Cliff-diving in Khanpur

Khanpur dam is a beautiful dam constructed over River Haro, you can catch it going to wards Abbottabad. The lake is almost 50kms away from Islamabad. It takes around 2 hours to get there from Islamabad. It hosts a spring carnival every year that attracts many tourists from within and outside Pakistan. It is an ideal place for a day-trip. 

The lake offers activities like fishing, swimming, boat-ride to an island from where one can do cliff-diving, rock climbing and many other.
There are services and tourists agencies, that can accommodate you with everything from pickups to drop offs, with dinner on rafts.



The experience depends in what season you go in. In summers when you go for cliff jumping you to get to jump from the high points, getting a more thrilling experience. In the winters, those points are closed as the water levels falls. However, in the winters you get a lot of variety of fish to eat. In addition, if you are an enthusiast you can fish there as well.



Similarly, if you want to go for jet skis go in summers as in winter you won’t be allowed to go by yourself, as the water level falls you won’t know how to navigate to through the dam, there are some high and low points the jet skis can be damaged and it’s also dangerous for you. In the summers that is not the case, you can take the jet skis where you want you do not get ubered around. So pick your battles.



Having heard about all the great experiences Khanpur dam offers, we decided to go there as well. This time there were a lot more of us than 5, so we booked a coaster from Islamabad and headed towards Khanpur. We crossed Taxila on the way and it took us almost 2 hours to get to the lake. It was around noon when we got there. It was a hot sunny day. As soon as we got off the coaster, we headed to the bank to hire a boat. It cost us 300 rupees per head and the price included travelling to and from the island where cliff diving is done.



 Cliff diving was a really refreshing experience. You climb to the top of a cliff and jump into the water. Be sure to wear a life jacket unless you are a good swimmer. It was almost 4pm when we got back to shore. We were all super hungry, so we decided to try out the lake-side fish restaurants. We headed back towards Islamabad around 5 and were in the city before nightfall. All in all, Khanpur is a great place to escape the city and beat the heat during summers, especially if you only have one day.

On the Coast

Gwadar is a port city on the coast of Balochistan in the southwest of the country. It is more of a small settlement than a city. It was recognized in 1954 when it was recognized as a good deep-sea port. The construction of the port started in 2001 and currently Gwadar features CPEC and is planned to become a link between Pakistan and China as well as many other countries via road and sea networks. Gwadar is known mostly for three things; the port, its fishing village and the 5 star hotels on the hammerhead. These are just the beginning. We found the following places and activities that are a must to experience if you ever find yourself in the region:

Deep-sea warm port:

We learnt that this port on the Arabian Sea is situated on the three most important crossroads, which are the Middle East, the Asian countries, and Pakistan. It holds great strategic importance. Apart from its great potential for business and trade, Gwadar has been attracting tourists from all over the World because of its mesmerizing beauty and amazing beaches.



The hammer-head

The hammerhead was created recently when a volcano erupted and caused mud to form a piece of land. It is named after the hammerhead whale because it looks exactly like its tail. One can enjoy the views of Gwadar and the Arabian Sea from the hammerhead, and they are breathtaking.



Astola Island

Astola Island is located in Pasni near Gwadar. The island is attracting a lot of tourists from across the globe. It takes a 5-hour boat ride from Pasni to reach Astola. It is known for its seven rocks as well as the water activities it provides. Fishing and scuba diving is really popular in there, although it is important to know that there are no hotels on the island so people have to spend the night camping. People get to see many breeds of turtles as well as dolphins on the five-hour journey to the island. It is a wonderful experience.



Ormara Beach

Ormara is around 250kms away from Gwadar towards Karachi. This beautiful beach is under the control of Pakistan Navy. Visitors get to see vessels and ships of the Navy all day long and observe the naval activities as well.



Buzzi Pass

Buzzi pass is known for the stunning views it provides as you travel along. You get the ocean on one side, and captivating rock formations on the other. Many people visit Gwadar just to experience travelling on the Buzzi pass. Alexander the great stayed there for some time as well.



Chandrakup & other mud volcanoes

Mud volcanoes are a very rare phenomenon but Gwadar has a few that are still active. They are not easy to access by car; people usually hike to the location. The volcanoes spit out cold mud, which is a very unique yet weird sight. These volcanoes are of high significance in the Hindu mythology, as they believe that these volcanoes were used by Hindus to confess their sins.

