Lulusar Lake, Unspoiled Gem in High Mountains Peaks

Pakistan is blessed with myriad wonderful places that are filled with natural beauty. Numerous lovely Lakes are also the part of it. They are also playing an imperative role in improving the beauty of Pakistan. Lulusar Lake is also among these momentous lakes that are the favorite tourist spot for many.  Lulusar Lake is located on Naran-Babusar Road, 50 km from Naran in the Kaghan Valley in the KPK province of Pakistan. Lulusar Lake is group of mountain peaks, and the highest peak has a height of 11,200 feet above sea level. Lulusar Lake at 3,410 meters is the primary source of water to  Kunhar River. The lake water flows southwest through the entire length of Kaghan Valley passing Jalkhand, Naran, Kaghan, Jared, Paras, Kawai, Garihabib Ullah and Balakot until its confluence with the Jhelum River.

The extreme height of the mountains keeps Lulusar Lake covered in snow the year long. However the lake is located in a special zone where water can flow in some months of the year. The water color of Lulusar Lake is mesmerizing, the scenery, everything about it is so great. The word “sar” is a Pashto word means “top” or “peak”. On average tourist reach Lulusar Lake in 2 hours from Naran. The lake can see from right side of road. Lulusar Lake formed due to the blocking of Kunhar River sometimes in past. The same way Attabad Lake in Hunza was formed in 2010 due to massive landslide blocking Hunza River. The road to Lulusar Lake closed from November till May-June. Lulusar Lake is wreathed in blue and gold wild flowers enchanting beauty and its view remains in the mind of tourist for a long time.

Lulusar Lake water is crystal clear and it freezes during winter. The high mountains around the Lulusar Lake are davoid of trees as the lake is above the tree line. For food, tourist needs to go to a small village “Besal” five km downstream but has a good restaurant named "Moon Restaurant". Some animals are very common such as foxes, black bear, Himalayan snow cock, lynx, brown Bear and Himalayan Ibex as well. Hawks and other similar birds are also common, including Griffen Vultures of Himalaya, Falcon, and the Himalayan Monal. However, if the season is right, Russian & other migratory birds can also been seen nesting in some places. However, you just have to wait until their season of migration in order to be able to see these birds. The best time to visit Lulusar Lake is the beginning of summer as by the time summer passes, the lake would lose much of the snow near its adjacent mountains. The best time is, therefore, end May till end of June. After that Lulusar Lake will not have much snow, only the greenery will be seen.

It is highly recommend that rise early from Naran, go straight to Lulusar Lake and relish the lake for at least one hour. Then go to Babusar Top around 16 km more, 40 minutes’ drive from Lake. Then you can have spent one hour or more over there. On the return journey, take lunch at Besal (Moon Restaurant). Tourist can also enjoy staying a while at Payala Lake on Jalkhand. Then enjoy water fall near Naran, take a cup of tea at Kunhar River and then deep sleep at Naran. A tourist from New York said that she had travelled across the world but had no words to state the beauty of Lulusar Lake. It’s rare and very unique, has soothing environment. The nature is everywhere. Only fewer human beings are here and therefore, the place is so serene, and peaceful in the midst of high mountains and greenish meadows. The Lulusar Lake splendor is unaffected by pollution unlike Saiful Muluk, which has lost picturesqueness due to littering by visitors.

Lulusar Lake is famous due to its historic place where the fifty-five participants of the 1857 Indian war of independence were arrested and the lake is still remembered for that reason. Lulusar Lake is amazingly beautiful, serene and somewhat freaky Lulusar Lake. It’s a vast calm lake in the center of the valley, and made for a perfect backdrop for Instagram selfies and cover photos. Lulusar Lake is surrounded by snowcapped hills whose purple and white forms are reflected in the green-blue waters of the silent lake, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the valley. The Dudipatsar, Lulusar and Saiful Muluk are the most popular lakes in Naran/Kaghan. Dudipatsar needs tracking by foot obviously good for health. The Naran to Lulusar road is in excellent condition with a black-top with reasonable width and builds quality.

