Wednesday, November 14, 2018

One spin around Swizerland in Pakistan.


Swat valley is the place that is known for verifiable fortunes, lovely scenes, and numerous old stories. It is known for its snow-topped pinnacles, endless cascades and icy masses, water springs and fields, streams and rivulets, thick woods, dales and glens, normal parks, lakes and dull woodlands. The vast scenes change its shading with the climate.
In 327 BC Alexander the Great visited this paradise on earth while he was going to Brazil. Swat isn't just enhanced with nature yet it likewise is home to individuals of various religions living respectively quiet. The general population of this district have attempted solid endeavors to keep its normal excellence flawless by disheartening any business the travel industry exercises.
The valley is walled by high mountains and limited by Chitral and Ghizer districts in the North, Kohistan and Shangla locales in the East, Buner locale, and Malakand secured regions in the South and lower and upper Dir areas in the West. Its rise changes from 2.500 feet to 7.500 feet. The aggregate scope of Swat is 5.337 square kilometers with a populace of about 1.250.000.
The valley of Swat is appropriated into two physical locale, i.e., Swat-Kohistan and Swat Proper. Swat-Kohistan is the mountain locale on the upper spreads of the Swat River up to Ain in the south. Though the entire of the south of Ain is Swat property. Ain is additionally partitioned into Bar (upper Swat) and Kuz (bring down Swat). The height of the valley at the southern outskirts of the district is more than 500 meters and upsurges quickly towards the north. There are various mountain tops reaching out from 4500 to more than 6000 meters above ocean level, generally cover by everlasting snow.


Lakes

Through Swat Valley streams numerous lakes. These lakes contain sprinkling and solidifying cool water dissolved from mountain ice tops. The valley can be known as the Valley of Lakes, which nourishes the brilliant Green River Swat as well as conveys untainted campgrounds for bold individuals and nature darlings.
A considerable lot of these lakes are hidden from the eyes of explorers due to their far-flung territories and take three to seven hours of climbing to reach from the town out on the town. Examining these extraordinary events of nature requires tirelessness, diligence, and grit or all the more all love for trademark brilliance. The people who have a stylish sense and have the strive after nature's heavenliness set out to explore and unravel these liberal bounties of nature.
 
Daral lake:


Daral Lake


The wonderful Daral lake is situated toward the upper east of Sidgai Lake and one can reach there through Saidgai following two-three hours of climbing. The trail to Daral is overflowing with fun and enjoyment since it continues running over sky contacting statues of the mountains gives fantastic sights and scenes for the brilliance hungry eyes of nature noteworthy others. An adjacent look towards the south will reveal the long and curving sellouts of stream Swat in the horizon.

Bashigram Lake
 
Bashigram Lake


This Clear lake is situated toward the East of Bashigram valley close Madyan. The way to this valley is incompletely made and can be sought after any conventional vehicle. It takes very nearly fifty minutes to achieve this beguiling valley colonized by modest and inviting individuals. From here, climbing of four to five hours, contingent upon expertise and enthusiasm of the voyagers takes you in the place where there is a serene and wonderful pool of Bashigram.

Mahodand (Fish Lake)


Mahodand (Fish Lake)


This lake is really a superb and astounding lake on earth. It appears planned by the hands of Mother Nature that one can't characterize the excellence and smoothness of the zone in words.


Archeology

The old history of Swat is notable and to demonstrate the recorded certainties, numerous old remains are found in this area.

 Butkara

This territory finds the remaining parts of Buddhist of Chinese Sung Yun. There are stays of old structures are found here. The fundamental building stand in the center, around it, are stuffed hallowed places, Viharas and segments, on the Northern side viewpoints an extraordinary building and further toward the north and west the occupied zone.


Butkara


Shingardar Stupa

The stupa of Shingardar is situated about 4km toward the upper east of Brikot valley, by the left half of the street from Mingawarara to Mardan. The stupa remains in the mouth of a minor valley diving from a basic goad over the valley plain. 


Shingardar Stupa

Nemogram

The Nemogram is situated around 46 km West of Saidu Sharif and around 23 km from Birkot, on the correct bank of Swat River in the valley of Shamozai.


Nemogram

Famous Destinations Swat Valley

There are various of marvels in Swat Valley. Valley is advance in cascades, knolls, woodland and considerably more. As per the visitor inclinations we have chosen top 5 place of interest in Swat. The points of interest of them are recorded beneath. Fizzaghat-While investigating a definitive wonder of Swat. The specific first traveler goal is Fizzaghat. It is arranged in the town Mingora, relatively 3.6 km far from the town.

Kalam

Kalam is a cool paradise for vacationers which is situated at separation of 99 km from Mingora in the northern upper compasses of swat valley along the bank of Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan. Kalam is encompassed by lavish green slopes, thick woodlands and gave with mesmeric lakes, knolls and cascades which are worth seen highlights of the scene. It is the origination of Swat River which shapes with intersection of two noteworthy tributaries of Gabral River and Usho River. There are a ton of terrific inns in Kalam Valley, where one can remain for night and appreciate the cool wind of Swat River.

