Pakistan Tourism

Skardu is the main town of Baltistan along the wide bank of the river Indus. Skardu is the largest district of the Northern Areas. Baltistan is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, the Karakoram Range, Skardu is very popular with Mountaineering Expeditions. It is equally popular with high altitude trekkers, who treks to Baltoro Glacier, K2 Base Camp and Concordia.  Skardu by road, lies approximately 5 hours away from Gilgit and 10 hours drive from Besham.  A daily flight to and from Islamabad is also in operation. The flight is always subject to weather. Skardu has a character of its own and has a very interesting scenery. The Indus becomes wide and still here. The town is surrounded by dry rugged mountains and sand dunes.Skardu is famous for the many trekking and adventure spots around it. There are numerous treks starting from Skardu. The near by Satpara Lake and Shangri-la resort are very famous among the local travelers and is visited by people from all over the country during June & July.The Skardu region has the four of the world’s fourteen Eight-thousander peaks (8,000 m and above) this makes it a heaven for trekkers expeditions enthusiasts and mountain climbers. The main tourist season is from April to OctoberAskole and Hushe Valleys are the main gateways to the snow covered 8,000 m peaks including Mashabum, K2, the Gasherbrums, Broad Peak and the Trango Towers, and also to the huge glaciers of Baltoro, Biafo and Trango.Adventure tours and jeep safaris to the Deosai Plains, the second highest in the world (at 4,100 m or 13,500 feet) after the Chang Tang in Tibet, either start from or end at Skardu. In local Balti language, Deosai is called Byarsa, meaning ‘summer place’. With an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres, the plains extend all the way to Ladakh and provide habitat for snow leopards, ibex, Tibetan brown bears and wild horses.

literature was made by Frenchman François Bernier (1625–1688). Bernier was a physician and world traveller who reached India in 1659 and in 1663, in the wake of the Mughal emperorAurangzeb, travelled to Kashmir. In 1670, he described his encounter with a King of Little Tibet — one related to Murad Khan — and mentions Eskerdou (Skardu) as one of the places of Baltistan in his travel memoirs. After this mention of Little Tibet and Skardu through the country, Little Tibet and Skardu were quickly drawn into Asian maps produced in Europe. Skardu was first mentioned as Eskerdow the map “Indiae orientalis nec non insularum adiacentium nova descriptio” by Nicolaes Visscher II, published 1680–1700, and the first recorded Baltistan as Tibet Minor.

The climate of Skardu during the summer is moderated by its mountain setting; the intense heat of lowland India does not reach it. The mountains block out the summer monsoon, and summer rainfall is thus quite low. However, these mountains result in very severe winter weather. During the April-to-October tourist season, temperatures vary between a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum (in October) 8 °C (46 °F). Temperatures can drop to below −10 °C (14 °F) in the December-to-January midwinter period. The lowest recorded temperature was −24.1 °C (−11 °F) on 7 January 1995.

The Shigar River is a tributary to the Indus River , joining at the town of Skardu. The Basha and Braldu rivers are northern tributaries of the Shigar. Numerous complex granitic pegmatites and a few alpine-cleft metamorphic deposits are found in the Shigar Valley and its tributaries. Shigar Valley contains the Main Karokoram Thrust separating the metasediments (chlorite to amphibolite grade) on the Asian plate from the southern volcanoclastic rocks of the Kohistan-Ladakh island arc.

Commercial AirlineSome may trust the national airliner with their commutation up north. It is guaranteed that if you manage to take the window seat, you won’t be able to blink your eye for a second due to the fear of missing a thing. It gives you an amazing aerial view with affordability. It is approximately a 75 minutes journey from Benazir Bhutto International Airport (Islamabad).

Deosai, in its literal translation, means “The land of Giants”. Lying 24.5 Miles south of Skardu, (approachable by rental 4×4) This park if not only famous due to its natural beauty and for being up-north but the pride of this plain is its second position amongst the highest plateaus in the world. Deosai has more to offer than just the geographical location and the scenery. This place is home for the Himalayan Brown Bear which was on the verge of being extinct in 1993, but due to the proper environment and care by the government, the Brown Bear family in Deosai was recorded to have increased to 40 in number as of 2005. Deosai is decorated by rich and colorful flowers with a touch of lush green grass and a distant view of snow-capped mountains which combines to be the perfect spring season combo. Its geographic location, the boundary of Karakorum and Western Himalayas, is what makes it even more exciting for tourists who wish to relax under the warm sun and observe the details of the Creator. For the lot who might think of Deosai National Park as a dry place, the aqua admirers may pay attention to the Deosai (Sheosar) Lake inside the park which is counted amongst the highest lakes in the world.

