Pakistani administered Kashmir is full of breathtaking rivers and lakes that fascinate for their bewildered charm and enchantment. Dowarian or Duwariyan is also a phenomenal spot situated 22 km above Athmuqam at an altitude of 1615 meters in Neelam Valley which is surrounded by mountains full of conifer trees. From Dowarian a headstrong and ruthless trek leads towards the Rattigali Pass which about 30 kilometers towards west, connects the Neelum and Kaghan Valleys. There also lies a mesmerizing beauty which is known as the Ratti Gali Lake and the trekkers or climbers have to track 2 days from Duwariyan to visit Ratti Gali lake which is located almost 12,100 ft high above sea level. In the summer season, the whole area around this mesmerizing lake becomes a place of lush green meadows, wild and magnificent flowers and radiant alpine plantations while in winter this valley is covered with white snow and big chunks of Glacier floats in the dark blue magical water of Ratti Gali Lake like huge swans.
Neelam Valley of Pakistani administered Kashmir is a place full of splendid natural wonders and exotic scenic locations. Next to Sharda in Neelam Valley comes Kel from where a road leads towards the fabulous Shonter Valley. In this magical Shonter Valley at an altitude of 4,100 meters (13,500 ft), a spectacular lake exists which is known as Chitta Katha Lake; the White Water Reservoir. In the local Kashmir language, “Chitta” means “White” and “Katha” means “water reservoir “.
Chitta Katha Lake of Pakistan : Image coutesy Savera on TAKE EARTH
Chitta Katha Lake is comparatively to whole year is easier to access in the months of July and August, but the trek is not very easy as it is stern and steep and it takes almost 8 to 10 hours to reach Chitta Katha Lake. But one must not forget that the whole trek and its surrounding area is full of spectacular and phenomenal views and it is having the exemplary picturesque features. The colors of the water of Chitta Katha Lake of Pakistan are so enthralling and captivating that this white water reservoir spell binds its visitor completely.
For more fantastic lakes of Pakistan and the lovely planet, please click the following links;
Nobody can imagine after visiting the ancient Sharda Peeth temple of Neelam Valley, Pakistan that it was once a center of the educational excellence. The Hindu Pundits and the scholars of Sanskrit used to pay their visit at the Sharda Peeth temple or Sharda University from the far and away places of the Indian Subcontinent.
The ancient Sharda Peeth temple of Neelam Valley, Pakistan – Image: Asif Saeed
The Sharda Peeth temple of Neelam Valley is situated in the Pakistani administered Kashmir and this temple is located at a height of 11000 from the sea level and it is about 70 miles from Srinagar. The length of the Sharda Peeth temple of Neelam Valley is 142 feet and width is 94.6 feet. The outer walls of the temple are 6 ft. wide and 11 ft long along with the arches having the height of 8 ft. Kashmir was sometimes called Sharada Desh because of this temple and Sharada was called Kashmira Puravasini. The village, where the ancient Sharda Peeth temple of Neelam Valley, Pakistan is located is also named after this temple and is known as Sharda Village.
Sharda Peeth Temple or Sharda University , Pakistani administered Kashmir – Image: Fawad Awan
Water flows rapidly downwards, drops over the stairs of cliffs and after falling, it splashes and the particles create phenomenal colors of rainbow. This is normally the child of a river and the water passes through many courses over many resistants. We are talking about ” Waterfall ” which is obviously the pearl of the scenic beauty of a mountain zone. In our lovely planet, earth, many types of waterfalls are existing like cascade, multi-step, frozen, block, horsetail and segmented etc.
- Mantokha Waterfall of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Mantokha Waterfall of Gilgit Baltistan ( Image: Huma Imtiaz ) - Pakistan
There is no doubt about the awe-inspiring grace of the waterfalls which has impressed the humans to this extent that they have constructed the models of wterfalls in many buildings for embellishment. Waterfalls have also tremendous benefits for the humans and they are equally good for the biodiversity. Waterfalls provide oxygen to the aqua species and help many water supporting plants to grow fastly. For the generation of hydropower and energy, the waterfalls have exceptional significance. Waterfalls are considered as the metaphor of “Oneness” in the world of spirtuality. Their mind blowing appearance is a fantastic source of meditation and contemplation.
Following are the images of the famous and lovely waterfalls of the lovely planet;
1- Angel Falls in Venezuela : The world’s tallest at 979 metres (3,212 ft)
Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world's tallest at 979 metres (3,212 ft) Image: Benedict Adam
2- Takakkaw Falls of Canada : 384 metres (1,260 ft) high ( Yoho National Park )
Takakkaw Falls of Canada : 384 metres (1,260 ft) high ( Yoho National Park ) Glenn Gilbert's Image
3- Krimmler Wasserfälle of Austria : At 380 metres (1,250 ft) Austria’s second-tallest waterfall Salzburg
Krimmler Wasserfälle of Austria : At 380 metres (1,250 ft) Austria's second-tallest waterfall Salzburg.Image: thisisbossi
4- Utigardsfossen / Ramnefjellsfossen of Norway : The world’s third tallest at 808 metres (2,651 ft) in Norway
Utigardsfossen / Ramnefjellsfossen : The world's third tallest at 808 metres (2,651 ft) in Norway
5- Yosemite Falls of the United States: At 739 metres (2,425 ft) Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Falls, the fourth tallest waterfall in North America at 739 metres (2,425 ft), is located in Yosemite National Park, United States. A Terry Chay Image
6- Victoria Falls in Africa: The largest waterfall in the world on the Zambezi river on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia
An ariel view of Victoria Falls
7- James Bruce Falls of Canada: The tallest waterfall of North America at 840 metres (2,760 ft)
James Bruce Falls of Canada: The tallest waterfall of North America at 840 metres (2,760 ft) By: Nick DeWolf
8- Niagara Falls of USA & Canada
An image of Niagara Falls by ALdowayan
9- Nohkalikai Falls of India : India’s tallest plunge waterfall in Meghalaya state
Nohkalikai Falls : India's tallest plunge waterfall in Meghalaya state ( Image: Debabrata Deb )
10- Huangguoshu Waterfall of China : The largest waterfall in East Asia
Huangguoshu Waterfall of China : The largest waterfall in East Asia
11- Detian – Ban Gioc Falls between the Chinese and Vietnamese border
Detian - Ban Gioc Falls between the Chinese and Vietnamese border ( knees_n_elbows Image )
12- Shir-Abad Waterfall of Iran: Golestan Province, Iran.
