Explore the Natural Beauty of Shounter Valley and Pass in Azad Kashmir
The best time to visit this valley is from May to August, as during most of the year, it is covered with snow. The valley can be accessed from the Kel Valley by a jeep track, which opens for a few months in the summer. The journey itself is an adventure, as visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and stunning vistas on the way.
The Shounter Valley is home to many picturesque and stunning places to see and visit. The valley is famous for its lakes, which are among the most beautiful in all of Pakistan. Each lake has its unique charm and beauty that makes it worth visiting. Some of the famous lakes of the Shounter Valley are Chita Katha Lake, Lunda Sar Lake, Shounter Lake or Spoon Lake, Baboon Lake, Parrian Sar, Sar Wali Peak Base Camp Lake, and Asman Baik Sar/Lake. These lakes are perfect for fishing, camping, and trekking, and visitors can spend a whole day just soaking in the natural beauty around them.
The landscape of the Shounter Valley is so breathtaking that one does not want to leave the valley once they have reached there. The valley is surrounded by majestic mountains, lush green forests, and crystal-clear rivers. The beauty of the valley is unmatched, and visitors can enjoy trekking, camping, and other outdoor activities while taking in the stunning scenery around them.
Moreover, the government of Pakistan has allotted a budget for a tunnel that would link the Shounter Valley of Azad Kashmir and Rattu village of Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan. The tunnel would be approximately 10-12 km long, and after completion, the distance of Islamabad to Khunjrab (Pak-China border) would be shortened by 8 hours. This would be the third route to reach Gilgit-Baltistan, with two routes already operational (KKH and the route through Babusar Pass). This tunnel would not only make it easier for tourists to visit this stunning valley but also benefit the locals in terms of better connectivity and economic opportunities.
Shounter Valley is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Pakistan. The valley is a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature. With its stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and breathtaking landscape, the Shounter Valley is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
The number of picturesque lakes in the valley are:
Chitta Katha Lake:
Chitta Katha Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan, located in the Shounter Valley. It is a high-altitude lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and green pastures. The lake is about 5 km long, and its depth reaches up to 80 meters. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping around the lake.
Lunda Sar Lake:
Lunda Sar Lake:
Lunda Sar Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake located in the Shounter Valley. It is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, and the water is so clear that visitors can see the reflection of the surrounding mountains in it. The lake is perfect for fishing and camping, and visitors can also trek to nearby mountains for a panoramic view of the valley.
Shounter Lake or Spoon Lake:
Shounter Lake or Spoon Lake:
Shounter Lake, also known as Spoon Lake, is a picturesque lake located in the Shounter Valley. The lake is famous for its spoon-like shape, which gives it a unique appearance. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests, making it a perfect spot for camping, fishing, and boating.
Baboon Lake:
Baboon Lake:
Baboon Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Shounter Valley, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and green pastures. The lake is known for its clear water and the reflection of the surrounding mountains in it. Visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, and trekking in the surrounding mountains.
Parrian Sar:
Parrian Sar:
Parrian Sar is a high-altitude lake located in the Shounter Valley. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows, and its crystal-clear water reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The lake is perfect for camping, fishing, and trekking, and visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley from nearby mountain peaks.
Sar Wali Peak Base Camp Lake:
Sar Wali Peak Base Camp Lake:
Sar Wali Peak Base Camp Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake located in the Shounter Valley. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and green pastures, and visitors can enjoy trekking to nearby mountains for a panoramic view of the valley. The lake is perfect for camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Asman Baik Sar/Lake:
Asman Baik Sar/Lake:
Asman Baik Sar/Lake is a high-altitude lake located in the Shounter Valley, known for its pristine beauty and crystal-clear water. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered mountains and green pastures, and visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, and trekking in the surrounding areas. The lake is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shounter Valley (FAQs):
What is Shounter Valley in Azad Kashmir?
Shounter Valley is a beautiful high-altitude valley located in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, known for its picturesque landscape and crystal-clear lakes.
What is Shounter Pass?
Shounter Pass is a mountain pass located in the Shounter Valley of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, which connects the valley with the Astore Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan.
What is the best time to visit Shounter Valley and Pass?
The best time to visit Shounter Valley and Pass is from May to August, as most of the time, the valley is covered with snow, making it inaccessible during other months.
What are the popular lakes in Shounter Valley?
Some of the popular lakes in Shounter Valley are Chitta Katha Lake, Lunda Sar Lake, Shounter Lake, Baboon Lake, Parrian Sar, Sar Wali Peak Base Camp Lake, and Asman Baik Sar/Lake.
What activities can visitors enjoy in Shounter Valley?
Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities in Shounter Valley, such as camping, fishing, trekking, and boating around the beautiful lakes.
Is there any development project going on in Shounter Valley?
Yes, the government of Pakistan has allocated a budget for the construction of a tunnel that would link the Shounter Valley of Azad Kashmir and Rattu village of Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan, which would shorten the distance between Islamabad and Khunjerab by 8 hours.