In summer Lulusar Lake is ultimate destination for many domestic and international visitors. Even though the park near to him is actually known as Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park is also visited by many tourists. If you are planning to visit Naran/Kaghan, then it’s a must visit place. If you are going to Gilgit, then the visit can be kept on that day as the road is located right on Naran-Babusar-Gilgit Road. Tourists should carrying emergency supplies such as first aid kits and other medical supplies such as nausea tablets, as many people tend to get carsick on the mountain roads. Moreover, cars and jeeps of the area can be prone to falling apart, so make sure that the vehicle is reliable and technically sound. Also tourist demanded that the Pakistan government should preserve Lulusar Lake and other such tourist attractions in the district.
Source: CP

Ghaziser Lake on the Route to Babuser Top, Pakistan

Ghaziser Lake is a wonderful Point comes on the way to Babuser Top. Its a majestic lush green outfield and waterflowing in their own paths. Its a Stunning point to stay a while and enjoy the sheer beauty of Nature. The surrounding area is also covered with lush green trees and high mountains. You have put some extra efforts to get in down. The greenish patches are most integral part of this lake. Moreover, in July you can see pink flowers are bloomings in some part of this area, which are added more natural beauty. So, i would recommend to stay here and relish your time with your family and friends. Also, photographers can take some amazing snaps here. At this point, you will have no crowd and eating items. So be careful to have all stuff with you.

Head Ballocki and Outdoor Adventure of Hunting and Fishing

The Balloki Power Plant is a 1,223 MW natural gas power plant currently under construction near Chunian, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Groundbreaking was commenced by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on November 11, 2015, and construction is scheduled for completion by December 2017. The project will utilize regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) for fuel, with diesel as an alternate backup. A 40 kilometer long transmission line with a capacity of 500 kilovolts will also be constructed between the new plant and a grid station in southern Lahore. Baloki Headwork’s to Sulemanki Headwork’s Link Canal is just being used to link up both Headworks. This is one of the famous fishing and hunting outdoors adventure place. it is a great spot for fishing in winter season.

 

Nankana Sahib Lake Resort

Nankana Lake Resort is located two miles from Nankana Sahib City, in the heart of Punjab. The resort is located on the border of two old land grants of the mid-15th century; Rai Bular’s Estate and the old Rajput trail through authentic Punjabi villages approx. 90 Kilometers from Lahore.Nankana Sahib Lake Resort is nice place to have one day picnic with your family friends. It’s not far away from Lahore. Due to short time, i could not manage to cover most part of point. However, it’s not a rush place expect local holidays. If you want to go there, then choose the Saturday or week day.

The entry ticket is Rs. 250 per head for schools, and Rs. 350 per head for families. It includes: Entry to the Resort, Horse Riding, Ziplining, Boating, Music Show, Mini Golf (for families only). Nankana Lake Resort follows an early precedent set by Rai Bular, the pioneer who founded the original City of Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib) that has attracted visitors to the area from all over the world since 1457 A.D. The resort provides guests with the very best of facilities in which to relax and get away from the urban noise.

Chandragup Mud Volcano, Baluchistan Pakistan

Pakistani Province Baluchistan is gifted with a diverse landscape. Among many geological wonders here, one big attraction is the presence of numerous mud volcanoes. Baluchistan has more than 80 active mud volcanoes in the Miani Hor-Hingol Valley region. Chandragup Mud Volcano is most famous mud volcano, also called Chandar-Gup or Chandrakup. The highest Concentration is just three hours’ drive from Makran Coastal highway towards North in Hingol National Park, Baluchistan, Pakistan. Instead of lava, ash, and sulfur dioxide, these volcanoes spew mud and methane. On rare occasions, the gas plumes spontaneously ignite, shooting flames high into the sky.

The Chandragup Mud Volcano height is between 800 to 1500 feet. Mud volcanoes hold clues to underground mineral resources, not to mention important geological and seismic information. It is considered the holy place of Hindus devotees who like to stay here for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Devi Hinglaj. This is also a potential tourist attraction for adventure junkie. Another word which locally mentions this group of volcanoes is ‘Chandra coop’ which means Volcanoes of the Moon. Mud volcanoes have roots that go several kilometers underground and act as safety valves for high underground pressure. Mud volcanoes are generally not considered to be hazardous. Azerbaijan has the largest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world.

