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         HAZARA REGION

The region of Hazara is like a door to heaven, opening up to visitors a world replete with natural beauty. It was a favourite gateway from the plains into Kashmir during Mughal, Durrani and Sikh rules. It is a large area some 10,000 sq. km. The world famous Karakoram Highway starts from Havelian, a town in this region at a distance of 101 km from Islamabad. The mighty "Lion River" Indus or Abasin flows through the entire length of Hazara. It is strategically located between the Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir, Punjab and the rest of the North West Frontier Province. Hill stations collectively known as the Gallis and the Kaghan valley are the best known parts of Hazara. Pakistani and foreign tourists throng its cool and serene valleys during sizzling summer.

 
                  A panoramic view of Haripur                                        Abbottabad

HARIPUR
Located at 81 km from Islamabad on Hasan Abdal-Abbottabad road, Haripur was founded in 1822 by Hari Singh, a general of Ranjit Singh's army. He was the Governor of Hazara in 1822-23. A fort built by the Sikhs called Harikishan Garh is at present being used as a police station. There is also a British cemetery.

TARBELA DAM
About 94 km from Islamabad, west of Haripur is the world's largest earth-filled dam. It was constructed to tame the mighty Indus at Tarbela. It is one of Pakistan's geotechnical wonders. It has the largest electricity generating power in the world and its two spillways are also the biggest in the world. The dam is really immense and very impressive to visit especially in late summer. It is an excellent spot for a day trip.

ABBOTTABAD
Abbottabad is named after its founder James Abbot, Hazara's first British Deputy Commissioner. It is at a distance of 121 km from Islamabad via Hasan Abdal. It is 1220 meters above sea level and is situated at the crossroads of most of the areas of tourist interest in Pakistan like Nathiagali, Murree, Thandiani, Kaghan valley, Swat valley, Skardu, Gilgit and Khunjrab. Taxila, one of the most important archaeological treasures of the subcontinent is not very far from here. There are two hills towering above Abbottabad, Shimla Peak and Sarban Peak. There are very fine panoramic views of the town and its surroundings from Shimla Peak. The famous Pakistan Military Academy is on the hill to the north-east side of the town. Shimla Park located on a nearby hill with a pine forest is well worth a visit. Abbottabad has still a very British air with its European style bungalows, the club, the church and the cemetery.

   
Thandiani                                                                 NathiaGali

THANDIANI
Thandiani means "cold" in the local language. Therefore being a cool place it got the name of "Thandiani". It is 2700 meters above sea level on a small plateau surrounded by pine forests. This beautiful spot can easily be approached from Abbottabad, which is 24 km away. It is totally unspoiled and has the loveliest of views of all the hill stations of Pakistan. The scenery here is breathtaking and superb.

NATHIAGALI
Nathiagali clad in pine, walnut, oak and maple trees, is the prettiest hill resort in the Galiyat region. It can be approached both from Murree and Abbottabad. It is 34 km from Abbottabad as well as from Murree. Nathiagali is 2501 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green lofty mountains. The British tried to create a little England here with its small timbered churches, parks, bungalows and the Governor's House. Breathtaking landscapes, spring water and fresh air make it one of the most peaceful hill stations in Pakistan.

DUNGAGALI
This beautiful tourist resort is situated on the slopes of Mukshpuri Hills. The hills are wooded and present a beautiful view. Behind.Dungagali stands Mukshpuri, one of the highest peaks in the area (2800 m).

AYUBIA
A cluster of four small hill stations of Khanaspur, Khairagali, Changlagali and Ghora Dhaka is called Ayubia and was named after President Ayub Khan who belonged to Haripur district of Hazara. The complex is spread over an area of 26 km. The central place of Ghora Dhaka has a chairlift, which gives a panoramic and mesmerizing view of the surroundings.

         
DungaGali                                                             Ayubia

MANSEHRA
Mansehra is named after Man Singh, its Governor General under Ranjit Singh. This town is at a distance of 24 km to the north of Abbottabad. It has a very lively bazaar. The major tourist attraction of Mansehra are the three granite boulders on which edicts of Ashoka the Great have been inscribed. This great Mauryan king ruled this area in the  3rd century BC. After his conversion to Buddhism he tried to dictate a new morality based on piety, moderation, tolerance and respect for life.

