is a famous palace known as White Palace or Sufed Mahal. It was the residence of Wali before and after the independence of Pakistan. This palace contains 30 rooms. People from different region visit this beautiful palace.

Shrine of Akhund (Saidu Baba)

Saidu is called “Pious City” because of the shrine of Akhund. Saidu Baba was a religious leader who played important role in the formation of Swat. He fought many battles against the British Forces by leading the Yusufzais and other Pashtun tribes.

Every year large number of visitors and devotes visit the shrine of Saidu Baba in the Swat. 

Saidu Baba Mosque

 

Saidu Baba Mosque

 

Barikot Ghundai

It is a small town in the district of Swat, KPK. In past years, many Hindu temples were discovered there. Barikot Ghundai becomes the famous and attractive place after the discovery of 1300 years old temple. The temple was believed to be linked with the God Vishnu. It was built by Hindus more than 1300 years ago during the period of Hindu Shahi. Recently, many archeologists around the world visited the place to gather samples, traces and evidences.

 

Old Buddha

Swat is also known as “The Switzerland of Pakistan”, or “Mini Switzerland” due to its beautiful landscapes, valleys, lakes, and mountains covered with snowcaps. The detail will be shared in next article/blog.

 Hope you all enjoyed reading the article.

 

Beauty of nature  at mountain peaks

Nature is huge and loaded with lovely things which calm our physical and enthusiastic faculties. The magnificence of nature is fairly interminable, endless and never-ending. The delights of nature are a finished impression of the masterfulness of Allah Almighty. The actual magnificence of nature might die for now however as a "amazing thing is a delight until the end of time" so the effect of that excellence on psyche could never pass into nothingness

Delights of nature are such a fortune which can never debilitate. Nature has many appearances. They are all over. Natural eye experiences the excellent items at each squint

Nature is delightful, and one of the loveliest manifestations of nature is lakes. Individuals all around the world like to invest energy sailing, fishing, and surprisingly swimming in lakes. Lakes likewise give awesome landscapes and are given incredible freedoms to picnics. Azad Kashmir is honored with tremendous regular excellence and Kashmir has its reasonable portion of lakes. In today’s blog we will discuss four of them in detail which are following

1) Rati Gali Lake

2) Rati Gali Samal

3) Hans Raj Lake

4) Black head

 

1) Rati Gali Lake

Most importantly, eliminate the disarray called Rati Gali. Until 2010, the name of Rati Gali was Darian Sarian Sar. The head is privately called a lake or a characteristic supply of water.

In 2010, the lake was authoritatively named after Mian Barkatullah Sarkar, a nearby Sufi holy person, whose name is Astana Barakatiya, and in light of the acknowledgment and regard for his strict administrations, the lake and the street prompting it were named after him. Lake Rati Gali Barakatiya was named. There is likewise a normal government warning.

Rati Gali lake is a snow capped icy lake in the Neelum Valley, implying that the wellspring of its water is the ice sheets nearby.

The lake is around 75 km south of Muzaffarabad and is available from Dwarian on Neelum Road. Which prompts the headquarters later a 16 km jeep track from Dwarian. The lake can be reached following a simple hour's trip from headquarters. The lake is situated at an elevation of 12130 feet or 3700 meters above ocean level.

It is a famous vacationer location nearby with every one of the offices. There is an enormous camping area at the headquarters where reasonable tents and food, power and Wi-Fi are accessible just as horseback riding offices for those keen on getting to the lake. Recollect that this lake is the biggest lake nearby. Encompassing it are 26 other little and enormous lakes. Additionally, four cascades are framed from the water of this lake.

2) Rati Gali Samal 2

Around 10 to 15 minutes' stroll from Rati Gali Base Camp, this lake is called Sarian Sar. There are numerous supplies of water here which are called Sar in the local language. To that end this spot is called Sarian Sar. There is a water fall and neighborhood dhok and dhara where local people stay throughout the mid-year.

3)Hans Raj Lake

This lake is additionally situated in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. The lake was initially called Ratta Sar and is renowned for the red mountains that encompass it. There is likewise a red light pack in the space which has been utilized in geology reviews during the British rule. There are three tangled packs nearby, one at Rati Gali, the other at Sargan and the third at Kail.

The name Hans Raj is because of the distinction of Pakistan's most noteworthy travel journalist and traveler Sir Mustansir Hussain Tarar. When he came to this lake, he described the pieces of glacier floating in it as similar to floating Hans Raj and wrote it as Hans Raj and this lake became famous as Hans Raj Lake. Since then, the lake has been called Hans Raj Lake.

