Thandiani; A gripping tour for the life time

Lovers of natural beauty, especially those who adore green mountains and like elevations cannot ignore the marvelous beauty of Thandiani. Thandiani, a day picnic and touring venue, is situated at a height of 9,000 feet above sea level. Tourists who are visiting Naran valley or Gallayat can add a day in their plan to stopover at Thandiani.

Thandiani can be reached from Abbottabad after a drive of nearly 30 kilometers that may take an hour because of steep and narrow road all the way. It can also be reached directly from Islamabad after a drive of three hours at least. Road towards Thandiani is whirling, steep and narrow, but enormously beautiful all the way through. There are green mountains full of tall pine trees, green grass and shrubs. One does not only see this beautiful greenery but also smells the touching scent emitting from the plants. Road continuously elevates, and magnificence of landscape improves with each and every step taken ahead. It is worthwhile to stay on the way at different spots to catch the beauty of this place. Reaching Thandiani is truly an amazing experience. Walking around the place gives captivating view all around the surroundings. Beautiful green slopes and grounds encircled with fully bloomed pine trees, intensifies the enjoyment of a picnic there. Taking tea and eating “pakoras” is always an unforgettable experience of Thandiani.

Weather at Thandiani is lovely, especially for those who love cold waves. Temperature is pleasant with frequent weather fluctuation; in moments clouds spread over Thandiani making it a magical beauty with thrashing cold splashes, which may also result into light or heavy rain. Thandiani is surrounded by dense forests. Number of tracks move away to different destinations of which prominent one ends in Nathia Gali after an extensive quest of three days.

Road condition towards Thandiani is very good, so it is very much convenient to drive a personal vehicle but rushing drive can be dangerous. It is also possible to hire a vehicle from Abbottabad as there is an ample availability of vehicles there. It is advisable to take umbrella, warm jacket, joggers, water bottles, and eatables along with. It is better to start earlier to accomplish this trip in day light. Best months to visit Thandiani are from April to November. During snowfall roads get blocked and so are inaccessible. Place is heavily visited during weekends and heaviest during Eid holidays. Hotel rates at Abbottabad are higher during May to July and highest during Eid holidays. In months, other than May to July, hotel room normally starts from Rs. 2,500 per night and moves up according to the choice, comfort and budget. 

Photography of this trip to Thandiani, always remains a source of recollection of the superb time spent at this fabulous place.   

Changa Manga Forest: Picnic at World's largest man made forest

Families or individuals who reside or visit Lahore, and want to spend a picnic day at some place outside the city, Changa Manga Forest is one of the best touring site to go. The major distinction of Changa Manga is its status being the largest man made forest on earth. Changa Manga is covering an area of 12,000 acres that is 48.6 square kilometers. The plantation of the forest was started by British in 1866 to get wood fuel for the railway engines at that time.

Changa Manga is situated at a distance of nearly 80 kilometers from Lahore City, and can be reached after a continuous drive of one and half hour. One has to travel a distance of 67 kilometers at Multan Road, and then, at Jamber, has to turn left to drive for another 13 kilometers to reach the forest. After entering the forest, one has to drive further for three kilometers inside the forest to reach at the main entry point. There is ample vehicle parking available at the site.

Changa Manga Forest has a variety of attractions for the tourists. The major population of trees, along with many other varieties, belongs to Sheesham, Kicker and Popular. There are big grassy grounds where flowers are also planted in an organized manner. Mehtabi Lake, also called Lunar Lake, is a beautiful circular lake with hanging bridge and with facility to do boating in it. There are play grounds where one can enjoy playing cricket, football or other games. There is a play area for children, which is equipped with different types of swings to take on. A long but shallow water flowing canal inside the forest is also an attraction to sit along or move around. Model of “Minare Pakistan” also attracts the visitors to appreciate the skill of its architect. One of the fantastic experiences there is the 5 kilometers long ride of a mini train that gives a wonderful view of the forest. Changa Manga is a natural wild life habitat especially for the birds. There is also a zoo to see variety of species; hog deer, Indian peafowl, nilgai, jackal and wild boar. There is a big and deep water canal running parallel to the inner peripheral area of the forest, where one can also spend time and see a water turbine. There are also vegetation farms, alongside the forest, with variety of crops.

There are canteens and restaurants present at the forest to fulfill the needs of tourists. A forest rest house is also there but can only be booked through the Forest Department. Camping can also be arranged after coordinating with administration of the forest.