KAGHAN VALLEY
Out of the numerous beautiful valleys of Hazara, Kaghan is the most attractive of all. A holiday retreat with alluring scenic beauty, the Kaghan valley is about 160 km long and between two to four thousand meters above sea level at various places. Towering peaks of Himalayan Range, glaciers, water falls and crystal clear water of the lakes are still in a pristine state and make the valley an unspoiled paradise. Kunhar river with plenty of trout fish flows through the valley and has the villages of Balakot, Kaghan, Naran on its banks. The nomads take their flocks of cattle to the high pastures of the Kaghan valley in spring and bring them down again in autumn. Their women are colourfully dressed.

             
Kaghan Valley                                                          Balakot

BALAKOT
Balakot is the gateway to Kaghan valley. Balakot itself is 72 km from Abbottabad. This beautiful small town is located on the banks of Kunhar river. Journey from Abbottabad to Balakot is a charming experience. The road passes through beautiful green hills and thick forests. The views are spectacular especially between Attarshisha and Garhi Habibullah. A famous battle was fought here between the Sikh Army and Mujahideen in 1831. The Mujahideen leaders, Hazrat Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Hazrat Shah Ismail Shaheed lie buried here along with other martyrs.

SHOGRAN
Shogran, one of, the most beautiful plateaus in the whole area is situated at a distance of 33 km from Balakot via Kawai. From there a jeep track leads to this tranquil summer retreat of superb climate and spectacular views. The air is impregnated with the scent of flowers and the pine forest around. It is at an altitude of 2326 m and mighty peaks of Himalayan Ranges such as Musa ka Masalla (4419 m) and Malika Parbat (5290 m) are visible from here.

Shogran

SHINU
Shinu, just beyond Paras is known for its trout hatchery of the Fisheries Department. It is from this hatchery that brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked into the upper Kunhar river and the lakes Saiful Muluk, Lulusar and Dodiputsar.

JARED
Just beyond Shinu, Jared is a small village, about 40 km from Balakot. It has a state run Handicrafts Development Centre. Articles produced at Jared include traditionally carved furniture, hand-made woollen shawls and namda rugs which are famous throughout the Kaghan valley.

NARAN
About 86 km from Balakot lies Naran, the main attraction of the Kaghan valley. This town is situated on the banks of Kunhar river at an altitude of 2498 m at a point where the valley widens. The river is wider and quieter here. There is a very good view downstream, with some tree-covered islands in the foreground. It is a starting point for lake Salful Muluk, Battakundi, Lalazar Plateau, lake Lulusar and Babusar Pass. Outstanding attraction of Naran is its air of peace and serenity.

            
Naran                                                             Saiful Maluk Lake

LAKE SAIFUL MULUK
It is situated at a distance of 10 km from Naran at an altitude of 3500 m. It provides an excellent view of the 5290 m high Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains). The lake and its surroundings have a touch of unreal about them and are breathtakingly lovely. There is a charming legend about a prince called Saiful Muluk who fell in love with a fairy of the lake. The lake is named after the prince. The best way to reach the lake is to walk but you may also take a pony or a jeep.

BABUSAR PASS
Babusar Pass is at a distance of 80 km from Naran. It is on the way to the pass that the Kaghan valley's scenery becomes most dramatic. Battakundi is at a distance of 16 km from Naran and provides access to Lalazar Plateau, lake Dodiputsar and lake Lulusar which is the biggest natural lake in Hazara and the source of Kunhar river. From Babusar Top mighty Nanga Parbat (8126 m) can be seen on a clear day.

WHEN TO VISIT
Climate in Hazara region is generally mild. Abbottabad is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. Nathiagali, Dungagali and Ayubia are pleasantly cool with maximum temperature of 10'C and minimum of 0'C in summer and very cold in winter with snowfall in December, January and February. They are, however, accessible throughout the year. Thandiani is sometimes closed to traffic in January, February due to heavy snowfall. Kaghan valley is open from mid-May to mid-October but Babusar Pass is open only for six weeks in summer (July-August).