Scientific studies out in this area and find the presence of huge deposits of methane underneath the surface. Unfortunately, the gas deposits are in a solid form called methane hydrates. Perhaps in the future, the mud volcanoes might answer Pakistan’s energy needs. Dirt tracks leads to Chandragup Mud Volcano, only navigable in 4x4 vehicles. It is extremely hard to track here due to tiny sand flies. Who winged gnats seek exposed skin and their bites leave large, red itchy bumps that may turn into a rash. According to some claims, Chandragup mud volcano in Jhal Jhao tehsil of Balochistan is the largest and highest volcano in the world.

Moreover keep in mind that these sandflies are notorious to carry a host of viruses and people are known to have died from complications arising from sand fly bites. The individual should be fit enough as far as physical condition and vehicles is well equipped. This is extremely remote location and isolated from civilization, so no chance of rescue if required.  Make sure, no mobile service available within 50 kilometers in any direction. Another famous Mud volcano “Jabl-ul-Ghurab” is very close to Chandragup. Moreover, ancient Hindu temple ‘Hinglaj temple’ or ‘Nani Temple’ is also located near to Chandragup Mud Volcano. It is reported that during the infamous 8.1 intensity earthquake of Balochistan which occurred on May 31, 1935 a mud volcano erupted Northwest of Quetta, near the town of Surab and kept spewing out mud for 9 hours continuously.

Flag Lowering Ceremony at Wagha Border Lahore

The lowering of the flag ceremony was held at Wagah Border in Lahore as a daily military practice which was attended by a large number of people including women, children, old and young on Pakistan Day. People raised slogans of Allah u Akbar and Pakistan Zindabad as the Pakistan Rangers personnel in their traditional style lowered the flag. The participants’ excitement grew higher as they witnessed the parade ceremony.

Race Course or Jilani Park is one of best Park you would ever visit. Here you can see a great manmade waterfall, pouring water from some distance. Peoples love to see this amazing fall with his family and friends. Every day myriad crowds visit this fall, and takes selfies and capture the memorable moments. Here you can some of best shots i took there.

Shehr-e-Roghan, The Mysterious Cave City

In Balochistan, Pakistan there is a famous archaeological town called “Shehr-e-Roghan” referred to the city of caves or city of Jinns. It is known now as Lasbela, located approximately 175 km from Karachi in the province of Balochistan.  The wilderness of Balochistan had traces of legends heavily influenced by Persian lore that connects the North and South of Pakistan. This is genuinely a true archaeological treasure but unfortunately this amazing treasure is concealed from the world. Different historians narrate Shehr-e-Roghan also called “Gondrani” with the Buddhists of 7th century AD. This amazing archaic cave city is elongating more than an area of three kilometers. Now what is so unique these cave houses are multi storey and are inter connected with each other through sundry walkways every cave house has a solo room and some have a veranda in front.

Different people have different thoughts, however it is said, that in the time of King of Soloman, a beautiful princess “Badiul Jamal” who was possessed by demons. So many princes tried hard to rescue her but could not successes. One day a prince Saiful Malook came and got rid of her tormentors. He vanquished the demons that haunted the Princess in the Cave city and they both left and went to into the North. Many myths are ascribed to this unexplained place. The locals of Shehr-e-Roghan believe that this might be the city of Jinns. With the passage of time, the caves conditions shaped in poor conditions due to high rate of erosion and lack of conservation efforts from the government. There is a grave of an old woman named Mai Balochani who yielded her life to execute the evil presences and recovery the nearby individuals.

A mystical legend says it was a city of huge Buddhist monastery because 1000 years before Buddhism had flourished in this area. In the British regime, more than 1500 rooms were found, which had ample windows and niches made for what historians believed, were for lamps and hearths in the center of the rooms were also found to keep the inhabitants warm. There were also many pathways within the mountain that connected the rooms together. If government gives some attention, then ancient cave city attracts both local and foreign tourists. The local travelers are looking this amazing site for an interesting expedition to explorer the mysteries.  

