THE NATURAL ATTRACTIONS OF PAKISTAN , TOURISM IN PAKISTAN

THE NATURAL ATTRACTIONS OF PAKISTAN 

NORTHERN AREAS
      The Northern Areas of Pakistan are located amid towering snowcapped peaks, with heights ranging between 1000 and over 8000 metres above sea level. The valley of Gilgit, Hunza, Skurdu, Chitral, Swat ,and Kaghan have unique flora and fauna. The Northern Areas are regarded as a paradise for mountaineers, climbers, trekkers, hikers, lovers of nature, painters and photographers.
        The cultural patterns in these areas are as interesting as their topography. The people with their unique culture, typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like buzkushi and polo provide an attraction to tourists.

KAGHAN VALLEY
     Kaghan Valley is one of the most splendid tourist areas in Pakistan . A holiday in the Kghan Valley , the Himalayan hideaway located north east of the Hazara district of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience for many tourists.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KAGHAN
     The valley is somewhat narrow in some parts and the views are limited but as you ascend, the surroundings peaks come in to view. One spot that is quite famous for its spectacular view and scenery is Shogran. This village , surrounded by peaks and forests, is east of the main Kunhar River.
      Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown trout and mahasheer  are stocked in pure silvery waters between Kaghan and Naran. The Kunhar river trout is considered to be the best throughout the subcontinent. Fishing  licenses are issued by the Fisheries Department at Naran or by the Trout Hatchery at Shinu.
        Most visitors to Naran pay a visit to Saiful Maluk Lake (3,211 metres) 6 miles east of town .If the road is closed , it is an easy, gradual three-hour-walk. If the road is open you can arrange transportation by jeep , and the lake is a lovely a pot for a picnic.

        One of the most interesting features of the Kaghan area is the Gujar (herder) families you'll see along the way bringing their animals to the summer pastures.




SWAT VALLEY
        The Valley of Swat , with its rushing torrents, lakes,fruit-laden orchards and flower-bedecked slopes is an idyllic valley. The lush green vegetation , fast flowing rivers and easy accessibility has made Swat valley one of the popular tourist resorts

GILGIT VALLEY
        At an elevation of 1453.90 metres (4,770 feet) lies the Gilgit Valley. The quaint little town of Gilgit has significant scenic beauty all  around. The season to visit Gilgit is from May to mid-October.
        The favourite sport in Gilgit is polo which the locals claim, originated here. The local version  is more rugged! Matches are festive occasion and draws a large number of visitors.

SKARDU
        Skardu is the capital of Baltistan . The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27 degree centigrade and minimum is 8 degree centigrade. It is the starting point for expeditions to K2 and other giant peaks.

HUNZA VALLEY
       Visitors to Hunza are over-whelmed by its rugged charm, the fragrant  breeze singing through the meadows and the wheat fields, set against the background of  snow-covered mountains . The valley is situated at an elevation of 2438 meters (8,000 ) feet.
        Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili, followers of His Highness the Agha Khan. The local language is Burushashki, but Urdu and English are widely understood. The people of Hunza are noted for their longevity.
       Hunza has a unique cultural style. The women of Hunza look different in their colourful costumes.The women of Hunza , in their baggy trousers and their heads  covered with embroidered caps can be seen working in the fields with their cattle.

     The fairy-tale fort of  Baltit, one and half kms from Karimabad, was built about 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs , its wooden windows look out over the valley. Originally, it was used as the residence for the rulers of Hunza.

CHITRAL 
     Chitral is a forbidding  land, which remains cut off for the whole winter  from rest of the country helping it to keep its traditional way of life. Bumboret, Rumber, Birir are  the famous Kalash Valleys  which are the prime attraction of the Chitral Region . The Kalasha is a pagan tribe which unique customs and festivals. At Shandur Polo Festival is another attraction of the area.