HOW TO GET THERE
Hazara region is easily accessible from everywhere in Pakistan. At a distance of 8 km from Haripur lies Havelian which is a railhead and links the region with rest of the country. Abbottabad is only 15 km away and deluxe bus services operate between this city and Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Lahore. There are paved roads from Abbottabad to Thandiani. Nathiagali, Ayubia, Mansehra, Thakot and Kaghan village. Road up to Naran is graveled but beyond Naran to all directions, there are only jeep tracks.

WHAT TO DO
Fishing is the main activity in Kaghan valley. You can fish for brown trout and rainbow trout in the crystal clear water of the lakes of the valley and in the Kunhar river. Fishing permit can be obtained from the Fisheries Department at Shinu or Naran. Mountain climbing, trekking and pony riding are other favourite activities one can indulge in.

WHAT TO BUY
Embroidered woolen garments, carved furniture of walnut wood and namda rugs are the specialties of Hazara.

      MALAKAND AND SWAT REGION

The Malakand division of the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan covers one third of the total area of the Province. The region is further divided into Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Shangla Districts and Malakand Agency. It's distinctive features make the area a "Tourist's Heaven".

MALAKAND
While travelling from Mardan towards Swat, one comes across the town of Dargai, from where a road leads to the top of a pass in the mountains, which is known as the Malakand Pass. A town by the same name is situated at the summit about 53 km away from Mardan. The British had to fight a fierce battle against the Pathans, on their way to Chitral. A British cemetery is also located in the bazaar near the road. A Hydel-power house is also built at Malakand. A forest around Malakand gives a very refreshing view. Malakand is a fertile valley surrounded by hills moderately cold in winter and pleasant in summer. An excellent road extends from the main Malakand Highway to Swat.

        
Malakand Pass                                                                 Butkara Buddhist Stupa

NIMOGRAM BUDDHIST STUPAS
While travelling from Chakdara towards Saidu Sharif, one reaches Landakai. About 7 km from here, a road leads towards Nimogram, which is further 21 km away. A Buddhist monastery is situated here on the top of a hillock, giving an overall view of the area. There are three main stupas, surrounded by a number of small votive stupas. Dressed stones have been used in the construction and bear similarity to Andan Dheri monastery.

SHINGARDARA STUPA
About three kilometres from Barikot, one gets a glance of a magnificent Buddhist stupa on the right side. This stupa is perhaps the only one, whose dome is complete. The period of its construction is estimated between third and fourth centuries AD. Just about one and a half km away from this stupa, one can see large figures of Buddha carved on the rock.

MINGORA
Mingora has been an important trading centre for the last 2000 years. The bazaars are interesting to explore for semi precious stones, hand-woven and embroiled clothes, shawls, bedsheets, woodwork, tribal jewelry and antiques of different kinds. The hills having the world famous "Emerald Mines" are located to the north of the town.

SAIDU SHARIF
Saidu Sharif and Mingora are twin cities. Saidu Sharif has several government buildings, the Swat Museum, the Tomb of Akund of Swat and the archaeological remains of the Butkara Buddhist Stupa.

           
Shingardara Stupa                       Swat Museum                      Gandhara Art

SWAT MUSEUM
This museum is situated between Mingora and Saidu Sharif. The archaeological finds belong to Gandhara Buddhist art of Swat. The samples of local embroidery, jewelry and carved wood objects are on display.

MARGHZAR
Marghzar is a small town situated at the foot of Mount Ilam about 13 krn away from Saidu Sharlf. It is famous for its White Marble Palace, built by the Wali-e-Swat in early 1940's. The palace now serves as a hotel. While going towards Marghzar, a road turns to Islam Pur, which is famous for its woodwork, shawls and blankets.

MALAM JABA
Malam Jaba is the most promising hill resort of Swat and is being developed rapidly. Arnoderr four star hotel and a chairlift have already been constructed there but not yet operational. A mini golf course and ski run are also part of the complex situated about 2743m above sea level. It presents a beautiful view of snow-clad mountains, forested valleys and wildlife.

      
Malamjaba                                                                 Bahrain

MIANDAM
This is one of the upcoming hill resorts, about 56 km away from Saidu Sharif. The surrounding area.offers natural beauty, with forests, orchards, mountains and streams which can be enjoyed by hiking.

