RAKAPOSHI HIstory

                                       RAKAPOSHI HIstory                                               the history of one of the most beautiful and difficult mountain on earth

The highest and most visible mountain, the MOTHER OF MISTS, is part of the imaginary of each person, wayfarer or inhabitant, that has ever set his eyes and foot onto the Hunza Valley [North Pakistan].

Unlike K2 and other mountains of the Karakoram, the powerful bulk of DUMANI has accompanied all the people who have lived or travelled along one of the crucial nodes of the ancient caravan routes that connected East and West, variants of the famous Silk Route.

The valley dominated by RAKAPOSHI is harmonious and powerful, and has cultural and environmental riches. The valley was the centre of the ancient kingdoms of Hunza and Nagar, and Rakaposhi with its SHINING WALL is an unrivalled buttress to the greatest road ever built: the Karakorum Highway.

But RAKAPOSHI itself is one of the most magnificent works that nature has produced. Rakaposhi is an extremely wide mountain, nearly 20 km from east to west, and is the only peak on Earth that drops directly, uninterrupted, for almost 6000 m from the top to the base.

Few people have climbed RAKAPOSHI. 
Many people have dreamed of doing it. 

First amongst these, was the British art critic William Martin Conway who went in 1896 in order to explore its southern slopes. He did not find any easy access route, but it was the first true mountaineering expedition in Karakoram. 
In 1938 another enterprising British explorer, Campbell Secord tried to approach the great mountain from Jaglot, along the West face and tackling the longe NW Ridge up to 5800 m [Secord Peak]. 
In 1947 Secord returned with one of the patriarchs of world-wide exploration, Bill Tilman [one of the 20th century’s most important explorers, who disappeared in the waters of Antarctica in 1977], to find an alternative route to the same side on the mountain. After having made an attempt on SW Spur reaching quota 6200, Tilman again ascended NW Ridge reaching just over the 6000 m mark. 

Satpara Lake

Satpara Lake, an Amazing Lake Made Even More Magnificent

Satpara Lake Trekking: There are many lakes around the world which have been devastated by the impact of human civilization. The negative impact occurs in many ways. However, the number of lakes which have been actually saved and then made even more beautiful than before by humans is very small. It is almost so small that it can be counted on the fingers of one hand. However, among those great and magnificent natural wonders that have been given a new facade by modern day human is the Satpara Lake located near Skardu in the province of Gilgit Baltistan in Pakistan. This lake was one of the most magnificent sights of the area but now a large dam has been built downstream from the lake and the lake has grown even more beautiful. Tourists now flock to the lake the year around to see the amazing lake and the surrounding scenery.

Satpara Lake’s Geography

Satpara Lake is located near the capital city, Skardu, of the Gilgit Baltistan Province of Pakistan. The distance of the city from the lake is roughly 9 kilometers i.e. about 5.6 miles. These days this distance is covered via road in about 20 minutes time. The height of the lake from sea level is about 2,635 meters which is almost around 8645 feet. Even though it is this high, the lake retains flowing water throughout the year and there is no frozen water even in winter season.

Best Time To Visit Satpara Lake

The lake is open the whole year but this does not mean that the optimal time to travel to the lake is anywhere in the summer or the winter months. Rather the best time to travel to the lake is in the spring when the lush vegetation near the lake has taken full form and the flowers have started to bloom. With the vegetation growing and the flowers blooming, the vast lake which measures more than 2.5 Km² becomes a marvel of nature. And as the dam has added more space to the lake, this time is the best time to see various animals that have now made their homes near the lake in order to reap the benefits that it brings.

Satpara Lake Trekking Guidance

The lake is located only 20 minutes away from the main city of Skardu. As it is a lake that has been used by the government to create a dam, it is usually not possible to stay at the lake overnight unless express permission has been taken beforehand from the government officials. This permission allows the trekkers who are going to the lake to not only camp and stay at the lake but allows them access to the dam that has been built downstream as well. A tour can be completed in three days as follows.

