The paradise on earth, Kashmir, is divided by the Line of Control, and although we know a lot and have visited several parts in the India-administered Kashmir, we know very little about what’s on the other side of the LoC. While we do not want to be a part of the political unrest over Kashmir and the animosity between the two countries over it, it doesn’t stop us from appreciating the beauty on the other side of the border. Here we have gathered some breathtaking pictures that are bound to mesmerise you and leave you spellbound.
Upper Hunza Gilgit
Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Upper Hunza, Gilgit, is a mountainous valley in Gilgit–Baltistan. Several high peaks rise above 6,000 meters in the Hunza valley. The valley provides views of several tall mountains, including Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and Bojahagur Duanasir II.
Taobat
Taobat is a village in Neelam Valley, Pakistan. It is the place from where Kishenganga river enters Kashmir and becomes River Neelum. Surrounded by lush green forests, this place is natural beauty at its best.
Lake Saif ul Malook
Lake Saif ul Malook is a famous tourist spot. The lake is famous for being home to the large sized Brown Trout fish, which can weigh up to seven kilograms. Lake Saif ul Malook also provides a marvelous view of Malika Parbat, which is the highest peak of the Kaghan Valley.
Naltar Valley
Naltar is a valley near Gilgit. Amidst it is a forested village known for its wildlife and magnificent mountain scenery. One can also go skiing in the snow capped slopes of Naltar valley.
Neelum Valley
The valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped thickly forested region. It is named after the Neelum River that flows through the length of the valley.
Passu, Gilgit
Passu is a small village near the Karakoram Highway, about 150 km upriver from Gilgit. It lies near the Passu Glacier, and just south of the Batura Glacier. The latter is the seventh longest non-polar glacier in the world at 56 km.
Payee Meadows
Located at a height of almost 9,500 feet, the Payee meadows are surrounded by the Mallika mountain peak of Kashmir. The Payee lake located here is known for its crystal clear waters.
Satpara Lake – Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan
Satpara Lake is a natural lake near Gilgit. Being easily accessible makes the lake a common picnic spot for locals. The surrounding mountains leave you spellbound.
Skardu Valley
This valley sees the confluence of the Indus and Shigar Rivers. The town is considered a gateway to the eight-thousanders of the Karakoram Mountain range. The town is located on the Indus river, which separates the Karakoram Range from the Himalayas.
Swat Valley
This river valley, which was historically known as Uddyana (garden), is a place of great natural beauty and is popular with tourists. Queen Elizabeth II called it the ‘Switzerland of the East’ when she paid a visit to the valleyand rightfully so. The name Swat is derived from Suvastu which stood for river Swat in the ancient times. The river Suvastu is mentioned in the Rigveda.
Dudipatsar lake
Dudipatsar Lake or Dudipat Lake is a lake encircled by snow clad peaks in Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park. The word ‘dudi’ means white, ‘pat’ means mountains and ‘sar’ means lake.
This name has been given to the lake because of the white color of snow at surrounding peaks. In summer the water of the lake reflects like a mirror.
Deosai Plateau
The Deosai National Park is located in between Skardu, Gultari, Kharmang and Astore Valley, in Gilgit-Baltistan. Deosai means ‘the land of Giants’ in Urdu. The Deosai Plains are one of the highest plateaus in the world.
Ratti Gali Lake, Neelum Valley
The lake, at the height of 12,130 feet, is fed by the surrounding glacier waters of the mountains. The snow clad path to the lake is often described as ‘breathtaking’ and rightfully so.
When we saw these surreal images, we realised how nature has no boundaries and how a sheer manmade boundary can deny people of the amazing beauty mother nature holds. Let’s hope that some day, we all have access to experience these wondrous destinations.
