ECO TOURISM AND ADVENTURE TOURISM

Another area of tourism in Pakistan is eco- tourism. Eco-tourism is site-seeing, e.g. mountains, lakes, valleys, glaciers and passes. Pakistan is blessed with picturesque mountain valleys, spectacular lakes, and awe-inspiring mountains. The country has the world’s second highest mountain peak (K2), the world’s highest polo ground more than 20 valleys and 31 manmade and natural lakes. Glaciers are most valued divine gift for the country as it has more glacial ice (7253 glaciers in total) than anywhere on the Earth outside the polar region. Silk Road or Karakoram Highway is also a major source of attraction as this ancient road carries huge historical and archaeological significance. In addition to site-visiting the northern areas of Pakistan can provide different extreme sports resorts like skiing, hiking, boating, paragliding. para trooping, ice climbing, extreme ironing, hang gliding and others. In this regard, the recently held winter sports at winter resort in Naltar in Gilgit-Baltistan and Malam Jabba in Swat where competitions of snowboarding, ice skating and ice hockey were organized (for the very first time in the history of Pakistan) is the right step in the right direction. With proper infrastructure in place, including road, communication and healthcare, Pakistan that has two times more mountainous area than Switzerland and can generate billions of dollars in revenue (Switzerland earn $17 billion annually from eco- tourism). We have atleast 5 ski resorts and areas that can be developed to accommodate winter and other extreme sports which can again serve as huge tourist attraction site.

 

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Hunza Valley

One of the places in Pakistan which is famous for tourist attraction is the Hunza valley. It is part of Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan is blessed with many tourist sites but one of the well-known tourist points is in Northern Areas of Pakistan called Gilgit-Baltistan. Hunza is a mountainous valley and it has been given many names due to its natural beauty such as ‘Paradise on earth’, ‘Roof of the world’, and ‘Switzerland of Pakistan’. It shares a border with India, China, and Afghanistan. The connecting border with China makes it more important for Pakistan economical relationship with China and CPEC (Karakoram High) way is passes through this valley.

Hunza valley is a valley of tourist attraction, it has many tourist points and they find the cultural heritage of Hunzai fascinating and informative. All domestic and foreigner tourists find the local dishes and cultural handy crafts enthralling. Some of the famous tourist points of Hunza valley include Forts of Baltit (also called-Karimabad) and Altit which were once princely states, Duikar which lies at the height and one can view the breathtaking aerial view of Hunza valley, Attabad lake is another tourist point which is famous for its view along with cool and clean breezes and its tunnel is famous for Pakistan-China friendship and one of fine pieces of architecture of CPEC. In addition to the above, Borith Lake and Hussaini Bridge which are situated in the upper part of Hunza valley are magnetic sites to visit.Furthermore, the place where all domestic and foreign tourists eager to visit is Khunjarab Pass also called the China-Pakistan border.

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Sethi House Museum: A Legacy of Peshawar

Sethi House Museum is also known as Sethi Mohallah or Sethian Mohallah. It is an old and traditional neighborhood in the old city of Peshawar, Pakistan. It is located near the Ghanta Ghar (clock tower), Bazaar Kalan and Ghot Khatri in Peshawar's old walled city.

The mohallah contains 7 South Asian houses built by the Sethi family in a style like that of Central Asia with expand wooden carvings. The houses were finished in the late nineteenth century. One of the houses has been bought by the KPK government. This house has two portions, one for men and one for ladies.

The whole structure of each house is a blend of brick and woodwork adorned with carved wooden gates and galleries. It has 12 rooms in total and four basements. It has a great resting place, made of wood called Takht-e-Sulaimani, to enjoy the daylight in winters. It has delightful ventilators, inclining window-shades, wooden divider pantries, chimneys and red bricks stairs with anticipated wooden edges are some of the notable characteristics of the house.

It has two embellished tehkhanas (basement rooms), a balakhana (upper story), dalaans (huge lobbies), chinikhanas (rooms where art pieces are shown on chimney pieces) and fountains can be found in each house. The roofs are painted, and the walls are beautified with mirror work.

It is a must see building if someone has an interest in history and culture. Whoever, visits this will surely appreciate its beauty and will be significantly enhanced by its praise that will drive him/her to go back in time.

Shimshal: A Small Town of District Hunza

Shimshal is a town situated in Gojal Tehsil of Hunza District, in the Gilgit–Baltistan area of Pakistan previously known as Northern Areas of Pakistan. It lies at a height of 3,100 m above sea level and is the most noteworthy settlement in the area.

Shimshal Valley is a remote valley around three hours east of Passu in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The valley is the passage to the Shimshal Pass, a generally well-known trek with enthusiastic trekkers and mountain dwellers. In case you're just an easygoing mountain lover, don't let that deflect you. Regardless of whether you would prefer not to do the Shimshal Pass trek, Shimshal Valley is a pleasant retreat, and an extraordinary spot to stay for a couple of days.