MADYAN
Madyan is a tourist resort on the banks of Swat river. It is 1312 m above sea level. The town is famous for handicraft, embroidery and antique shops. A trout hatchery is also located here. Many beautiful side valleys can be approached from here. The distance of Madyan is 56 km from Saidu Sharif.

BAHRAIN
The town of Bahrain is situated 66 km from Saidu Sharif and is 10km from Madyan. It is another popular riverside resort, with bazaars worth exploring for their handicrafts. The surrounding area has beautiful valleys and is suitable for hiking. The mosques and buildings are worth seeing for wooden carved pillars and other fixtures.

KALAM
Kalam is the main town of Swat Kohistan. It is about 40 km north of Bahrain. Kalam is inhabited by Kohistanis having their own language and customs. Beautiful valleys of Ushu (2286 m), Utrot (2225 m) and Gabral (2550 m) are accessible from here through thick pine forests. The 6257 m high snow capped Falaksair Peak is clearly visible from Matiltan (3000 m). Lake Mahodand is about 23 km beyond Matiltan valley. The rivers offer good chances for trout fishing.

     
Kalam Valley                                     Mahodand                                     Utorot

AMBELA PASS
The famous Ambela Pass, situated in Buner, can easily be approached from Mardan via Shabbaz Garhi and Rustam. It is about 50 km away from Mardan. The British fought a very tough battle here against Yusufzai Afghan lashkars in 1863. The Muslim graveyard of martyrs, the Babaji Kando, where Hazrat Saidu Baba camped. The Craig Picket and Eagles Nest can still be seen while passing through Arnbela Pass. The route to Swat is quieter and more scenic than the Malakand Pass route. The main road climbs up across 894 meters to Buner Pass. The 45 km road from Pir Baba to Barikot passes through Mount Ilam rising through mature pine forests to 1336 metres high Karakar Pass.

Kachi Kuni Pass

CLIMATE
The weather remains pleasant from March till October, the best season to visit the valley.

LANGUAGE
The local languages are Pushto and Kohistani though Urdu and English are also spoken.

SHOPPING
Swat is famous for its embroidery of table cloth, ladies shawls, table mats, gold threaded purses, caps, woodwork, honey and precious stones.

HOW TO GET THERE
Swat is linked by air with Peshawar, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. PIA flights operate daily, subject to weather conditions. Swat is also linked by road to Rawalpindi (257 km) via Nowshera - Mardan and Malakand Pass. Whereas from Peshawar it is 117 krn. It is also connected to Gligit via Besham which is on the Karakoram Highway. Metalled roads connect the various towns in Swat.

         DIR AND CHITRAL REGION

CHAKDARAFORT
Chakdara is an important town of Dir, located on the bank of Swat river. It is about 130 km away from Peshawar and 48 km away from Saidu Sharif. The Mughals built a fort here in 1586, which was later occupied by the British in 1895, who built the present fort in 1896.

CHAKDARA MUSEUM
The Chakdara Museum is situated about one km from the fort. It has an excellent collection of Buddhist Gandhara Art, from first to seventh century AD. It helps people to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area.

            

CHURCHILL PICKET
Close to the Chakdara Fort, a picket crowns the hillock towards the west. This is known as the Churchill Picket because Winston Churchill came here during the Pathan Revolt of 1879. This place was used by him for sending reports. He was then a war correspondent.

DIR
Dir is a big trading centre. It is famous for knives and daggers. The royal graveyard is also situated by the roadside in the town. Shortly before reaching Dir, a road leads towards east, taking the travelers to a wonderland, known as Dir Kohistan. It is the western extension of Swat. The lush green valley of Dir Kohistan is about 100 km long. It has many villages including Shringal and Kalkot. The mountains are covered with thick forests. This area has still not been fully explored.

  

LOWARI PASS
This pass is 3200 m high, situated in the famous Hindu Raj Range and forms the boundary between Dir and Chitral. The road to Chitral passes through this Pass which is closed between November and May due to heavy snowfall.