Therefore, questions still in people minds, that who built these inscrutable caves? Who lived in them? This is still a mystery there is no precise information available but one thing is for sure that this place is extremely marvelous. However, archaeologists and historians thought that the caves have the makings of a Buddhist monastery, probably dating back to the 7th century. So, rumors all over prevails in the recent times, that demons still inhabit the mountains and caves and attack the unwary visitors.

Ansoo Lake, KPK Pakistan

Pakistan is one of those countries, who are naturally gifted, several mountain ranges, plateaus, deserts, glaciers, rivers, lakes, and various coastal areas.  Ansoo Lake is one of them, which is situated in Manoor Valley, Kaghan Valley in the Mansehra District of the KPK province of Pakistan. This lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes of the world. The name Ansoo means teardrop, comes from its tear like shape, just like resembles to human eye with a central ice island resembling the iris and a ridge resembling an eyebrow. Ansoo Lake is considered among one of the highest lakes of Himalayas, situated near Malika Parbat, the highest mountain of Kaghan Valley. In the summer, when ice melts, it got more prominent. However, this beautiful lake was partially destroyed in the 2005 massive earthquake. Ansoo Lake was discovered by a Pakistan Air Force Pilots who were flying low in this area. Before that local peoples were not even known about it. As far as stay at Ansoo Lake, no facilities available here. The tourist use to stay here in camp. The weather is extremely cold and windy surrounding mountains. It is highly risky to stay suggested by local peoples.

 The Ansoo Lake has two approaches; first one is short but steeper trek from Saiful Mulook. It takes over 7 to 9 hours round trip to reach Ansoo Lake. The trek is covered with snow in most parts of the year. The best time to trek is July till mid-August. The optimal time to set off for the lake from Saiful Mulook is around 06:00 in the morning, in order to return before sunset. Horses and guides can also be hired from the Lake Saiful Mulook. Sometimes, Ansoo Lake is not visible due to dense fog or rain. But you will enjoy the breathtaking views during trekking. This trek can be separated into two halves. The first part is through a valley alongside a river to the base camp of Malika Parbat. The second steeper part is from the base camp of Malika Parbat to Ansoo Lake.

The Ansoo Lake is located at the far off deserted and particularly difficult areas; thus, it can become unsafe if one is not fully equipped and need proper guidance and planning as there are no lodging facilities available. Therefore, camping is the only available solution, but it is so windy and ice cold out there that one has to be really prepared to camp. The second trek to Ansoo Lake begins in a village named Mahandri, located about 40 kilometers to the south of Naran. So turning left from Mahandri Bazar, a jeep track leads to Village Manoor. This majestic valley offers attractive views. Make sure, vehicles cannot proceed further from here. 6 to 7 hours of trek brings one to a green meadow called “Dher”. From here the trek becomes steeper. After 3 to 4 hours of trek from Dher at a height of about 16500 feet, Ansoo Lake becomes visible. There is no risk free way to reach lake waters because it lies in the crater with steep, snow covered walls. There is no apparent drainage of lake water and no one ever tried to explore it because of its dangerous approach and limited resources in that area.

 

 

 

 

 

Swaik Lake: Pakistan

 

Pakistan is a natural tourist’s destination, and majestic beauty is not only bound to the locations in the northern areas of the country. But, it is also home to some unexplored gems like the stunning, mystic “Swaik lake” just waiting to be explored. Swaik Lake is also called “Khandowa Lake” “کھنڈوعہ جھیل” around 10 km from the Tehsil Kallar Kahar, Chakwal District and 30 kilometers southwest of Chakwal along the motorway. It is famous for natural scenes, crystal clear water with tiny fishes, cliff diving, swimming, and trekking. Swaik Lake is approached with 45 minutes of hiking after the drive of 10 Km by taking an exit from Kallar Kahar interchange at Lahore-Islamabad Motorway. Swaik Lake is also called “Narumi Dhan” by local peoples.

