Things to see and do Khyber Pakhtunkwa

Splendid lake with crystal clear water surrounded by snow-covered peaks, including the majestic Malika Parbat mountain ("Queen of the mountains") which rises to 5,290 metres! The lake takes its name from Prince Saif ul Maluk, hero of a Sufi poem. Saif ul Maluk fell in love with a fairy named Badi ul Jamal ("the brightness of the moon") whom he saw in his dreams. He then undertook a long journey to find his beloved and was helped by a Muslim monk. The story then tells of the obstacles he had to face and the spiritual lessons he learned from them. Further north of the valley is another beautiful lake, Dudipatsar, which is less frequented by tourists. It is covered with snow from October to June.

Saif-ul-Malook Lake is located at an altitude of 3,224 metres. Because of the snow, it is inaccessible in winter. You can visit it between May and September and reach it by 4x4 by driving along a path of about 10 kilometres. The entry point to the road is located in the eastern part of the Naran Valley. About an hour's drive and a few cold sweats! The most sporty can reach it on foot. About 8 kilometers (three hours of ascent).

The Garam Chashma hot springs are located about 45 kilometres from the city of Chitral, at an altitude of nearly 2,550 metres. From its waters emerge underground sulphur deposits, which raise its temperature above the boiling point. Known for their healing properties, they attract a large number of tourists suffering from skin diseases. The beauty of the surrounding landscapes is an enchantment. In addition, the river is famous for its trout. Attention, to be able to fish, you must have obtained a licence from the Chitral fishing department beforehand.

Facing the White Palace stands Mount Ilam. The highest peak in the region (2,800 metres), it is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Indeed, according to Hindu mythology, there was the throne of Ram Chandra, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. A full day of walking is necessary to reach the summit. The White Palace hotel organizes treks with local guides.

To access the 49 rock painting sites in the Kakai-Kandao, and Sargah-sar valleys, it will take a good two-hour walk from the village of Balo Kallay.

The rock paintings of Kakai-kandao and Sargah-sar are believed to date from the Bronze Age, probably 1400 BC. Considered to be the oldest in the region, they consist of compositions rich in symbols, suggesting that these cultures lacked written language. These paintings depict deities and wild animals as well as hunters and warriors. Those on the rocky base of Sargha-sar are very impressive, and offer a strange vision, that of a human face. Some paintings are located at the base of a huge slab of rock, in a natural cavity, which appears like a mouth, while two other cavities create the illusion of two huge eyes. The colours used are bright: ochre, dark red, orange, yellow, yellow, white... the red colour being the universal symbol of life in prehistoric times.

To reach Lake Mahodand, you must first cross a thick forest of majestic pines, then the picturesque village of Ushu. They are followed by the village of Matiltan, from where you can admire the summit of Mount Falak Sar (5,918 metres). It is then necessary to follow the Gorshai glacier, and to travel a little more than twenty kilometers to reach the famous Mahodand Lake. Fed by the melting glaciers of the Hindu Kush mountains, its basin is surrounded by a multitude of alpine flowers: blue poppy, potentilla and gentian... But also various species of pine trees, and cedars used as a residence for wild birds. Its emerald waters are home to an abundance of fish. Moreover, its name means "full of fish" in Pashto. You can try to fish for lunch there, but you must have a angling licence to do so. During the day, boat tours are organised on the lake, as well as horse rides in the surrounding area. It is also possible to camp around the lake.

For each jeep, it will cost 5,000 rupees.

Perched at an altitude of 2,200 metres, Utrot is about 16 km from Kalam. It is a charming village that is still well preserved, with several picnic spots along the river. After a walk in Utrot, it is possible to reach Liddu by jeep. Then it will take about 3 hours to reach the beautiful Kundol Lake. Lined with pines and cedars, its waters are aquamarine in colour. More difficult to access than Mahodand Lake, it also enjoys more tranquility.

For each jeep, count 6,000 to 7,000 rupees.