Kharpocho Fort Or Skardu Fort, in its literal translation, means The King of Forts. This fort belongs to the 16th Century. The credits for this magnificent fort go to Ali Sher Khan Anchan, a Famous ruler of Gilgit Baltistan. This fort consists of an ancient mosque as well. The Fort itself is situated 1400ft above the city of Skardu on a hill providing the stunning view of the whole city. Once you climb up to the top, it makes you feel like an eagle overlooking its territory, which in this case is the whole valley, the Indus River and the natural beauty of the Skardu City. This Fort gets even more interesting if you ask the natives about its made up story.

Khunjerab Pass (sometimes called Khunerjab Pass) is a high mountain pass on the northern border of Pakistan with China, at an elevation of 4.733 meters (15,528 feet) above the sea level. The Khunjerab Pass is the highest border-crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway

Khunjerab Pass is located in the Karakoram Mountains in a strategic position on the northern border of Pakistan’s Gilgit–Baltistan Hunza-Nagar District on the southwest border of the Xinjiang region of China.

Pakistan and China, the two friendly neighboring countries separated by the highest mountainous range of the world The Karakorum ranges. The only place connecting two countries together over this mountainous range is The Khunjerab Pass, at the height of 16,200 ft. Khunjerab Pass is the point were the Highest Paved international road The Karakorum Highway enters China connecting Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China andGilgit–Baltistan of Pakistan. For those who love the high mountainous region, snow and cold weather this is a place must go.

Hunza was formerly a princely state bordering China to the north-east and Pamir to its north-west, which continued to survive until 1974, when it was finally dissolved by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east. The state capital was the town of Baltit (also known as Karimabad) and its old settlement is Ganish Village.Hunza was an independent principality for more than 900 years. The British gained control of Hunza and the neighboring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1892 followed by a military engagement of severe intensity. The then Thom (Prince) Mir Safdar Ali Khan of Hunza fled to Kashghar in China and sought what can be called political asylum.

The Valley of upper Hunza Gojal offers the best views of snow capped mountains. A 900 years old Ondra fort overlooking the village of Gulmit makes a fine vantage point to view over 6000 peaks on a clear day, the spectacular sight of mountain and valleys in the range of 120 kilometres gives the feeling of a dream coming true as if witnessing the great open museum of mountains.

Gulmit (2500m) the Capital of upper Hunza valley is the only town in the world, where you can view five peaks over (6000m) in all four directions. Tupopdan peak (6106m), Shisper peak (7611m), Gulmit Tower (6000m), Quroon (7143m) and Distalghail Sar peak reaches in high as Hunza Skyline. The patches of lush terraced fields on rugged mountains if a sample of hard work and irrigation channels worked out by Hunzakuts.

Land of Apricot Orchards, Peaches, Apples, Mulberry, walnuts and Grapes

Hunza Valley the land of apricot orchards, peaches, apples. Mulberry, walnuts and grapes. Glacial stream thunder down from distant peaks and sizzle through forests of poplar. Hunza Valley is said to have been inspiration for the imaginary paradise of Shangri-La, immortalize by James Hilton in his classic 1930s novel “Lost Horzon”. Although lost horizon is pure fantasy, a tale of westerner brought to a remote Tibetan valley whose rulers lived to extraordinary ages because they know nothing of greed, fear, anger or competition. Hunza Valley has remarkable parallels with Shanri-La. The mountain people of Hunza valley with Brown or Golden hairs and green, blue or grey eyes, unravel the mystery of their origin. Their ancestors are belived to be to the solders of Alexander’s army who settled down in these valleys with their Persian wives.

