Kumrat, the heaven-like place on earth, does not need to be explained in actual words. It is an attractive and moderately natural valley. The valley is covered with lush green trees, crystal clear water, and snow-covered peaks, resembling European country’s areas. Kumrat Valley presents dramatic scenery, a peaceful environment, and picturesque beauty that everyone appreciates. It is in Malakand Division, 120 km from Dir Khas Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Northern Areas Pakistan. You can find it on the map at coordinates 35°32’N, 72°13’E.
Kumrat Valley covers 346 km2 of the great Hindukush Mountains. Panjkora Rivers flow in the Valley, and gorgeous valleys are seen on both river corners. The valley is situated at an elevation of 1371 m to 1981m above sea level, and the total area of the valley is 34607.91 hectares.
Waterfalls and Kala Chashma ( Black Spring) also have a beneficial reputation in the valley. In the Valley forestland shielded a total of 51.13% area. The elevation of Kumrat Valley starts at 2000 m and reaches 6000 m mean sea level.
Table on Contents
1- Thal
2- How to reach Kumrat Valley by road?
3- The Climate of Kumrat Valley Over a year
4- Location
5- Land
6- Kumrat Valley Top 7 Hotel/ Resorts
7- Tourist Attractions places in Kumrat Valley
8- Conclusion
1- Thal:
Thal is the closest town to Kumrat Valley. Its distance is about 45 km from Kumrat Valley, and it is introduced as a launching point for trips.
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Wooden Canal Thal:
The stunning construction of the canal, designed in a unique and adventurous style, truly enhances the beauty of Thal. To draw water from the Panjkora River, local engineers built a wooden canal in this adventurous design. The canal was constructed using wooden sheets and pillars, showcasing an impressive engineering effort.
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Jamia Masjid ( Wooden Creation) Thal:
The beautiful Jamia Masjid is located on Riverside Road in Kumrat Valley. Its wooden architecture and intricate artwork enhance its splendor and uniqueness. The mosque, constructed primarily from wood, boasts a glamorous design.
Originally built in 1868, the mosque suffered significant damage from a fire. It was reconstructed in 1930, showcasing extraordinary wooden architecture that adds to its beauty. The second floor was completed in 1998 after nine years of construction, further enhancing its impressive design.
Inside, the mosque features stunning floral designs, and the scenic views of the river and surrounding greenery contribute to its charm. The large pillars and beams of the mosque are quite substantial, making repairs challenging without specialized equipment.
2- How to reach Kumrat Valley by Road?
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Islamabad to Kumrat Valley:
The total distance from Islamabad to Kumrat Valley is approximately 370 km (about 230 miles), which takes around 9 hours of driving. To travel from Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, you first need to access the M1 Motorway (Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway).
From there, continue to the M16 Motorway (Swat Motorway) until you reach the Colonel Interchange in Chakdara. The N45 route connects to Dir Road, and Kumrat Road connects Islamabad to Kumrat Valley.
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Lahore to Kumrat Valley:
When traveling from Lahore to Kumrat Valley, you’ll find no direct route. The distance between Kumrat Valley and Lahore City is approximately 730 km. To begin your journey, start on the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway (M2) and head towards Islamabad. After crossing the Islamabad Toll Plaza, you’ll enter the M1 Motorway, which connects Islamabad to Peshawar. Continue on the M1 until you reach the Colonel Sher Khan Interchange, then turn right to access the M16 Motorway leading to Swat.
The Swat Motorway will take you to Chakdara. From Chakdara, you can bypass the main road and enter Dir Road. The drive from Chakdara to Bab-e-Kumrat takes about 2 to 3 hours, primarily using the M5 route. Just a short while after Dir, turn right towards Bab-e-Kumrat.
Upon your arrival, you can either stay at a hotel or continue your journey into the valley. From Thal, you can rent a 4×4 jeep to reach Kumrat Valley.
3- The climate of Kumrat Valley Over a year:
The yearly precipitation ranges from about 1000 mm to 1200 mm. December is the coldest month in the valley, with a temperature record of 0.3 °C. June is the hottest month, with a temperature record of 25 °C.
The valley has to face four seasons over the year i.e. winter, summer, autumn, and spring. The winter season is too long as it’s too cold causing snowfall.
4- Location:
Kumrat Valley is bound to District Chitral by the north, the northeast side is bound to District Swat and the south is bound to Dir Lower District. Major famous Valles are settled on both sides of the Panjkora River, such as Patrak, Kalkot, Biar, Barwalo Khowar Gwald, and Thal.
