Pictures of Shangla

Pictures of balogram

Pictures of Mingora

Pictures of Kalam valley

Pictures of lakes

Beauty of Skardu Valley

Skardu: Amidst a landscape of stark mountains, deep and steep gorges, crashing waterfalls and quiet lakes, Skardu, the district headquarters of Baltistan valley, is situated on the banks of the mighty river Indus, joined by the river Shigar just about 5 8 km further up. Perched at a height of 8,000 feet/2438 metres, Skardu offers cool and bracing climate. To the east is Laddakh, in the south Indian-occupied Kashmir and to the north is the Chinese province of Sinkiang. Skardu is strategically situated at the foot of an enormous rock, which is crowned by a historic fort

There are three lakes, Satpara about 8 km, lower Kachoora about 35 kilometres and upper Kachoora about 40 kilometres. The Lake Resort Shangri-La (above - left) is a picturesque place to rest and admire the beauty of Lake Kachura and Skardu Valley. To the southwest of the town is the sprawling Deosai Plateau which can be reached via the beautiful Sadpara/ Satpara lake just about 8 kilometres from Skardu. Deosai Plateau is unique in many ways. About 70 kilometres across and averaging 3,500 metres / 11,660 feet in height, Deosai connects Baltistan with the Astore Valley. It is to the north and east of Skardu that the Karakoram mountains assume their most impressive and unyielding character. it takes just two hours, by jeep to reach the gateway to the dreamland, the ancient village of Shigar tucked up in a lush green valley having abundance of fruit trees including apples and apricots for which the whole region is renowned. Of the world's fifteen highest peaks, five are located in this region, including K-2. Most of the longest and the most dreadful glaciers of the world are also located in this greatest geo-drama of the nature having no parallel on earth. Summers attract a large number of mountaineers and trekkers from all parts of the world to this valley. In fact, the entire region is known as the mountaineer's/trekker's paradise. The Kharfocho Fort or the King of forts at Skardu attracts tourists in large numbers. The fort is attributed to the famous ruler of Skardu, Maqpon Bugha (1490 - 1515 AD), the great grand father of Ali Sher Khan Anchan (1560 - 1625 AD). However this claim is contradicted by the Moghal historians, who are of the view that the great fort was built by Ali Sher Khan Anchan himself. This view is upheld by European writers such as Cunningham, Foso Marine, G.T. Vagne etc. Some observations about this fort have been made in the Imperial.

Beauty of Kaghan Valley

Kaghan is one of the most beautiful valleys of Pakistan. The valley is located in the Mansehra District of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Connected with Islamabad via three routes (Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra), Kaghan is offers great images. Its mountains, lakes, water-falls, streams & glaciers are still in an unbelievable pristine state, an un-spoilt paradise. The Kaghan valley is named for the town of Kaghan rather than for the Kunhar River which flows to the length of the valley. The valley extends for 155 kilometres rising from an elevation of 2,133 metres (7,000 ft) to its highest point, the Babusar Pass at 4,173 metres. The local population is friendly and easygoing and speaks Hindko (a language spoken by the hill people in Hazara), Pushto, and/or Urdu. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet. Kaghan is at its best in the summers. Except for middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran remains snow-bound throughout the winter.
The Kaghan valley, is blocked at the end by high mountains but a pass lets the jeep-able road snakes into the Chilas valley through 4,145 metres high Babusar Pass, which commands the whole Kaghan panorama gives on a clear day, glimpses of the Nanga Parbat glistening at 8,125 metres.
Naran, 22 kilometres from Kaghan serves as the base camp for the whole valley. From here one can go to several picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks hiring a jeep or horse. Nestled in the foot steps of 5,190 metres high Malika Parbat (Queen of Mountains) is the awe inspiring "Lake Saiful Malook" at 12,000 feet above sea level is a breathtaking site in the entire valley which has a touch of the unreal about it. The scenic beauty has no parallel in the world. One can go boating on the lake and hear the local legend about Prince Saiful Malook. Moving up to the Babusar Pass, and located just before the final grade to Babusar Top is the breathtaking Lulusar Lake.