About one and a half to two hours’ drive from Rati Gali Lake Base Camp, this lake is located on the Rati Gali Pass, about 3900 meters high between Rati Gali and Noori Top. Then again, the popular Dodi Pat Sar of Kagan Valley can likewise be followed through Saral Lake. In winter, the lake, like other lakes in the Neelum Valley, is covered with snow.

4) Kala Sar Lake

The three lakes in Neelum Valley are known as Kala Sar 1, Kala Sar 2 and Kala Sar 3. Kalasar 1 is an hour's stroll from Hans Raj Lake. Another one-hour track for Kalasar 2 and some more heights for Kalasar 3.

From Kala Sar 3 you can also get a glimpse of the Gathian lake if you follow the guidance of a local guide. For the night you should return to Rati Gully Base Camp or Private Camp however for that too neighborhood guides can direct you better.

 

Why to visit Azad Kashmir?

After the partition of Sub-Continent in 1947, the royal States were given the choice of joining either India or Pakistan. Notwithstanding, Hari Singh, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, needed Jammu and Kashmir to stay autonomous. To delay, he consented to a stop arrangement, which evaded the understanding that each regal State would join either India or Pakistan. Considering topographical, strict and recorded connections individuals of Jammu and Kashmir state requested opportunity, all things being equal, gone into a sad trick with the Hindu initiative and consented to India. This started the freedom development of the Muslim populace of the State against the Dogra and Indian powers in Kashmir. Because of this opportunity development, a piece of the State was freed from the Dogra-cum-fadian control in October 1947, and named Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir. It has its own chosen President, Prime Minister, Legislature, High Court, Supreme Court and Official Flag.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir has an area of 13,297 kilometer square. The state of Azad Kashmir is divided in three divisions which are further divided in 10 districts. Its capital is Muzaffarabad. Its largest district by area is Neelum and biggest by population is Kotli.Sudhnati is smallest by area and Haveli is smallest by population. According to 2017 census population of Azad Kashmir is 40.05 million. According to 2017 census 99% people in Ajk are Muslims,0.6% follow Hinduism,0.3% Buddhism and 0.01% others.

The southern parts of Azad Kashmir, including the Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli regions, have amazingly blistering climate in the late spring and moderate chilly climate in the colder time of year. They get downpour for the most part in rainstorm climate. In the focal and northern pieces of the express, the climate remains decently warm in the late spring and cold and crisp in the colder time of year. Snowfall likewise happens there in December and January.

The official language of Azad Kashmir is Urdu, while English is utilized in higher areas. Most of the population, nonetheless, are local speakers of different dialects.  The transcendent among these is Pahari–Pothwari with its various dialects There are likewise sizeable networks speaking Gujari and Kashmiri just as pockets of speakers of Shina, Pashto, and Kundal Shahi. Except for Pashto and English, those dialects have a place with the Indo-Aryan language family.

Azad Kashmir is blessed with natural beauty. and has extraordinary potential for advancement of the travel industry. The beautiful excellence of its valleys, thick forests, winding rivers, fierce frothing streams, grand transcending mountains, propping Climate, historical and cultural legacy, all-encompassing shrines and celebrations and variety of verdure all go together to make it a brilliant vacationer resort. The region is full with assortment of scenes. Climbing and following destinations, trout fishing in the frozen waters of the Neelum River and the remaining parts of the Buddhist human advancement in the Sharda Valley are different spaces of vacation spot. The lovely wood work, the renowned Kashmiri handiworks, customary Kashmiri food varieties or more each of the a spotless and flawless climate presents different spaces of joy for the sightseers on this 'paradise on the planet'. The custom rich and conventional Society of AJK is additionally a subject of anthropological worth. The State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir contributes a particular cultural substance created by its kin, which is significantly unique in relation to the rest of the Sub-Continent.

 Its mountain territory and wide valleys emptied unforgiving terms on the improvement of its way of life. This is the reason individuals of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have formed into a tenacious persevering, non-forceful race which drives a straightforward and economical life. Their dances, music, dress, customs, gems, painstaking work and performing arts all are windows to their character.

The northern part of Kashmir consists of lower part of Himalayas, including Jamgrah peak (4,734m). The highest peak in the state is located in Neelum valley which is sarwali peak (6,326m). Azad Kashmir is producing gemstones and other minerals like bentonite, beryl, fluorite, garnet, hematite, limonite, margarite, mica, quartz, ruby, topaz and tourmaline. Gemstone especially Ruby which is found in Azad Kashmir is more valuable than diamond being used in the world.

Its top tourist destinations are following:

Sharda, Keran, Kel, Taobat, Red Fort, Banjosa Lake, Devi Gali, Ganga choti, Sudhan Gali, Leepa valley, Mangla lake, Ramkort fort.