Satpara Lake

Khunjerab Pass

                             Khunjerab Pass

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. For comparison, Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe, is 4.810 m and Mount Whitney, the highest point in the 48 contiguous United States, is 4.421.
This section of the road was completed in 1982 and is possibly the highest metalled border crossing in the world. On the Pakistani side, the surface of the road is gravel. On the Chinese side, the surface of the road is a bad asphalt. 
During the rainy season (December-April), because of mudslides the pass is closed to all vehicles except large trucks. The long, relatively flat pass is often snow-covered during the winter season and as a consequence is generally closed from November 30 to May 1. Choose your time carefully. The road bad conditions, with extremely large pot holes could potentially pop a tire, crack a rim, or screw up your cars allignment.  Portions of the road may be temporarily closed due to road work or inclement weather. Heavy or prolonged rain can cause local flash floods that cover the road with water or wash out culverts or bridges. There are some police checkpoints along the highway in China that may slow down your journey significantly if there are many cars and trucks. It is not advisable to take cars, 4x4 is preferred but a Van / coaster would serve the purpose.The unpaved sections of the road can be impassable when wet. In any case, driving 4WD is recommended due to uneven surface. During and after a storm the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and can easily get muddy if it rains making it challenging to get through. It’s a tough terrain and expect landslides during rainy season.
Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. And that pavement can ripple like a roller coaster track in places where “frost heaves” are caused by seasonal freezing and thawing of the ground. The surface on this gravel road is often loose, especially along the sides of the road. It makes necessary to drive carefully and slow down whenever approaching an oncoming car. Besham is the start of Kohsitan which is famous for its ruggedness and stubbornness. It is highly advisable to limit your stay and keep going preferably during day time. Kohistan borders Baltistan which is relatively safe. Main town to stay overnight is Chillas.

Pakistan That You Must Visit in 2018

12 Amazing Places in Pakistan That You Must Visit in 2018

New Year, 2018 has just started and like every other start of the new year, many people have made many different new year resolutions. We feel that one of the top new year resolutions that every one should have is to travel more and see more places. We are blessed to live in a country that has many amazing places to discover. And what better time there can be to plan trips to some of the best locations across Pakistan. We have compiled a list of 25 amazing places in Pakistan that everyone should visit in 2018. These places include some historic sites, some amazing natural wonders, and some modern day wonders. Here they are:

                                              Rohtas Fort – Jehlum              Visit it to discover the history of the area and to see the amazing fort.

Makli NecropolisesVisit it to explore the largest Necropolis in the world.

                                       Ratti Gali Lake – Azad Kashmir                           Visit it to discover the amazing natural beauty of this lake.

Khujrab PassVisit it to see the highest paved road in the world and to see one of the highest border crossings in the world.

Kalam – SwatVisit it to see the amazing natural beauty of Kalam.

Ansu Lake – Naran ValleyVisit it to explore one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

PAF Museum – KarachiVisit it to see some amazing historic and modern day fighter jets.

Fairy MeadowsVisit it to explore one of the most beautiful natural destinations in the world.

                                                                        Bolan Pass
                Visit it to see one of the most beautiful train routes in the world.

                                                                  Deosai National Park
                 Visit it to see one of the most beautiful National Park’s in the world.

                                         Wazir Khan Mosque – Lahore

               Visit it to explore one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.

                                                    Margalla Hills – Islamabad

         Visit it to see the amazing views of Islamabad and to enjoy some great hiking.

                                                 Lahore – Botanical Garden
            Visit it to see a wonderful botanical garden and to see some amazing plants.

Pakistan to Visit in Summer Vacations

10 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan to Visit in Summer Vacations

Ayun And Bumburet Valley:

A village of Chitral, located twelve kilometers from the city at the confluence of the River Bumburet. No words can do the place justice, to describe the beauty of the mountains that surround it. There is a sense of serenity the mountains provide to the tourist, the beauty completely enchants you. Barren mountains surrounding lush green fields making the view stand out in the most spectacular way.

Gojal Valley:

Bordering the China Afghanistan border, this valley resides in the Gilgit Baltistan District and is known for its mesmerizing beauty and fast flowing rivers. Comprising of various small and large valleys within itself, Gojal successfully captures the beauty from each and makes it one of the major places one has to visit. From river Hunza to the Passu settlement to the Gulkhin settlement, the beauty surpasses any of our expectations.

Neelam Valley:

This bow shaped valley located in Kashmir is one of the most famous and beautiful places in Pakistan. While winter enhances the beauty of the valley, once it ends, a sense of tranquility and sereneness descends over i that makes a person want to visit the place over and over again. With the lush greenery, springs, lakes and sloped mountains, all add to the beauty of the valley, especially with the forests and the river Neelam, it is a “dream come true for many”.

 Swat Valley:

No matter what people say, Swat has successfully captured so many hearts around the world.  Swat is well known as “mini Switzerland of Pakistan”. It has various tourist attractions such as Mahodand valley and lake, Ushu forest, Kallam valley and many more. All these provide swat with a scenic beauty that makes Swat a brand in itself.

