Beautiful Pakistan

 

 

GILGIT BALTISTAN:
Gilgit Baltistan is, perhaps, the most spectacular region of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty.

Here world’s three mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Handukuch and the Himalayas – meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and anglers. The region has a rich cultural heritage and variety of rare fauna and flora.
Five out of the fourteen mountain peaks with height of over 8000 meters including the K2 (world’s second heights peak) and some of the largest glaciers outside polar regions are located in Gilgit

K 2

CHITRAL VALLEY(Land of Tirich Mir and Kafir Kalash) :

  

Ask anyone where Chitral is, and one may get a blank look since this land of Tirich Mir and the Kafirs, people of the lost world, is obscured behind the Lowari Top, which due to its inaccessibility generally keeps the tourist and holiday makers at bay. But those who dare to venture and reach out to Chitral Valley, find themselves in a different world - overlooked by the mighty Tirich Mir, standing at a height of 7,692 metres as part of the Hindu Kush mountain range, and located in the far reaches of Pakistan. Chitral is also famous for the Shandur Festival, which is held each year and where polo is played at the highest polo ground of the world at a height of 3,719 metres.

Shandur festival

The beauty of Chitral lies as much in its rustic, mountainous terrain, as in its warm hearted and friendly inhabitants. Since it is a land high up in the mountains, at such places legends fascinate the on lookers. One such legend describes Chitral as an abode of genies and fairies in times when no one lived here and locals still look up to the Tirich Mir, which they believe still has the castle of fairies.

Tirch Mir Peak

Chitral located in the North west of Pakistan is a beautiful valley in the Hindukush range of Mountains. It has always been a very important route for many invaders to south east Asia, Including Alexander the great Scythians, Mangol Changez Khan and numerous others. Chitral town is a small town with a one single street bazaar and a few tourist class hotels. At the end of Bazaar on the right (River side) there is the Chitral fort and Palace of Mehtar (Mir Or King) In front of the Fort is the Jami Mosque of Chitral an impressive architecture with beautiful inlays and decorations.

Chitral Fort

 

HUNZA VALLEY:Hunza Valley is a stunningly beautiful and popular region in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The Hunza valley is situated to the north of the Hunza River.The mountaneous valley with lush green fields and meadows is like a heaven on Earth .

Hunza was a princely state in the northernmost part of the Northern Areas of Pakistan until 1974. The state was also known as Kanjut.[1] The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east, China, to the north and Afghanistan to the northwest. The state capital was Baltit (also known as Karimabad). The area of Hunza now forms the Aliabad tehsil of Hunza-Nagar District.

HUNZA RIVER:



Kalash Valley:One of the major attractions of Chitral is the Kalash valley - the home of Kafir-Kalash or "Users of the black robes", a primitive pagan tribe.kalash people inhabit the southwestern part of the region.

House in kalash

The “Kalash Country” is spread over three Valleys; Bomboret, Birir and Rumbur. The Kalash have always fascinated anthropologists and historians by their obscure origins, colourful festivals, and curious customs and rituals.

The Kalash are fun loving people who love music and dancing particularly on the occasion of their religious festival like Joshi Chilinjusht (14 and 15 May-spring), Phool (20-25 September) and Chomas (December 18 to 21 in a week ).

 

Garam Chashma (Hot Springs):

This un-spoilt enchanting valley of orchards, verdant fields and snow clad peaks is renowned for its boiling sulphur springs which are famous for healing effect on skin diseases, gout, rheumatism and chronic headaches. For the convenience of tourists “humans” (baths) have been constructed near the springs.

KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA:

Sawat:Swat is a jewel among the many beautiful valleys in the north of Pakistan. Feast your senses on the sheer beauty that Swat’s picturesque lakes, villages, picnic spots and luscious mountains have to offer.

White Palace Maraghzar – the summer palace of the first Wali of Swat, this is a peaceful picnic spot at a distance of 13km from Saidu Sharif.

Miandam – A scenic valley at 5,900 feet above sea level and at a distance of 56km from Saidu Sharif

Malam Jabba – Pakistan’s first ski resort at 9,000 feet above sea level. Malam Jabba was damaged by militants but is still a good place for a day excursion from Saidu Sharif. Distance from Saidu Sharif is 45 km.

Baharin – A popular tourist spot at distance of 66km from Saidu Sharif.

