Post by: Muhammad Kashif

We a group of five people did Dwarian/Rattigali lake trek and Keran from 22-25th July.

Members: Waqas, Dabeer, Asad, Zahid and me (Kashif)

Bus Travel

Islamabad-Muzaffarabad

There are multiple options available for travelling to muzaffarabad. One is to travel from Skyways (Qadri travels). They run coaster service that is available every 30-60 minutes. The charges are Rs. 220/passenger. One can also go to muzaffarabad using hiace from Faizabad or Pirwadhai, they charge about Rs. 170/passenger. The travel time between Isb-Mzb is about 4hrs.

Muzaffarabad-Dwarian

There are not many options available for going to Dwarian. The only option is to travel through the bus. The bus can take you up to the Kel. The distance between Muzaffarabad to Dwarian is about 100Kms and the bus charges are Rs. 180/passenger. With the road conditions due to monsoon it took us about 9.5hrs to reach Dwarian.

The Trek

We reached Dwarian at 6AM in the morning. If one has to stay at Dwarian there are two rest houses of AJK government and a few hotels at Dwarian. Porters/guides were readily available at the bus stop. We got two porters cum guides from the stop at Rs. 500 per porter per day. We did our breakfast at a hotel in Dwarian and started out trekking at 7AM. This is a very beautiful trek with lush green forests and runs along a nullah of fresh water. We reached at domail (domail means a meeting point of two rivers or nullah, do-mail literally means two-meeting) around 5PM and camped there. Availability of drinking water is good as there are a lot of natural fountains in the trek. The trek is a gradual ascend from 1550 meters to 3150 meters (height of our camping site).

Next day we started our trek with daypacks towards the lake. It was an ascend of about 500meters to the lake and trek of about 1.30hrs. There are two lakes, one is small and exists due to the falling water of main lake and the other is a bit higher and is at altitude of 3650meters. A part of the main lake was snow covered.

From the lake one can trek to noori-naar top and descend to shardah via jeep, or trek to naran via ratti gali pass. There is another option of going to Kala-Sar (kala jheel, the name is due to the dark blue water of the lake) that is about 4-5hours trekking from the lake. To cover one of these options one has to have a knowledgeable guide/porter that knows the trek and has done it recently.

We descended back to our camping site, packed our camps and started descending back to Dwarian at 3PM. We reached at dwarian around 8.30PM and traveled back to Keran for camping. Keran is beautiful place to camp near the river bank. The river here is also LOC (line of control).

Note: at the start of the trek our information was like the first lake is Dwarian lake (that we visited) and the Ratti or Rattigali lake is about 4-5hours from dwarian lake. But from the porters and locals we got to know that the lake we visited has two names: Dwarian lake and Ratti or Rattigali lake.
The second lake is known as kala-sar that is about 4-5 hours from dwarian/ratti lake.

Some more Images of Ratti Gali Trek can be seen here:  http://www.talashme.com/ratti-gali-trek-photos/

Popularity: 50% [?]

Fort Munro hill station, situated at a height of 6,470 feet above sea level, is about 185 kilometres from Multan and around 85 kilometres from Dera Ghazi Khan in Suleiman Mountain Range. Fort Munro is just beyond the Punjab border. The term ‘fort’ appears somewhat overstated since the town appears more like a calm hill resort with gardens and orchards rather than a military station. The town was recognized by Sir Robert Sandeman in the later part of the 19th century and named Fort Munro after Colonel Munro who was commissioner of the Derajat Division. It magnetizes a large number of tourists each year, mainly those who wish to run away from hot plains of southern Punjab to take pleasure in kind and enjoyable weather for a day or two. The Punjab Government has planned an Rs735 million cable car system and allied services project, which is most probable to kick off soon to attract people from nearby areas being the only hill station of southern Punjab in Dera Ghazi Khan District. The cable car would start from Khar, a small settlement at the foot of Fort, and go up to Fort Munro after a stopover at TDCP motel. TDCP resort presents outstanding boating on the Dames Lake.

This Fort is part of the Sulaiman Mountain range. The range is situated in central Pakistan, enlarging southward about 280 miles (450 km) from the Gumal Pass to just north of Jacobabad, separating the North-West Frontier Province and Punjab from Balochistan. Its heights slowly decrease toward the south, with peaks averaging 6,000–7,000 feet, the highest being the twin peaks called Takht-i Sulaiman, or Solomon’s Throne, which legend connects with King Solomon’s visit to Pakistan; the higher of the peaks, at 18,481 feet (5,633 m), is the site of a Muslim Ziyarat (shrine) visited once a year by many pilgrims. The range’s eastern face dips sharply to the Indus River, but on the west the range declines extra slowly. Juniper and edible pines abound in the north and olives in the centre, but vegetation is scarce in the south. The Ghat, Zao, Chuhar Khel Dhana, and Sakhi Sarwar are the principal passes in the north. In the south, west of Dera Ghazi Khan, lies the hill station of Fort Munro.

