Jahaz Banda has evolved into a prominent destination within Kumrat Valley to explore in recent years. Located in the Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a height of 3,100m above sea level, it is an idyllic hill station that lures tourists.
Adorned with snow-clad mountains, green pastures, and refreshing lakes and streams, Jahaz Banda offers a picturesque panorama. The heavenly waterfall cascading from the mountains provides a backdrop of breathtaking vistas.
Distinguished by expansive green plains and a mild, pleasant climate, Jahaz Banda meadows beckon travellers. The place’s name resembles the deck-like shape a ship bears; that’s why it is called Jahaz Banda or Jaaz Banda.
Previously, the valley was unapproachable for tourism due to security reasons, making Upper Dir out of bounds. But now it attracts a surging number of domestic visitors and tourists from abroad yearly. If you are planning to explore the northern areas of Pakistan, ensure that a visit to this majestic valley is part of your itinerary.
My journey to Jahaz Banda was impeccable, the place is a beautiful merger of mountains and meadows. Let’s unfold the serenity of the place to reveal the reasons why this destination is a must-see one!
Journey to Jahaz Banda:
Public transportation options are available from almost every city that takes you to the Upper Dir district, KPK. The well-built roads smoothly lead you to Thal, from where it takes a 3-4 hour drive to Taki Banda. Despite the solid primary roads, the internal linkages present rough terrains that give you jolts throughout the journey.
After getting to Taki Banda, I got fresh and ate some snacks with chai. The journey ahead has provided options for both vehicular and trekking routes. However, I preferred to embark on trekking trails to witness the natural splendor of the valley. After an hour of trekking, the sight of huts signaled that I had covered half of the journey toward Jahaz Banda.
Continuing the journey, just more than half an hour, I encounter a fresh running stream. Its clear and cold water revitalized me when I splashed it on my face. Further, I stretched my body to alleviate fatigue and embarked further. Carrying on the route, there comes the point where lush landscapes appear on an inclined plane surrounded by thick and tall trees.
As I approach further, the size of the trees gradually diminishes. Trekking along the trail, again, some huts appear, indicating the Jahaz Banda territory. From there, the tiredness of the path reduces as the destination you embark on unfolds. As my feet touch the meadows, my senses are filled with the joy of the place. Camps, huts, and motels in the grasslands appear covered with dark alpine trees and towering mountains.
Jahaz Banda Meadows:
Jahaz Banda, as a verdant canvas, gives visitors a surreal place to experience nature’s beauty. Its green pasture proves to be a rich food source for the animals to graze.
In addition to this, trekking routes lead you to captivating waterfalls and dense forests. The landscape here paints a complete picture of unspoiled beauty, characterized by majestic mountains, gentle slopes, expansive meadows, and flowing streams. I was completely immersed in the beauty of this place, and the attraction this place holds left awe-inspiring everyone.
Experiencing the night in the meadows becomes imperative, especially with the availability of budget-friendly hotels and restaurants. However, my interest leans towards camping.
Fortunately, the meadows are facilitated with rental camps, a public washroom, and nearby shops. For the convenience of tourists, small setups of stove sites have been established. The cook there can prepare you a basic meal till you can enjoy it in the heavenly basket of Earth.
Jahaz Banda’s Prominent Nearby Destinations:
Katora Lake and Kala Chashma are the following and near unfolding points from Jahaz Banda. Both destinations have their charisma and tranquillity.
Katora Lake:
Katora Lake, amidst the lofty mountains, forms the shape of a bowl, thus earning its name. The locals guided that the glacier melts and pours into the lake during summer, giving a crystal clear view. I intended to head towards Katora Lake, so I stayed a night at Jahaz Banda. This strategic pause is essential because it refreshes you to resume the challenging trek trails.
Kala Chashma:
Kala Chashma is a stream that flows in the Kumrat Valley and is a nearby destination to Jahaz Banda. The path that leads to the Kala Chashma is rugged and rocky, but you can reach it in about an hour. As I approached kala chasma, a profound sense of calmness with the strikes of water waves stimulated my senses. This less-developed spot, devoid of electricity and visible wires, provides an ideal retreat to recharge from the chaotic world.
