The Sweet Pakistan: 2008

Friday, March 21, 2008

Hunza Pakistan The Mini Paradise on Earth

Hunza is probably Pakistan's most visited valley, by the tourists. It is a fairy tale land surrounded by beautiful rugged & snow capped mountains. Only at a distance of 100 Kms. from Gilgit Hunza is a small town on Karakorum Highway. At the altitude of 7000 - 800 feet it is the first main town or stop if you are entering Pakistan from China

The central Hunza usually known as Karimabad is basically a town of just 6 villages. The first main villages as you come from Gilgit on the main Karakorum Highway is Aliabad. There is Rakaposhi View, PTDC Motel and other small hotels here. Just above Aliabad on the hill are Altit and Baltit villages the heart of Hunza. There is a very interesting Bazaar and two Forts in Altit & Baltit Villages. The Baltit fort has recently been restored and converted into a guided museum.

Hunza Hotels

Hunza Baltit Inn Hunza
Sarai Silk Road Hunza
Eagles nest Duikar Hunza
Hunza Hilltop Hotel Hunza
Hunza Darbar Hotel Hunza
Hunza Embassy Hotel Hunza
Hunza View Hotel Hunza
PTDC Motel Hunza Hunza
PTDC Motel Sost Hunza
Hunza Baltit Inn Hunza
Gulmit Continental Hotel Hunza

Quaid Mohammad Ali Jannah Tomb

The monumental tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is situated on a natural plateau within a 53 hectare park in the city of Karachi. The approach to the mausoleum is a terraced and landscaped avenue emphasized by fifteen successive fountains. This leads to a platform measuring 75x75m and 4m high, with steps on three sides, which forms the base of the mausoleum. The edifice, square in plan with tapering walls, is surmounted by a dome rising to a height of 43m.

Four pointed arches open into the mausoleum from each of the four façades. The interior space is an octagon with a ceremonial sarcophagus in the centre. The actual tomb is located in a subterranean chamber immediately underneath. All exteriors and interiors are finished with marble and the interior of the dome with stucco. The openings above the doorways are lattice work.

Quaid Muhammad Ali jannah Was the Founder of Pakistan :)

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Northern Pakistan

Northern Areas of Pakistan, spread over 72,496 sq. km are as fascinating as its southern region. Amidst towering snow-clad peaks with heights varying from 1,000 m to 8, 000 meters, the regions of Gilgit, Hunza and Baltistan recall Shangri-La. The cultural patterns of these regions are as interesting as its geography. The people with typical costumes, folk dances, music and sports like polo and buzkashi, provide the traveler an unforgettable experience.

Now here is the world such a great concentration of high mountains, peaks, glaciers and passes except Pakistan. of the 14 over 8,000 meters high peaks on earth, 04 occupy an amphitheater at the head of Baltoro glacier in the Karakoram range. These are; K-2 (8,611 m, world’s second highest), Gasherbrum-I (8,068 m), Broad Peak (8,047 m) and Gasherbrum-II (8,035 m).

There is yet another which is equally great, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), located at the western most end of the Himalayas. In addition to that, there are 68 peaks over 7,000 m and hundreds others over 6,000 meters. The Northern Pakistan has some of the longest glaciers outside Polar region; Siachen (72 km), Hispar (61 km), Biafo (60 km), Baltoro (60 km) and Batura (64 km).

People & Culture

The people of Pakistan have a multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic background. The majority of the population is made up of Punjabis, Sindhhis, Pashtuns (Pakhtuns), Mohajirs and Baluchis. All the people follow many different cultural traditions and speak many different languages and dialects. They are, in fact, a mixture of Dravidians, Indo-Aryans, Greeks, Scythians, Huns, Arabs, Mongols, Persians, and Afghans. The binding factor is Islam on the basis of which Pakistan came into being.

Kashmir Pakistan

The territory of Azad Kashmir is dotted with a vast chain of scenic and natural beauty spots amidst flowing streams, gushing springs and flowering plants. The mountain tops over the valley look like circular and rectangular caps. The panorama is really enchanting.

The valley rivals those of Kaghan and Swat in beauty and boasts of remarkable alpine scenery. It is bounded to the east by the line of control or (ceasefire line) with Indian held Kashmir.

Azad Kashmir extends from the plains of Mirpur at the northern edge of the Punjab through the outlying foothills of the Himalayas, to the mountains in the north at 6,000 meters above sea level. It is drained by three major rivers, the Jhelum, the Neelam and the Poonch whose valleys are very beautiful.

There are four districts of Azad Kashmir namely Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Kotli and Mirpur. These districts abound in natural beauty and rivers and streams flow throughout Azad Kashmir. All the four districts have lush green forests which provide cool breeze and foliage to the visitors.

