North west prontier province of Pakistan

Swat Valley

The Lush-green valley of Swat, with its rushing torrents, icy-cold lakes, fruit-laden orchards and flower-decked slopes is ideal for holiday-makers intent on relaxation. It has a rich historical past, too.

This is "Udayana" (the "Garden") of the ancient Hindu epics; "the land of enthralling beauty" where Alexander of Macedonia fought and won some of his major battles before crossing over to the plains of Pakistan. This is "the valley of the hanging chains" described by the famous Chinese pilgrim-chroniclers, Huain Tsang and Fa-Hian in the fifth and sixth centuries.

Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism of all its schools- Little Vehicle, Great Vehicle and the Esoteric sects where once 1,400 monasteries flourished. It was the home of the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which was an expression of Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition. See NWFP Picture Gallery for some beautiful pictures of Swat Valley

Swat was also the historical land where the Muslim conquerors, Mahmud of Ghazni, Babur and Akbar fought their battles preparatory to the conquest of the South Asia. The ruins of great Buddhist stupas, monasteries and statues are found all over Swat.

The valley of Swat sprawls over 10,360 sq. kms at an average elevation of 975 metres. The maximum temperature in July is 38 C and minimum (during January) is 1 C. The normal temperature is maximum 21 C and minimum 7 C. The tourist season is year-round.

Swat Valley is divided into 3 main areas, Saidu Sharif, Mingora and Kalam.

Kaghan and Naran Valleys

A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away, north-east of the Hazara district of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience. Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in unbelievable pristine state, and unspoiled paradise. That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan.

Location

The Valley extends for 155 kms rising from an elevation of 2,134 metres to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173 metres. Kaghan is at its best in the summer months (May to September). In May the temperature is: maximum 11 C and the minimum 3 C. From the middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran, snow-bound throughout the winter, is open right up to Babusar Pass.

The Kaghan Valley is accessible by road from Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Peshawar. You can drive in your own or a rented car, taxi, station-wagon or bus to Abbottabad which is 122 kms. from Rawalpindi and 217 kms. from Peshawar. Abbottabad is a charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.

Balakot

From Abbottabad, you drive 72 kms to Balakot, the gateway to the Kaghan Valley. Balakot has the shrines of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Ismail Shaheed Brelvi, the South Asia great freedom fighters.

For your drive to Kaghan, you switch over at Balakot to a jeep. Your first stop is 34 kms away at Shogran at 2,362 metres above sea level. At Kaghan, the little village that gives the valley its name-61 kms from Balakot.

Naran

At Naran, 23 kms from Kaghan you reach the half-way point. Naran also serves as the base for the whole valley. From here you can ride a jeep or horse or hike in excursions to several picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks.

Lake Saiful Maluk

Lake Saiful Muluk has a touch of the unreal about it, nestling 3,200 metres high in the shadow of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains) 5,291 metres high. You can go boating on the lake and hear the local legend about Prince Saiful Muluk who fell in love with a fairy. Further up are quaint woodland villages; Battakundi, Burawai, Besal Gittidas and Lalazar.

Islamabad

Introduction It is the purpose-built capital of Pakistan. It lies against the surroundings of the Margalla Hills at the northern end of Pothowar Plateau. The city was built intentionally to serve as the capital city of Pakistan in 1960 by the orders of then President General Ayub Khan. The capital is full of natural terraces and meadows and the southern plain drained by the Kurang River with the Margalla Hills in the north east. Area and Population The city is divided into eight basic zones: Administrative Diplomatic Enclave Residential Areas Educational Sectors Industrial Sectors Commercial Areas Rural Areas and Green Areas

Islamabad Shah Faisal Mosque Quick Facts Capital of Pakistan Population 0.95 million approx. Area 910 sq. km No. of Zones 8

pakistan beautifull places

Shangrila Resort Skardu, also known as “Heaven on Earth”,

Lake Saiful Muluk is a lake located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran. A fairy tale called Saiful Muluk, written by the famous sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, is associated with the lake. It is the story of 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.

http://www.dirjournal.com/info/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/shangrila.jpg

white palace

white palace is one of the best place in Sawat khyber pukhtoon khwa province of Pakistan.its the place that have seen by several people.its a best tourist place in sawat valley.

best places

Posted by juka14 | Thursday, March 10, 2011 | Category: The Netherlands - Maastricht | 1 comments

The Dinghuis was built in the 15th century and originally served as a courthouse. The name Dinghuis derived from the Dutch word 'geding', which means trial. For a long time the courthouse was the highest building in Maastricht. At the top of the tower a watchman was stationed who had to alarm the citizens if there was a fire. Nowadays the Dinghuis houses the Tourist Information Office.View location in Maastricht, the Netherlan...