Climate of Hunza was formerly a princely state bordering China to the north-east and Pamir to its north-west, which continued to survive until 1974, when it was finally dissolved by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east. The state capital was the town of Baltit (also known as Karimabad) and its old settlement is Ganish Village. Hunza was an independent principality for more than 900 years. The British gained control of Hunza and the neighboring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1892 followed by a military engagement of severe intensity. The then Thom (Prince) Mir Safdar Ali Khan of Hunza fled to Kashghar in China and sought what can be called political asylum.

The Hunza is situated at an elevation of about 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). For many centuries, Hunza has provided the quickest access to Swat and Gandhara for a person travelling on foot. The route was impassable to baggage animals; only human porters could get through, and then only with permission from the locals. Hunza was easily defended as the paths were often less than 0.5 meters (20 in) wide. The high mountain paths often crossed bare cliff faces on logs wedged into cracks in the cliff, with stones balanced on top. They were also constantly exposed to regular damage from weather and falling rocks.

Every one might be familiar with many amazing and naturally beautiful places in Pakistan. Places like Naran, Kaghan,Chitral, Murree, Nathiagali, Shogran, andHunza are well known and they attract hundreds and thousands of tourists every year. However, there is one place in Pakistan that is extremely beautiful and not many people know about it. This hidden gem is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and it is known as Kumrat Valley. This amazingly beautiful valley is well endowed with spectacular scenery and provides an experience of a lifetime to the tourists.

Kumrat valley is situated in the foothills of Hindu Kush mountains range.It is surrounded by Chitral to the north, Kalam Swat valley to the east, Ayun valley Chitral to the west & Lower Dir to the south. The landscape of the valley is featured by hilly terrain, green meadows, snow clad mountains and streams cut through the region. The weather of Kumrat valley is alpine climatic in nature and mild cool summers are common throughout the area, with an average temperature ranges from 20 °C to 25 °C. While in winter the temperature is very low due to heavy snow fall i.e. is 3 to 11 feet and the temperature ranges from -4 °C to -10 °C. The maximum rain fall is 255 mm and minimum is 100 mm. In comparison with other plain parts of Khyber Paktunkhwa, Kumrat valley enjoys a more moderate climate but weather conditions are unpredictable in monsoon season & winter due to which movement is restricted to it.

The average temperature of Kumrat Valley during summers ranges from 20°C to 25°C. And the average temperature of Kumrat Valley during winters ranges from -4°C to -10°C.

The valley provides options for mountaineering, trekking and rock climbing. Similarly, it provides a base camp for a hike to an alpine glacial Katora Lake which is located at an elevation of 11,500 ft on a trek of 3-4 hrs from the main valley. Jahaz Banda, Patrak, Kalkot, Lamutai, Seri and Thal, Panjkora River are popular attractions.

The history of Swat valley goes back to around 2000 years ago. It was known as Udyana and later the name was changed to Suvastu. The valley was a very peaceful area for living until the 11th century. The game of power led to the disruption the valley and it was first conquered by Mahmud of Ghazni. The ritual of acquiring the lands continued and Swat valley was then taken over by the Yusufzais.Swat has been inhabited for over two thousand years. The first inhabitants were settled in well-planned towns. In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to Odigram and Barikot and stormed their battlements.

In Greek accounts these towns have been identified as Ora and Bazira. Around the 2nd century BC, the area was occupied by Buddhists, who were attracted by the peace and serenity of the land. There are many remains that testify to their skills as sculptors and architects. Later some Dilazak entered the area The originator of the present family of Swat was the Muslim saint Abdul Ghafoor, a Pashtun and Akhund of Swat, a Safi Momand ofHazara district, from where he went to Buner territory. He was a pious man and the people respected him so greatly that they called him Akhund Sahib.[6]Swat Valley is known as the mini Switzerland. Its landscapes are a proof of natural beauty and it was one of the most visited areas and had a major tourism industry. There were events which led to the downfall of the tourism which was one of the major sources of income of the Swats economy. The conflicts between the Taliban and the Pakistani army have effected the valleys attractions. The whole conflict started in 1990s when Sufi Muhammad, a cleric figure tried to impose the sharia law on the people of swat valley. In 2007, his son in law tried to follow his foot step by imposing the religion with strength of arms.

