Ghizer Valley of the Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan

Ghizer valley is one of worth seeing place in Gigit

Ghizer District is the westernmost part of the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. Its capital is Gahkuch. Ghizer is a crossroads between Gilgit and Chitral and also to China, Tajikistan via Qurumber pass through Ishkomen Darkut Yasin, which are connected via Shandur Pass. Ghizer is a multi ethnic district and three major languages are spoken; shina, khowar and Burushaski. There are also Wakhi speakers in Ishkoman and some Tajiks. Ghizer is the gateway to Central Asia. District Ghizer is the quick way to Tajikistan through Boroghul Pamair pass and South West Ghizer meets to Chitral in NFWP. District Ghizer is Northmost part of the Northern Areas located in the extreme north of Pakistan. It joins with Wakhan strip on its north west, and China on its northmost borders. On its west, there is Chitral District of NWFP; and on its east is located Gilgit. Diamer District is on its south, which is again a part of the Northern areas. Gakuch is the capital of the Ghizer District. The highest peak in Ghizer District is Koyo Zum, 6,871 m, Hindu Kush Range, which resides on the boundary of Ghizer District and NWFP of Pakistan. Gherz" is a village in Golaghmuli Valley, which is now known as Golaghmuli. Whenever the Mehtar of Chitral did unjust with their people in Chitral and forced them to migrate towards Gupis. They were settled in the area between Chitral and Gupis and the area called Gherz and the people were called Gherzic. Tehsil Gupis is the central part of Ghizer district. There are so many villages lush green and very pleasant places, like Shandur, Phunder lake, Khalti lake, the biggest Lake in Khalti is very famous for trout fishes. There is also PTDC Hotel available and also some private hotels in Ghahkuch. This is the land of adventure because it provides a lot of avenues for adventure and fun like: trekking, jeep safari, trophy hunting, water rafting, wind surfing and sight seeing.

A large number of tourists come to the District Ghizer each year because all four major valleys are beautiful and easily accessible areas for visitors. Ghizer has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak tourist season from May to mid-October through the tourist season is round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 320C and minimum 160C in September. Raja Gohar Aman is the only ruler of Ghizer who defeated all other rulers of Gilgit and captured the area from Thoi to Bagrot in Gilgit District. The Rajas of Yasin Suleman Shah and Gohar Aman stretched their rule to Gilgit by pushing back Dogras and at some particular juncture of history remained defeated rulers of the region stretched from Yasin to Gilgit. Later on after the death of Gohar Aman owing to the internal conspiracy the Dogras of Maharaja Kashmir came to Yasin and Modori debacle occurred in Yasin.However, the last and most popular Raja of Ghizer in his Tehsil Yasin the (Late) Raja, Metar Thum of Yasin Raja Ghulam Dastgir,after his death no rajas and no Riaya remains. PTDC Motel Phunder Description: Superb location, at the edge of Phunder lake it offers 10 comfortable guest rooms. All rooms are installed dish and TV, marbled bathrooms, hot and cold running water, and efficient room service accommodation rooms. Ishkoman Valley which separates the Karakoram range from the Himalayas is almost 129km in the north west of Gilgit and 65km from Gahkuch. The valley has immense natural beauty in the shape of alpine meadows, massive glacier, perennials streams. It is the home of several passes in treks and alpine lakes. It links district Ghizer with Asumbar, Naltar, Darkut and Chipursan. It is one of the most important tourist points which open the gates towards Wakhan Border. It is situated at a distance of 64km Valley Ghizer from the main town of Ghizer Gahkuch and away from 50 Km Afghan Wakhan Border.