Malam jabba

Malam Jabba is just a single ski resort in Pakistan. It is 314 km far from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport. It is one of the popular slope stations of Swat in Hindukash Mountain Range. Street to Malam Jabba is very thrilling yet the visitor love to visit the place for skiing. This is no uncertainty an exceptionally wonderful ski incline encompassed by excellent backwoods Malam Jabba Resort is first of its sort in Pakistan with super offices for winter brandishing and experience the travel industry. The forceful mountain go pulls in numerous visitor for its astonishing treks. Malam Jabba International Alpine Ski Cup held each year to advance the skiers from everywhere throughout the world. Skiers proclaim Malam Jabba as a Skier's heaven.

Bahrain

Bahrain is a well known slope station and riverside place of interest in Swat Valley. It is named Bahrain (2 streams) because of its converging of the Daral River and Swat River. It is known for its riverside traveler resorts, neighborhood crafted works, and its perspective of the gathering of the Daral and Swat Rivers. It likewise fills in as a base camp for the trail that prompts the Daral and Saidgai lakes. The atmosphere is gentle there. That pull in a considerable lot of the traveler to itself.

Murghzar white palace

Murghzar is a little town situated in Swat, very nearly 13 km far from Saidu Sharif. As it verifiable truth that Northern territories of Pakistan well known for their definitive magnificence. Similarly Murghzar is popular for its White Marble Palace, worked by the Wali-e-Swat in mid 1940′s. First it was the mid year living arrangement of the Wali of Swat Jahanzeb now royal residence fills in as a lodging. While going towards Murghzar, a street swings to Islam Pura, which is celebrated for its woodwork, shawls and covers. The White Palace at Murghzar was later changed over into a best traveler resort.

Swati Cuisines

Swati cooking styles reflect Pashtuns culture and birthplace, as their fundamental course comprises of Rice and Kebabs. meat particularly Lamb meat is more prominent in the Pashtun cooking styles. Rice Haleem, Chapli Kebab, Tikka and Mutton/Lamb/Chicken Karahi are popular forte of their locale. Peshawari cooking styles are the most well known among the Swati locals. Their conventional cooking styles are absolutely non-hot. Pakistani supper course comprises of three dinners every day; Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Swat valley has no exclusion of it. Here are some heavenly and enticing nourishments, you can appreciate in Swat amid your trek to the valley.

Chicken/Mutton/Lamb Karahi

Chicken, Mutton or Lamb Karahi is a renowned dish in Swat valley of Pakistan. lamb or chicken is utilized in this formula. It is a significant mainstream forte, for its zesty surface, taste and fragrance. The name Karahi really alludes to its cooking utensil, a Wok.

Lamb Karahi

Chapli Kebabs  

Kebabs, particularly Peshawari Chapli Kebabs are very mainstream in Pakistan. This dish is extremely delightful in taste and frequently gets an a place in terrific galas. It is an unadulterated Pakistani conventional formula. It regularly presents with Imli Chatni (Tamarind Sauce) or Green Chatni (Mint and Green Chili Sauce). 

Chapli Kebabs

Charsi Tikka

The Charsi Tikka is another renowned dish of Afghani food. It is extremely enticing and appealling in light of the fact that to its delectable flavors. The formula of the Charsi Tikka is a fine mix of Persian and Afghani cooking styles. It is promptly accessible all around the Swat valley.

Charsi Tikka

Breads

There is a wide range of kinds of breads accessible in Swat valley. A portion of the well known are Chapatti, Naan, Kaak, Roti, Sheermaal, Taftan, Paratha, Puri and Tandoori  Bread.

Breads







Winter is coming !!!!!


The title may seem shady but whenever I feel winter coming I can’t seem to get rid of wandering thoughts of “Queen of Hills”. It is none other than Murree. One of our classmates invited us for stay at Murree but we could not make it that time. Around middle of December we took our turn to finally visit. While visiting I caught all the feels, form dense jungles of pine and oak to green landscape, form tall trees with chirping birds to open skies where clouds lie, site of monkeys gathered nearby road and tourist either feeding them or running away from them. Site was just the beginning to a serene journey. We planned on for staying one day in Murree and there are many route to Murree, it only took us one hour and so to get there via Islamabad-Murree Expressway, all credit to fast diving of our friend. Besides that you can also take Islamabad-Murree Road and Old Murree Road.


Gloria Jean's
Gloria Jean's Coffees, Express

About Murree:

The name Murree came from “Marhi” meaning “High Place”, there is belief that it was named after Virgin Mary. Murree is the most visited hill spot and largest resort area in Glayat area in Pakistan. You can access it by road easily. Murree covers area of seven kilometer that lies between Pindi point and Kashmir point.