The Pakistan army took control of the situation and in 2008 the war of Swat was put to an end. Another factor that also contributed in diminishing the tourism industry include the floods in 2010 in which most of the infrastructure was destroyed including the roads and bridges leading to difficulties in traveling to Swat valley.

Buddhism in Swat ValleySwat valley is also famous in the world as the �holy land of Buddhist learning and piety. It was one of the major hubs of Buddhist pilgrimage. It was said in the early times that Buddha himself came to Swat in the process of his last reincarnations and he spread the learning of peace and harmony. It was also given the name of cradle of Buddhism. As mentioned earlier the name of swat was Udayana and it stands for the ancient epics. It was also mentioned in the history that Alexender of Macedonia had fought many major battles in this land before he was crossed the delta of Indus River. Swat valley has also been named as the valley of hanging chairs.The history also states that Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism where 1400 monasteries had survived and flourished and they also made a Gandhara School of Sculpture.[8]Although it is generally accepted that Tantric Buddhism first developed in Swat under King Indrabhuti, there is an old and well-known scholarly dispute as to whether Uddiyana was in the Swat valley, Orissa or some other place. Padmasambhava (flourished eighth century AD), also called Guru Rimpoche, Tibetan Slob-dpon (teacher), or Padma ‘byung-gnas (lotus born), semi-legendary Indian Buddhist mystic who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet was, according to tradition, native from Uddiyana[9] He is revered as the second Buddha in Tibet. Padmasambhava is said to be the son of Indrabhuti, king of Swat in the early eighth century AD and one of the original Siddhas. Indrabhuti’s sister, Lakshminkaradevi, is also said being an accomplished siddha of the 9th century AD.As Buddhist art developed and spread outside Gandhara, Gandharan styles were imitated. In China the Gandhara style was imitated in bronze images, with gradual changes in the features of these images over the passage of time. Swat, the land of romance and beauty, is celebrated throughout the Buddhist world as the holy land of Buddhist learning and piety. Swat was a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Buddhist tradition holds that Buddha himself came to Swat during his incarnation as Gautama Buddha and preached to the people here.

Islamic Heritage At the end of the Mauryan period (324185 BC) Buddhism spread in the whole Swat valley, which became a very famous center of Buddhist religion.After a Buddhist phase the Hindu religion reasserted itself, so that at the time of the Muslim conquest (1000 AD) the population was solidly Hindu.[11]In 1023, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked Swat and crushed the last Buddhist King, Raja Gira in battle. The invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni is of special importance because of the introduction of Islam as well as changing the Chronology.The first Muslim arrivals in Swat were Pakhtun Dilazak tribes from south-east Afghanistan. These were later ousted by Swati Pakhtuns, who were succeeded in the sixteenth century by Yusufzai Pakhtuns. Both groups of Pakhtuns came from the Kandahar and Kabul valley.

Swat valley is one of the major tourist attractions of  Pakistan . It is known as the Switzerland of  Pakistan , it has one of the oldest civilizations history and one of the beautiful scenery one could ever see.[1] It lies between 34-40 to 35 N latitude and 72 to 74-6 E longitude. It is located between the foothills of Hindukush mountain range. It is the part of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan.

SWITZERLAND OF EAST, Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the The Yusafzai State of Swat called it “the Switzerland of the east.

Mahodand Lake ( “Lake of Fishes”) is a lake located in the upper Usho Valley at a distance of about 40 km from Kalam, Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The lake is accessible by a four-wheel drive vehicle, and is often utilized for fishing and boating.

During the winter, the Mahodand lake freezes and is covered by heavy snow. In the summers, the basin of the lake is surrounded by a sheet of alpine flowers like geum, blue poppy, potentilla and gentian. Apart from it, the lake is encircled by diverse pinus species which serves as abode for wild birds. Similarly, the lake contains abounding trout fishes, which furnish ideal opportunity for angling, but catching is allowed only to the licensed anglers.

Visitors fish and camp at the lake. The waters of Mahodand lake are divided into a series of small and large streams, which once swarmed with brown and rainbow trout introduced by the former ruler of Swat State. Over-fishing by the locals for daily income, along with the illegal use of fishing methods like electrocution, dynamiting, and large nets, have significantly reduced the fish population.

