Visit Neelum Valley to explore the hidden paradise of Kashmir

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                                        Visit Neelum Valley to explore the hidden         paradise of Kashmir 

Neelum Valley is situated at the North & North-East

 of Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir,

 running parallel to Naran Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are

 only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m

 above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views

 towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush

 green forests, enchanting streams and attractive

 surroundings make the valley a dream come true.

Neelum Valley is the paradise of Pakistan with the most deifies landscapes, milky streams and blossoming greenery. 

Neelum Valley is the district of Azad Kashmir with the population of about 2 million.

Tourist spots in Neelum Valley.

1. Titwal-Chilhena Border

2. Kundal Shahi

3. Kutton Jagran Valley

4. Keran

5. Upper Neelum

6. Sharda

7. Kel

8. Arrang kel

9. Gurez Valley.

All of above places are the most beautiful spots to visit in Neelum Valley.

Attractions in Neelum Valley.

1. Greenery

2. Milky Streams

3. Panoramic views

4. Summer Camp Event.

5. Neelum Jhelum Project

6. Jagran Project.

Road Condition of Neelum Valley.

1. Highway till Keran

2. Rough Roads

3. Hiking tracks.

Temperature of Neelum Valley.

Cool.

Neelum is a beautiful valley containing about 370 small and large villages and near about two hundred thousand population. It starts from Chelhana and goes till Taobut 250 km long. It is named Neelum due to its river, curving like the snake with transparent sky colored water. Like any other population of the subcontinent it has the most heterogeneous population with variety of rituals, customs and traditions. The whole valley is full of beautiful and fascinating sceneries.

Keran - at a distance of about 91 Km (3 Hours Drive) from

 Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir & 7 Hours Drive from

 Islamabad, Keran is situated on the right bank of the river

 Neelum at1524m above sea level with fascinating scenery. 

The panoramic lush green valley is

profound in fruit and wildlife. There is beautiful and

 comfortable luxurious motels called Keran Resort owned by

 Valley Trackers.

Sharda - a breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981m

 & two hour drive from Keran.

 Shardi and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking the

 valley, reputedly named after

 legendary princess Sharda. It has a captivating landscape

 with numerous springs and hill-

sides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite Sharda,

 the Neelum is joined by the

 Surgan Nallah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass

 and through it to the KaghanValley. Ruins of an old Buddhist

 University can also be found in Sharda. Sharda is very

 historical place to visit.

Kel: - a small valley situated at a height of 2097m. This is

 another picturesque place in the

 Neelum Valley. The Shounter Nallah joins river Neelum at

 this place and leads to Gilgit

 Agency (Northern Areas) over the Shandur at 4420m.

Arang Kel: - is situated at the hill top near Kel, about 1500

 feet ascend from River Neelam

. It is also a village full of beautiful sceneries. Beyond this

 mountain, the next mountain is a

 part of Indian occupied Kashmir. It is a piece of utmost

 beauty, one can find in Kashmir.

Chita Katha Lake: Chita Katha Lake - is located at an

 altitude of 3,800 meters. Chitta Katha

 Lake is only accessible in the months of July and August.

 Common route followed by the

 tourists is through kel. There is a road from Kel to Shounter

 Valley. It is better to reach the

 village UTLI DOMEL at night and stay there. You should

 proceed forward early in the

 morning. There is climbing of 5 to 6 hours to reach the lake

. You can also make

 arrangements of horses for travelling from UTLI DOMEL.

Shounter valley: - lies in Upper Neelum valley. It can be

 accessed through a jeep track

 from Kel which only gets opened for a few months of the

 year. From Shounter valley, one

 can cross the Shounter Pass to enter into Astore valley at

 Rattoo. Shounter lake is a small

 but very beautiful lake in the Shounter Valley. From this

 point, one can go to Sarveli peak

 base camp, chitta katta lake or cross the Shounter pass into

 Astore. Shounter is very

 beautiful and worthseeing place.

Sardari: A beautiful village comes while going from Kel to Taobut.

Halmat: The border village about 49 kilometers ahead of Kel

 is a fascinating but unexplored

 sight. The area from Kel to Taobat is called the Halmat

. Janawai, Sardari and Halmat are 

the most beautiful places of this area. The drive itself is slow

 as the road is a dirt track, 

crossing streams and waterfalls. It almost takes 3 hours to 

reach this place from Kel. You

 can also start seeing some glaciers melting into the Neelum

 River.

Tao Butt: Tao butt is the last station and end point of Neelum

 valley. Tao Butt is an example

 of vegetation generosity of the liberal nature. The spot is

 donned with all delicacies and

 niceties. Nature flirts here with fantastic environment. It has

 a sever season and heavy

 snow in winter, and winter season continue  about 6 months

 strarting from October to April

 end. In summer it is a worth place for tourist to visit. Neelum

 river emerges from here in the

 valley and continue its journey till Domail. Taobut is very

 beautiful and worth seeing place to

 "Visit Neelum Valley".