You can reached either from Loralai (Balochistan) or from Multan (Punjab). From Punjab, the mountain range sets up near Rakhni, which is a border-post among Balochistan and Punjab. One can see the marks of both the provinces in the shops. There are lush green fields of cotton on both sides of the road. From Rakhni onwards the flatland provides way to the hills and the climb starts towards Fort Munro. The road is in fine shape and the climb is at a contented slope, save for some pointed bends and switchbacks as it criss-crosses through the mountains. The road rises sharply and rises to about 1600 Metres. The road then move towards a crossing, the right division leading towards Fort Munro, while the left fork goes on to Dera Ghazi Khan.

The area is mostly populated by Baloch tribes. In 1950, a merger of Balochi tribes with the Punjab was arrived at and a stone was erected atop the Fort Munro highest hill characteristic to remember the historic event.

You can also read the other article on Fort Munro here.

Popularity: 33% [?]

A trek to Everest stays a vision for many, and reaching the top of the peak mountain in the world will always be the crucial prize for skilled mountaineers. There are several thousand people have made it to the peak; but the abilities necessary, the risk of the mount and the significant cost of an Everest journey put a tour to the peak of the mountain out of the contact of most people.

Opposing to well-liked awareness, there are actually two Everest Base Camps that Everest trips can begin from: the South camp in Nepal (5,360 meters) and the North camp in Tibet (5,208 meters). At both of them, mountaineers preparing to try the top reside to adjust to the height and wait for positive weather situations before departure to make an effort on the top of mountain. The South camp has a propensity to be the more normally used by Everest journeys for realistic motives. The southern point is the simpler and safer route to the peak, and climbing from the Tibetan side needs a special visa from China.

Base Camp Mt Everest is a place where the climbers adjust themselves according to the weather. Scarcity of oxygen brings results in altitude sickness. More than thirty days climbers climb small distances of 1000 feet and return to the base camp to take some break and recover from injuries. As we know there is an important rule to climb a high mountain is for mountaineering move upward and for rest move downward. The oxygen level reduces in the atmosphere with every step towards the summit. This is really effect on the strength and stamina of the climber. But when the climbers move downs and takes some rest at lesser altitudes the enhanced oxygen level aids the body to recover potency. In other words the Base Camp Mt Everest is only a preparation of the following journey.

Treks to Everest Base Camp, yet, continue to rise in fame, giving travelers to this region a memorable sight of the world’s highest mountain. Nowadays, trekking the Base Camp Mt Everest is a well-liked sport for those men and women who love to accept challenges from nature. The trek to Everest Base camp on the Nepal side is becoming popular these days and several daring men and women of all eras and tones enjoying it. These treks are not simple task of the dreadful mountains as you have in the modern package visits where the pamphlet is more exciting than the tour itself. Everest Base Camp has been sketching in walkers and climbers for many years, and it remains a vital spot for the trekking fans – stunning view, difficult walking and a once in an era opportunity to stand next to the highest mountain in the world. Wow!

The best thing you can do is be psychologically prepared to have enjoyment, this is an astonishing trek that summits a lot of lists for avid travelers, if you’re about to do it, then you’re pleasing a wish of many, so get pleasure from it.

Popularity: 21% [?]

The Poconos Mountains is a hilly region of Northeastern Pennsylvania in the US. It is a well-known leisure destination for both local and regional visitors. As a well-liked tourist spot, there is a nonstop rise in its population. Much of the people coming here are from New York who determined to make their vacation homes as their everlasting residence. Still, Poconos resorts keep on drawing in hundreds to thousands of visitors every year. The Poconos now take steps as the customer society of Northern New Jersey and New York City.

The ordinary beauty of the Poconos, the bustling local scene, the seasonally focused dining organizations and many Poconos resorts and hotels that suggest world class lodgings contribute to the bolstering tourism industry of the Poconos. Matter of fact, many say that this region is now experiencing its “renaissance” with the arrival of deluxe spas and new resorts enlarge its charm apart from the several activities and magnetisms it offers.

A Poconos vacation can be the precious resource of world-weary vacationers to experiencing ease. Being famous for its stunning rushing waterfalls and wonderful sights, the Poconos Mountains has become a year-round vacation spot. Aside from skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding activities, you’ll take pleasure in sightseeing adventures like watching laurels blossom during the spring time; horseback riding through the mountains; teeing of at various golf courses; and shopping at several specialty stores. After a whole day of activities, find ease and leisure in any of the comfortable Poconos resorts and hotels nearby.

Most of the resorts in Poconos are no longer restricted to heated indoor pools and children’s programs – lodgings in the region have evolved throughout the years. Now, an ample range of facilities, services and fun activities are being obtainable like bonfire family sessions, fine dining time with the kids, tennis lessons for toddlers, pedicures for preschoolers and drivers license for kindergarten kids to drive their own kiddie’s cars. This made Poconos resorts stands out and be regarded as one of the best family vacation spots in the US.

Poconos Accommodations:

Chateau Resort and Conference Center:

This resort in Poconos lies at the base of stunning Camelback Mountain. It is a great and exciting place for families, weddings, reunions, meetings and group tours. It offers 152 comfortable and well-equipped rooms as well as 9 meeting rooms. The nightly rate here ranges from $79 to $359. Its exact address is 300 Camelback Rd. Tannersville, Pennsylvania.

