Northern Areas of Pakistan (Worth visiting places in Punjab)

Northern Areas of Pakistan

                           In the North of Pakistan, there are some mountain ranges like Himalaya, Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. Areas around these ranges can rightly be said "The Paradise on the earth". These mountains are high and lush green. The world's second-highest peak K2 is in these ranges.

There are such beautiful valleys one can imagine. There are small states in these valleys. I would like to share my visit to Hunza valley.

Location of Hunza valley

 It is a small state in the Himalaya region of Gilgit Agency. It is near the border of Afghanistan, Russian and Chinese Turkistan. It's a small village along the Hunza river. Its capital consists of many villages of the same name. It is about 15000 feet above sea level. All these villages have a population of about 5000.

Travel is possible in some months of the year. In winter the valley is filled with snow. The people of the valley are forced to stay in there mud and stone houses. In summer the snow begins to melt and villagers start working in their fields to grow crops, fodder for their cattle and gather firewood to fulfil their requirements of following winter.

When did I visit Hunza?

It was the summer season when I visited the valley. The fields were lush green with the new crops. Nowadays an air shuttle is available from Rawalpindi to these areas and it has eliminated the long and tiring trek of high mountain passes that were necessary till recent years. These treks were possible only for a short period in summer

How I reached Hunza?

The journey from Gilgit to the North was not possible by transport but only by animals like horses, donkeys and mule. The way is near the bank of the river. After a short journey there comes a village(Normal). Here mountains are the rugged and complete absence of vegetation. Local people try to advertise the water of the river but in reality, it is not good for drinking.

The next sixteen-mile journey to Chalt through more barren mountains and monotonous view. We met passerby with their animals who were traders of fruits going to Gilgit Bazar or coming back. We also saw some coolies bringing ice down the mountains to sell in villages for few rupees.

From Chalt we have the first glimpse of Rakaposhi. This is the peak one never tires of its beauty. There are a lot of fruit trees in these villages along both sides of the way. Apricots, Plums, Peaches, Apples and Mulberries are in abundant there.

Apricot is the fruit which is dried for the coming winter. Grapes are found in small quantity and the naturally fermented wine is called  Hunza pani.In the North of the main root here is a village Chaprot Nullah. From here one can see the most beautiful snowy peaks in all directions. From here much cooler weather starts as it is about seven thousand feet above sea level. The journey from here to the next village (Miaun) is pleasent then latter. From Miaun the view of famous Rakaposhi is unforgettable. Then we reacher Hussanabad wherein lies the capital of the valley. It is the most fertile part of the valley with tall trees and vivid green fields. The people of the valley are hospitable. It is purely pollution free area in the world.

Sports

People here fond of playing polo matches on their ponies. Every village has its polo ground. Whenever they play a match people gather there to see the match. The drummer beats the drum and people cheers during the match.

Religion and occupation

The people of the valley are of Muslim faith(known as mulai sect). Their main occupation is farming. The main crops of the valley are wheat, oats and barley. The main source of income is gold washing in the streams.

Passu village

Next comes the village named Pasu. It is at the side of rushing streams coming from the glaciers. From here we started our journey in the next morning and covered only 600 feet in a day on the steep slops of the mountains.

Glaciers in this area,

• Batura glacier the fourth world largest mountain glacier.
• Pasu glacier.
• Gulmit and Ghulkin glaciers.

The Kalash people

The main attraction of the valley is its Kalash people. Kalash is a tribe in the valley who keep on travelling with their cattle and herds. Kalash means black. The Kalash wear a black dress and their women wear a long black embroidered dress with beautiful beads on it. They look so beautiful in this dress. The Kalash are fun-loving people and fond of dancing. Whenever they want to start dancing. They are friendly natured people.

Back to Gilgit

After seven days we started back to Gilgit. It is the best journey of my life. It is unforgettable for me. If someone has time and money must visit this paradise on earth.

Worth visiting places in Punjab

As everyone knows Punjab is situated in the Indus plain. There are two such points that are worth visiting. Both are situated in The Sulman range. Both the points are about 6500 feet above sea level. These points are in D G Khan division.

Fort Munro

It is about 80 km in the west of D G Khan. It is a hilly point. Every year about two feet snowfalls here. It is famous for its pleasant weather.

Marri

It is also a hilly point in Rajanpur district. Its weather is also pleasant like Fort Minro. It is situated in the west of the Indus Highway. It is about 35 km from Fazilpur ( Rajanpur). Every year snowfalls here up to two feet.