Tao butt has few red roof huts comprise this town which

 when seen from a high 

ground remind you of the calendar pictures of Switzerland.

Gurase Valley: in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir is the most

 captivating but remote and

 backward area of the Neelum valley situated in the north-

east of the Muzaffarbad, the

 capital city of Azad Kashmir. This area is the heart of

 sustainable tourism in Azad Kashmir

 because of its lush green natural beauty.

.

Lake Saiful Maluk, Saif-ul-Maluk,Naran – Kaghan Valley

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                           Lake Saiful Maluk,Naran – Kaghan Valley

Naran is a medium sized town situated in upper kaghan valley which is a part of Khyber Pakhtun khwa province of Pakistan. It is one of the most beautiful part of northern areas in pakistan which is elevated 2500 meters above sea level. Its beauty captures a lot of people towards itself and thus it is a famous resort for tourists and trekkers. 

The weather of Naran is very cold. The ice on the moutain tops never melts, even in months of June and Jully there are glaciers and mountains are covered with snow.The road to naran valley travells alongside with River Kunhar which Starts from the glaciers of Kaghan and flow deep down in mansehra. 

 The local languages of Naran Valley are Hindko and Gojri but every individual overthere can speak and understand urdu. The dress is Shalwar kameez with long bottom shalwars. Most of the people are tall. Average height of males was about 5”8’ or 5”9’.

 Lake Saifulmalook is is situated 8 kilometers north of Naran. It takes 1 hour to reach saiful malook from Naran. One can find a lot of  4×4 jeeps at the outskirts of town. These jeeps takes the tourists from Naran valley to  Saiful Malook. As the road upthere is very rough and there are glaciers all the way up so only those jeeps and the local drivers can take you up therePeople hire those jeeps and visit Saiful Malook along with their families. Some people prefer trekking over riding the jeep, specialy the youngsters which trek up to Saiful Malook. There are restaurants and shops located at Saiful Malook aswell. People enjoy horse riding at there.

 Saiful malook is a lake which is situated in the midle of mountains, which throughout the year are covered with snow.  One of the renowned mountains is Malika Parbat which is placed on the left of the jheel.Saifulmalook is named after a folk tale. It is the story of the prince of Persia who fell in love with a fairy princess at the lake. The impact of the lake beauty is of such extent that people believe that fairies come down to lake in full moon. The colour of water is blue and it is crystal clear.  An individual cannot put his feet under it for more then 30 seconds.

Kaghan Valley is really a place worth to visit. These places are like small pieces of heaven on this planet. It is quite safe for a husband and a wife travel alone there, people of Kaghan Valley are really nice, but tourist are the only source of their income is these few months, so they don’t spare any moment to get money, infect you can get all facilities as usual by money. For accommodation There are some cheap places too.
Bala Kot is the starting place of the Kaghan valley, while travelling from Mansehra to Naran. People can stay there too, it is more like a big city, every kind of facility is there, and then come small towns like Kewai,, Shino Paras, and then come Kaghan,, but you will be surprised to see it, and all the images you made in you mind will be scattered away, as it kind of some houses on the slope on both sides of road nothing else obviously you would not like to stay there, so after taking a short rest and tea just get ready for Naran, the real places in Kaghan valley.
Naran : Actually it is the middle point in valley,, there you will see it is like a valley there is bazaar and nice hotels some are expansive some are cheap, just take a little wandering in hotel to hotel you soon will find one according to your wish and the pocket, Naran is the place where you can stay and make little trips daily, trips like:

• one to LAKE SAIFUL MALOOK, and further LAKE ANSOO, but if you can walk and climb up hiking for about 8 hours, then think of trying to hike up to Ansoo lake , other wise just stay at saiful malook enjoy walking around the lake, take lunch there and if you like stay to watch sun set, you will have to hire a jeep to take you to lake saifulmalook, when hiring a jeep do bargain a little, local people don’t mind bargaining, but of course you know it too should have limit, this trip will take all your day.

• And next day you can go to LALAZAR, this will too take one day,
• in evening you can enjoy the walk in naran bazar, sit on the side of river kunhar
• it would be an adventure too specially journey to Ansoo Lake, Normally women don't go there but if you're accompanying someone and want to take her there then I have some advices for you,, like take a guide from Lake Saiful-Malook, and yes do have umbrellas,, because in Naran weather is never predicted, it changes in hours.

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Thandiani

                                                   

Thandiani is a hill station located about 31 kilometers from the city of Abbottabad in the Gilyat area of Pakistan. It is situated 2700 meters above sea level on a small plateau surrounded by pine forests.

