Showing posts with label HILL STATIONS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HILL STATIONS. Show all posts
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Falaksair Peak Swat Valley
Fairy Meadows - Circles of Life
View from Lord of the Rings
This is a view of Tupopdan mountain, one of the most amazing places along Karakoram highway.
The Karakoram is a ‘who’s who’ of the world’s tallest peaks – including K-2, second only to Everest. And its valleys deliver a glut of glaciers, the longest outside the polar regions, with some creeping right to the road edge. The 240-kilometer Hunza Valley is an ancient and remote kingdom in the northeast of Pakistan, nestled close to China and the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan. The simplicity of village life belies the valley’s strategic and economic importance. Not so many years ago, travel through its narrow gorges and high passes was treacherous as local brigands supplemented meagre agricultural outputs by raiding silk route caravans, trading slaves and capturing loot.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Khandala
Khandala is located at one (top) end the Bhor Ghat, a major ghat (meaning valley in Marathi) on the road link between the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan plain. The ghat carries an extensive amount of road and rail traffic. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the main link between the major cities of Mumbai and Pune, passes through Khandala.
Kullu Manali
Kullu Manali is an extremely popular tourist’s destination. Both these hill stations are a delight to those who desire to spend some time in the lap of nature. The intricate web of beautiful valleys brings gleam to ones eyes. Whether it is under the radiant rays of the sun or under the spell of hazy mist, the valley looks brilliant.
The awesome Kullu valley spreads its charm on both the sides of River Beas. The flower-filled meadows, exciting glens surrounded by the gushing streams and meandering rivulets is enough to make the tourists ecstatic. Kullu provides ample scope for trekkers, mountaineers, artists and others who wish to enjoy the variegated spectacle of the scenic mountains. Just inhaling the pristine air of the majestic Himalayas will help to invigorate.
Manali which is about 40 km from Kullu is a sleepy little valley in the foothills of the Himalayas surrounded by pine and deodar forests. The landscape of Manali is incredible. The snow covered peaks, sparkling and curving brooks, green fields and verdant fruit orchards will make your holiday a joyous one.
There are fun things to do and see here – horse riding, trekking, hot air ballooning and more. The mountaineering institute at Manali is famous among trekkers and mountaineers.
Kullu Manali has plenty to offer trekking enthusiast as well as for those looking for easy hikes and scenic drives. The beauty of the mountains capes, rivers, temples and pastures can be captured while trekking.
The abundant growth of flowers and vegetables, the apple trees bowing down low with the weight of their fruit, the great sweep of the mountains and the glow that gildes over them by the blazing sun, the clouds gathering over the tallest of the peaks and the calmness that surrounds this valley is what Kullu Manali is all about.
Mussoorie. INDIAN HILL STATION
Mussoorie, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley & Shiwalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists. Mussoorie is conveniently connected to road by Delhi and major cities and is the 'Gateway' to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India.
Mussoorie is located in the Garhwal hills. Due to its immense natural beauty, Mussoorie is known as the queen of hill stations. In 1820 Captain Young from the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made this place his residence. This marked the foundation of a hill station called Mussoorie. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of 'Mussoorie' which were found in abundance here. After its discovery, this hill station gradually developed as a center of education, business, tourism and beauty.
Mussoorie is located at a height of 2,500 meters in the green Himalayan range. Due to its location and beauty Mussoorie is considered as the best hill station in the northern region. The modern bungalows, malls and well laid gardens which are located on the small hills around the area are enough to attract any tourist.
Mussoorie is very close to Delhi, its overnight journey and one can return in one day . So, some people come here to spend their week ends. Also, the major Hindu pilgrimages like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place.
Ooty{INDIA}
This green and pictorial Queen of Hill Stations located in South India in the state of Tamil Station is at an altitude of 2240 m. Conifers, pine and eucalyptus trees grow abundantly in this region and make the environment fresh, clean and pleasant. The funnel-shaped lavender- blue flowers bring in radiance to the sloping mountains.
To truly experience the charm of this hill station in the Nilgiri Mountains, take the little Blue Mountain train to Ooty from Mettupalayam. Once there, settle into a relaxed routine of picnics, pony rides and angling; spend a morning at the lovely Botanical Gardens, drop in at Ooty club with its Raj-era ambience. A delightful day trip is to Pykara where you can see rolling grassland and the unique concial huts of the Toda tribe.
Ooty is huddled in an arena that is generated by four royal hills - Elk Hill, Snowdon, Doddabetta and Club Hill. These majestic hills are fractions of the regal Nilgiri range which forms a congregation for the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Dense forests, lofty mountains, extensive tea and coffee plantation and sprawling grasslands characterize Ooty. Ooty provides ecstasy for trekkers. Trekking here is filled with excitement and pleasure. One can watch nature in its best form and splendor while trekking in Ooty. Ooty has many trek routes to offer. However, they differ in distance, stature and topography. Hand gliding and Angling are other activities that one could participate in.
This eco-friendly land with lush greenery, radiant flowers, deep forest, lakes and waterfall offer a fantastic sight and make your stay in Ooty laudable.