Changa Manga Forest can be visited throughout the year but best visiting season is winter. During summer season, it is sensible to take umbrellas or wear hats to avoid direct heat of the sun. Forest can only be visited during the day time. A minimum of 3 to 4 hours are required to visit and enjoy all the attractions at the site. Place is heavily visited during public holidays and weekends. A group or family can take cooked meals along with or even can cook at the site. For cooking, one has to take cooking tools along with like gas cylinder and cooking pots. Ready made eatables are also available at the shops inside the forest.

 

A good camera will do the purpose to preserve this beautiful picnic memory.     

Swat Valley; A sublime experience for the life time

In this rushing life of responsibilities and liabilities, one always deserves a short break to become not only relieved but also get fulfilled with pleasant memories to boost up the mood. Planning a tour of some excellent place can execute the purpose. There are number of places worth visiting in Pakistan, but Swat Valley is exceptionally wonderful and stands among very few touring venues which leave a life time impression on the tourists’ mind.

There are number of beautiful sites to visit in Swat Valley, and it is difficult to touch all these in a tour of few days. Especially, family trip needs a very tactful and comprehensive plan to move ahead. Mingora, the main city of Swat Valley, is situated at a minimum drive of four hours from Islamabad City. Mingora City is the first major destination to start a tour of the valley. A family, reaching there through public transport, can hire a vehicle in Mingora city. There is an ample availability of vehicles ranging from cars to vans, depending upon the choice and size of a group or family. 

First night can be spent in Mingora City or in Fizza Ghat which is a nearby town situated at the bank of Swat River. It is recommended to start the journey towards Kalam Ctiy next day early in the morning to visit various beautiful spots on the way. There are two ways to go to Kalam, one through Charbagh and second through Matta. Road situation is very good at Matta side and surrounded by beautiful terrain on the way. Charbagh side is surrounded by even more beautiful terrain having a number of apple and peach gardens, but road condition is comparatively rough. First notable place to visit on the way is Miandam valley that is full of beautiful water streams, flowers in the spring, and a whirling road in beautiful hills. One hour is quite enough to move around and feel the beauty of greenery and gushing water streams. There are number of hotels available for those who want to spend a night there. After Miandam, one moves to Madyan bazaar and then to Bahrain where one can observe powerful flow of Swat River, high rise green mountains and beautiful waterfalls. After spending an hour or so, 45 kilometers drive remains ahead to reach at Kalam valley. Throughout this journey to Kalam, most of the time River Swat moves parallel to the road, enticed with link streams, high hills, fruit gardens, waterfalls and even snow glaciers depending upon the season. 

There are many hotels in Kalam offering very good accommodation and services. One can stay in a hotel based upon personal choice and budget. Here, staying in a hotel at the river bank amazes the experience of this visit.  After spending a night, first day at Kalam can be spent by visiting Hill Top, Bund meadows, Ushu valley, Matlitan and even Gibral valley. 2^nd day should be dedicated to visit the beautiful Mahondad Lake after hiring a jeep from Kalam bazaar. Moving early in the morning is advisable to enjoy different beautiful spots on the way to lake, that are snow glaciers, big waterfalls, fast flowing streams, huge pine trees, intimidating flow of river etc. Reaching Mahondand Lake is like reaching at a piece of paradise which is encircled in scenic green mountains, upright pines, grassy grounds, clean cold water and beyond belief weather. Lunch can be taken along with or can be taken from little food huts set by the locals. In past there was no hotel there to stay, but these days a good hotel accommodation is available at Mahodand. 3 to 4 hours are sufficient to move around, do boating, taking lunch and enjoying the scenery. After coming back from Mahondand and taking a little rest, Kalam bazaar is worthwhile to visit in the evening.

Next day an earlier departure back to Mingora or Fizza Ghat is required to visit Malam Jabba in after noon and White Palace Marghazar in evening. Malam Jabba is the highest touring site in Swat Valley. Road to Malam Jabba is narrow and steep, and very beautiful all the way. Malam Jabba is also an outstanding view point to see far spreading sceneries all around. There are few hotels to stay in Malam Jabba and a night can be spent there. Malam Jabba is also a skiing spot during the snow season and so is a place being visited throughout the year even while few other places are blocked by the snow. One and half hour is enough to enjoy the stay at this place. The last but not the least place to visit is White Palace Marghazar that can even be visited in the evening. White Palace is a beautiful palace built by past head of state of Swat. It is a most visited family spot near Mingora City.  Tea is served there by the administration in return to the entry ticket purchased. There are also rooms available next to the palace to stay at this beautiful place.

