Kumrat Valley Explained

Kumrat Valley
Settlement Type:Valley
Pushpin Map:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa#Pakistan
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa##Location in Pakistan
Coordinates:35.5333°N 85°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Pakistan
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Upper Dir District
Subdivision Type3:Tehsil
Subdivision Name3:Sharingal Tehsil
Timezone1:PST
Utc Offset1:+5

Kumrat (ur|{{nq|کُمراٹ) is an alpine valley of the Dir Kohistan region in the Upper Dir District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.[1] There is around 45 minutes drive to Kumrat Valley from the town of Thal on the banks of the Panjkora River. It is among the most popular tourist spots in the Malakand Division.[2]

Every summer season, thousands of tourists from different areas of the Pakistan and abroad visit Kumrat Valley for its greenery and cool weather.[3] Around Eid al-Fitr holidays, around 2,000 vehicles enter the region on a daily basis.[4] It can only be accessed via four-wheel vehicles, as the road leading to it is unmetalled.

Features

Kumrat is covered with green pastures and snow-clad mountains. The river Panjkora, foggy mounds and forests are attractions of the region. These forests serve as habitats for variety of flora and fauna. It is located in the Upper Dir Kohistan region at the back side of which Swat Kohistan area of Gabral is located. Another feature of Kumrat Valley is its towering Deodar forest trees located on level ground adjacent the Panjkora river. At several places, the Panjkora River divides into channels, on the banks of which a few makeshift camping spots offer accommodation to tourists. There are several waterfalls there as well. Kala Chashma (Black Spring) is also located there.

Deforestation

Deodar forest is fast depleting in Dir Kohistan Valley and it continues unhindered as the locals claim that they have no other source of fuel for heating and cooking purposes in the harsh winter season. The people of Kohistan Valley had offered the government in the 2010s that they were ready stop cutting Deodar trees if they were provided with a natural gas facility. However, the government did not pay any heed to their demand.[5]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Khan . Omar Mukhtar . September 16, 2020 . Kumrat valley — the hidden gem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . September 11, 2021 . Daily Dawn . en.
  2. Web site: September 11, 2021 . ‘Illegal construction’ scars Kumrat Valley . April 24, 2022 . The Express Tribune . en.
  3. Web site: July 31, 2024 . Kumrat Valley shines as tourists flock to monsoon paradise . September 17, 2024 . The Nation.
  4. Web site: August 29, 2021 . A little piece of paradise . April 24, 2022 . The Express Tribune . en.
  5. Web site: Jan . Syed Zahid . December 28, 2017 . Deodar forest fast depleting in Dir’s Kohistan valley . April 24, 2022 . Daily Dawn . en.