Shimla {INDIA}
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a major travel hill station in India. Shimla is also an important administrative centre. It has been variously described as the Indian Capua, Mount Olympus and the Abode of the Little Tin Gods.
The city spreads over a 12km ridge with just two main roads – The Mall which runs from the far west to the lower eastern side, and the Cart Road which circles the southern part of Shimla. This is where the railway station and the bus and taxi stands are located. The crescent of the wooded Ridge stretches from the lofty 2476 m high Jakhu Hill and Chhota Shimla in the east, to the Observatory (2,148 m) and Prospect hills (2,176 m) in the west. The best time to travel to Shimla is in autumn, when the days are warm and bright and the nights crisp and cool. Summer sees a burgeoning tourist population and this is precisely why you should avoid going there at this time.
Shimla was once part of the Nepalese kingdom and called Shyamala (another name for goddess Kali). The British ‘discovered’ it in 1819. After they laid down the Kalka-Shimla railway line in 1903, Shimla became a second home for all those escaping the heat of the Indian summer.
The Mall is the place for shopping in Shimla. Lined with many showrooms, it is a shopper’s delight. You can buy all sorts of goodies here from old books, through woollens, handicrafts, handlooms, curios and plum sherbet to mushroom pickle. Do check out the State Emporium for good quality handicrafts. Although Shimla has nothing too special to offer on its own, you will get items from all parts of the state at this outlet.
There are two other bazaars in Shimla. Just below the western end of the (eastern) Mall, is the frantic Subzi Mandi, also called Lower Bazaar. It is a maze of twisting, steep lanes full of stalls selling food and just about everything imaginable. Do pick up those colourful socks, gloves and caps that are such a speciality of Himachal. Beyond the Ridge, the small and busy Lakkar Bazaar (lakdi means wood) is popular for wood souvenirs. Though most of them might seem tacky and of little use, you could perhaps pick up a carved walking stick.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Hotels:
PTDC Chitral is the best choice has a beautiful garden and very good service Single
Mountain View Hotel is located in Shahi Bazaar second best good clean rooms with hot shower. There are few other smaller hotels along the bazaar and in front of PTDC Motel.
Half Day Garam Chashma
A village about 30 KMs from Chitral. The drive is very scenic and breathtaking at the village there is a hot spring pool and a few houses.
Full day Shandur Pass
Drive by Jeep through some of the remotest mountain villages to Shandur pass 12000 feet. Spend some time at the pass and stop bye at some villages later drive back to Chitral.
CHITRAAL
Transfers
Gilgit Airport to Hotel
Gilgit Airport is located at a small ground very close to the center it takes 5 - 10 Minutes from Airport to any hotel in town
Gilgit Hunza
100 Kilometers one of the most scenic journeys in the world. Stopping at several photo stops it takes 3 - 4 Hrs to reach Hunza the Shangri-La
Gilgit to Besham (or V.V.)
310 Kilometers is also an spectacular journey as described above. it usually takes 8 Hours with stops on the way at Shatial Rock drawings, The Nanga Parbat view points and Lunch stop at PTDC Barseen or a local restaurant in Dassu.
Besham to Islamabad (or V.V.)
275 Kilometers usually takes 8 - 9 Hours with stops at Abbottabad & Taxila road is pretty good running along the Indus you will take a diversion to the foot hills of Himalaya Tarai mountains and reach Rawalpindi / Islamabad via Margalla pass.
Gilgit to Skardu.
An spectacular drive along the Indus river between Karakorum & Himalaya mountains. Road is narrow so 220 Kms. take about 9 Hours
HOTELS
Gilgit Serena Hotel Gilgit
Ibex Lodge Gilgit
PTDC Motel Chinnar Inn Gilgit
PTDC Motel Rama Lake Gilgit
PTDC Motel Saudu Sharief Gilgit
Gilgit Serena Hotel Gilgit
PTDC Motel Chinnar Inn Gilgit
PTDC Motel Rama Lake Gilgit
Rupal Inn Gilgit Gilgit
Gilgit Continental Hotel Gilgit
Riveria Hotel Gilgit Gilgit
Gilgit
Gilgit is a located at an altitude of Approximately 1500 Meters (4800 Feet) in the North east of Pakistan . The city had been a central point of trade and political activity as early as 1st century AD. Since then it has always been a very strategic point for the neighboring countries. Surrounded by the massive mountains of Karakorums Gilgit is a small valley with a ground just enough to form a small city of 500000 persons. Beyond here there is no such a big town or city in any direction within a distance of about 450 Kilometers in any direction. Gilgit is the administrative and commercial capital of Northern areas.
Mountains of the region are known to be the highest and greatest in the Number around the world. Stretch of Gilgit comes in the rain shadow of Nanga Parbat Mountain i.e. The moon soon winds are blocked by the massive of Nanga Parbat and clouds can not reach Gilgit which makes it dry & rugged but the labor of the strong and willing local population has even claimed the hard mountains for cultivation's. Due to this there are beautiful green orchids of many fruits in the valley. This makes an spectacular contrast in the green fields and ruggedness on the mountains topped with white snow a scenery only found in the northern areas of Pakistan.