Kalam – The Switzerland of Asia. At 6,800 feet above sea level and surrounded by snow covered mountains, Kalam is the most popular summer holiday resort in Swat. It is located at a distance of 100 km from Saidu Sharif

Ushu – An idyllic picnic spot at 7,550 feet above sea level and at a distance of only 8 km from Kalam.

Matiltan – Offers excellent view of Mount Flaksair (20,528 feet) which is the highest peak of Swat Valley.

Utrot and Gabral – A charming Village just 16 km ahead of Kalam. Offers excellent walking and fishing opportunities.

Mahodand Lake – A beautiful lake surrounded by pine trees and lush green meadows and a popular picnic spot in Upper Swat. Mahodand is situated at a distance of 35km from Kalam.

SHANGLA:Shangla is land of natural beauty, long green trees, high mountains, sweet springs, thick forest and streams, was earlier sub-division of Swat District.The highest point of the district is Shangla Top (7001 feet or 2,125 meters above sea level), 56 km from Saidu Sharif and 45 km from Besham (Karakoram Highway), connected through a paved single road. The only accommodation available is the Forest Rest House at Shangla Top. It receives an average snowfall from 5 to 8 feet in winter. There is a trout hatchery in Alpuri proper. From Alpuri, on way to village Lilonai, there is a beautiful lake called Bashigram.

Ancient remains of Greek period are discovered at Pirsar. It is said that Alexander of Macedonia stayed here for few days. There some more archaeological finds between Chakaisar and Daut. Alexander reached Indus river passing through Daut. Remains of Hindu Shahi period are also found in Qlandar-Ajmair.

 Abbottabad:It is a charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly cool and green hills. Abbottabad is 116 km (2 hours) from Rawalpindi and 208 km (3 hours) from Peshawar.

 Places worth visiting in Abbottabad are: Simla Hill, Ilyasi Masjid etc.Places worth visiting in and around Abbottabad are; Ilyasi Mosque with a water spring, Shimla hill view point. Thandiani is another attractive hill resort 30 km east of Abbottabad at an altitude of 8,800 feet.

Shogran:

Shogran is a village situated on a green plateau in the Naran Valley, northern Pakistan at a height of 2,362 meters above sea level.It is only 10 km from Kiwai village and 34 km from Balakot. The road from Islamabad to Kiwai is metalled and measures 212 km. From Shogran, you can ride a jeep or horse or hike to several picturesque places like Siri, Paye and Makra Peak.The local people are friendly and helpful.

 

Kaghan Valley:Laying in lower Himalayan mountains range, the Kaghan valley, famous for its bewitching splendor and natural beauty, is one of the most charming tourist resorts in scenic Hazara division. At a distance of 64 km from Balakot, it offers resplendent beauty surrounded by magnificent mountains, magical glaciers, enchanting waterfalls and sweet lakes with plenty of flora and fauna.The valley is about 160 km long and between 1000 m to 4000 m above sea level at different places.

Kunhar River

 

 Noisy Kunhar river with its icy water flows through the picturesque valley. The river water carries with it the delicious trout fish, famous for its rich taste being the most sought after food item for visitors and tourists.

 

Lovely Lakes And Meadows:If you love hiking, trekking or fishing, then Kaghan Valley is like heaven. There are many lakes and meadows high up in the mountains waiting for you. Some of them are: Lake Lulusar, Lake Dodipatsar, Danna Meadows, Sharan, Sri, Paya, Makra Peak, Malika Parbat and Musa Ka Musalla (Prayer Mat of Moses).

 

DUDIPASTAR LAKE ,Kaghan Valley NWFP

ANSOO LAKE:The name "Ansoo" comes from its tear-like shape (the Urdu word Ansoo means teardrop). This lake also resembles Human Eye with central ice land resembling Iris of Human Eye and a ridge resembling Eyebrow becoming even more prominent when ice melts on the Eyebrow in summers.Ansoo Lake is a high-altitude lake (elevation 13927 feet or 4245 metres) in the Kaghan Valley and is counted as one amongst the most beautiful lakes of the world. It is situated in the Mansehra District of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is near Malika Parbat in the Himalayan range.