5- Land:
The land of Kumrat Valley consists of loam and sandy loam, humus, and porous condition. The land surface divides agricultural land, glaciers, rangeland, and water bodies. Agriculture land covers 833.48, rangeland of 2310.14, and barren land of 10179.81 hectares.
6- Kumrat Valley Top 7 Hotels/Resorts:
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What is Hotel?
A hotel is a self-contained establishment that offers various facilities for its customers, who must pay for their stay. Additionally, hotels provide dining options for their guests.
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What is Resort?
Resorts are a type of hotel, but they differ in several ways. Resorts provide more luxurious amenities, including dining and accommodation options for their guests. Guests at a resort often face additional charges during their stay.
1- KhanaBadosh Glamps Kumrat:
Located in a calm, peaceful, and adventurous place the resort gains more attachment and significant beauty. The resort is famous as Khanabadosh because it decors in the Khanabadosh version. Each room of the resort provides attached bathroom facilities. The resort is easily accessed via Road, yet its distance is approximately 183 km from Chitral Airport. In the morning, the cool breeze of the clear, fresh water of the river eagerly makes the day healthier and fresh. Surrounded by mountains and covered with lush green trees, this place is nothing less than a fairy tale.
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Location:
It is situated in Kumrat Rd, Kumrat Valley, and Upper Dir Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
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Facilities:
- 24/7 Front Desk
- Breakfast Buffet
- Family Rooms
- Room services
- VIP room facilities
- Electricity Supply
- Room Coolers in Domes
- Food Services
- Bonfire and Barbeque Facilities
2- Mom Touch Hotel:
Mom Touch is a 1-star hotel that offers 24-hour front desk services. Rooms are decorated in comfortable zones where you can find a wardrobe, bed linen, and a terrace for mountains capturing and viewing the scenery. The beautiful scenery around you can also be observed in your rooms. Mom Touch Hotel, newly constructed near Kumrat Waterfall, provides all essential facilities for its customers.
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Location:
It is located at Kumrat Rd, Kumrat Valley, and Upper Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Types of Rooms:
a- Twins Rooms:
The room features a double bed and offers amenities such as an LCD TV, an attached bathroom, and air conditioning. Through the window, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains. It’s important to note that all rooms have a non-smoking policy.
b- Double Room:
The double bedroom consists of one king bed and along with this provides a terrace panorama, LCD, air conditioner, and mountain view through the window.
c- Family Suit:
The room offers one king bed and two single beds. The window allows a refreshing breeze to uplift your mood. Additionally, you can enjoy an LCD TV, terrace access, and an attached bathroom.
d- Standard Triple Room:
There are only three single beds in this room, which also includes all the previously mentioned facilities.
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Facilities:
- Free Parking
- warm water facility
- Laundry Facilities
- Self-Serve Laundry Facilities
- The cuisine is also prepared in local taste and style.
3- Valhalla Resort Kumrat:
Located in the most stunning movement, the Valhalla is situated at the bank of the River, surrounded by green areas of mountains that deflect it into a more gorgeous and splendid environment. The rooms are decorated with well-furnished beds, sofa beds, coffee tables, and chairs, a river scenery terrace, and outdoor seating tables enabling viewing scenery.
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Location:
It is located on Kumrat Rd, a waterfall in Thal, Upper Dir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Types of Rooms:
They provide luxury Ranger’s Hut and Safari tents, Arch tents, deluxe rooms, Dome Tent, Wall Tent, and Yurt Tent types rooms with luxury facilities.
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Facilities:
- Parking area.
- Attached Bathrooms.
- 24-hour Front Desk.
- Air conditioner and heating room facilities are also used according to weather temperature.
- Luggage Storage Facilities.
- Restaurants that provide good meals that taste good and have beautiful placement.
- BBQ facilities.
- Breakfast room services.
4- Mountain Lodge Resort:
Located in a beautiful and picturesque setting, the Unstained Presents capture the movement in a way that enthusiastically engages our minds and promotes our health during leisure time. Please come to visit Kumrat and stay at the Mountain Lodge resort.
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Location:
It is at 1 Kumrat Road, Kumrat Valley, Upper Dir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Types of Rooms:
a- Deluxe Room:
They provide deluxe rooms which are enough for two people and a family room for 3-4 people. The room is decorated with a well-furnished bed linen, TV Screen, attached bathroom, and wardrobe. The balcony of rooms presents beautiful picturesque-surrounding adventures of mountains.
b- Family Suit:
This type of room accommodates 3-4 people and presents beautiful panorama that touches the heart.
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Facilities:
- Wi-Fi, and security services.
- In a bathroom, hot water also settled.