The road to Gilgit is an other adventure and beauty filled experience Karakorum Highway built Between 1966 to 1978 by the Chinese and Pakistani engineers, above the shoulders of gigantic mountains of Himalayas , Hindukush & Karakorum ranges. More than five hundred lives are buried under this marvelous road which is known all over the world for its beauty and variation in terrain and culture. The highway runs along the river Indus and later continuous to Gilgit on Gilgit river.
Each stop of this highway will definitely force you to admire it. There are nice PTDC motels on main points and towns of the Highway.
An Ideal Itinerary will to take go from Islamabad to Besham overnight at PTDC motel Besham is located on the Bank of Indus river. Later you continue to Gilgit With several photo stops on the way. There are also some interesting Rock drawings from the Buddhist period along the road.
Flights to Gilgit are depending on weather so are not advisable for a good reliable tour. Road Journey is much scenic and more reliabl
Mirajani peak
Miran Jani is the highest point in the Galliat Range at about 2867 m. It is a very scenic trek to Miran Jani Top which offers wonderful views of the pine forests and hills surrounding the region. The trail to Miran Jani is just behind the Governor's House. You can book horses from Nathia Gali if you dont want to go there by foot.
Dungagali
Dungagali is a picturesque small resort situated on the slopes of the Mukshpuri hill (2376 m.). It commands a charming view of a series of wooded spurs projecting towards the river Jhelum on the western side. From Dungagali one can climb the 2813 m peak of Mukhshpuri, which is the highest point in the range. Natural spr
Thadiani
Thandiani means cold in the local language. Its around about 1 hour and 30 minutes on a good decent road. Its rises steeply at some places. It is 2700 meters above sea level on a small plateau surrounded by pine forests. This beautiful spot can easily be approached from Abbottabad, which is 24 km away. It is totally unspoiled and has the loveliest of views of all the hill stations of Pakistan. The scenery here is breathtaking and superb. It is pretty high. Just a few kilometres into the road and you start gaining height quickly. One place on the road offers a stunning view of Abbottabad city. Thandiani is not located in the Galliat Range but some other range. Beautiful trees on the way and also a few small caves which are probably home for the wildlife.
Thandiani was discovered by the British but was later neglected and was only rediscovered as a hill station recently so it is completely unspoiled. There are few shops at Thandiani and only one basic guesthouse (no big expectations!). It only gets cold about 2 km before Thandiani. There is also a Pakistan Television Booster at the top and a Pak Air-Force Radar (No Photographs). But the beauty of this area is its views. Stunning views of all the areas around this region. Views of the Galliat Range, Hazara Region, Swat Forests, Chitral region and that of Abbottabad itself. Heard the dawn was beautiful but didn't stay at the guesthouse though. Also heard it gets real cold at night even in summers almost below 0 C. Lots of greenery and some beautiful rocks on the ground. There is also a road at the top which seems to go straight into the sky when you first enter Thandiani but it gives wonderful views. Must visit place!
Murree Hotels
Blue Pines Inn
ear Lawrence College P.O Box #17 Murree
Located adjacent to Lawrence College Ghoragali on the lower Jhika gali bypass road about five minutes drive from Pindi Point. It is surrounded on three sides by the Murree Hills, facing the Masiari and Namal villages. The elevation is 6220 feet above sea level with a pleasant weather all year round.
Greens Hotel
Nathiagali Murree
Greens Nathiagali is the largest hotel in Nathiagali. It is regarded as the only 4 star hotel in the area. There are spectacular views of the mountains from this hotel. You can also take short walks or even climb Merajani peak if you like an adventure activity. Travel & Culture offers special tours and Excursions from islamabad to Nathiagali and other areas
Pearl Continental Burban Resort
Bhurban Murree
Murree Hills
Murree is a popular hill station and a summer resort in Pakistan, Murree is specially for the residents of Islamabad. Murree is also visited as one of the most favourite destination for Pakistani tourists in Sumer and during snowfall of winter.
Murree is located along Islamabad-Kohala highway N75, some 30 km (19 mi) northeast of Islamabad.
The name Murree is derived from 'marhi', "high place" although there is a popular belief it was named after the virgin Mary during the British times
It is situated on the southern slopes of the Western Himalayan foothills as they ascend to the northeast towards Kashmir. During British Rule in the nineteenth century, its altitude was established at 7,000 feet (2,100 m), but its actual altitude has now been determined as 2,300 m (7,500 ft) above sea level.
Murree is accessible by road from the centre of the Islamabad and Rawalpindi areas. It is still associated with Britain; many British fruits (including cherries, raspberries and strawberries) thrive locally. There is a church, built in 1857, located at the centre of the town, which is still used as a place of worship. Many houses around the church are still standing, functioning mostly as hotels. Old traditional restaurants have been replaced by fast food shops and newer restaurants.
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