Roads are the only means of transport in Azad Kashmir and play a basic role in the development of the territory. The area of Azad Kashmir is 8214 square kilometers land strip in the shape of a crescent moon, 400 km in length with width varying from 15 to 60 km

The terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous with 15,000 feet high mountains in north-west touching the Punjab plains. The area is criss-crossed with rivers and numerous nullahs.The total length of roads in Azad Kashmir is 1170 km of metalled and 850 km of fair-weather roads in addition to 1330 km miles of link roads.

Camels on Karachi Beach

Some time u will see many guys with decorated camels on karachi beach , its to cheap to ride them (50 cents 30 min) its one of the best fun to ride on these camels and horses :)

Karachi center

Flyover leading to the Expressway and to the Main Business District. Behind is Karachi Port

Habib bank plaza karachi

The bank has a network of 1425 branches in Pakistan and 55 branches worldwide. It has a domestic market share of over 40%. It continues to dominate the commercial banking sector with a major market share in inward foreign remittances (55%) and loans to small industries, traders and farmers. Overseas, it has operations in the following countries:
Afganistan, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Turkey, UAE, UK & USA.

Badshahi Mosque Lahore

Close to Minar-e-Pakistan is the magnificent Badshahi mosque, built under the patronage of the sixth Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb Alamgir. The moque was completed in 1673 under the supervision of Aurangzeb’s foster brother Muzaffar Hussain who was appointed governor of Lahore in May of 1671 and held this post until 1675.

The Badshahi mosque is adjacent to Lahore Fort, one of the most splendid examples of Mughal architecture in Pakistan. The mosque is one of the largest building made during the reign of Aurangzeb, and in terms of space, it is one of the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. The area within the mosque measures approximately 150 meters on each side.

The mosque is raised pretty high from the ground level, and steps lead to the main court yard. The Badshahi mosque has close resembles to the Friday Mosque built by Shah Jahan in his new capital, adjoining the Red Fort, in Delhi, although the Badshahi Mosque is a grander structure.

Shalimar Gardens

The gardens are a masterpiece from the time of the Mughal civilization, which reached its height during the reign of the Emperor Shah Jahan. The gardens were commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1637. The fort contains marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. The elegance of these splendid gardens, built near the city of Lahore on three terraces with lodges, waterfalls and large ornamental ponds, is unequalled.

Each garden is divided by canals and flowerbeds, following the Persian tradition of the charbagh, or fourfold garden. Each of the 3 parts is on a different level, so that the upper parts are concealed from the view of people entering from below. The highest, and therefore the most private, section is thought to have been used by the imperial women. The channels of water that weave through the whole garden are fed by canals designed and administered by a defector from the Persian court, Ali Mardan Khan, or Inayat Khan, known for his architectural and building expertise. The gardens contain white marble buildings in typical Shah Jahani style. They are enclosed by a red sandstone wall interrupted by small decorative kiosks. The Shalimar Gardens are among the best preserved Mughal gardens.

The Shalimar Gardens are laid out in the form of an oblong parallelogram, surrounded by a high brick wall, which is famous for its intricate fretwork. The gardens measure 658 meters north to south and 258 meters east to west. In 1981, Shalimar Gardens was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the UNESCO Convention concerning the protection of the world's cultural and natural heritage sites in 1972.

Minar Pakistan

In the middle of Iqbal Park in Lahore stands Minar-e-Pakistan, a tall concrete minaret which was built as a tribute to the creation of Pakistan.This is the exact place where in 1940, the Muslim League passed the famous Lahore Resolution, which demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims of India.Minar-e-Pakistan is about 60 meters in height.

The tower base is raised approximately four meters from the ground and it rises up to approximately 13 meters, forming a sculpted, flower-like base. From this point it tapers as it rises. The base platform is shaped like a five-pointed star and it encloses crescent shaped pools. It is constructed of reinforced concrete, with the floors and walls rendered in stone and marble. Now it is officially recognized as the National Monument of Pakistan.

The Minar-e-Pakistan was designed by Murad Khan, a Turkish architect

Festival From Pakistan

This is the traditional dress to celebrate festivals in the province of Punjab , NWFP , Kashmir, Balochistan and in many places in sindh pakistan u will see plenty of people using these kind of dresses when they dance in parties and open places to celebrate National days

Houses abandoned after mudslides, in village of Passu, Karakoram

Look at this Natural Beauty from the North West Frontier Provence Pakistan :) Be honest Dont ya Think so that it looks like Paradise :)

Swat Malam Jaba The Higest point in South Asia

Swat is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. The river Swat is a clear water river starting from the Ushu rage of mountains to the spread of the valley of Swat. It is on of the most green valleys of the Northern Pakistan and is well connected to the rest of Pakistan. There are regular flights from Islamabad to Swat and back. One can also get here either from Peshawar (160 KMs) or Islamabad.(250 KMs) The valley of Swat is located in the middle of foothills of Hindukush mountain range. The main town of the valley is Mingora and Saidu Sharief.