It is a beautiful place and very similar to Neela Wahan pond. The hike to the Swaik Lake is quite similar to the hike to Neela Wahan although the level of difficulty is a bit higher. In Swaik Lake, you can enjoy with family, friends and also other activities like Cliff diving, Treking all along. The lake area consist of variable size filled with water, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land, apart from any river or other outlet that serves to feed or drain the lake. Lakes lie on land and are not part of the ocean, and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are also larger and deeper than ponds. The trail that leads to the breath-taking beauty is quite wide and narrows down at some parts, and steeply declines towards the gorge that encapsulates the lake.  The lake has become quite a popular place in recent times, as it’s hard to believe that it’s right here in Pakistan! A fresh, clear lake is all you can fantasize about on a beautiful day, the lush green waters just glistening in the broad daylight the cascading waterfall situated at the lake, you might spot tiny little fish scurrying in the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hiran Minar, Sheikhupura Pakistan

The Hiran Minar is one of the best known and most beautiful site used to be the favorite hunting spot of all Muslim rulers. Hiran Minar  or "The Deer Minaret" is 17th century Mughal-era complex located in the town of Sheikhupura, about 40 kilometers northwest of Lahore in the Pakistani province of Punjab. Hiran Minar was built at the site of a game reserve in honors of Mughal Emperor Jahangir's pet antelope, due to his fondness of nature and relationship between human’s pets and hunting.

Therefore, Hiran Minar was built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in a hunting reserve used by the Mughal royals. During the region of Emperor Salim from 1605 to 1627, Sheikhupura had the status of a royal hunting ground. The minaret itself was built in 1606 as a monument to Emperor Jahangir's beloved pet antelope, Mansiraj, or "Light of the Mind". Who had been trained to lure wild animals to the tank in order to be hunted?

The practice of building such tomb-markers over the skulls of game animals is an ancient Persian custom. Mughal Emperor Jahangir ordered to build a tower and a grave for his deer, Mansraj, and he spotted a deer tried to kill, but accidentally killed his own favorite, Mansraj. The emperor becomes so sad that he ordered to bury deer in the ground where it died and build a tower called Hiran Minar. This is a very rare example of love towards a pet, a gesture of love towards wildlife in a time when the western world was even not familiar with such intentions.

The reserve was built in a scrub forest, and allowed Jahangir to get experience of sense of semi-wilderness near the imperial city of Lahore. The game-reserve was used as a park where visitors could enjoy the sport of hunting. The minaret and tank were soon accompanied by a larger pavilion, built during the reign of Shah Jahan. The Jahangir-era minaret stands 30 metres tall, and was built in 1606 as a tomb marker for the emperor's pet antelope, Minraj. The sides of the minar are inscribed with a eulogy to the pet antelope. Today after the collapse of its canopy on the top is 110 feet in height. There are 108 steps on a spiral staircase lead to the summit of the minaret where rest the remains of Mansraj. A massive rectangular water-tank pool measuring 229 metres by 273 metres lies at the heart of the complex.

Moreover at the center of each side of the tank, a brick ramp slopes down to the water, providing access for wild game that were sought by hunters. An octagonal pavilion built during the reign of Shah Jahan lies at the center of the pool. The pavilion is two-storeyed, and topped by a rooftop chhatri that served as a stone gazebo. The pavilion's architecture is similar to the Sher Mandal at Delhi's Purana Qila, built by Emperor Humayun. The pavilion was surrounded not only by the water tank, but also semi-wilderness.

The pavilion was thus likely used for recreational purposes. A causeway spans the pool to connect the minaret with the pavilion along an axis which passes through a gateway. Moreove an exclusive features of this specific complex are the antelope's grave and the distinctive water collection system. At each corner of the tank is a small, square building and a subsurface water collection system which supplied the water tank; only one of these water systems is only extensively exposed nowadays.

This is an enjoyable and calm place for picnic and to feel relax with gardens in surrounding with a lack and boating facilities. A thick keekar-jungle flanks the northern side of the pool, with winding footpaths zigzagging their way over the raised mounds. On the opposite side the pool a tree-lined garden, with a canteen and some swings and slides awaits picnickers. The Mughals emperors are famous for their love for beauty and nature. The Mughals were infatuated with gardens, forts, mosques and mausoleums, where they lived they erected a structure in any of the above form. Hiran minar is a different construction from all of Mughal places and a unique one within its theme and concept.