Kalash Valley:

Kalash Valley is one of the major attractions of Pakistan and is one of the place one must visit during summer. With a historical background, the heritage goes back to Greek civilization. They make their homes with rough shaped logs on the hill sides near the banks. People have their own religion and cultural values and beliefs, making them a rather happy community with loads of cultural festivities making it an ideal place to visit.

Kaghan Valley:

Kaghan is one of the most picturesque valley of Pakistan located in the Mansehra district. It attracts tourists not only from Pakistan but from all over the world. It is also one of the major routes to lake Saif-ul-Mulook, making it a rather hot tourist point along with various other tourist spots such as Lake Lulu Saar, Lake Dudipat Sar, Babusar Pass and places like Jared, Shogran, Naran etc. with winters, the lakes are frozen and the land is mostly covered in snow, however in warmer months, the land is green and the rivers flowing providing the tourists to visit the places freely and enjoy.

Guraiz Valley:

Located in between the border of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, this valley is divided between Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and Indian Occupied Kashmir. Guraiz valley is a beautiful valley with lush green valleys and densely forested areas. Due to restriction placed by the army on being located on the Pak-India Border, this place is hardly visited, however one can visit this heaven on earth with the permission of the army and enjoy one of the most beautiful places of Pakistan.

Hushe Valley:

Talking about the fact that the “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”, what fascinates us the most are the mountains.  Hushe Valley is the most beautiful valley surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful mountains, making the place known as “Heaven of Mountains”. It is famous for trekking, and people from all over the world, especially from USA come to conquer the peaks of the Kingdom of Mountains.

Jhelum Valley:

This is the ideal valley for both local and international tourists to visit. Beautiful in its own way in winters, the valley is breathtakingly beautiful in summer with the lush rice fields with typical wooden Kashmiri houses providing the tourists with a wonderful view. The most famous spots visited are Ghari Dopatta, Chokothi Cham-fall and Zilzaal Lake.

Gilgit Baltistan

Places To Visit In Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan

Naltar Valley

Naltar is dense pine forest valley with magnificent landscapes, green vegetation, wildlife, flowers, snow-covered mountains, lakes, streams and echoing with the chirping of numerous birds. Naltar is 40 km from Gilgit city and can be reached by jeeps and also famous for skiing activities in the winter.

Kargah Valley

Kargah is at distance of 10 km from the Gilgit city, a rock wall carved Buddha dating back to 8th century AD. A river flows between mountains offer stunning views, if you like fishing then it is the right place, as there are loads of trout in the river.

Bagrote Valley

A small valley surrounded by high mountains makes it the perfect place for trekking. It is a place less known when compared to any other nature spots in Gilgit Baltistan, but surely will leave you with a much enhanced nature treatment like the others.

Danyore Valley

If you are an adventure junkie, then you should not miss out on the experience of Danyore suspension bridge. The bridge constructed over a half century ago and it enters a tunnel constructed by locals without any proper civil engineering equipments.

Rawalakot

Ra walakot – Valley of pearls

Rawlakot, the district headquarter is situated in the heart of district Pounch.It is a saucer-shaped valley which is also known as “Pearl Valley” due to its natural beauty. Rawlakot is at a distance of 76 kilometers from Kohalla, which is a place near capital of Azad Kashmir Muzaffrabad. It is linked with Rawalpindi/Islamabad via Azad Pattan and Dhalkot. Construction of Guoien Nullah road between Rawlakot and Azad pattan has reduced the distance and journey time. During summer place is full of green grass and beautiful flowers including many kinds of roses. The town has bazaars and markets where all the basic commodities and necessities of life.

Suburbs

Surrounding villages of Rawalakot are Pachiot, Chirooti, Baghina, Datote, Barien, Ballari, Argali, Paniola, Zairat, Kharian, Laghirat, Singola Awanabad, Thorar, Mong, Androte, Rehara, Hurna Maira, Kottera, Barian Pothi, Khayi Gala, Kharick, Rairbun, Topa Soon , Kaimon, Titrot, Motialmara, Trardewan, Chaire, Chapanidahar, Chuck, Tranni, Dahmni, Parat, Pothi Bala/Makwalan, Kharek, Pakgali,Paniola , Banakha, Khayt Chrian, Mohri Farman Shah, Cheahr, Chak, Dreak, Banjosa, Hussainkot, Hurnamaira Thorar, Rehara, Bangoin, Jandala, Timrot, Jehlary and Thala Tain, Pachiot,Harrola , Bhagiana,Bangaion,Shoukat abad , Nailyaan,Kheeryan,Tolipir. Bagh district lies to the north and Sudhnuti district lies to the south of Rawalakot.

