Kumrat (Urdu: 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.[1] It is among the most popular tourist spots in the Malakand Division.[2]
Kumrat Valley کُمراٹ | |
|---|---|
 Evening view at Kumrat Valley | |
  Kumrat Valley کُمراٹ Location in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  Kumrat Valley کُمراٹ Location in Pakistan | |
| Coordinates: 35°32′N 72°13′E / 35.533°N 72.217°E | |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Province | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| District | Upper Dir District |
| Tehsil | Sharingal Tehsil |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
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.[2]
Features
editKumrat 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.[5]
Deforestation
editDeodar 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
edit
References
edit- ^ a b Khan, Omar Mukhtar (September 16, 2020). "Kumrat valley — the hidden gem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa". Daily Dawn. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
- ^ a b "'Illegal construction' scars Kumrat Valley". The Express Tribune. September 11, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
- ^ "Kumrat Valley shines as tourists flock to monsoon paradise". The Nation. July 31, 2024. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
- ^ "A little piece of paradise". The Express Tribune. August 29, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
- ^ a b Jan, Syed Zahid (December 28, 2017). "Deodar forest fast depleting in Dir's Kohistan valley". Daily Dawn. Retrieved April 24, 2022.