Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Tarbela Dam Swabi

The world's largest earth-filled dam on one of the world's most important rivers - the Indus - is 103 km from Islamabad. The dam was completed in 1976 at a cost of Rs.18.5 billion. Over 15,000 Pakistani and 800 foreign workers and engineers worked during its construction. It is the biggest hydel power station in Pakistan having a capacity of generating 3,478 MW of electricity. Its reservoir is 97 km long with a depth of 137 meters while total area of the lake is 260 sq.km. With a reservoir capacity of 13,690,000,000 cubic m, the dam is 143 m high and 2,743 m wide at its crest.



Attock Fort

It is situated about 101 km west of Islamabad on the left bank of Indus River. The fort was completed in 1583 under the supervision of Khawaja Shamsuddin Khawafi, a minister of Emperor Akbar. The Mughal caravan sarai outside the fort, which is almost on the G.T. Road, was also built during this period. Please note that no visitors are allowed inside the Fort.



Swat

The lush-green valley of Swat, with its rushing torrents, icy-cold lakes, fruit-laden orchards and flower-decked slopes is ideal for holidaymakers. It has a rich historical past, too. This is "Udayana" (The Garden) of the ancient epics; the land of enthralling beauty, where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the delta of Indus River. This is the "valley of hanging chairs", as described by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers, Huaen Tsang and Fa-Hian in the fifth and sixth centuries. Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism of all of its schools – Mahayana, Hinayana and Tantrayana, where once 1,400 monasteries flourished. It was the home of the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture that was an expression of Greco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition. Swat was also the historical land where the Muslim conquerors, Mahmud of Ghazni, Babur of Ferghana and Akbar fought their battles preparatory to the conquest of South Asia. The valley of Swat sprawls over 10,360 sq. km at an average elevation of 875 metres. The maximum temperature in July is 38 C and minimum (during January) is 1 C. The normal temperature is maximum 21 C and minimum 7 C. The tourist season is year-round.



Shangla

District Shangla Par is located in Swat Valley (North Latitude 34-31 to 33-08 and East Longitude 72-33 to 73-01) with its headquarter at Alpuri (8 km from Shangla Top). District Shangla was created out of District Swat on 01-07-1995 and it was fully functional w.e.f. 14-08-2001. The new district consists of two Tehsils namely, Alpuri and Puran.



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.



Another place worth visiting is Yakhtangi located 28 km away from Shangla Top at an altitude of 6,000 ft. or 1,820 m. above sea level. It takes about 40 minutes by car to reach Yakhtangi from Shangla Top. There is a Forest Rest House with two rooms at Yakhtangi. However, there is a shortage of running water and only source of water are Nullahs.



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.



Abbottabad, is 1,222 m. above sea level, is a neat and clean town in a spacious valley surrounded by green hills. It is a popular summer resort. It serves as a base for trips to Kaghan valley and the Gallies.



Shogran

At a distance of 34 km from Balakot, lies the green plateau of Shogran (2,362 m above sea level). Drive by car to village Kiwai, 24 km from Balakot and turn to right for Shogran for another 10 kms.



Naran

Naran is the middle point of Kaghan Valley and it is a place where you defiantly want to spend few days of your leisure. This is the place of out-door pleasure. Here you'll depart from the river Kunhar and on both sides of road there are vast fields. Don't look here and there the melody you are hearing is provided by the river Kunhar who is with you on same level. If you like climbing this is a place for you because there are mountains all around you. You can explore the scenic and picturious landscape and valley's by climbing up hiking. If you like fishing get your fishing license we have trout and mahasheer for you fishing here for tourist is must.



Malakandi Forest:

8 miles on the western slopes of Kaghan valley is Kamalban,a heavily populated forest of black bears & leopards,which do incalculabe harm to he crops & young trees...but forget all about it & enjoy the nature at its best...

Lalazar:

Lalazar Plateau another pleasant 1/2-day jeep excursion from Naran is up to the Lalazar Plateau. A jeep track climbs up the plateau from battakundi, some 16 km N of Naran. Located at 3,200m, 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:

At the extreme northern end of the Kaghan Valley about 50 km from Naran on the Naran-Babusar road is Lalusar Lake, surrounded by clusters of wild flowers in a carpet of blue and gold. This is the source of the Kunhar River, which winds through the length of the valley. Lake Lalusar offers a splendid opportunity for fishing in dark blue waters surrounded by high mountains. The serene beauty and peace, which permeates the Kaghan Valley, makes this an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.



Battakundi:

A small & beautiful village about 16 Km from Naran is the turning pint for Lalazarconnected via jeepable road with plateu of rare scenic beauty.



Babusar Pass:

The summit of Babusar Pass (4148m) is reached after traversing 70 Km of narrow, winding road from Naran. Once the pass is attained, a fantastic panorama of eternally frozen peaks and windswept valleys lies before the visitor. Nanga Parbat (8125m) magnificent in her gleaming gown of snow can be seen on a clear day. Babusar Pass, gateway to the mountain passes linking Gilgit to the Kaghan Valley is only open from July to September, the remainder of the year it is buried under many tons of snow.



In May 2001, we decided on a trip to the Kaghan Valley, one of the most picturesque vales of Pakistan, which boasts deep forests, lush green meadows, and high alpine lakes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Kaghan Valley starts from Balakot and extends 160 km, ending at Babusar Pass (which is at 4,175 meters).



Lovely Lakes & 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).



Around Kaghan

Lake Saiful Maluk & Lalazar: Lake Saiful Muluk has a touch of the unreal about it, nestling 3,206 metres high in the shadow of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains - 5,291 m). You can go fishing or boating in the lake and hear the local legend about Prince Saiful Maluk who fell in love with a fairy. Further up are quaint woodland villages, Battakundi, Burawai, Basal, Gittidas and Lalazar. At a distance of 19 km from Naran, Lalazar is unique place for a day excursion.



Lake Saiful Maluk the lake is accessible by jeep or by trekking because there is a mere trek to reach the lake. It is almost impossible to describe the beauty of this lake, which is like mirror at the altitude of 3200 meters. The Queen of the Mountains is standing in the east and looking her image in the mirror of Lake Saiful Maluk. You can spend few days here to monitor the guards of lake, which are towering peaks and spread all around the lake.



Lake Saiful Muluk is situated at 3000+m, about 40 minutes jeep ride from Naran. Best time to visit is early in the morning when the air is cool, resulting in a picture perfect reflection on the lake. Camping facilities are also avaialbe, but you will have to check with the hotel that you will stay at. Nice view of Malaka Parbat

The Land of Fairies " Five mile away another 3000 feet above the Naran is Fairy Tale Lake.Local legend relates that Prince Saif-ul-Muluk fell in love with a fairy from the mountains. One day, he saw her bathing in the stream and crept up and stole her clothes. To preserve her modesty the not-so-reluctant fairy promised to be his wife. The fairy's demon lover appeared in time to see the happy pair together, and in a fit of jealous rage flooded the entire valley. Saiful Maluk the lake is accessible by jeep or by tracking because there is a mere trek to reach the lake. It is almost impossible to describe the beauty of this lake, which is like mirror at the altitude of 3200 meters. The Queen of the Mountains is standing in the east and looking her image in the mirror of Lake Saiful Maluk. You can spend few days here to monitor the guards of lake, which are towering peaks and spread all around the lake.