 Gwadar Desert

Gwadar has a semi-coastal desert as well. It is not as vast as most of the other deserts in the World, but it is stunning. Many people visit it for the Safari, but recently it has been getting a lot of visitors due to the Gwadar rally that takes place every year. Thousands of people participate in the rally.



The Sphinx

For those people who get tired of the amazing ocean views Gwadar offers, there are cultural sites to visit as well. The sphinx resembles the one in Cairo but this one is in much worse shape. Its wonder attracts visitors from all over the world. It is believed that it is in fact a natural sphinx and not man-made.



Princess of Hope

Princess of hope is believed to be man-made but some people still believe that it was naturally formed due to the eruption of mud volcanoes. The debate aside, many people visit it every year just for the beauty of it.



What to Eat?

Gwadar does not have many restaurants but one can find a decent meal easily. There are fast-food restaurants as well as fancy restaurants in Hotels like PC, but people generally stick to the sea food which is the specialty of the region.

A two-day trip to Sukkur

Our trip to Sukkur was a short one, but very memorable. We only spent two days in the city but they were enough to make us fall in love with all that it had to offer. Sukkur is a city in Sindh, right on the bank of river Indus. In summers, it is extremely hot and temperatures reach a scorching 55 degrees but it is lovely during winter and spring. 

Our first stop in Sukkur was the famous Sukkur Barrage. It is a 1.6km long bridge and you can walk on it. Therefore, we went on top of it and walked from one end to the other.



 A train also operates on top of the barrage, which brought us back. The view from the barrage is incredible; you get to experience the mighty river Indus in all its glory. It is even more spectacular during winters when migratory birds sit on the water in thousands. It is a sight to see.



 At the far end of the barrage is the Sukkur museum. We visited the museum and learnt about the irrigation network of the river and seven canals in sukkur, which is a masterpiece. Infact, it makes Pakistan the country with the best irrigation network.



Next up, we went to the Lansdowne Bridge, which was made, by the British, as well as Ayub Bridge.



 From there, we went to the Tomb of Seven Sisters. As the name says, there are seven tombs of sisters who passed away after making a prayer, and there is a whole myth behind it. Apart from the tomb, there were other graves too, some significantly larger than normal graves, which suggests that they are really old. The tombs are located on the bank of river Indus and provide a view of Ayub Bridge in the background.



Night had fallen by the time we finished exploring the tombs, so we decided to have dinner. We went to Pasban BBQ Restaurant, which is right on the bank of river Indus. The ambience was lovely, and so was the food. It was an amazing experience. After having a lovely dinner, we headed to our guest room for the night, which was in barrage colony.

The next morning we decided to head to Bakhar Island, which is adjacent to Sukkur. We saw the Bakhar Fort and also visited Rohri. We visited the ruins are Arore which are situated in Rohri. It was quite an experience.



After Rohri, we headed towards the Tomb of Adam Shah on Airport Road.



Next up we got on a boat to see Sadhu-Belo or Saadu Bela, which is an island in the river, which is home to the best-preserved Hindu temples in the country.

 The best part about the boat ride was that we got to see plenty of blind dolphins, which are indigenous to that region only. They were swimming alongside our boat. To preserve the population of dolphins, netting in the region is strictly prohibited.





 Anyways we got to the island and explored all the Hindu temples. Our guide was a Hindu priest who told us about the significance of each statue in great detail. We spent many hours exploring the island.



At night, we visited the bazar for some souvenir shopping. Unfortunately, we did not find many souvenirs. We got to see the Ghanta Ghar though.


The next morning we were up early and ready to head to the airport for our flight back. 

Travelling To Taxilla

There are various world legacy locales present in Pakistan and Taxila is one of them. Its other close neighboring urban communities incorporate Hassanabdal, khanpur and Wah. Wah Cantt and Taxila are twin urban areas. Taxila is among the seven tehsils of Rawalpindi locale. It is a city spread in the fringe of the Potohar level of Punjab. Taxila was verifiably known as Takshashila and is a city that goes back to 5 century BCE. The written history of Taxila begins from sixth century BC, when this Gandharan kingdom turned out to be a piece of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia

The name Taxila signifies 'City of Cut Stone', being one of the most extravagant South Asia paleologist locales. The city is known as a demonstration of Buddhism and it is said that the Buddha went through 40 years of his life lecturing in this specific piece of Pakistan. The city was likewise governed by the Greeks under ruler Alexander the extraordinary.