During ancient times a very colorful trade festival was once held in Imit. Traders from entire Central Asia used to participate. The people of Imit have different background and give a speech various languages. They are very friendly and hospitable. Borth is a wonderful picnic spot and is located at a distance of 65 Km from Gahkuch and 34Km away from Wakhan corridor in the upper region of Ishkoman Valley. The spot presents a perfect camping place for domestic and International tourists where the glacial stream runs nearby and offers gentle cool breezes which are really breath taking. People speak Wakhi and have migrated centuries ago from Central Asia. Chilengi Pass trek starts from the village of Matramdan Ishkoman, 2895 mt. The jeep road ends at Matramdan and from there start 5 days treks. The trail crosses a footbridge to the Krumber River and after the crossing of chilengi glacier, this trek leads Baba Ghondi Shrine, the upper most part of Chipursan valley in District Gilgit. Major rivers in the district are Ghizer River, which is recognized as Gupis River in the east of Gupis town. Some of its tributaries include Karambar River, Ishkoman River, Phakora River, Hayal River and Yasin River. Main Lakes in this district are Phander Lake and Khalti Lake. Yasin Valley is yet another most spectacular scenic valleys in Ghizer. Yasin valley lies at just 137km from Gilgit and 62km from Gahkuch (the headquarter of Ghizer). It's charming villages, carefully cultivated fields and orchards offer a blend of lifetime experience in remote valleys of Hindukush.The summer in Yasin valley has great attraction not only because of scenic beauty but, it also offers avenues from adventure lovers thanks to its trekking options from Darkut to Chitral via Broghal pass and baba Ghundi via Chilingi pass.

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Soon Sakesar Valley is One of the Beautiful Valleys of Pakistan

Soon Sakesar is Beautiful and Attractive Valley for Tourists

Soon Valley Sakesar is in the north west of Khushab district, in Punjab, Pakistan. Soon Valley or, soon Sakesar Valley is one of the most beautiful, charming, attractive, lovely and famous valleys of Pakistan. It is expected to be very beautiful and full of natural and worth seeing places and its largest settlement town is the Naushera. It is the main town of Soon Valley. The town is situated 48km, from Khushab city and 68km, from Kallar Kahar town in the heart of the valley, surrounded by high hills, beautiful lakes, jungles, natural pools and ponds. It is equally blessed with ancient civilization, natural resources, and fertile farms. The overall height of surrounding hills is around 2500 ft above sea level, with several peaks reaching over 3000 ft. The valley extends from the village of Padhrar to Sakesar, the highest peak in the Salt Range. The valley is 56km long and has an average width of 14km. It covers a 280 sq km, area. Soon Valley has much scenic beauty, with lakes, waterfalls, jungle, natural pools and ponds. The valley has been settled since ancient times, including the Awan tribe, whose descendants still live in the valley. 

The peak of Mount Sakesar is at 5,010 ft, above sea level. It was once the summer headquarters of the Deputy Commissioners of three districts in Campbelpur now Attock, Mianwali and Shahpur, now Sargodha. It is no other mountain in this part of the Punjab which receives snowfall in winter. Main villages: Naushera,Uchalli, Khura, Mardwal, Khabaki, Kufri, Sidiqabad, Dhaka, Anga, Dhadhar, Jabbah, Kalial, Sodhi Jai wali, Surrakki, Kuradhi, Ugali, Subhral, Jahlar, Chitta,Sirhal,Sodhi Bala, Hard do Sodhi, Zeren, Shakar kot,Uchhala, Teeveen, Mustafabad, Bhuki, Ahmedabad, Khotaka, Mukrummi, Manawan, Jhuge wala, Kotli, Jaley wali. Many inhabitants of the valley descend from tribes of Arab origin. Islamic culture and traditions are the norm. Practices include arranged marriages according to the Islamic traditions, where the wedding ceremony takes place at a mosque. The Nikah is followed by close family members, relatives, and friends of the bride and groom. Usually men and women are separated, either sitting in separate rooms or with a purdah, curtain, separating them. Luddi is a folk dance for celebratory occasions, when the music is often played on the dhol drum and shehnai oboe. Lake Uchhali is a picturesque salt water lake in the southern Salt Range overlooked mount Sakaser, the highest mountain in the Salt Range. Its brackish water means that its waters are lifeless and the best weather to visit this lake is in Feb to March or Sept to November. 

