16 Friday, March 23, 2018 istan da DT NEWS pak y DAY SPECIAL

llah has blessed Pakistan with immense beauty. Pakistan has some of the world’s most beautiful places to be seen, especially in its northern areas and in the Kashmir region. These parts are known for its sky-high mountains, lush green valleys, mighty rivers, beautiful lakes, and amazing wildlife. The Paradise on Earth Mini Switzerland ‘Swat Valley’ and Mountain Kingdom ‘Hunza valley’ are the major tourist attractions in Pakistan. All these places are the real natural blessings of the world. Below is an account of some Aof the best places to visit in Pakistan.

Naltar valley Opposite to the Keran sector of Indian-held Kashmir. From It is famous for its colourful lakes, the Chella Bandi Bridge – just north of Azaad Kashmir’s it is situated at a drive of 2.5 hours capital Muzaffarabad – to Tau Butt, a valley stretches from . World’s tastiest pota- out for 240 kilometres; it is known as the Neelum In the extreme north of Pakistan, toes are cultivated here. Covered Valley (literally, the Blue Gem Valley).Neelum is the central valley of Gilgit-, is an with pine trees, this valley doesn’t one of the most beautiful valleys of , epitome of beauty, serenity and wilderness. seem to be a part of this world. and it hosts several brooks, freshwater streams, After Jaglot on the Highway, a If you really want to experi- forests, lush green mountains, and a river. Here, narrow road turns towards Skardu. During ence paradise in this world, you see cataracts falling down the mountains; the seven-hour journey, one is greeted with you should visit Naltar least their milky-white waters flowing over the roads several streams, springs, and the hospitality of the local people. After crossing the old wooden once. This place will make and splashing against the rocks, before commin- gling with the muddy waters of River Neelum. bridge built over the River Indus, one reaches you fall in love with it. Shangrila, a paradise on earth for tourists. It is a famous tourist spot in Skardu, which is about 25 Gojal Valley minutes away by drive. Restaurant in Shangrila The Gojal Valley borders China rest house is the highlight of this place, which is and Afghanistan, with its bor- built in the structure of an aircraft. der meeting the Chinese bor- der at Khunjerab — 15,397 feet above sea level — and remains covered with snow all year long. In the North West, there is Chiporsun, whose bor- der touches the Wakhan region of Afghanistan. Wakhan is about six square miles in area, after which starts Tajikistan. The which connects Pakistan to China also passes through Gojal Valley and enters China at Khunjerab. Deosai Plains Ayun and Bamburet Valley Deosai is located on the boundary of the Karakoram and Ayun district is a village of Chitral. Located 12 kilometres south the western , and at no point, it is less than had seen an of the city at the confluence of the River Bamburet. There are 4000 meters above sea level. It remains covered with influx of tourists, who no words to describe the beauty of the mountains surrounding snow for 8 months. The rest of the year, it hosts a range trampled over its beauty, the village. Beyond Ayun valley is Bamburet Valley, it is one of White Palace Marghazar is the of beautiful flowers of all hues and colours, but not a leaving it jaded. Siri Paye, the three Kalash valleys. Bamburet is a nearly two-hour journey from Chitral. Locals trace their roots to Alexander the Great and only breathtaking location in single tree is found in this plateau spread over 3000 sq. nonetheless, still retains the Swat district that’s situated km. Sheosar Lake is also part of this. This lake is one of its strong attraction for Greece. Bamburet valley is a picturesque valley with lush green- the highest lakes in the world. The deep blue water, with tourists as a green pla- ery and mountains that give you a sense of calm and solitude. at a distance of around 12 km snow-covered mountains in the backdrop, and greenery teau on top of the Hindu from the city of Mingora. Not with wildflowers in foreground offer such a view in sum- Kush. Engulfed in clouds Ghanche District, Gilgit–Baltistan only do tourists visit Marghazar mers, that one is left amused for the rest of his life. and fog more often than Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghanche district stands almost aloof with for its natural beauty and not, it entices many as a its beautiful valleys and settlements inhabited by the most pleasant weather but also to rendezvous which allows hospitable locals and river irrigated lands. The central location visit the historic White Palace one to observe Nature in the district is Khaplu, which is a beautiful landscape with play peek-a-boo. Here, high summits, flowing blue waters and waterfalls. The people (1941), built during the era you see numerous small of this small settlement on the bank of River Shyok, are warm of Swat state. After the White ponds filled with fresh- and loving, as they were centuries before. Going a little ahead Palace was constructed on the water, meet horse-riders from Khaplu, the curvy road takes one to the delta of River directives of the founder of wandering about, and Shyok, where it splits up, flowing through the gravel filled river modern Swat state, Miangul smell wild yellow flowers plain. The Peak of Mashabrum Mountain can also be seen in Abdul Wadood also known blooming everywhere. the backdrop. as Badshah Sahab, Marghazar With the Makra Peak set as a backdrop, the became the capital of Swat beauty of the Siri Paye state during summer season. meadows comes to life. Even today, after seven dec- Rama Meadow The princely state in Punjab boasts a treasure of historic ades, White Palace remains Just a little ahead of Rama Village, which is 11 kilometres from , is a beautiful and buildings, monuments and parks that many have never an attraction for tourists. The serene plain called Rama Meadow. heard of. Bahawalpur – a city located along the left bank Palace doesn’t just look beau- If you ever happen to find yourself in plain, ice-cold and milk-white water flowing in of the River. Along with desert areas, Bahawalpur is tiful in summer; even during streams, sheep and cows grazing in peace, pine trees, Chongra’s ice-covered peak in known as the land of lush gardens that soothe your eyes winter it remains enchanting the background, and Nanga Parbat’s southern ridge are in view, then you are probably whereas the splendour palaces don’t fail to impress you. in Rama Meadow. especially after snowfall.