During the winter, the Mahodand lake freezes and is covered by heavy snow. In the summers, the basin of the lake is surrounded by a sheet of alpine flowers like geum, blue poppy, potentilla and gentian. Apart from it, the lake is encircled by diverse pinus species which serves as abode for wild birds. Similarly, the lake contains abounding trout fishes, which furnish ideal opportunity for angling, but catching is allowed only to the licensed anglers.

Chitral forms  Pakistan ‘s northwestern border with Afghanistan, and is home to the precipitous mountains of the Hindkush. This range is different fro m the Himalayas and Karakorams, and since there are no 8000-meter peaks here, it is not as well known. However, Tirich Mir at 7708m and its accompanying peaks, Noshaq  (7492m),  Istoro Nal  (7403m) and  Saraghrar  (7338m) command respect. Alexander the Great’s troops had to battle through the snows on their passage from Afghanistan to  Pakistan , and called the Hindu Kush ‘Parapamisus’ meaning mountains over which no eagle can fly.

Chitral has been left undisturbed by invaders due to its location high up in the Hindu Kush. The Lowari Pass, more than 10,000 feet high, is the lowest pass that leads into Chitral. No army has entered the region by the path from Jalalabad that goes up the Kunar River because it gets too narrow below Ashret. Hence, attempts to invade Chitral ended in failure.In older times, Chitral was known by the name of Kashkar. The foot of the Hindu Kush was the home of the genies. It is said that the genie who stole the ring of Hazrat Suleiman lived on Terich Mir and had his forts on many high mountains. At that time, forests and plains dominated the landscape. The genies used the grounds to practice drill and training exercises. Even today, those who go into the forest still hear the sound of parade and orchestra. The folklore of Chitral is mostly about fairies and genies, and about Hakeem Luqman, the Greek, whose name is associated with cure.

Chitral has been left undisturbed by invaders due to its location high up in the Hindu Kush. The Lowari Pass, more than 10,000 feet high, is the lowest pass that leads into Chitral. No army has entered the region by the path from Jalalabad that goes up the Kunar River because it gets too narrow below Ashret. Hence, attempts to invade Chitral ended in failure.In older times, Chitral was known by the name of Kashkar. The foot of the Hindu Kush was the home of the genies. It is said that the genie who stole the ring of Hazrat Suleiman lived on Terich Mir and had his forts on many high mountains. At that time, forests and plains dominated the landscape. The genies used the grounds to practice drill and training exercises. Even today, those who go into the forest still hear the sound of parade and orchestra. The folklore of Chitral is mostly about fairies and genies, and about Hakeem Luqman, the Greek, whose name is associated with cure.

Unlike the rest of Pakistan where cricket dominates, polo and soccer are more popular in Chitral. A number of sport festivals and tournaments are held throughout the year. Chitral has also produced some national players such as Muhammad Rasool who plays for the national football team.

WALKING TOUR OF SHAHI MASJID. If you are interested in Muslim architecture then you must visit the Shahi Mosque in Chitral. Spanning over beautiful, pure white marble, the mosque is a sight to behold and fall in love with. The Fort of Chitral is located nearby which is a memoir of the minor contingent of the British Army where they were besieged for thirty days. You can view the magnificent Trich Mir Mountain with the Chitral River flowing close to it. A view of the bazaars in Chitral winding to and fro and beyond with antiques, fabric, food and happy people is unforgettable.[

Spend a night in Rambur which is only 9 km from Bomboret. The majority of the Kalash people live in this valley in villages called Kalashgrom and Balankuru. Then make a visit to Birmoglasht where the walnut trees grow abundantly and the people never stop making an effort to keep your visit as comfortable and memorable possible.

Kaghan 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.[3]Kaghan 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. The bed of valley slopes up from 3,000 ft at Balakot, which, as it were, the gateway of the valley, to 12,000 ft at Gittdas beyond which the valley crosses at Babusar Pass 14,000 ft. The first ten miles or so are largely barren, but when the valley raises to about 5,000 ft forests of pine and fir appear, densely overgrown with a variety of plants, which has won for Kaghan the epithets of ‘the botanists paradise’. The forests continue till about Naran 8,000 ft.