Lake Khabikki is also a salt water lake in the southern Salt Range. It is perhaps  1km wide and 2km long. Khabikki is also the name of a neighbouring village. These lakes attract thousands of migratory birds each year including rare white headed ducks, Oxyura leucocephalam, from Central Asia. For hiking and adventure the landscapes and terrain of Soon Sakesar valley are inviting both ameture and professionals. You can plan one day trip to most of the areas and some areas require more than one day to explore the deep, but after each well organized adventure you will come back with memories that will remain asset for the rest of your life. There are routes where you will cross the villages and Dhoks, and there are jungles where you will do not find anyone to guide the right track. Therefore before planning any adventure trip, you must be clear about the routes and necessities of travel, like water, food, first aid box, maps etc. In general the whole Sakesar valley is worth seeing, that is a matter of even months, but some of the more important hiking routes are these, Naushahra to Jalewali walking via Gunja peak, Chahrianwala and Mahrum Dev Wali Dil, Naushahra to Khura via Chamnaki, Naushahra to Hardo Sodhi via Chamnaki, Khabakki to Uchhala Mor via Uchhala, Khabakki to Sodhi via southeastern jungles, Khabakki to Dhadhar via northern mountain top of lake, Mardawal to Anga via valley floor or mountain peak, Kotli to Uchhali via Chitta, Dhok Jahan Abad, Khabakki, to cliff fort Akrand. 

Soon Sakesar Valley is accessible through public transport from Islamabad, M2 Balkasar interchange, Lahore, M2 Kalar Kahar Intrechange, Sargodha, Khushab and Mianwali. It is about 2 and half hours from Khushab, from Islamabad side you enter in the valley by jabs of road through Talagang. Soon Sakesar is a wonderland located in the heart of Pakistan and has unique geographical features that exist very rare in the world which is in its closed drainage patterns that lead to the formation of Uchhali, Khabeki and Jahlar lakes. Soon Sakesar valley was called as Koh e Jodh in ancient times and is the most beautiful part of the Salt Range. It is a valley of Lakes and springs, Lush green fertile fields, Versatile mountains, Amazing landscape, Dense mixed forests, Sanctuaries of wildlife, Brave peoples of high traditions, Rich Archaeology, Pre Historical sites, Ancient History and much more and Soon Sakesar Valley is very attractive place for tourists of around world.

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Area of Gojal is full of natural and beautiful landscapes

Gojal is Full of Natural Beauty of Valleys and Mountains

Gojal is an area of beautiful and worth seeing places and Gojal is located in north of Gilgit and Pakistan the borders with China and Afghanistan. It is the largest tehsil of the Gilgit Baltistan called northern area of Pakistan. Gojal is a series of small and large valleys sharing borders with Hunza in the south, China in the north east and Afghanistan in the north west. Shishkat is the first village of Gojal. Except for the Shimshal, Misgar and Chipursan valleys, all the villages of Gojal can be viewed on the Karakorum Highway, which crosses Gojal, entering China at the Khunjerab, Gulmit is the administrative headquarters of the Gojal Tehsil, in the upper Hunza region. Gulmit is a centuries old historic town, with mountains, peaks and glaciers. It is a tourist spot and has a lot of hotels, shops and a museum. It is located 2,408m, above the Arabian Sea level. Gulmit consists of small hamlets called Kamaris, Odver, Dalgiram, Laksh, Kalha, Shawaran, Khor Lakhsh, Chamangul and Goze. Gulmit is home to around 4,000 people, all of them Wakhi-speakers and followers of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam. Before 1974, when Hunza was a state. Gulmit used to be the Summer Capital of the state. After the abolition of the state it became the Tehsil's seat of government. The oldest intact house in Gulmit is more than six centuries old. 