Activities and Experiences in Jahaz Banda:
This location is a worthwhile experience for me as it offers multiple destinations alongside each other. Also, these locations offer ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy their vacations and holidays. During my trip to Jahaz Banda, I tried to explore it by staying close to nature.
Trekking opportunities:
Situated at an elevation of 3,100m, it demands a trekking or hiking adventure; Jahaz Banda offers abundant opportunities to explore the surrounding trails. The path unravels breathtaking views of the valley while going on the trails, whether inside the mountains or on the steep slopes.
Camping facilities:
For those who want to spend a night in the starry sky, camping facilities are available on Jahaz Banda. You can bring your camp or opt for convenience with available rental camps. The choice is yours to make the most of your stay.
Conservation and Tourism Initiatives for Jahaz Banda Meadows:
Government Efforts in Promoting Tourism:
The government actively promotes tourism in the valley. Facilitating easy accommodation in remote areas for the visitors. Also, the tremendous number of tourists is a testament to the fact that this valley can be reached by both public and personal transport. The sturdy routes make the convenient pathway easy to travel. Moreover, the establishment of restaurants, shops, and motels contributes to the tourists’ comfort and the livelihood of the locals.
Steps Taken to Preserve the Environment:
As the locals mentioned, steps have also been taken to plant more trees as the area mostly goes into a short supply of gas in winter. The deodar trees, the prominent plant species in the area, have also faced a surge in deforestation. This relentless trend diminishes the region’s beauty and can be a cause of the region’s environmental crisis. So, the government is taking initiatives to resolve the matter in a way that benefits both the people and the region’s sustainability.
Local Community Involvement:
On my journey, I mingled with the locals of the valley, who were hospitable and generous enough. Associated with mainly farming and vegetation of crops, they are simple people leading a raw lifestyle. The surge in tourism has opened up new avenues for the underprivileged community, providing opportunities for them to work as porters, drivers, guides, and cooks. This offers crucial economic support and broadens their prospects for a more sustainable livelihood.
Tips and Recommendations:
The Best Time to Visit Jahaz Banda:
The prime time to visit Jahaz Banda are the summer and spring seasons. Providing a cloudy and calm weather to enjoy most of your time there. However, in monsoon, the weather abruptly changes. The unpredictable rains in the region cause the heavy flow of glacial water to run through the valley. Winters are harsh, and you can not make the most of your time here. The trek trails mostly remain blocked due to snowfall, and the risk of snowstorms increases.
Jahaz Banda Backpack Essentials:
Being an avid explorer, I loaded my backpack with every essential that could be useful. So, while I share a few items here, you can add up your own.
Camp Tents: Bring your camping gear if you are camping alone. This self-reliance brings you ease so that you can set up your camp where rented camps are unavailable without any hindrance.
Warm Clothes: They are a must if the season you travel is early spring or late summer. Those insulated clothes keep you warm to continue your journey camping in the grasslands.
Raincoat: Bring a raincoat with you, as Pakistan is located geographically in a climate-threatening region. Sudden rain showers are common, so it’s wise to be prepared for any weather surprises.
Shoes: Lace yourself up with hiking shoes, as the area is famous for its trekking trails. Also, some locations can only be reached within the valley by hiking and trekking.
A Water Bottle: Given the challenging nature of the journey is strenuous, always keep a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated along the way.
Shopping Bag: Take a shopping bag with you to contain your litter and garbage without spoiling the beauty of the landscape.
Responsible Tourism Practices:
As I reach there, I relish my trek towards the Jahaz Banda meadow and find solace in my camp. However, a sense of dismay creeps in as I notice the irresponsibility of some visitors. The meadow treks are marred by litter, and food items and wrappers are scattered everywhere. Even the lakes and streams are not spared, tarnishing the beauty of the plain. So whenever you visit, bring a bag to contain all the litter. Be a responsible citizen and respect nature’s beauty by keeping it clean.
Conclusion:
The journey towards Jahaz Banda etches its marks from the jumping-off destination of Thal. The lush grasslands, heavenly waterfalls, and thick forest provide pure delights. While the trekking trails of the destination enhance the joy of exploring the glorious meadows, Jahaz Banda’s attractive landscapes attract tourists, fostering connections with locals and exploring its majestic beauty.
To explore the serene locations of the valley, click on Kumrat Valley: A Visual Odyssey Through Nature’s Bounty.