- Pine Chalet, tour guide, and Mountain View scenery are also enjoyed there.
- Breakfast and the finest cuisine are also available there.
- Yet, satellite channels, riverside bonfires, room services, and other facilities can be found.
5- Panjkora Hotel and Resorts:
The beautiful resort and hotel are located at the best glamming scenery viewing point, providing a catchment of the imagination in extraordinary style. It is situated on the bank of the Panjkora River. The crystal clear water, towering peak, and lush greenery enriched its flourishing beauty in the hearth and touched the mind. The restaurant is at Rest House, Kumrat Road, near Forest, Kumrat Valley. The restaurant is only a 45-minute drive from Thal which is extremely organized with a splendid and luxurious décor. Family rooms, double rooms, and luxury rooms are also assigned there.
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Location:
The restaurant is at Rest House, Kumrat Road, near Forest, Kumrat Valley.
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Types of Rooms:
Family rooms, double rooms, and luxury rooms are also assigned there.
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Facilities:
- Western Style Toilet.
- 24 Hours Front Desk Services.
- Parking Area.
- Room’s services.
- Free Wi-Fi and Flat Screen LED TV Facilities.
- Restaurant and Tuck Shop Facilities.
- Bonfire Facilities.
- The electric kettle is available for when you wish to make tea or coffee.
6- Infinity Villa and Resort Kumrat:
Located in a beautiful scenery imagination pathway the resort provides all luxury facilities with outstanding style. Traditional Pashtun and Kohistani local dance performances can also organized at Infinity Villa and Resort Kumrat. You can enjoy the tasteful and healthy continental breakfast there. The stunning mountain captures the beauty and imagination beauty of the luxury Infinity Villa and Resort.
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Location:
It is located in Abshar Rd Kumrat Valley, Upper Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Facilities:
- Attach bathrooms with warm water showering
- The best sitting area to enjoy is the lush green that echoes the calm scenery of the beautiful catchment area.
- Free Wi-Fi services
- The Masjid is also constructed there for five times prayers.
- Private parking area
- Room’s services
- Well-furnished and premium bathrooms with flat LED TV Screen
- Garden Sitting area and terrace viewing the beautiful scenery of mountains and lush green trees.
- Swimming Pool & Air conditioner rooms.
7- Latitude Resort:
Nestled in lush greenery by the banks of the river, the resort offers an outstanding natural panorama and beauty.
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Location:
It is located on Abshar Rd, Kumrat Valley, Upper Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Types of Rooms:
a- Riverfront Retreat Dome:
To enjoy natural beauty, enhance the natural fragment, and purify the mind, select the Riverfront Retreat Dome. This dome is located right next to the river. To avoid the noise of cities, this resort provides full peace and freshness and beauty of the natural panorama of beauty.
b- Riverview Retreat Dome:
Nestled in the middle of the forest and experiencing the beauty of the river from a while out, the dome presents the beauty of nature in an adventurous style.
c- Jungle Suit:
Two safari tents in a forest offer all the necessary facilities while enhancing the beauty of nature in a luxurious style. The tents are suitable for up to eight people.
d- Forest Hideout:
The forest hideout is beautiful in the jungle and nature. The forest hideout provides all the facilities of its customers.
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Facilities:
- Warm Water facility.
- Private Parking & Walkie and Talkie.
- The dome set has well-furnished furniture and a premium toilet.
- 24/7 Front desk staff facility.
- Soundproof rooms, restaurant, and room services.
- Laundry, dry cleaning, and ironing facilities can be enjoyed there.
- BBQ facility.
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Activities:
- Bicycling
- Fishing
- Archery
- Airgun Shooting
- Quad Biking
All the above-mentioned activities are available in this resort.
7- Tourist Attraction Places in Kumrat Valley:
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Panjkora River:
The name “Panjkora” is derived from the words, Panj and Kora. In Persian “Panj” means Five, and “Kora” means Streams. The water of Five Streams such as Dobando, Nurhund, Usherai Dara, Gwaldi, and Barawal confluence into the river. Dobando Stream joins the Panjkora River at Akhagram, Gwaldi joins it from Sheringal, Brawal Stream joins into the river at Chukiatan, Nurhund Stream and Usherai Dara joins the river at Darora.
The Panjkora River is in the northwest of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It flows through the northern part of the province and is responsible for forming the beautiful Kumrat Valley. The river extends 150 km and originates from the Kumrat Valley, ultimately joining the Swat River. Deodar lofty forest trees are situated on the flat terrain near the Panjkora River. The river starts at an altitude of 350 45, according to Google Maps, from the Hindukush range.
