Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where the word Pakhtunkhwa means “Land of the Pashtuns” often abbreviated as KPK or KP, is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern region of the country, along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border and close to Tajikistan border.
It was previously known as the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) until 2010, when its name was changed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, and is known colloquially by various other names. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the third-largest Pakistani province in terms of both its population and its economy, though it is geographically the smallest of Pakistan’s four provinces. Within Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shares a border with the Islamabad Capital Territory, Punjab, Balochistan, and the Pakistani-administered territories of Gilgit–Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It is home to 17.9 per cent of Pakistan’s total population, with the majority of the province’s inhabitants being ethnic Pashtuns and Hindko-speakers.
Chitral Valley
Harmony of Shrines
Chitral is an area of outstanding Natural beauty, boasting spectacular mountains which offer endless opportunities for culture, trekking and climbing. It is also home to a fascinating variety of people, including the non-Muslim Kalash and the semi-nomadic Wakhi. As in Hunza, the people of upper Chitral are Ismaili Muslims and much more open in their outlook. The Kalash numbering approximately 4500 are the smallest group amongst the religious minorities of Pakistan
Babusar Pass
Connects Kaghan Valley with Chilas via the Thak Nala
At the north of 150 km long Naran Valley, there lays a beautiful peak known as Babusar Pass or Babusar Top. It was previously known as Babur Top because the famous Mughal Emperor Babur used the same route at the beginning of the 16th century, which is one of the reasons for its success as a tourist attraction.Babusar Pass, holding the title of the highest peak in the Naran Valley is elevated at a height of 13,691 ft. It is a connecting mountain that links up Kaghan with Gilgit-Baltistan via Chillas. Babusar Top is known to provide easy access to its visitors via regular four-wheeled cars. On the contrary, Babusar Top is considered to be one of the most dangerous mountain slopes. It is therefore required to ensure every safety measure for this adventurous ride.
Mukshpuri Peak
9200 ft high mountain peak
It is the second-highest summit in the Galiyat Region between Abbottabad and Murree after Miranjani Peak, which is a 9,816 ft. high summit. Mukshpuri Tops attracts a large number of hikers and trekkers all throughout the year, especially in the tourist season between April and September.
If you plan to hike the lofty Mukshpuri Top, in this blog I will explore some handy tips to plan your hike and use some precautions to make this trip enjoyable for the entire team.
Saif Ul Malook Lake
Land of fairies
At the northern end of the Kaghan Valley in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there lies a mountainous lake called Saiful Mulook. At an elevation of 3,224 meters above sea level, this lake is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan.With its majestic self, this lake carries a lot of interesting mystical tales of fairies and princes because of its undefined beauty. Saif ul Malook was formed in the greater Pleistocene Period, almost 300,000 years back. Because of rising temperatures and receding glaciers, the melted water was gathered in a large depression where the glacier once stood.
