Skip to main content

Posts

Shimshal Valley

Shemshal, also known as Shngshal, is a remote village in the Hunza District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Perched at 3,100 meters above sea level, it's the highest settlement in the district and a vital border crossing point connecting Pakistan with China. Founded around 1450 by Mamo Singh, the village comprises four main settlements: Farmanabad, Aminabad, Center Shamshal, and Khaizabad. The approximately 200 inhabitants reside in around 250 households. Shemshal is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery, attracting adventurers and mountaineers. Towering peaks like Distagil Sar, Shamsheel White Horn, and Kanjut Sar, along with extensive glaciers such as Malangodhi and Khurdopin, create a dramatic landscape. The Khurdopin Glacier Pass is a particularly popular trekking destination. Shemshal's mountaineering legacy is strong, with over twenty local climbers, including the celebrated Rajab Shah, who has scaled five 8,000-meter peaks in Pakistan, earning the region th...

Jahlar Lake

Jahlar Lake offers a tranquil escape into nature's embrace. Its secluded location near Jahlar village contributes to its unspoiled beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it a hidden gem within the valley. Spanning approximately 148 acres, the lake provides a sense of serenity and calm to those who discover it. During the winter months, Jahlar Lake becomes a haven for migratory birds. Around 50 different species journey from the frigid Siberian plains to feed on the lake's fish population. This influx of avian life adds another layer of wonder to the already picturesque setting. Interestingly, the lake's water possesses a high acidity level, so much so that it can be used for washing clothes without soap. Currently, Jahlar Lake remains undeveloped, lacking facilities like boating or fishing, further preserving its natural charm

Kharfaq Lake

Nestled in the Karakoram mountain range, Kharfaq Lake (Riochug Tso) offers a breathtaking high-altitude experience.  Located near Kharfaq village in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, this natural wonder sits at approximately 13,000 feet, surrounded by towering peaks.  Accessible via a scenic two-hour trek from Kharfaq village, the journey itself is part of the adventure.  Hikers traverse slopes alongside a lively stream, its water playfully spraying as it winds through the landscape.  July and August provide the optimal window for visiting Kharfaq Lake, as the water reaches its peak level in mid-July after gradually increasing from May.  During the winter months, a blanket of snow transforms the lake into a pristine white landscape, creating a different, yet equally stunning, vista.  Kharfaq village, a small community within the Ghanche district, is about 75 kilometers from Skardu.  The lake's remote location and natural beauty make it a rewarding destinatio...

Hussain Abad - Waterfalls

Tucked away in the Hussainabad valley, just a short 3-kilometer drive from Skardu city, lies the captivating Hussainabad Waterfall.  Though small in stature, this waterfall offers a delightful natural spectacle.  A mere 15-minute drive from Skardu brings visitors to the charming town of Hussainabad, where the waterfall resides.  Its allure is amplified by the surrounding scenic beauty.  Lush green pastures stretch out around the falls, while towering trees create a vibrant green frame against the backdrop of majestic, sky-piercing mountains.  This combination of elements makes the waterfall a truly picturesque destination.  Adding to the area's appeal is the popular tourist attraction known as Marsur Rock.  Remarkably similar to the famed Trolltunga rock in Norway, Marsur Rock provides a unique photo opportunity and adds another layer of interest to a visit to the Hussainabad Waterfall.  The combination of the cascading water, verdant landscapes, ...

Soon Valley

The Soon Valley, nestled in the Khushab District of Punjab, Pakistan, is a region of captivating beauty.  Its name, derived from the Sanskrit word "Soon" meaning "beautiful," perfectly reflects its scenic landscapes.  The valley stretches 35 miles (56 km) from Padharar village to Saxar, the highest peak of the Salt Range, and encompasses an area of approximately 300 square miles (780 km2).     This valley boasts a diverse natural heritage, including serene lakes like Achhali, Khabiki, and Jhalar, along with the cascading Kofri waterfall.  Lush forests and natural ponds dot the landscape, creating a haven for nature lovers.  The Soon Valley has been inhabited for centuries, with the Awan tribe among its earliest residents.  Their descendants continue to call the valley home.  A road connecting Noorwala to Nowshera, constructed by the Punjab government and opened in 1928, stands as a tribute to the valley's contributions during World War I....

Balghar, Pakistan

Balghar Valley, situated in the Ghanche district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a vibrant community nestled along the banks of the Shewak River.  This valley encompasses fifteen distinct neighborhoods, each contributing to the unique character of the region.  These neighborhoods include Gond Bulgar, Chen Gond Bulgar, Chopia, Rotaka, Ongbo, Marmong Bulgar, Loda Bulgar, Khanka Grung Bulgar, Khodha Bulgar, Garipa Bulgar, Croating Bulgar, Khashu Bulgar, Yom, and Zhob Bulgar.  The valley is geographically defined by House Valley to the east, Caris Valley to the west, Sugar Valley to the north, and Daguni,The inhabitants of Balghar Valley predominantly adhere to Islam.  The majority, comprising 77% of the population, follows the Sufi Noorbakhshiya sect.  Adherents of Ahle Hadith constitute 20%, while the remaining 3% practice other Shia Islamic traditions, such as Jaffaria jurisprudence.Education has long been a valued principle in Balghar.  Historically, Isla...

Naltar Valley Lakes

Nalter Valley, a captivating region in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is situated 40 km (25 miles) northwest of Gilgit city.  Accessible via the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), this valley, with an elevation of 4,678 meters (15,348 feet), draws visitors with its scenic beauty and high-altitude lakes.  Popular with travelers, Nalter Valley attracts over fifty thousand visitors annually, particularly during the summer months. It also hosts the National Skating Championship at the end of February.Historically, Nalter Valley is believed to be among the first settlements in the Gilgit region.  Ancient inhabitants were primarily hunters and shepherds.  The valley is renowned for several features.  Its snow-capped mountains, including Maharbani Peak (also known as Palo Peak) at 6,363 meters and Shani Peak (5,029 meters), a part of the Karakoram range, add to its dramatic landscape.  Nalter Valley's verdant greenery and dense f...
Update cookies preferences