Most of the families have migrated from Bagrot and chaprot to this wakhi place. There are six Jamaat khanas or religious community centres in Gulmit. One notices their presence in every ward of the village. The old Summer Palace of Mir of Hunza stands at the northern edge of Gulmit's historic Polo Ground. Old mosques, now used as libraries. Also adorn the beautiful physique of Gulmit valley. Among the new buildings constructed by the government in Gulmit are Tehsil Headquarters, Federal Government's Boys High School, Civil Hospital, Diamond Jubilee Girls Middle School and Government Girls Higher Secondary School. Al- Amyn Model School, a community based organization, has a beautiful building standing next to the Health Center of Aga Khan Health Services. Gojal valley is famous for its rich natural wealth, landscape, picturesque locations, lofty mountains, breathtaking scenic beauty, wildlife and nature, glittering glaciers, valleys of lush green foliage and fruits, beautiful meadows, and pastures. The valley is comprised of 25 villages, including Ghawooshben, Ainabad, Shishkat, Nazimabad 1, Gulmit, Ghulkin, Seesoni, Hussani, Passu, Khyber, Ghalapan, Moorkhon, Jamalabad, Gircha, Sarteez, Nazimabad, Sost, Aminabad, Khudabad, Misgar, Qalandarchi, Avgarchi, Raminj, Yarz Rech, Kirmin, Reshit, Sharisafz, Kumpirdior, Zowoodkhon, Oston and Shimshal. Gulmit is Gojal’s largest settlement and Tehsil headquarters.Gojal is geographically the largest Tehsil of Hunza Nagar district in Gilgit Baltistan spreading over an area of about 8,500 sq km. 

Valley borders with the Xinjiang Uighur region of China and Wakhan Corridor or Little Pamir of Afghanistan. Geographically Gojal is located between 70 latitude, and at an elevation ranging from 2,340m to 4,877m, above the sea level. Gojal is a mountainous region forming the western part of the Karakoram and Eastern Pamir mountain range. This area also hosts the 56km long Batura glacier the fourth longest of Pakistan, after Siachin, Hispar and Biafo. The region is home to lofty ice capped peaks, roaring rivers, lush green pastures and long glaciers. Passu is a small village on the Karakoram Highway, beside the Hunza River, some 15km from Gulmit, the tehsil headquarters of Gojal in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan, and about 150km upriver from Gilgit. It lies very near the tongue of the Passu Glacier, and just south of the tongue of the Batura Glacier. With its diverse places, people and customs, Passu is the mixing bowl of ancient civilization and dream of nature lovers, is well known for its contrasting landscapes of the world. 

At times, immemorial, the village has served as a mountainous resort, situated in the spectacular Karakoram mountains on the old silk route 150km from Gilgit in the west banks of Hunza river and border on China. Many adventurers, eco tourists, historians and nature lovers visit the area. The latter is the fifth longest non polar glacier in the world at 56km and reaches very near to the highway. Passu is a high mountainous region, with nothing below 2,500m, specific mountain peaks include Passu, 7284m, Shisper, 7611m, Batura, 7785m, and the most remarkable is Passu cathedral peak at 6500m and Lakes and Glaciers. Gojal is very attractive and present area for local and international tourists and the landscapes of Gojal are so beautiful and atmosphere is very cool and restful as well.

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Tourism in Pakistan

Pakistan Tourism Industry is Grown in Last Several Years

The tourism industry in Pakistan has gone through period's of robust growth and bust, from its heyday during the 1970s when the country received unprecedented amounts of foreign tourists, thanks to the hippie trail. The main destinations of choice for these tourists were the Khyber Pass, Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Swat and Rawalpindi. The tourism industry has declined since the start of war on terror in 2001, but inspite that local tourists visit these places every year and in order to promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the Pakistan launched the, Visit Pakistan, marketing campaign in 2007. This campaign involved numerous events throughout the year including fairs and religious festivals, regional sporting events, various arts and craft shows, folk festivals and several openings of historical museums. In 2009, the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report ranked Pakistan as one of the top 25% tourist destinations for its World Heritage sites. Ranging from mangroves in the south, to 5,000 years old cities of the Indus Valley Civilization which included Mohenjo daro and Harappa.