Naran is the most visited and densely populated tourist attraction of the valley. It is home to a number of hotels, restaurants and tent villages. Naran is situated at an altitude of 2427 meters or 7693 feet above sea level. The approximate distance from Balakot is 82 kilometers (51 miles).[8] Naran is the center of tourism in the Kaghan valley yet there is no bank in Naran. From the lake one can trek up to the Saif-ul-Muluk glacier which is located southwards. Once can also trek over a 4300 meter pass and reach the settlements on the other side of the lake.

Main ItemsThe main items of Kaghan  valley are dry fruits and Handicrafts. One of the handicrafts you should buy are the artistically carved Walnuts and another famous thing is the Namdas, the woolen felt rugs while woolen shawls, embroidered shawls and shirts are also avalibale.These places have cottage industries running and you can find yourself having excellent bargains. Hand made articles are displaced in the shops at the main market.Naran also has a small bazaar like Murree mall road. The basic necessities of life are readily available at there. Cellular networks, mobile shopes, bakery, general store, tailors and even barbers are available in the main bazar. It has over 100 hotels of various types ranging from high-end luxury hotels to very low priced motels. Tent motels are also present which rent family size tents to tourists to stay in.

SHOGRAN
After crossing Kawai, visitors find themselves in Shogran, a heavenly place with beautiful views. Shogran is situated at an altitude of 2400 (7500 feet) meters above sea level. At this altitude it stands well above the valley. Shogran has a number of guest houses that can be used as an abode for the night. Most well-known is the forestry department rest and guest house.

SIRI PAYE
Once you cross Shogran, a steep climb leads you the stunning plateau of Siri and Paya. Siri and Paya is a plateau right above the scenic Shogran. Paya is instantly recognized for its beautiful lake that reflects the greenery around it. Further ahead, at Siri the plateau is situated. Siri Paye can be reached through a jeep drive or a 2.5 hour hike from Shogran.[10] Paya is situated at a height of 11,200 feet or3414 meters. The distance between Siri and Paya can be bridged in 15 minutes via jeep. There is a forest rest house situated at Siri.

Lake Saif ul Malook is a famous tourist resort, well known for the associated story of a Persian prince Saif ul Malook. It is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) north from the town of Naran in northern end of Kaghan Valley, in District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The lake with its majestic and mesmerizing natural beauty, pleasant atmosphere and associated tale and history, attracts thousands of tourists each year from all around the country during the summer.The lake is also famous for being habitat of large size Brown Trout fish, which weigh up to 7 kilograms. Lake Saif ul Malook also provides a marvelous view of Malika Parbat, which is the highest peak of Kaghan Valley.

Lake Saif ul Malook is one of the highest alpine lakes of Pakistan. It is located at an altitude of 3,224 meters (10, 578 feet) above sea level. There are lots of controversies about the depth of Lake Saif ul Malook. In fact, there is no authentic source to tell the exact depth of lake. The local people of the valley say Lake Saif ul Malook is 1 kilometer deep, some of them says it is 1.7 kilometers. However, a team which recently conducted a survey on all alpine lakes of Northern Areas of Pakistan told that the depth of Lake Saif ul Malook is 50 feet. If we take a look at figures given above, the one (50 feet) provided by the team which conducted survey seems to be more realistic, as if we consider the geography of the area surrounding the lake, it would be marvel of nature for a lake to be 1-1.7 kilometers deep at an altitude of 3 kilometers above sea level.

Jheel Saif ul Malook was all formed up by the glacial moraines that are even involved to block up the water of the stream passing all the way through the valley.

The fairy tale of Saiful Muluk was written by the famous Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. This fairy tale was linked with this lake. The story was all about the prince of Persia who fell in love with a fairy princess at the place of lake. Since that time this lake became the favorite spot for all the loved ones to come at this spot in the night time in the full moon.

In this place you will even be finding the large brown trout whose weight is around 7kg.

Around 26 species of vascular plant are found in the area in the company of Asteraceae that is the most commonly found specie. Some of the other species that are found in this lake are Ranunculaceae, Compositae, Ranunculaceae, Cruciferae, Gramineae, Apiaceae, Leguminosae, and Scrophulariaceae and Polygonaceae.