Swat is a place for leisure Lover , Hikers , and archeologist. There are many comfortable hotels where one can stay a while to relax. In Kalam upper Swat there are some very pleasant walks since weather is pretty pleasant one can easily walk over the hills for hours and enjoy the unspoiled nature. The Swat is garden of Ashoka and was a prosperous land in the Buddhist times (2nd BC to 5 AD) There are at least over 100 archeological sites in the valley less then 10% of the are excavated. One can explore some of those sites in a half day tour of Swat

There are many hotels in different towns of the valley.

Rockcity Resort Swat

Swat Continental Hotel

Hotel White Palace

PTDC Malam Jabba Ski Resort

PTDC Motel Miandam

Swat Serena Hotel

Transfers to & From Swat Valley

Islamabad or Peshawar to Swat

250 KMs 5- 6 Hours. Drive in the morning from Islamabad stop at the confluence of Kabul & Indus rivers later continue to Swat via Charsadha, stop at different village bazaars and pass the Malakand pass. One can have Lunch at a local restaurant on the way. After Malakand pass you enter the valley of Swat. View the Churchill's picket and Shingardar Stupa on the way. Takht e Bhai most well preserved Buddhist monastery is on the way before Malakand pass time permitting can visit this archeological site too. (This will make the trip about 7- 8 Hours )

Swat - Besham

110 KMs 3 Hours. Leave Saidu Sharief via the upper Swat road at Khwaza khela we will take a right turn to the Shangla pass (7000 Ft) Road is lush green with numerous kinds of flora and pine trees. Have a local Pakistan tea at the pass and continue to Besham . Besham is the first main town as you come from Swat on the Karakorum Highway.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Weather of Swat [Asia Switzerland]

Temprature

So for the temperature is concerned, the height of Swat varies from 2500 ft to 7500 ft, therefore, this is colder zone. Due to the absence of meteorological department, we cannot quote the actual recorded data; anyhow, January is the coldest month of the year. The temperature, generally, remains between 40°F and 45°F (2°C to -2°C). The water-freezing season is from the last week of December to the end of February. In mountainous areas it takes more than three months.The hottest month is July, in which the temperature rises to more than 90 °F (32°C) in the plains, but in mountainous areas, it is lower. In Buner, however, we find a little bit extremity of weather.

Rain Fall

There are three rain-bearing seasons

1. Winter Rains

These rains start in December and last to the end of February. When the rainfall starts once, it remains continuous to one or two weeks. This continuous rainfall is called Jarai. The rain of this season is usually, with slow fall and small drops. In the plain, the snowfall takes place from 15th January to the end of February. But in mountainous areas, the snow period is from the beginning of December to the end of March. (In November, the snow also falls on mountains, but melts soon.)

2. Spring Rain

The rains from March to May are regarded as the spring rains. In this season, the rainfall occurs in shower with thunder and lightening, and the drops are bigger. The lengthened period of the continuation of the spring rains is destructive for the muddy homes of the poor villagers.

3. Summer Rains

Usually, there is a gap of one dry month, June, between the rains of spring and summer. The summer rains begin in July, and end in September. These rains are not so continuous. They are in intermittent position. Sometimes the rainfall takes place suddenly with hailstones, which results in the damages to property and lives. The rain of this season falls with shower and lightning. The annual rainfall is about 50 inch.

Swat My Home Town

The charming Swat, a peaceful and fascinating tract in the lap of vegetative sky-high mountains, with eternal snow on their lofty crests, is an everlasting source of attraction for the visitors. Its beauty attracts tourists from all over the world to enjoy the soothing and serene sceneries, and the friendly behavior of its inhabitants. A visitor entered in Pakistan would never be contented without roaming about Swat. The area of Swat is 4000 sq. miles with a population of about 1250000. Its height is not similar but varies from 2500 ft. to 7500 ft. above sea level.

Alexander defeated Persia, thenceforth, he entered Swat via Kunar in 326 BC. Buddhism was in full bloom here. The Buddhist ruler fought the Greek invader, but was defeated. Having conquered Swat Alexander proceeded on along the Right Bank of Swat River. Reached Bandai in Nekpikheil, he crossed the river and camped near Manglor. He continued journey through the mountainous passes of Onra, and crossed Indus

The well-known general of Alexander, Salukis, gave Swat to Chandragupta back in 304 BC. Another Buddhist king, Kanishka, shifted his capital from Peshawar to Swat so that he may be peaceful enough to worship his deities with full satisfaction. Then Raja Ram Batti and many other great personalities ruled Swat, and worshipped their gods with full peace and meditation in cloisters. Raja Gira was the last Buddhist ruler of Swat, who was defeated by Mahmood of Ghazni.

Small poem about swat

Magic effects of the full moon,

Across Suvastu at golf ground,

When spring begins,

The dew shines in the rays,

And strange trembling of trees,

In fact sweet pains exist,

And each nerve vibrates,

Heart touching melody ,

Of the calm nature,

Which makes undefied mystery,

When the aromatic breeze blows