Rana Tahir Shahbaz
The Swat Expressway from M1 Colonel Sher Khan Interchange to Chakdara Tunnel, followed by Temergerah, Dir Lower and Upper, Akhagram, Wari, Darora, Bibyawar and Chukiatan leads towards Bab e Kumrat, there from Sharingal, Kalkot and Thall gets one entered into Kumrat, mid of which is Kala Pani, a snow-covered off-road journey, accessed for the first time in winter during snowfall by Islamabad Jeep Club which recently held a “Snow-Cross” activity in Kumrat Valley as mentioned by Syed Imran Hyder, Spokesperson of IJC.
He further said that Kumrat was different from other tourist destinations because it had vast meadows and most of its area was forest that was a tough trail not accessible in winter which IJC made possible through its 10 highly equipped 4X4 jeeps under the commands of Dr. Nadeem Naeem and Asad Marwat. Jeep Club described Kumrat Valley as a “heaven on earth.” The remote valley was relatively popular with local tourists from KPK and remained secret from other Pakistani tourists, however, Islamabad Jeep Club through its regular adventurous tours to Kumrat Valley and other parts of Pakistan spread further awareness of the hidden beauty.
They also arranged a wonderful barbecue party on the bank of Panjgora River of crystal clear water and snow-covered meadows had made the valley a special tourist attraction. The founder members of club Naeem Saeed and Rizwan Aslam said that Kumrat was a miracle of nature and everyone should visit it both in winter and summer to enjoy its natural beauty. Kumrat was explored as a summer tourist destination in the past and thousands of tourists from across the country as well as foreigners visit the picturesque valley in summer but now it has become a famous tourist destination in winter also.
Traversing through Kumrat’s mainland and its beautiful villages, then crossing Thallo Pass (4200 Meters) and Zaghi Chatt (4500 Meters) lead towards Bashker Gol Valley of Chitral.