Pakistan is blessed with countless delightful places that are filled with natural beauty. Many beautifullakes are also the part of it they also plays an important role in enhancing the beauty of our country. Lake Lulusar is also among these momentous lakes that are the favorite tourist spot for many. The primary head water of Kunhar River is Lulusar which is the group of mountain peaks and a lake in Kaghan valley in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The lake is about 3,410 m long. In Pashto the word “Sar means” top or peak. The lake streams to southwest in the course of Kaghan valley and passes through Naran, Jalkhand, Paras, Kaghan and Balakot till its convergence with the River Jhelum.

The Lake is also famous because it is the historic place where the fifty-five participants of the 1857 Indian war of independence were arrested and the lake is still remembered for that reason. Lulusar Lake is famed because it is large and picturesque and a prominent tourism spot. Among all the lakes of Kaghan Valley it is the largest one and has crystal-clear water, which is the source of attraction for everyone. The mountains near it are covered with snow are the eye-candy for the tourists as they look very appealing.

In summer vacations this lake is destination for several domestic and international visitors and even the park near to it known as Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park is also visited by many tourists. To reach Lulusar Lake one has to pass through the road near to Naran Town that leads 48 km to northeast up Kaghan Valley to Basel. To visit the lake jeeps are mostly hired in Naran as they are more convenient for such routes. Recently, a road has been being constructed around the lake to southeast that will connect Naran and basel to Chilas and the Highway of karakoram to the south of Gilgit. Due to the construction of this road the access to the lake has become very convenient and the view near too it is spectacular. The lake holds the natural beauty in it which catches the attraction of many tourists. The snow capped mountains and the green meadow enhances the beauty of the lake delightfully.

Dudipatsar Lake  also known as Dudipat Lake, is a lakeencircled by snow clad peaks in Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park. The lake lies in the north end of the Kaghan Valley, in the Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in northern Pakistan

The lake’s water is greenish blue hue and very cold, at an elevation of 3,800 metres (12,500 ft). The surrounding mountains, with snow patches in the shady dales, average around 4,800 metres (15,700 ft) in elevation. Their natural habitat is in the Western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadowsecoregion.

Lulusar Lake, also in the park, is the primary headwaters of the Kunhar River. Saiful Muluk National Park, with Saif ul Maluk Lake, is adjacent in the 150 kilometres (93 mi) long Kaghan Valley region and together the parks protect 88,000 hectares (220,000 acres).

The lake and its wetlands habitats are of significant ecological importance for resident fauna and migratory waterfowl.Some of the park’s fauna includes the snow leopard, black bear, marmot, weasel, lynx, leopard, Himalayan snowcock, and snow partridge.

Lulusar-Dodipat National Park is located in the Kaghan Valley in Mansehra District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The park was created in 2003.[1] The scenic Dudipatsar Lakeand Lulusar Lake and peaks are in the park.

Babusar Pass or Babusar Top (Urdu: درہ بابوسر‎) (elevation 4,173 metres or 13,691 feet) is a mountain pass at the north of the 150 km. (93 miles) long Kaghan Valley connecting it via the Thak Nala with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). It is the highest point in the babusar valley that can be easily accessed by cars. Babusar Pass connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit Baltistanprovince of Pakistan

The Kaghan Valley is at its best during summer (months ranging from May to September). In May the maximum temperature is 11 C (52 F) and the minimum temperature is 3 C (37 F). From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to Babusar Pass. However, movement is restricted during the monsoon and winter seasons. The Kaghan area can be reached by road via the cities of Islamabad or Peshawar.

district from Kashmir are the offshoots of the great Himalayan system. In Kaghan valley the mountain system is the highest of the area including the Babusar top. This range flanks the right bank of the Kunhar, contains a peak Malika Parbat of over 17,000 feet (19), the highest in the district. On the mountains the grasslands are also found where Gujars and other nomads migrate during summer for grazing their sheep, goats and other animals. On the northern side there are mountains which are the extension of the same mountain system as that of Kaghan mountains. This range diverges from the eastern side at Musa-ka-Musalla a peak (13,378 feet) (20), which skirt the northern end of the Bhogarmang and Konsh valleys, and sends down a spur to divide the two.

Kaghan, thick forests are found especially on the higher slopes. Due to extensive exploitation only in unapproachable areas the thick forests are found.