SAIF UL MALOOK LAKE:Saiful Muluk (Urdu: جھیل سیف الملوک) is an alpine lake located at the northern end of kaghan valley.At an altitude of 3,224 m (10,578 feet) above sea level it is amongst one of the highest lakes in Pakistan.A fairy tale called Saiful Muluk, written by the famous Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, is associated with the lake. It is the story of the prince of Persia who fell in love with a fairy princess at the lake. The impact of the lake beauty is of such extent that people believe that fairies come down to lake in full moon. A poet and writer from Balakot Dr Mujahid hussain wrote the story of Saiful Muluk in prose depicting the local version.(Source:wikipedia)


Malakandi Forest: 8 miles on the western slopes of Kaghan is Kamalban, a heavily populated forest of black bears and leopards, which do incalculable harm to the crops and young trees. Killing a bear is a big game and you'll get reward for shooting down a bear from forest officer as well as from the peasants. Besides these you'll be able to find Muskdeer, thar and goral, Chikore and Himalayan pheasants all over the valley. And if you'll go a little higher you'll be able to find red bear, snow leopard and ibex and occasionally a snow partridge or Ram Chikore or Murgh-I-Zarrin.

Balakot: The Beautiful city of balakot is the biggest subdivision of district Mansehra. It is a historical town, a famous tourist destination of the region and the gateway to Kaghan valley of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan. The river Kunhar, originating from Lulusar lake, runs through the city and merges with Jhelum River just outside Muzaffarabad in Pakistan administered Kashmir.Balakot was the most affected area in the earthquake of 2005, in which the city was totally collapsed and the hotel / tourism industry was badly affected.

Naran Valley: valley is the most beautiful & picturesque valley. That's why it is called virtual paradise, unbelievably in pristine state and still unspoiled by the human. You'll find the Himalayan peaks hidden with clouds or snow, somewhere you'll find the beautiful fairy tale lakes, which will attract you toward them, and you might decide not to leave this at any cost. Where Kaghan is full of scenic beauty there it is full of thrill and excitement for the mountaineers and treks.Naran Valley is a 155 kms long scenic wonderland. Lofty peaks crown the mountains ranges on either side like turrets, ranging in height from 12,000 to 17,000 ft and more, with the eastern range higher than the western.
Lalazar: 16 Kilometers from Naran is the Battakundi another enjoyable spot.this beautiful, meadow is awash with colourful alpine flowers in spring and summer, and set amongst the cool pine forests. A footpath leads from Lalazar Plateau down to lake Saiful Malik, taking 5-6 hrs.



Lalusar Lake:48 kilometers away from Naran, on Naran-Babusar road is Lulu Sar Lake which is wreathed in blue and gold wild flowers, and is the main source of river Kunhar.The lake is the main source of the Kunhar, which flows through the entire Kaghan Valley through Jalkhand, Naran Valley, Kaghan, Jared, Paras and Balakot until it joins the Jhelum River.

 

 

BabusarPass:

Babusar Pass or Babusar Top (elevation: 4173 m./13,691 ft.) is a mountain pass at the north of the 150 km. (93 miles) long Kaghan Valley connecting it via the Thak Nala with the Indus Valley. It is the highest point in Kaghan Valley.

 



PUNJAB

 

Lahore:  Lahore is the capital of the Pakistan province of Punjab and the second largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi. The city lies along the Ravi River.Historically, Lahore has been a center of cultural heritage for many civilizations.Mughal structures such as the Badshahi Mosque, the Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and the mausolea of Jehangir and Nur Jehan are popular  attractions of the city.

Badshahi Mosque

 

Shahi Qila (The Royal Lahore fort)



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RAAVI RIVER: it is located in Punjab-Lahore

SINDH:

 



Sindh  is one of the four provinces of Pakistan It is also locally known as the "Mehran" and has been given the title of Bab-ul-Islam (The gateway of Islam).The capital of the province is Karachi Pakistan's largest city and financial hub.

KARACHI: Karachi is the capital of the province of Sindh, and the largest city in Pakistan. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, north-west of the Indus River Delta, the mega city is the largest city, original capital and cultural, economical, philanthropic, educational, and political hub, as well as the largest port, of the country.

Tooba Mosque

 

 

BEACHES OF KARACHI CITY:

 



Sunset At Karachi sew view(Clifton)

 

 

ASTOLA ISLAND:Astola Island, also known as Jezira Haft Talar or 'Island of the Seven Hills', is a medium-sized, uninhabited island in the Arabian Sea in Pakistan's territorial waters.Lies about 25 km south of the Baluchistan Coast.Camping, fishing and scuba-diving expeditions are popular

DERAWAR FORT: Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Pakistan near Bahawalpur. The forty bastions of Derawar are visible for many miles in Cholistan Desert.



CHOLISTAN DESERT:

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