One can reach Shimshal Valley by means of a great jeep ride from the Hunza Valley. There are no set timings for jeeps, and flexibly relies upon request. It's strongly recommended to save a seat a day or two in advance. The dive into the valley is flawless, as you follow the narrow valley on a steep road leading to the sprawled crossroads of Shimshal.

 

Shimshal Valley has a few guesthouses. All are basic and charge around 1,000 – 2,000 Rs for an individual per night. Food will cost another 200 – 300 Rs for every meal. As, Shimshal is a remote valley, facilities are basic, and food is difficult to make accessible in the valley.

There are a few multi-day treks that one can do in Shimshal. But these require earlier planning, arrangement and permission. Further down the valley are a few glaciers. Yazghil Glacier (the first glacier) is around three hours walk from Shimshal. Mountain climber or not, Shimshal offers an extraordinary track experience.

There are no vehicles, hardly any motorbikes, and so, the only noises are of cattle and the Shimshal river. Infact, it’s a great place to read a book with a cup of local green tea.

Worth Staying Hotels in Naran (Kaghan Valley)

Royal Hotel Naran

Royal Hotel is one of the best hotels in Naran, Pakistan. Serving since 2001, it has always kept its service up to the mark. It is located in the center of Naran between the beautiful mountains. it is located on the walking distance from the mesmerizing Kunhar river.

Royal Hotel is known for offering best services in town. Royal Hotel offers 4 categories of room including Deluxe Rooms, Master, Suites and Family Rooms which are equipped with telephones, LED TVs, Wi-Fi, hot and cold water and all other amenities. It also offers 24/7 electricity backup, 24-hours room service, laundry service and private parking lot for safety of the vehicles.

Royal Hotel also has on-site restaurant which offers delicious food including Pakistani, Chinese and continental food.

Address: Main Gilgit road, Naran (Kaghan valley), Pakistan.

Contact: +92-997-430134

Millennium Inn Naran

Millennium Inn Naran, Pakistan is one of the biggest hotels in kaghan valley comprising of approximately 120 rooms. It is only four star hotel in Naran, Pakistan. It is located in the centre of Naran with all the world class facilities. 

Millennium Inn offers double rooms, triple rooms, quadruple rooms, six bed rooms and family suites. Their facilities include, complimentary breakfast, central heating, hot and cold water, TV with all national and international channels, wi-fi, car parking, laundry service, room service and much more. 

Address: Main bazaar, near PTDC motel, Naran, Kaghan Valley, Pakistan. 

Contact: +92-321-9111804

Naltar Valley second name of beauty on Earth

Naltar Valley, also known as heaven on earth is located approximately 54 km from Gilgit Pakistan. Naltar is famous for its forested region and amazingly beautiful mountain scenery. Not only this it is also a famous tourist points because of several other reasons. Such as, it comprises of different beautiful lakes. These lakes add four times more value to the beauty of the valley.

The important tops Meherbani Peak and Shani Peak of Naltar Valley are covered with snow during winter. While the Valley starts to bloom in April. The main attraction of this valley is greenery and caved forest.Moreover, unlike other tourist points this valley has special facilities for tourists along with natural beauty. Which not only includes private rest houses but also includes rest houses established by Government in this region.

Climate is an important factor one should consider before planning a trip. Climate of this valley remains moderate during summers and it maximum reaches to 22 degrees. So you can surely add this name to your list to visit and enjoy your vacation at such a beautiful place.





For those who love nature and adventure:

If you’re daring enough and love adventure, just don’t end your journey at zero point, because eventually the real adventure starts after this. The rocky, muddy road that will take your breaths out with the curve of the road and wouldn’t let you blink your eyes with the astonishing view around. As you walk along the track and the water becomes more fast you end up reaching satrangi lake. While the path are difficult to walk through it’s the green scenes and the nostalgic smell of greenery and the chirping of birds which gives a beautiful atmosphere.

Katas Raj Temples

Katas Raj Temples a new face of beauty:

                                               

Pakistan being the destination of all types of tourists holds a very unique position in the arch of religious tourism like all other types. And if we talk about religious tourism  we cannot ignore Qatas Raj Temples. Located near Chakwal (about 40 kilometers away from the main city close to Choa Saidanshah town) in province Punjab of Pakistan Katas Raj Temples also know as Qila Katas is one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites which date back to 615-950 CE These temples are very popular tourist attractions as thousands of tourists visit the site annually.                 

The temples hold a very special  position in the hearts of Hindus who believe that the Hindu deity Krishna laid the foundation of the temples and the pond in the Temples' courtyard  is formed by the tears of Hindu god Shiva who wandered inconsolably after his wife Sati’s death and Hindus believe that taking bath in this pond will wash your sins away. Not just this, even the name of this temple complex comes from Sanskrit word kataksha meaning  “teary eyes”. Being a sacred place for Hindus the temples are visited by hundreds of Hindu pilgrims from India also. The temples are very architectural which serve the purpose of many tourists who visit the Temples. The pond water is crystal clear which is immensely beautiful and becomes the centre of attention for everyone who visits the site. Tourists can reach the site very conveniently as it is just 20 kilometers away from M2 motorway( which links Islamabad and Lahore ) KallarKahar interchange.