 
Murree
Birdseye view of Murree

Murree was built by British colonial government, in east lies River Jehlum that separates it from Azazd Kashmir,in southwest lies the capital while in southeast is tehsil of Rawalpindi. North of Murree lies Abbottabad. Alongside of Murree is part of KPK like Nathiagali, Ayubia, Dunga Gali and Changla Gali.

At a Glance:

Our first destination on arrival on around 9 o’clock was Mall Road. The road was full of hustle and bustle even then, it was scattered with hotels, restaurants and shops for people to buy attractive sovereign. Some people were having breakfast while few were walking around seems to heading back to their hotels after spending the early part of the morning wandering around the road. We decided to explore it on our way back cause it has this beautiful bazar just few steps below.


Mall Road
Mall Road during day

Moving ahead we walked 15 minutes to Pindi Point, the excitement to take chairlift was to the roofs. The scenery below was out of the world as it was middle of December all you can see was snowy peaked valleys and pale zigzag lines of pine.
 

Pindi point
Chairlift at Pindi Point

The chairlift ride took us to Bansara Gali , there we visited Bansara Gali Wildlife Park. The park was crowded with children, not only there was zoo featuring wild animals as such deer, brown tiger, black bear and more, there was also paly area which seemly was main attraction for little ones.

Bansara Gali
Bansara Gali
Bansara Wlidlife Park
Wildlife Park

Form there we made our way back down through bacha gari and continue to walk Kashmir Point, it took us around good fifteen minutes along the way we passed by Cadet college Murree. The spot is the highest point it also has various shops and a food courts. The view from the spot looked over Kashmir Mountains. It seems quieter than the other places we had visited.


Kashmir point
Kashmir Mountain's view from Kashmir Point

Kashmir point
Kashmir Point

After that we decided to take our turn to New Murree “Patriata” it has the most wonderful chairlift ride, it almost cost us Rs.200 a car and cable to reach Patriata Hills, we were told it was 7km long. Upon arrival after breathtaking ride at hills we walked in direction where most of the people were walking which took us to the highest point on Patraita Hill, we decided to stop and settle cause of all the wet cold around us. The view from the top was not only of Kashmir Hills but also Murree Hills everything was covered in white and it was unspeakable sight and the area seemed so pure and angelic due to all the snow. It seemed like hours would not be enough for all the wonderful view around at top for our minds to capture.

Patriata
View from Patriata

Patriata
View from Patriata


We took chairlift back to Murree, it was dark by the time we arrived, around 5pm at Mall Road. I must say evening is in fact the best time to enjoy Mall Road. The hotels, restaurants and shops were all lighted up, some shops have fairy lights hanging in them.

Mall Road
Mall Road at Night

We walked around for quite a while. After a while we got tired and sat down by of the shops heard a passerby talking about visiting other places like Neelam Lake, Nathiagal and Aubyia amongst other, we were tempted to visit as well but we were tired and it was getting late so we decided to save it for our next trip, as we made our way back through Islamabad-Murree Road it took us around half an hour and so to away from this angelic land.

On my way back all my thoughts was all but occupied with planning of getting back again to Queen of Hills and to its wonders, I felt serenity at the same time all the rush of being at heights and having a lot yet to see at hand in Murree, had me tied up in knots. For me it was enough to have me hooked to this place not only I would like to other places but the same places again, renaissance would be worth it for sure. Here are some other suggestions to push you over the edge.

River Neelam

It’s basically a picnic spot. People enjoy having lunch at bank of the river with cold wind blowing and cool water passing by in river, is the best thing in summers.

Nathiagali

Most well gali is Nathiagali.35kms away from Murree. On clear day you can see the heights of Nanaga Parbat. Best thing about this spot is its beauty and mountains surrounding it. You could see Kashmir and Kohistan Mountains on one side and Muskhpuri Mountains above it.

Aubyia

It is second to Nathiagalia best spot in area of Galliat. The area has wide mountain forest and four resort spread over 26kms. It has area declared as Aubyia National Park, an old summer resort namely Khnaspur is part of Aubyia. There is a lot to see in Aubyia and it can whole day to visit all four resorts.

Trinity church

The Holy Trinity Church was established in 1857 it is still open for the followers. The church is center of attention aside from obvious reasons is due to its architecture.

Sindh House

Just a few steps ahead on the same road is Sindh House and Punjab House, there are for the assistance of provincial government for stays and meetings 

Murree Brewery

The Brewery is located at Ghora Gali in Galiyat area of Murree. It was founded by Dyer in 1860. You can see the haunted remains of brewery and there are some shops also having vintage products from the brewery as well.


I have to come think that Murree has a lot more to offer than just sightseeing. It is place where you go to celebrate and retreat. It is place where you create memories. For me it was the place that took me out from depths of despair and took me to the heights of paradise, all I know that, Queen of Hills in fact is now Queen of my Heart.