Mingora City can be reached from Islamabad after a drive of 4 hours, and Mingora to Kalam takes 4 to 5 hours and may be more if stopping on the way. Jeep track from Kalam to Mahondand takes nearly 3 hours to reach there. One and half hour is required to reach Malam Jabba from Mingora. Marghazar is situated half an hour away from Mingora.Swat Valley can be visited from May to November, avoiding the months of snow falling and snow blockade, especially in Kalam. Swat is heavily visited during the months from June to Mid August, and the heaviest visiting times are Eid Holidays and Kalam Festival in second week of August. Hotel rates are little higher during June to mid August and highest during Eid holidays and Kalam festival. A budgeted tour can be planned after mid of August till November. Temperature is little warm during May to August, and gets colder afterwards. Especially in Kalam, weather fluctuates recurrently and nights are much colder. It is necessary to take warm clothes including jackets to face cold waves.

 
Having a good camera is a must to capture the enchanting beauty of Swat Valley.

Takht Bhai Remains; An astounding visit of ancient times

Visiting a historical place truly grabs a charm to feel the life style of ancient people. Among ancient cultures, the most popular one is of Buddhism due to its unique way of living in places far off the common population of that time. Takht Bhai remains, situated at an altitude of 1,800 feet above sea level, are among the oldest discovered remnants of Buddha, dating back to 2^nd BC to 5^th century AD. These remains are scattered over a huge area of 32.9 hectares, and were dug first time in 1907. This site has also been placed in World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Takht Bhai remains possess a variety of relics like stupas, study rooms, worship places, rooms of monks, living rooms, working places, covered and uncovered pathways, gathering place and very small meditation rooms etc. Each and every part of this site reflects its own narrative regarding various aspects of Buddha life. Moving inside this ancient sanctuary is both very much informative and appealing. 

This site is situated next to the village Mazdoor Abad at the back side of Takht Bhai a small town at a distance of nearly 18 kilometers from Mardan City. This place can be accessed from Islamabad City after a drive of two hours. Tourists moving back from Swat City can also make a stay of 2 to 3 hours at Takht Bhai both to eat famous Chappali Kabab and visit these relics of ancient times. From Takht Bahi, a mere drive of 5 to 10 minutes takes to this very attractive historical place.

This place can be visited throughout the year but ideal time is from September to April when temperature is moderate or a little cold. During peak summer season, it is advisable to take water bottles and wear hats or take umbrellas to avoid direct heat of sunshine. This site is situated at a little height and is reached through stairs, and can be visited during day light only.

Do not forget to take pictures of this magnificent heritage of Buddha history. 

      

Mushkpuri Peak; A little Adventure for a Family

It is always a difficult decision to plan a tracking trip with family due to the lesser options available because most of the tracks are dangerous, long ascending steeps, narrow pathways, time taking and very much exhausting. Planning for a tracking adventure with family, especially towards a peak, requires an essential assessment of the track regarding its distance, track condition, difficulty to move, time required to reach at the peak, altitude, weather conditions, facilities available, essential tracking tools, safety needs etc. 

Mashkpuri Peak is situated at 8,400 feet above the sea level; with a total distance to track is nearly two kilometers. Track is started from Dunga Gali at a distance of 4 kilometers from Nathia Gali, and can be reached from main Muree after a drive of 60 to 80 minutes, and from Islamabad after a drive of two and half hours. A family trip may take at least two and half hours to reach the peak. There is a continuous track available to move on, with very few rough patches. It is a lush green track full of greenery and high rise pine trees. Various beautiful birds, butterflies, snails, and monkeys can be seen frequently at different places. There are sitting huts available at some places to take a little rest or to eat self carried eatables. 

It is recommended to start this track as early as possible to accomplish this adventure during the day light. There are certain basic things need to be taken into account before moving on the track; take a good meal before start, take warm jacket and rain coat to avoid instant weather change, wear joggers or hiking shoes, wear hat, apply sun block, take water bottles and other eatables including chocolates, take small back pack etc. Journey starts with a steep metallic road that converts into a narrow track after 10 to 15 minutes walk. The trick to reach the peak without much exertion is to move slowly and avoid brisk walk. Track is ascending upward, but mostly with a very low steep that makes it a comparatively easier track to move on. There are few high steeps, especially near the peak, that should be done with very slow movement. Track is mostly visible, but note some hints to move back at the places where there are bad patches or invisible track.

Mashkpuri Peak is very beautiful with number of grassy plans there. There are site viewing points from where wonderful landscapes can be seen. One to two hours are quite enough to spend there and experience the taste of this height and beauty of this place. Reaching back to Dunga Gali may take one and half hour for a family.

Do not forget to take cameras to take shots of the lush green track and beautiful Mashkpuri Peak.