Pakistan Travell

Gojal, a tehsil within the Hunza Nagar District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a region of stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Encompassing approximately 8,500 square kilometers, this valley serves as a fascinating crossroads, bordering both the Xinjiang-Uighur Autonomous Region of China and the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan. Gojal's allure stems from its abundant natural resources, a vibrant mix of dramatic terrain, picturesque locales, soaring mountains, breathtaking natural beauty, diverse wildlife, pristine wilderness, gleaming glaciers, verdant vegetation, fertile fruit orchards, and idyllic meadows and pastures. The valley is home to twenty-five distinct villages, each with its own individual character. From Goshobin and Ainabad to the more remote settlements of Misgar and Shamshal, life in Gojal is deeply connected to the natural world. Gilmat, the largest settlement and the tehsil headquarters, acts as the central hub of this dynamic area. Gojal's...

Hermosh Peak, also known as Peak 58, is a prominent mountain in the Karakoram Range of Pakistan. Its elevation is often cited as 7,409 meters. Situated south of the Rakaposhi-Hermosh mountainous region, a smaller section of the Karakoram range, Hermosh stands approximately 40 miles east of Gilgit. It rises dramatically from the northern bank of the Indus River, near its confluence with the Gilgit River. Notable peaks in the Hermosh massif include Hermosh Choti and Hermosh Katwal Laila Choti.  Early attempts to conquer Hermosh began in 1947 with a Swiss team. In 1955, a German expedition explored the northeast ridge. A British team from Oxford University, consisting of Tony Streather, John Emery, Bernard Glott, and Rawlence Colber, faced numerous challenges and setbacks in 1957. Their expedition resulted in the tragic deaths of Glott and Colber, while Streather and Emery survived, though Emery suffered severe frostbite, losing all his fingers and toes. Ralph Barker's book, Bl...

Khaplu, often described as a hidden gem within Baltistan, boasts a rich history and captivating beauty. Its existence was first documented in the 16th century by Mirza Haider in his Tarikh-e-Rashdi , where he referred to it as a district of Balti. Khaplu's strategic location and its royal family's ties to Ladakh brought it increasing attention in the 17th and 18th centuries. The rulers of Khaplu were often subordinate to the Rajas of Skardu, paying them tribute. Like much of the region during the Rajagan era, Khaplu experienced economic hardship, with commoners burdened by taxes on agriculture and livestock. This system persisted until the era of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, whose memory is still fondly cherished by locals for ending it. European contact with Khaplu began in the 19th century. Captain Claude Martin Wade is believed to be among the first Europeans to reach the area. An article published in 1835 in the Asiatic Society of Bengal referred to it as "Chloe....

The Potohar Plateau, situated north of Punjab and west of Azad Kashmir in northeast Pakistan, possesses a distinct language and culture.  Comprising the districts of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi, the plateau includes cities like Gujar Khan, Rawat, Attock, and Mandra.  The Jhelum and Indus rivers traverse the region, which also features varied terrain, including the Salt Range and the Kala Chatta Range.  Agriculture here is primarily rain-fed.  Potohar is also rich in natural resources, evidenced by its numerous oil and gas fields.  The region's culture boasts a long history, with evidence of ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization.  Numerous archaeological finds and fossils, now housed in the Taxila Museum, contribute to the local heritage. Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a significant center of learning for Hindus and Buddhists and a major part of the Gandhara civilization.  It experienced periods of Persian...

  Attar Lake, a stunning natural reservoir, graces the high-altitude landscape at 4,000 meters above sea level. Nestled amidst the towering Hindu Kush mountains, this approximately 4-kilometer-long lake lies between the Darkot and Ashkuman valleys, a jewel set between dramatic peaks. Its pristine waters reflect the surrounding beauty, a panorama of vibrant wildflowers and snow-dusted summits. The lake's existence was brought to wider attention in 1933 by Francis Schomberg, a British military traveler and author of The Beach of Oaks and the Indus . Schomberg's vivid descriptions portray the Ashkuman Valley as a vast natural amphitheater, enclosed by majestic, snow-capped mountains and adorned with hanging glaciers. His writings capture the essence of the region's rugged and breathtaking terrain, highlighting the dramatic interplay of rock, ice, and water that characterizes this remote and captivating part of the world. Attar Lake, a key feature of this landscape, adds t...

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 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