Thandiani literally means “very cold”. It is a superb place for nature lovers. The beauty of this lush green hill station is not spoiled by the crowds like many of other hill stations in summer making it a perfect place to go for those who want to relax in a peaceful place far away from the hustle bustle of busy modern life.

Thandiani was discovered and established as a sanatorium during British rule, for the comfort of officers positioned at the Abbottabad Cant. There are some European houses and a small bazaar which are occupied only during the summer months. To the east beyond the Kunar River are the mountains of Kashmir and the mountains of Kaghan and Kohistan are visible to the north and northeast. To the northwest are the ranges of Swat and Chitral.

Thandiani is not a well established area. There are few shops and only one basic guesthouse. But the beauty of this area lies in its charming landscapes and magnificent weather. There are beautiful trees on the way to Thandiani and also a few small caves which are probably home for wildlife. Local wildlife includes leopards, monkeys, pheasants and the flying squirrel.

The dawn in Thandiani is heart touching but very cold as well. It is very cold in Thandiani especially at night even in summers. When first enter Thandiani, at the top there is a road which seems to go all the way to the sky. It gives wonderful view of surrounding areas. The lush green peaceful Thandiani is a place worth visiting.

Pakistan - Sukkur

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                                          Pakistan - Sukkur

Sukkur is the central city of Sindh province, It is located on the west bank of the river Indus. The city is the starting point for all the archeological sites in Sindh. There is also a very busy central Bazaar in the city which attracts people from all over the Sindh province. Sukkur is also the home for Masoom Shah Jo Munaro (Minaret of Masoom Shah) a leaning tower constructed in 18th century by historian Masoom Shah Bakhri who also ruled the city for a short period. There are some of the most respected relics of hidus in the city which include the Asthan of Kalka Devi and the Sadh Belo the asthan of Baba Bankhandi located on Sadh Belo Island in the river Indus.

Sukkur is also home of the rare dolphin specie the Indus Dolphin which lives in the silty water of the Indus and found most at Sukkur.

The best thing to buy is Dates which are really a good gift from here. One can also hunt for colorful handicrafts and Ajraks here.

Sukkur is also the narrowest point of the lower Indus. Hence it was here English made first barrage on the Indus in 1932. (Lloyd Barrage) 7 Canals were dig to distribute water in all parts of the province which eventually made Pakistan to have the longest irrigation system of the world. With 38000 miles of irrigation canals known as Indus Food System.

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Sukkur - Moen Jo Daro:

110 KMs drive via typical Sindhi villages visit the local bazaar on the way and have tea at a village tea stall.

Sukkur - Sehwan

210 KMs Drive must be added with the tour of Moen Jo Daro as it is on the way. also stop at Bubak to see the Hose boat villages of the fishermen in Manchar lake. There are atleast 1000 floating houses in the lake depending on the fish of the lake. Manchar lake is Asia's largest lake.

Sukkur City tour:

Visit : Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) Bazaar should be your starting point where the best part of bazaar is. Later you can visit Masoom Shah Jo Munaro (Menarat of Masoom Shah) which is at a walking distance and if you have energy to climb 84 narrow steps there is a spectacular view of the River Indus and its two bridges. Minaret was built by Historian and knight Masoom Shah in 18th century Later drive to The Lloyd Barrage and Lansdowne bridge . At Lloyd barrage there is also a small barrage Museum which explains the barrage system and some interesting facts of the river Indus irrigation system. Near Lansdowne Bridge also visit the "Sat Bahan Astan" A small graveyard from 15th to 17th century has beautifully decorated tombs with blue Glazed tiles.

Half day tour of the Floating village of fisher men by boat:

Board a house boat to give you a tour of the floating villages of Mohanas (Fishermen) on the banks of river Indus. These people live on their house boats and spend a very difficult life. See the colorful boats decorated with very basic items and wood carving. Sometimes you can also get a glimpse of Indus Dolphin during this ride.Indus dolphin is a unique animal found only in the river Indus. They are blind due to the silt of the river and due to the flow of the river they have adopted a continuous movement in them, against water. Visit Sadh Belo a Hindu Pilgrimage area on the main island in river Indus, this was the asthan (Places) of a Sadhu known as Bankhandi (Forest wonderer) in 1823 who left the world in search of the od and meditated here. His meditation brought mericle and goddess Durga appeared at the island. Keepinf this background in mind the hindus pay a pilgramage to this island and consider it a sacred island. You need a permission from the department of Oqaf to go there.

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                               festival of Baisakhi 

Hundreds of pilgrims from India, Canada, Malaysia and UK gathered to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore. This festival honours the founding of Sikh community known as the Khalsa. It also marks the beginning of a 

new solar year and the harvesting season.

The Quest for Peaceful Interfaith Co-existence”

                                   
      Interreligious Conference in Islamabad

The Quest for Peaceful Interfaith Co-existence” was the title of an international conference held in the Pakistan capital. It was sponsored by the Universal Nexus for Interfaith Trust & Engagement (UNITE). Christina Lee, a Korean focolarina, was one of the speakers.