Taxila is a mix of affluent urban and peaceful neighborhoods. Urban local locations are as little, faultless and clean settlements. Taxila is likewise known for its modern hugeness, a portion of the significant enterprises in Taxila incorporate substantial machine production line, bond processing plant, bungalow industry, earthenware and footwear ventures

Places to visit

Museum

This Greek style exhibition hall is situated on the Grand Trunk street and has numerous earth shattering revelations from the Taxila site. Taxila gallery is home to objects that go back to 600 B.C having Buddhist and Hindu inceptions. It is an ideal portrayal of the 'Gandharan Art' displaying silver, gold and other semi-valuable stones. It's meeting time closes by 5 p.m. so it is desirable over arrangement your visit to the historical center in the first part of the day

Bhir Mound 

Bhir Mound is the most established site of old Taxila that has been uncovered various occasions in the course of the only remaining century. It contains of a few layers of vestiges – the most punctual going back to the fifth century. It had its significance just like the focal point of organization, training and exchange.

Jain temple

At the point when the city of Taxila was uncovered, figures of Buddha and Hindu sanctuaries were found. This spot is loaded with various sanctuaries and statues that were revered by individuals in those days. The fundamental statue of Julian, mahatma statue is known as statue of wellbeing and around this, there are 21 additional stupas that were worked by priests. These spots will intrigue the individuals who are enamored with prehistoric studies.

Sirkap

Sirkap is near the gallery, so is effectively available by walking. This site is the second city of old (Taxila II on the maps) and is by and by known as Sirkap after the name of a fiendish character from a society legend, who lived and kicked the bucket here.

Jandial temple

The Jandial temple, set up on a fake hill, nearly takes after the Classical sanctuaries of Greece. Its Ionic sections and pilasters are made out of huge squares of sandstone. Worked in the Scythio-Parthian period, it is most likely the sanctuary depicted by Philostratus in his Life of Apollonius of Tyana. In spite of the fact that the Jandial sanctuary isn't Buddhist, the Jaulian remains are. These incorporate a religious community and two stupa courts

Ruins of town

The remnants of the town frame a sporadic shape estimating around 1 km from north to south and around 600 meters from east to west. The most established part or layer of these remnants is from the 6th and fifth hundreds of years BC. The second layer is from the fourth century BC and existed at the season of the attack of Alexander the Great. The third layer is from the season of the Maurya lords of India (third century BC). The fourth and highest stratum contains the developments from time after the Mauryan time frame. The avenues of the city demonstrate that they were thin and the house designs were exceptionally sporadic. There is little proof of arranging - the greater part of the lanes are heedless. The houses had no windows to the outside. They opened towards internal yards. The patio was open and 15 to 20 rooms were organized around it

Dharmarajika stupa

Dharmarajika Stupa is the most earliest Buddhist landmark in Pakistan. It was one of eight sanctuaries built in the third century B.C. amid the rule of Emperor Asoka of the Mauryan line to house relics of the Buddha. After some time the hallowed place was ceaselessly extended, achieving its biggest size in the second century A.D. Presently a demolish, the stupa was once covered with lime mortar and plating, however these have fallen away alongside a seven-level umbrella stone that once delegated the best. Close to the stupa are the remaining parts of immense religious communities that are scarcely discernable however for the establishment stones.

Industrial significance

The city of Taxila likewise has a mechanical essentialness. Pakistan law production line, substantial industry Taxila, bond industrial facilities and in addition little bungalow industry for stoneware, ceramics and footwear add to the essentialness of the city. The business found in Taxila is vital both from the military and additionally other business reasons.

Educated city

Taxila is a genuinely taught city over all and it was otherwise called the focal point of learning and culture previously. Taxila was the prime seat of learning in the subcontinent too. The city has two conspicuous colleges to be specific HITEC college and college of building and innovation Taxila. Aside from this few little neighborhood educational systems are additionally present. Overwhelming businesses Taxila Education City was a grand expansion to the urban communities instructive foundations. The governmental issues of the city is commanded by the two noticeable families in the city in particular the Syed family and the chaudary family.

Famous people

Statues of different renowned individuals in history, for example, Alexander the Great and the prominent ruler Asoka are likewise be found in the city of Taxila. Every one of these statues indicate extraordinary aptitude and craftsmanship on account of the detail and unpredictability that went into the creation of these statues. Taxila was assumed control by Alexander the Great in 327 BC after which it was led by the Mauryans. Towards the end, it went under Asoka's standard amid which time it achieved the apex of its improvement and culture. In the long run, Taxila was assumed control and decimated. The last critical authentic period for Taxila was the Gandhara time frame. It was amid this time Taxila turned into a world known place for logic and workmanship. The city has a strong traveler base and furthermore draws in numerous vacationer from the area of China and Greece, principally as a result of it being a middle for Buddhism and Buddhists from everywhere throughout the world come and visit the stopas in the city as a result of their religious importance to them.

