Untainted beauty of the land we inherited

Shameen Khan Published August 14, 2012
A Gujar Nomad selling chewing gum by the roads of Naran, Pakistan, July' 2012. Gujars, a rural tribe, surfaced from India in the 9th century and migrated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at that time the North West Frontier province before the regions conversion to Islam. They are spread in large numbers amongst the Pashtun tribes from the Black Mountain to the Kunar River. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A Gujar Nomad selling chewing gum by the roads of Naran, Pakistan, July' 2012. Gujars, a rural tribe, surfaced from India in the 9th century and migrated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at that time the North West Frontier province before the regions conversion to Islam. They are spread in large numbers amongst the Pashtun tribes from the Black Mountain to the Kunar River. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
In summers the Gujar migrate with their flocks to the mountains. They are short-distance nomads, who utilize mountain spaces. They spend their winters in the valleys and summers in the mountains. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
In summers the Gujar migrate with their flocks to the mountains. They are short-distance nomads, who utilize mountain spaces. They spend their winters in the valleys and summers in the mountains. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Numerous waterfalls are sighted all throughout the journey from Batakundi till the highest peak of Kaghan Valley, Babusar Top — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Numerous waterfalls are sighted all throughout the journey from Batakundi till the highest peak of Kaghan Valley, Babusar Top — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of the Kaghan Valley. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of the Kaghan Valley. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Snow falling off the mountains that comes from melting glaciers. Naran is usually hit by such freezing winters that it is only operational in the summer season. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Snow falling off the mountains that comes from melting glaciers. Naran is usually hit by such freezing winters that it is only operational in the summer season. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Lulusar is another cluster of mounts near the Naran Valley. The lake here is the central source of the Kunhar River, which streams across Kaghan Valley through Jalkhand, Naran Valley, Kaghan, Jared, Paras and Balakot – until it junctions with the Jhelum River. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Lulusar is another cluster of mounts near the Naran Valley. The lake here is the central source of the Kunhar River, which streams across Kaghan Valley through Jalkhand, Naran Valley, Kaghan, Jared, Paras and Balakot – until it junctions with the Jhelum River. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Horses belonging to the locals of the Kaghan Valley are often seen spread far across the mountains. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Horses belonging to the locals of the Kaghan Valley are often seen spread far across the mountains. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Most of the locals running businesses in Naran hailed from Balakot – a town located 88 kilometres away. Ismail Khan is one of those people who sets several stalls along the market place based in Naran in the summer season. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Most of the locals running businesses in Naran hailed from Balakot – a town located 88 kilometres away. Ismail Khan is one of those people who sets several stalls along the market place based in Naran in the summer season. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A beverage roadside stall in Naran. These stalls are famous for their hot chocolate which is just the right kind of beverage one needs in the cold breeze that sweeps the roads of Naran. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A beverage roadside stall in Naran. These stalls are famous for their hot chocolate which is just the right kind of beverage one needs in the cold breeze that sweeps the roads of Naran. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of the market place in Naran. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of the market place in Naran. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A masseuse walking down the streets of Naran, Pakistan. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A masseuse walking down the streets of Naran, Pakistan. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
The most prominent attractions in and around Naran include Lake Saiful Muluk. This picturesque lake has its own share of folklore. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
The most prominent attractions in and around Naran include Lake Saiful Muluk. This picturesque lake has its own share of folklore. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
When the full moon was reflected in the glistening bowl of Lake Saiful Muluk, fairies were believed to descend and bathe in the lake. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
When the full moon was reflected in the glistening bowl of Lake Saiful Muluk, fairies were believed to descend and bathe in the lake. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
At present, Lake Saiful Muluk remains one of the most visited attractions of the Kaghan valley. The lake is surrounded by magnificent snow-layered mountains and lush green grass. A fragrance of fresh flowers and cool breeze surrounds the area. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
At present, Lake Saiful Muluk remains one of the most visited attractions of the Kaghan valley. The lake is surrounded by magnificent snow-layered mountains and lush green grass. A fragrance of fresh flowers and cool breeze surrounds the area. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A horse keeper walks through a river by the Lake Saif ul Malook. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A horse keeper walks through a river by the Lake Saif ul Malook. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
This lake has however commercialised with time and offers tourists boat and horse rides. The area comprises a small marketplace, which offers mountain-friendly shoes and garments for rent and various kinds of food items for sale. The depth of this lake is said to be unknown and in winters, snow covers the ground for up to 30 feet. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
This lake has however commercialised with time and offers tourists boat and horse rides. The area comprises a small marketplace, which offers mountain-friendly shoes and garments for rent and various kinds of food items for sale. The depth of this lake is said to be unknown and in winters, snow covers the ground for up to 30 feet. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
On the opposite side of Saif ul Malook stands Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains), known as the most dangerous mountain of the Kaghan Valley. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
On the opposite side of Saif ul Malook stands Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains), known as the most dangerous mountain of the Kaghan Valley. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of Malika Parbat. The height of the summit is not very significant in comparison to the massive peaks of the Karakoram Range. The peak gets its name from its steep apex. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of Malika Parbat. The height of the summit is not very significant in comparison to the massive peaks of the Karakoram Range. The peak gets its name from its steep apex. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Babusar Top.The Babusar road leads to the Babusar Top and further towards Chillas. This was by far the most captivating and magnificent sight that I have experienced so far. The mountain range is aligned with poetic beauty; the Hindu Kush on one side and the Himalayas on the other. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
Babusar Top.The Babusar road leads to the Babusar Top and further towards Chillas. This was by far the most captivating and magnificent sight that I have experienced so far. The mountain range is aligned with poetic beauty; the Hindu Kush on one side and the Himalayas on the other. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of the Himalayas from the Babusar Top. Babusar top is supposedly the highest peak of Kaghan Valley which is at an approximate altitude of 15,000 feet. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com
A view of the Himalayas from the Babusar Top. Babusar top is supposedly the highest peak of Kaghan Valley which is at an approximate altitude of 15,000 feet. — Photo by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com