There are so many worth seeing places and a huge historical heritage spread throughout Pakistan. These beautiful natural and historical places attract to local and international tourist to visit there, these places include beautiful valleys like Swat Valley, Hunza Valley, Kaghan Valley, Ziarat Valley, Kalash Valley, beautiful lakes like Lake SaifulMuluk , Kandol Lake, Hanna Lake, Rawal Lake, Namal Lake, Uchhali Lake, Borith Lake, Attabad Lake, Mahodand Lake, Rama Lake, Lake Manchar, beautiful hill Stations like Murree, Abbottabad, Ayubia, Behrain, Bhurban, Chitral, Fort Munro, Galyat, Gilgit Baltistan, Malam Jabba, Muzaffarabad, Patiata, Thandiani, Skardu, Gorakh Hill, these valleys, lakes and hill stations are full of natural beauty. Adventure Mountains like K2, Nanga Parpat, Gasherbrum 2, Broad Peak, Rakaposhi, Gasherburm 3, Distaghil Sar, Kunyang Chhish, Masherbrum,  K1, Batura 1, Batura 2,Saltoro Kangri, Batura 3 and a lot of others well known mountain peaks, all these mountains lie in three mountain ranges like Himalaya, Baltoro Karakoram, and Hindu Kush and these mountain peaks attract those people who are very keen of adventurism. 

Well known historical places like Moenjodaro of the Indus Valley Civilization in Sindh, Ganddhara Civilization Taxila in Rawalpindi, Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Rohtas Fort near Jhelum, Badshahi Mosque, Tomb of Jahangir, Shalamar Garden, Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Chauburji and Historical Gates of Lahore, Hiran Minar in Sheikhupura, all these worth seeing historical places attract to those people who are keen to know about old civilizations. Pakistan's tourism industry attracted an estimated at 1.1 million foreign tourists annually in 2011 and 966,000 in 2012 contributing $351 million and $369 million respectively. Before declining to 565,212 in 2013 which contributed only $298 million, in 2014, Pakistan received 480,000 foreign tourists contributing $285 million. By comparison, Pakistan's domestic tourism industry is valued at 50 million domestic tourists who travel within the country on short trips usually travelling between May to August.

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Hunza Villey

Hunza Valley's Natural Beauty is Attracted to Tourists

Hunza valley is probably Pakistan's most visited valley, by the tourists and Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in Gilgit in the Gilgit Baltistan autonomous region, an area under the control of the government of Pakistan. The Hunza valley is situated to the north of the Hunza River, at an elevation of around 2,500 m. The territory of Hunza is about 7,900 square km. Karimabad ,formerly called Baltit, is the main town, which is also a very popular tourist destination because of the spectacular scenery of the surrounding mountains like Ultar Sar, Rakaposhi, Bojahagur Duanasir II, Hunza Peak, Diran Peak and Bublimating ,Ladyfinger Peak, all 6,000 m or higher. Upper Hunza ,Gojal, is the beautiful valley of Hunza, and one of its sub regions where three different linguistically people are existing. Burushaski speakers originated from central Hunza and migrated during kingdom of Ayashoo and wakhi speakers oriented from Wakhan corridor. 65% of population encompass of wakhi speakers and rest of 34% composed of Burushaski speakers. The third dialect Domki compared with 1% and their families found in Nazim abad and Shishkat village. 

Lower Hunza is a sub region of Hunza, boundaries with Nagar valley on east and south. The beautiful sub region of hunza starts from a village Khizir abad and ends at Nasir Abad, Lower Hunza composed of Khizir abad, Mayoon, Hussainabad, Khana Abad and Nasirabad. Nasirabad location on Karakorum Highway makes it as a central village of Lower Hunza. Several high peaks rise above 6,000 m the Hunza valley. The valley provides spectacular views of some of the most beautiful and magnificent mountains of the world, including Rakaposhi 7,788 m, Ultar Sar 7,388 m, Bojahagur Duanasir II 7,329 m, Ghenta Sar 7,090 m, Hunza Peak 6,270 m, Darmyani Peak 6,090 m, and Bublimating ,Ladyfinger Peak, 6,000 m. A watch tower is located in heart of Ganish Village, Baltit fort which are restored by the Aga Khan fund for Culture & heritage. The fort has been brought into a guided museum you can spend time in the for visiting different sections of the fort and viewing the slide show in the small hall of the fort. Baltit Fort stands on top of Karimabad whereas Altit fort lies somewhat lower down the valley on another outcrop. The valley is popularly believed to be the inspiration for the mythical valley of Shangri-la in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon. Local languages spoken include Burushaski, Wakhi and Shina, although many people understand Urdu. The literacy rate of the Hunza valley is considered to be more than 95%. 