Historical cities

Like the recorded urban communities Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, Taxila was likewise an all around arranged city with wide lanes and well-assembled houses and in addition stupas for the clerics. The sovereignty of the time lived in wonderful royal residences in the city. Gold, silver coins and other adornments things have additionally been uncovered from Taxila. The present day Taxila isn't too kept up as it was in the past with the shops infringing on the principle city streets and the town arranging over all has been exceptionally poor since after the fall of the Gandhara human advancement.

Handicraft

Taxila is celebrated for its crafted works which mirror the city's way of life as well as the historical backdrop of the place too. Aside from the painstaking work the city's stone work is additionally exceptionally well known and a little house industry for stone works has risen in the city.

Resturants

Acclaimed eateries in Taxila are

·         Gandhara eatery,

·         Dreamland eatery

·         Food city.

 Famous Food

A portion of the well known foods of Taxila are

·         chapli kabab

·         freshwater Rohu

Shopping

The bazaars of the old city offer energizing deals. You can comfortable surf in the interesting old shops in Saddar bazaar, Moti bazaar and Raja bazaar. Different renowned markets incorporate Shahmir strip mall, MandiMaweshiyan and Jhelum compressed wood Markaz timber showcase

The hills were calling

Swat is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. The river Swat is a clear water river starting from the Ushu rage of mountains to the spread of the valley of Swat. It is one of the greenest valleys of the Northern Pakistan and is well connected to the rest of Pakistan. There are regular flights from Islamabad to Swat and back. One can also get here either from Peshawar (160 kms) or Islamabad (250 kms). The valley of Swat is located in the middle of foothills of Hindukush mountain range. The main town of the valley is Mingora and Saidu Sharif.

Swat is a place for leisure lovers, Hikers, and archeologist. There are many comfortable hotels where one can stay a while to relax. In Kalam upper Swat there are some very pleasant walks, since weather is pleasant one can easily walk over the hills for hours and enjoy the unspoiled nature.

The Swat is garden of Ashoka and was a prosperous land in the Buddhist times (2nd BC to 5 AD). There are at least over 100 archeological sites in the valley less than 10% of the area excavated. One can explore some of those sites in a half-day tour of Swat.



Islamabad to Swat is approximately 250 kms and 5-6 Hours. Drive in the morning from Islamabad stop at the confluence of Kabul & Indus Rivers. Later continue to Swat via Charsadha, stop at different village bazaars and pass the Malakand pass. One can have Lunch at a local restaurant on the way. After Malakand pass, you enter the valley of Swat. View the Churchill's picket and Shingardar Stupa on the way. Takht e Bhai most well preserved Buddhist monastery is on the way before Malakand pass time permitting can visit this archeological site too but that can extend the trip to around 8 hours.


Tourist Attractions in Swat

Marghazar


Marghazar 16 km away from Saidu Sharif is famous for its Sufed Mahal the white marble palace built by the first Wali (ruler) of Swat.

It used to be the ruler's summer residence. Elizabeth II (Queen of England) and Prince Philip (Duke of Edinburgh) were also hosted there in 1961. Elizabeth II described it as "the Switzerland of the East" during the visit. The marble used to build White Palace was the same marble, which was used to build Taj Mahal. It was turned into a hotel.

Fizagat Park


Fizagat Park is a recreation arena for the tourists and the locals situated at 1 kilometer from Mingora city. Situated along the bank of the River Swat, tourists enjoy the bath and pleasant climate in summer

Malam Jabba


Malam Jabba is a Hill Station in the lower Swat mountain ranges nearly 42 km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley. It is 314 kms from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport. Malam Jabba is home to the largest ski resort in Pakistan. On the main Madyan-Kalam road, the road turns to the right at Manglor town (12 km from Saidu Sharif), for the Malam-Jabba Dara which has a villages like Salanda, Jehanabad, Talegraam, Badar, Ser, Malam, Kishora, , and finally Jabba. Malam is a small village, which comes prior to Kishora village on the main Malam-Jabba road. Malam is nearly 17 km from Manglor while Kishora is at 18 km distance. Jabba is the uppermost part of the whole Dara. The Malam Jabba ski resort, owned by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, has a ski slope of about 800m with the highest point of the slope 2804 m (9200 ft.) above sea level.