KALASH VALLEYS
The world famous Kalash People live in the three valleys of Birir, Bumburet and Rambur. The Kalash are an ancient tribe and have a religion and a culture of their own. They have many festivals around the year during which the men and women perform colourful dances. The major festivals are Chilamjusht, Phool and Chawas.

CHITRAL
The famous town of Chitral is situated about 322 krn from Peshawar. It is also connected to Peshawar by air. The whole area is rnountainous, having green valleys and the towering Trichmir Peak (7700 meters) of the Hindukush. The Chitral Fort is one of the famous monuments of the town. There is also a palace inside the fort and a beautiful mosque outside the fort. All the foreign visitors to Chitral must register with the police on their arrival. A permit from the Deputy Commissioner is required to visit the valleys of Kafir Kalash.

GARAM CHASHMA
Also known as "Hot Springs". The village by the same name is about 45 km to the north west of Chitral. The jeep journey takes about 3 hours. These hot springs contain sulphur in their water which is good for healing skin diseases, headache and other pains and gout. The village has a big market, where the caravans from Badakhshan bring precious stones and other products. The town gives a look of "Caravan Sarai". It is also famous for "Patti" a typical woolen cloth.

  

SHANDUR PASS
The world famous Shandur Pass is about 3738 m above sea level and lies midway between Chitral and Gligit. The distance from both Chitral and Gilgit is about 168 km. These areas remain snow- clad in winter and turn into a green heaven during summer. There is a big lake in the area. One can approach the Shandur Top by jeep from either side. The traditional Polo Tournament between the Gilgit and Chitral teams is held here every year in the month of July. Foreign tourists and natives come to see the festival.

CLIMATE
Chitral has pleasant summer and extremely cold winter. Spring weather is unpredictable with frequent rain and snowfall. Autumn has mild and pleasant temperature.

LANGUAGE
Chitrali or Khowar is the local language whereas Urdu and English are also spoken. 

SHOPPING
Chitral is famous for its soft hand-woven woolen material known as "Shu" available in white black and grey colours, embroidered woolen rugs, embroidered household linen, bags, watch straps, belts, shoes and sandals, musical instruments like sitar, antique weapons and precious gems. Kalash Valley is important for hand crafted chairs with leather seats, baskets, crude wooden effigies of men seated on horseback. Kalash tribal garments and headgear with studded cowrie shells, and buttons.

HOW TO GET THERE
PIA operates daily flights subject to weather conditions between Peshawar and Chitral. The flying time is 50 minutes. To reach Chitral from Peshawar by the 365 km long partly metalled, partly gravel topped road, it takes 12 hours. It goes via Malakand, Dir and the 3200 m high Lowari Pass, open during the summer from June till the end of October which may close earlier in case of snowfall. Chitral can also he reached from Gilgit,in 27 hours by jeep via Shandur Pass by a 406 km track. An alternative route is the 200 km track from Swat. Permits are required by foreigners from the Deputy Commissioner Chitral to visit Kalash valley. There are many private jeeps, cabs and mini buses travelling from Dir and Peshawar.

KALASH  FESTIVALS
Joshi or Chilimjusht (14th and 15th May) This festival is held in spring, when girls pick first flowers of the year. The days are marked by dancing, visiting each other and exchanging flowers, milk and milk products.
Utchal (Mid July) It is celebrated to mark the harvest of wheat and barley. The celebration lasts for two days, which includes dancing, singing, and   feasting.
Phool (20th to 21st December) The festival is to mark the reaping of grapes and walnuts harvests. (Subject to weather conditions).
Chowas (18th to 21st December) Chowas is a winter festival celebrated to welcome the New Year. The entire population remains indoor. It is celebrated by feasting, drinking and merry making until the elders, who sit on hill top watching the sun reaching the orbit, then declare the advent of the new year. They come down from the hills, light their torches, perform their dance and sacrifice goats at the altar.
Nauroze (21st March) It is celebrated in ltkuh, Mastuj, and Turikho Mulkho by Ismailis, followers of His Highness Prince Karim Agha Khan.
Chitral Festival The date for celebrating the Chitral Festival is fixed every year. The eminent features are Polo matches, equestrian sports, wrestling, tug-of-war, colourful folk dances and music by the Kalash with exhibition of the local handicraft.