Hunza valley has been described as a role model for Pakistan in terms of its high literacy rate and school enrollment figures. Virtually every child is trained up to at least high school level. This valley is comprised of terraced ridges running from the high pastures down to the river, with extensive irrigation channels bringing melt water from the glaciers to the terraced fields and villages. A wide variety of crops are cultivated here; including potatoes, barley, wheat, and vegetables along with apricots, apples, cherries, almonds, and other fruit or nut crops. Hunza was formerly a princely state bordering Uyghurstan also called Xinjiang, autonomous region of China, to the northeast and Pamir to the northwest, which survived until 1974, when it was finally dissolved by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south and the former princely state of Nagar to the east. The state capital was the town of Baltit, also known as Karimabad. Another old settlement is Ganish village. Hunza was an independent principality for more than 900 years. The British gained control of Hunza and the neighbouring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1892 through a military conquest. The then Mir or Tham, ruler, Mir Safdar Ali Khan of Hunza fled to Kashghar in China and sought what would be called political asylum. Hunza valley is one of the attractive valleys of Pakistan.

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Abbottabad

Abbottabad is One of the Finest City of Pakistan

Abbottabad has a cool climate, and one of the country’s finest hill-station retreats is an hour away at Thandiani and  Abbottabad  is very attractive for tourists and Abbottabad  is a city located in the Hazara region of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in northeastern Pakistan. The city is situated in the Orash Valley, 110 kilometers north of the capital Islamabad, 130 kilometers from Rawalpindi and 150 kilometers northeast of Peshawar at an altitude of 1,260 meters and is the capital of the Abbottabad District. Kashmir lies in the east of the city. The city is well known throughout Pakistan for its pleasant weather, high-standard educational institutions and military establishments. It remains a popular hill-station attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Abbottabad has been attracting tourists to the city since the colonial era, as it is a major transit point to all major tourist regions of Pakistan such as Nathiagali, Ayubia and Naran. 

It is a charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly cool and green hills. Thousands of tourists visit  Abbottabad  every year in summer and winter from throughout Pakistan. Southbound cyclists should take a rest and contemplate the scenic mountain route via Murree rather than the truck choked Karakuram Highway. Apart from changing money for an excursion into the Kaghan Valley there’s little reason for other travellers to make a halt. Abbottabad, was the headquarters of the Hazara district during British rule of the Indian subcontinent. It was called after Major James Abbott who founded the town and district in January 1853 after the annexation of Punjab. He remained the first Deputy Commissioner of the Hazara district from 1849 until April 1853. Major Abbott is noted for having written a poem titled, Abbottabad, before he went back to Britain, in which he wrote of his fondness for the

town and his sadness at having to leave it. In the early 20^th century, Abbottabad became an important military cantonment and sanatorium, serving as the headquarters of a brigade of the Second Division of the Northern Army Corps. The garrison been composed of four battalions of native infantry, of the Frontier Force and two native mountain batteries. 

In October 2005 in Abbottabad was devastated by the Kashmir earthquake. Although most of Abbottabad survived, many older buildings were damaged or severely damaged. The city is bounded on all four sides by the Sarban hills, from which residents and tourists can see breathtaking views of the region and city. The location of the city and the hills allows Abbottabad to experience pleasant weather in the summer and cold winters. The Dor river flows south of Abbottabad through the town of Harnol, eventually reaching Tarbela Dam, situated west of Abbottabad. Neighbouring districts are Mansehra to the north, Muzaffarabad to the east, Haripur to the west and Islamabad Capital Territory to the south. Abbottabad has a humid subtropical climate, with mild to warm temperatures during the spring and autumn months, hot temperatures during June and July, and cool to mild temperatures during the winter. The temperature can rise as high as 100 °F during the mid-summer months and drop below 23 °F during the extreme cold waves. Snowfall occurs occasionally in December and January, though it is sparse, while the heavy rainfall events occurs during the monsoon season stretching from July to September that frequently cause flooding in lower lying parts of the city.

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