 Area

Its total area is 1,010 km square (390 square mile). It has 3 towns and 21 union councils.

 Demography

Rawalakot and its surrounding areas have a population of over 500,000. Its Population includes(Mir,Butt), Awans, Abbasis, Kianis, Syeds  Gardezis, MUGHAL (Douli, Mirza, Baig, chughtai & Hotil or HOTI largest Mughal tribe in UC BANGUIN and many others. There is also a significant number of people from other regions who live in Rawalakot for sake of employment in the government sector.

 Economy

Subsistence level farming for corn and wheat is conducted in and around Rawalakot. Some level of vegetable farming including tomatoes and Spinach are grown as well. The largest industry for Rawalakot is the harvesting of Poplar trees, which are harvested and transported to Pakistan for manufacture of sporting goods.

Government employment is a major sector for employment, however, a large section of the Population is dependent upon remittances from over seas workers who send money to their relative in Azad Kashmir.

Due to lack of opportunity, most citizens of Poonch, including Rawalakot are looking for ways to get employment in other countries

 Living style, Food and language

People of rawalakot are considered as hard-working and physically strong as in villages people live upon farming so their body complextion which is fair and physical strength is generally adopted to tough climatic and geographical area(i-e hilly).

In surronding areas and villages of rawalakot people mainly rely on their own production of vegetables or they bring up and hunt down animals for food. Their famous or favorite food are (saag with makai, gushtabey (kind of koftay) etc.

They generally speak hindku and Kashmiri and in village’s people live on basis of joint family system but in city people are maintaining standarad of living by acquiring all basic necessities of life.

 Clothing

Clothing in rawalakot depends upon seasonal and climate changes. During summers people generally wear cotton clothes but when there are rain showers light woolens are used as this area is not much hot during summers which will be told below in detail.

While during winter heavy woolens, shawls and woolen caps are used due to heavy snow falls and chilling cold. People in villages does not have heaters so they generally use burn woods to in houses or use (angheeti) to keep their rooms warm.

Weather

Weather of Rawlakot is quite erratic. However the climate of Rawlakot can be divided into four seasons namely spring, summer, autumn and winter.

 Spring

The spring season starts in March and lasts up to early May. Climatic conditions of in summers are not very much hot. Brief showers, light winds and blossoming flowers characterize this season. Druing this season whole Rawalakot is covered with greenery.

 Summer

Starting from May summer season extends up to end of august. As mentioned earlier the climatic conditions are not quite hot. People even use to wear light woolens during summers. It has always been the most important place for tourists during summers.

 Autumn

Autumn starts in September. The whole region use to be covered with gold hues which turn into russet and eventually to red. Season lasts till late November and after that serious need of heavy woolen starts.

 Winter

Winter stretches from December till March. And throughout this season whole region is covered with snow which gives a view of paradise.

 Importance due to tourism

Rawalakot has great importance for tourists because of its natural beauty, climate.

Locations that are of key importance of this pearl valley are:

 Banjosa

It is situated at a distance of 19 km from rawalakot city. It is located in tehsil Hajira, district Poonch (AK).It is a planned tourist area. Banjosa is a beautiful lake surrounded by green mountains offering an awesome view to tourists. A few rest houses are constructed in surroundings of lake. Weather is pleasant in summer with occasional snow fall in winter.

 Toli Pir

It is located on Toli Pir road at a distance of 40km from Rawalakot city.

Toli Pir is considered as the most beautiful and attractive point in Rawalakot. It is the origin point of three different mountainous ridges. There are some old remains of Mazar at the highest top of Toli Pir. Weather is pleasant in summer with heavy snowfall during winters.

 Poonch River

It is located on Hajira-Kotli road, at a distance of 40 km from rawalakot city.

It is at elevation of 886m above sea level. The water passage is quite long and wide at locations. Weather is pleasant in summers and cold during winters.

 Tatta pani

It is located on hajira road at a distance of 45 km from rawalakot city. Tatta pani is famous for its Hot water springs coming out of ground that falls in river poonch and this place is named after these hot water springs (tatta in Punjabi means hot). These are sulfur water springs with extremely high water temperature however existing hot water baths were destroyed during flood in river poonch. Here weather is hot in summers but cold during winters.

Rawalakot is considered as the pearl of Kashmir which itself is known as “heaven on earth”. It carries extreme natural beauty .it does not have rich culture but it is mainly renowned for its natural beauty and tourism. People at villages are generally poor and increased numbers of tourists are one source of their employment and source of income.