“A strong message of peace and friendship” was the goal of the event, held on 24-25 November in Islamabad, which was largely achieved and defined by the organizers as being “unprecedented in the history of Pakistan”. It was a conference that was sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in order to focus on issues relating to religious minorities in the country and to engage in dialogue with international experts regarding methodologies applicable in conflict situations. The conference gathered scholars and religious leaders from 26 countries. The Pakistan delegation included various representatives of these religious minorities (Christians, Hindus, Sikhs) and a number of young ulema Muslim scholars, since the formation of young people in projecting a correct image of Islam is one of the priorities of UNITE.

Msgr. Joseph Coutts of Karachi, President of the Episcopal Conference, and Msgr. Rufin Anthony of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, as well as members of the Commission for Justice and Peace represented the Catholic Church.

In his address, the Federal Minister Yousaf emphasized that the message of all religions is love, and that Islam is the religion of peace, but that its real aspect is damaged by sectarianism. These words were echoed by the president of UNITE, Mufti Abu-Huraira Mohiuddin, reiterating that extremist organizations are contrary to Islamic teaching. The President of the Senate, Raja Zafarul-Haq, stated that the bloodshed in the name of religion causes chaos and that religious harmony is the only solution that can address global issues. These were the declarations that emerged from the conference, and they sounded even stronger given the gravity of terrorism.

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Christina Lee, a Korean focolarina who has a wide experience in interrilegious dialogue  illustrated through examples and experiences of dialogue carried out by the Focolare in various parts of the world, pointed out that in order for there to be a meaningful dialogue, it is important to draw on the spiritual values which enable us to be faithful to our religious identity and at the same time to be open to building relationships with people of other faiths. A Pakistani Muslim leader who knew Ms Lee from meetings held by “Religions for Peace”, proposed to collaborate with the Focolare in its commitment to dialogue, and so did the Sikh representative from Karachi. A South African Muslim speaker reiterated concepts from her speech in his address.

In the final resolutions, UNITE announced the opening in Islamabad of a platform for inter-religious dialogue, sponsored by the government, in order to implement the proposals reached at the conference. It also expressed its commitment to eradicate disharmony between religious communities which distort religion. Another objective of UNITE is the implementation of the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, as provided in the Constitution, and to convey to young people, through the social media, the unifying force of religion.

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Karseva (the Selfless Service) means a service performed without any thought of reward or kind of personal benefit. The Sikh nation is encouraged to perform seva as per the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. This is not only good for community relations but is also good for the moral uplifting of the persons. You can find many Sikhs engaged in free service in Gurdwaras washing dishes, cleaning the floors, serving food etc.

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 Syed pur village. Islamabad. Pakistan is one of the major tourist attractions of the city.

Saidpur Village situated on the slopes of Margalla Hills in Islamabad is one of the oldest villages of Pakistan. More than five hundred years old Saidpur Village is known for its heritage, history and folklore. These days the village is serving as one of the favorite picnic place in Islamabad for both local and foreign visitors. The village inclining on the slopes of Margalla Hills presents an attractive view in soft light of morning and evening.

The village was named Saidpur after Sultan Said Khan son of Sultan Sarang Khan. During the rule of Mughal Emperor Babur Sultan Sarang Khan was the Lord of Pothohar region (from Jhelum to Attock).

Later Said Khan gifted this place to his daughter who was married to Mughal emperor Jahangir son of Mughal emperor Akbar. Jahangir’s biography, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri mentions him staying in Saidpur while he was on his way to Kabul. The village used to be a garden resort at that time.

A Hindu commander Raja Man Singh later converted Saidpur into a place of Hindu worship. He constructed small ponds and temples for the worship of Hindus. Those temples have been preserved to show the history and culture of Hindu civilization in the region.

The work to convert Saidpur into a multicultural and historical tourist attraction was started by Capital Development Authority in 2006 under the supervision of Chairman CDA Mr. Kamran Lashari.

Saidpur was successfully converted into a beautiful quaint village in 2008. The government of France provided technical assistance in this work and total cost was Rs. 400 million.

Saidpur village Islamabad is one of the major tourist attractions of the city. Saidpur village’s location on slopes Margalla Hills gives it picturesque view in dim lights mornings and evenings. Local and foreign visitors come here to spend their weekend and holiday. The village represents signs of a contrasted culture where Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs used to live together.

After remodeling of this village many restaurants, art galleries and antiques showrooms are also established here. Des Pardes, The Polo Lounge, Café 99 and Tirah restaurant are some famous restaurants in Saidpur village. You can also visit a small museum which is decorated with pictures and other stuff related to this village.

A visit to Hindu temples and Gurdwara provides information about Hindu and Sikh culture.