The Himalayas and the Kaghan valley have inspired poets, musicians, painters, videographers and photographers throughout the ages. For me, the inspiration came last month, when my friends revealed they were planning a trip.

Today I share a look at the untainted beauty of the land we inherited, celebrating Pakistan's 65th year of independence. — Photos and Text by Shameen Khan/Dawn.com

To read the full blog click here.

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Comments (8) Closed
Owais
Aug 14, 2012 10:18am
I visited this place last year in july and remember that particular mountain..it is truly a magnificent place to visit.. SubhanAllah
Recommend 0
aqm
Aug 14, 2012 05:04pm
If these photos are from last month, I am relieved. I travelled from Naran to Chilas, passing by Lulusar and through the Babusar pass in 2005. At that time, there was a lot of construction activity going on and I heard that Lulusar lake was going to be commercialized (read: brutalized) like Saiful-Malook. Thank God, it hasn't, as it seems from the pics. We should learn to preserve our natural gifts the way they are, not commercialize them. Real beauty and value exists in keeping them in their natural state.
Recommend 0
Ali Abbas
Aug 14, 2012 07:40pm
A child begging (perhaps even selling chewing gum) is not untainted beauty but how we have failed our people.
Recommend 0
zaheer Abbasi
Aug 15, 2012 06:18am
If only we could preserve the beauty of our land for the next generations-and at the same time share this great gift of God with the rest of the world. Congratulations to the blogger and the Dawn media group for this beautiful gift. Zaheer Abbasi
Recommend 0
Ather
Aug 15, 2012 07:05am
i have snow lake pics of 2007 when i travelled there, if you have interest let me know
Recommend 0
Jehanzeb Idrees
Aug 15, 2012 07:48am
You always come to spoil the mood man. Cheer up!
Recommend 0
Sam
Aug 16, 2012 05:02pm
Its very unfortunate that today this heaven on earth was stained with the blood of some innocent young men for a mere fact that they belonged to a seperate sact of Islam. These young men were muslims that were humans.
Recommend 0
J.S.Hussain
Aug 21, 2012 02:22am
We will be able to truly enjoy the paradise (Pakistan) if we help in making Pakistan a truly secular and democratic State.
Recommend 0

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