The resort was equipped with modern facilities including roller/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms, telephones and snow clearing equipment.

Unfortunately, the Taliban destroyed the resort when they were in hold in Swat valley. Now that writ of the government has been reinstated and peace established, tourism has picked up. The government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has awarded the tender for rebuilding the Malam Jabba skiing resort to a private company. Work is going on in full swing and is almost completed. Skiing has already been restored and a skiing festival was held in Jan as well.






Saidu Sharif and Mingora


At the elevation of 990 metres, Mingora and Saidu Sharif are twin-towns merged into each other. Mingora is the biggest town in Swat with all the main markets, bus stands, hotels, restaurants and shopping malls etc.; while Saidu Sharif is the administrative capital of Swat. Over time, Mingora has become heavily congested and relatively hot in summer as compared to Saidu Sharif. The Bazaars of Mingora are fascinating and worth exploring for woven woolen shawls, jackets and caps, handicrafts, old silver jewelry, old carpets, stones, dry fruits and much more. Saidu Sharif also has many schools, colleges, hospitals and government offices. Swat Serena Hotel, Swat Museum and Butkara remains are also located in Saidu Sharif.

Being capital city of picturesque Swat valley. Saidu Sharif is the principal seat of administration for looking after and managing regional government affairs several colleges, schools, government offices are situated here. Swat museum, the tomb of the Akhund of Swat, beautifully built buildings of Swat State era. Especially Jehan Zeb College, wooden building of Mehmankhana and archeological sites of Butkara I, two and three are worth seeing places in Saidu Sharif.

Mingora the center of economic activities and the only urban area of the valley is adjacent to Saidu Sharif that offers traditional, Pakistani and western food outlets, restaurants and hotels. Locally produced beautifully displayed at its main bazaar, shops, show rooms etc. include semi-precious stones, embroidered dresses, hand woven ladies’ shawls, bed sheets and woodwork. Traditional ornaments and antiques are available at shops. Visitors on trips to Swat valley usually stroll in its bazaars for shopping at the end of their journey can find emerald mines in hills northward of the city famous worldwide for their expensive and valuable emeralds.

Swat Museum


Swat Museum is located on main Mingora-Saidu Sharif road. This museum has a huge collection of Gandhara sculptures from the Buddhist sites in Swat. The original museum was constructed by the Department of Archaeology and Museums in 1958, when a twin museum was inaugurated in Rome.

The building was severely damaged by the 2005 earthquake as well as a bomb blast in 2009. The Italian archaeological mission in Pakistan has beautifully restored the museum and it is open for public again.

Bahrain


This riverside small town, at a distance of 66 km from Saidu Sharif and just 10 km from Madyan, is most frequently visited resort because of its location on the road leading to other beautiful resorts. A humming bazaar with shops. Eateries and hotels make it a popular place.

Household traditional decoration items are available at shops, eateries and hotels make it a popular place. Architectural beauty is fully evident in wooden-made pillars and fixtures of mosques and buildings arousing interest of visitors. Nearby valleys, full of lush green thick jungles offer hiking on narrow mountainous paths.

Kalaam


Being home town of Kohistani inhabitants, Kalam is like an earthly paradise in Swat Valley. Located at a distance of 40 km from Bahrain, Kalam is the main town of this region presenting one of the most panoramic natural beauties. The people known as Kohistani are its original inhabitants proud of their own language and still unchanged traditions. A fascinating view of Falaksair Peak with its melting snow even during summers is breathtaking. The journey is incomplete without seeing and going to Mahodand, a famous lake, about 23 km beyond Matiltan.

 

The picturesque Kalam provides road access to reach magnificent valleys of Ushu, Utrot and Gabral, where journey through green forests and beautiful view of landscape is mesmerizing. Rivers and lakes at Kalam offer good trout fishing as well.

Bashigram


Bashigram Lake is situated to the east of Bashigram valley near Madyan The road to this valley is partly metaled for vehicles. It takes almost forty to fifty minutes to reach this picturesque valley inhibited by simple and hospitable folk. From here. Trekking of four to five hours. Depending on professionalism and enthusiasm of the trekkers lands you in the realm of a serene and enchanting lake of Bashigram.

The above mentioned are the most visited places in Swat Valley, but it is home to a lot of other hidden gems too that need to be explored. Plan a trip of around a week to ten days if you want to fully explore the region.