Chestnut Grove Resort:

This is one of the supreme Poconos resorts around. It presents a myriad of fun activities like campfires, hayrides, sing-alongs, weenie roasts and more. It is set on 20 acres of the Poconos Mountains. The exact address of this resort in Poconos is Carlton and Red Rock Roads Swiftwater, Pennsylvania.

So enjoy your vacations at Poconos Mountains.

Popularity: 29% [?]

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls is an exactly and symbolically wonderful sight. However, in addition to the falls there are a number of other attractions in the neighborhood that should not be missed out by visitors. The Niagara Falls is area has turn into over the years a tourist location for people of all ages, who visit this part of the world in order to esteem the natural forces all year around.

But apart from hosting some very winning tourist options, the Niagara Falls is also a hydroelectric source of power. Since the three falls are shared by three cities, all named Niagara Falls-two in the New York area and one in Ontario, Canada-the citizens of those areas have relied on the Niagara Falls power to make the required amount of power and supply their needs, since the early 18th century.

According to scientists, the Niagara Falls is the result of the Wisconsin glaciations period, which ended 9,000 years ago. During that era, the slowly moving and melting glaciers crushed the earth’s surface and formed lakes or rivers, managing to join today’s Canadian coast with the northern part of what we now know as the country of United States. Since they were first seen, Niagara Falls has succeeded in drawing people’s interest on the usual phenomenon that led to their enormous form. Visited annually by millions of people who are eager to be surrounded by these gigantic water-flowing natural creations, the Niagara Falls gained their amazing reputation mainly in 19th century, when the area was primary known as being a preferred tourist attraction and also as a tremendously stunning natural phenomenon originating from the earth’s glaciations period during Ice Age.

The best occasion to visit the Falls is during the summer months of July and August. It is most excellent to create your visit during the early morning, or late in the afternoon. The two most well-liked attractions are the Cave of the Winds and the Journey behind the Falls. Further areas of interest are the Maid of the Mist and the Whirlpool Jetboat. During the winter months the latter two are closed for sightseers, and so is the Cave of the Winds.

Summer clothing is perfect in July and August, but at other times of year, the weather can change significantly in a second, so it is best to be prepared with a light jacket and a raincoat to guard oneself from getting drenched by the spray.

There are many other lures around the Falls, and you can get pleasure from a appetizing meal in a fine restaurant, with a stunning sight of the Falls. There is also the Skylon Tower, which is an frightening 775 feet higher than the Falls. There are delightful vineyards that lie just a little away from the Falls, these produce the famous ice wine of the region. A quite risky adventure for adrenaline junkies is the practice of sliding the Falls in a barrel. The first person to ever do this was a 63 year old teacher, in the mission of dishonor.

Niagara Falls is an obvious attraction, but its parks are also extraordinary. Apart from the previously mentioned attractions, parks such as the Butterfly Conservatory, Whirlpool Aero Car, Legends on the Niagara, White Water Walk and three golf courses help keep visitors to the Falls entertained.

In addition to these, there is the 1000 Islands Skydeck, a great place to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Quite unusually, Canada has its own safari experience where it showcases around 1000 unusual species in special game reserves.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Yellowstone National Park widens more than 3,400 square miles crosswise Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is the oldest, and thus the primary, national park in the world, and has abundance of geysers, hot springs, and animals and incomparable attractiveness to plot and amuse anyone looking for a sight of true nature at its best. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem makes up a great part of the park, and is one of the major untouched environments that are still in perfect state. The park was named for the rocks that are found in the valley, which was formed by floods and soil corrosion from the Yellowstone River.

Resident Americans occupied the Yellowstone National Park area for many years before the park was really established. The first American to set foot in the area was John Colter, who was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition. F.V. Hayden was the one who in fact started the set up of the national park due to his discoveries in 1871 of the area that is now Yellowstone.

There are a range of things to observe and do at Yellowstone National Park, including a large selection of natural wonders and landscapes, as well as an array of animals and activities that can be enjoyed by anybody who visits the park. And since Yellowstone is such an enormous park, more than 4 times the size of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, don’t plan on only spending one day here.

Yellowstone National Park is known for rafting and hiking normally, but is also home to huge fishing and kayaking experiences. The park is not only in its location. It is bordered by Grand Teton National Park and Custer National Forest, which is confined national areas in the United States. There are about 250,000 visitors each month to the park, which wraps more than 2.2 million acres of area and 370 miles of roadways that negotiate the park. Moreover, the most visited place within this vast park is simply Old Faithful, one of the most well-liked geysers in the whole world. The yellow lake that is situated in the park is also among the utmost altitude lakes on the continent.

There are numerous buildings, museums, and structures in and around the park, including the Old Faithful Inn, and Fort Yellowstone. One neat venture you can take is a historical tour guided by the national park authority, if history is what you’re involved in. One thing is positive for all visitors to the park, though, if you’re going to take a vacation to Yellowstone National Park, you actually require letting yourself to get pleasure from at least three to five days in the park to completely experience the whole thing that there is to observe. You will surely enjoy your vacation to Yellowstone and have memories to share for a lifetime.

Popularity: 16% [?]