It passes through the north-south path, yet it joins many streams i.e. Rabat, Dir, Konai, Toormang, Nehagdara, Karo, and Narhan. Then River Panjkora joins River Swat at the Busak point near Qulangi.
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Jahaz (Jazz) Banda Water Fall:
The extreme and remarkable beauty of Jahaz Banda Waterfall wonderstruck the charming scenery of the waterfall. Throughout history it famous for grazing pastures. In the Gujari language, it is renowned as Grazing Ground.
It is situated at an elevation of 11000 ft above sea level. The enthusiastic beauty of the waterfall covered in lush green mountains is also remarkable.
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Katora Lake:
The lake is situated in the Upper reaches of Jahaz Banda Kumrat Valley Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The lake resembles a bowl, yet it is famous as” Katora” in the Pashto language. After a long wheel travel, when you see the Katora Lake it looks more glamorous and beautiful with crystal clear water. Difficult routes that are dilapidated make travel difficult. The lake is situated at 11,500ft (3500 m). The lake’s weather in summer can face temperatures during the day, but night cold. In winter it is covered with snowfall.
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Do Kala Chashma:
A narrow gorge near Kumrat Valley flows through the area and originates from the Panjkora River, commonly known as Do Kala Chashma. Visitors can reach this location by trekking just 6 kilometers from Kumrat Valley, which takes approximately 4 hours. This place is surrounded by tall alpine and cedar trees. Kala Chashma where you take your mind fresh, peaceful, and calm where the charming birds relax your mood.
a- Activities:
You can do some activities there.
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Hiking Trails:
During your walking trail, you can enjoy the beauty of travel and amusement yourself with waterfalls, and mountains beauty. The hiking trail is tough but you enjoy the beauty of nature in beautiful style.
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Camping:
The bank of streams settles your camp, and green meadows enhance the beauty of travel.
b- Instructions:
Check the weather conditions before going on your travel.
While you traveling you can take some snacks, water bottles and some essential medicine.
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Dojanga:
Dojanga is the final destination of Kumrat Valley, first, you reach Kala Chashma by a 4×4 jeep or motorcycle ride, and after you reach Dojanga.
Although the road may seem dull and unremarkable, the journey offers a delightful opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding scenery. Dojanga is the place where two streams meet, the first stream from Thalo Pass, and the second from Shahzore Banda.
Dojanga is a cluster of cedar trees on cliffs and mountains.
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Badogai Pass:
The beautiful scenery of Badogai Pass is breathtaking, but the unpaved mountainous path makes the journey seem dull and tedious. The viewpoint at Badogai Top offers an incredible panoramic view.
The mountainous path of Badogai Pass connects the Upper Dir District with Utror and Kalam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Badogai, also known as Badogai or Badawi, is a well-known term.
The path is situated at 3,523 meters (11,524 ft) above sea level, on the border of Kumrat and Kalam Valley. The beautiful landscape, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of nature enchant the area.
The tough trek is only 14 km from Kumrat Valley and can be completed by a 4×4 jeep in approximately 7-8 hours. When you visit this tough route, you can hire a local guide for assistance.
This pass is famous for its rugged terrain, and unpaved paths. This difficult path starts from Kalkot to Utror and spreads approximately 26.53 miles which spreads from east to west direction.
To reach Badogai Pass in winter reach is difficult because the path is covered with snow. The best time to visit the Badogai Pass is during the summer season.
a- Instructions:
The unpaved path appears dangerous, making traveling with your vehicle more challenging. To reach this destination, it’s advisable to choose a 4×4 Jeep. During the rainy season, the unpaved path becomes even more slippery and hazardous.
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Jahaz Banda Meadow:
Jahaz Banda, also known as Jaz Banda, is a meadow in Kumrat Valley, located 3100 meters above sea level. This beautiful area is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, trees, and abundant greenery.
8- Conclusion:
The paradise-like place is breathtaking and remarkable. The northern areas are rich in natural beauty. Humanity is considered the pinnacle of creation. Kumrat Valley is exceptionally beautiful and elegant, with its splendor preserved in every corner. When you visit these stunning valleys, you will be in awe of the blessings of Allah Almighty and the enchanting landscape they offer.
FAQs:
1- Which month is best to visit Kumrat Valley?
The best time to visit Kumrat Valley is from May to September.
2- Is the road condition of Kumrat Valley good?
The road condition of Kumrat Valley is nothing good, but the unpaved path is so dangerous, and during the rainy season, the Rd can be slippy and hazardous.
3- Is Kumrat Valley so beautiful?
Kumrat Valley is incredibly beautiful and full of nature.