TRIP TO ANSOO JHEEL (KAGAN / NARAN)

TRIP TO ANSOO JHEEL (KAGAN / NARAN) 

This year again as usual we are embarking on another hiking and trekking expedition to Kaghan VALLEY onwards to ANSOO JHEEL.

The aims and objective of this expedition is to highlight the wonderful places which we have in Pakistan as many people still have not visited these areas because of the non availability of good organized group tours and a local guide.

My initial reconnaissance of the road conditions show that up to Naran in the Kaghan valley we can go on an ordinary vehicle and onwards we need a good 4/4 vehicle / off road.

The detailed itinerary is given below and subject to slight modifications from Day three to day four.

You are invited to come and join the expedition subject to your physical fitness and willingness to be a happy member and part of our team.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SITES TO BE VISITED

Ansoo Lake is situated in Kaghan Valley Mansehra District of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is located near Malika Parbat a mountain peak in the Himalayan range at the altitude of 4,245 meters (13,927 ft). This lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes of the world.

 

The name “Ansoo” comes from its tear-like shape (the Urdu word Ansoo means teardrop). The lake also resembles a human eye with a central ice island resembling the iris and a ridge resembling an eyebrow, which becomes even more prominent when ice melts on the “eyebrow” during the summer. This ridge was partially destroyed in the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

The lake is said to have been discovered in 1993 by Pakistan Air Force pilots who were flying low in the area. Earlier, the lake was not even known to the locals.

There is no place to stay at Ansoo Lake. Some people may camp on the top of extremely cold and windy mountains but it is very risky and even the locals do not recommend this.

This lake can be reached by two different routes. First one is short but steeper trek from Saiful Mulook Lake. It takes more than 7 hours for a round trip to Ansoo lake starting from lake Saiful Mulook. The trek is covered with snow in most parts of the year. The best time to trek is from July 10 to August 15. The optimal time to set off for the lake from Saiful Mulook is around 06:00 in the morning, in order to return before sunset. Horses and guides can also be hired from the Lake Saiful Mulook.

Sometimes, the lake is not viewable due to fog or rain. The trek to the lake itself presents several picturesque views to the visitors. After hours of trekking a hill is climbed, and on the other side, Ansoo Lake is visible. Aansoo Lake can be reached using two treks;

Contents

• 1 From Lake Saif-ul-Malook
• 2 From Mahandri through Manoor Village

From Lake Saif-ul-Malook

It takes seven to nine hours of trek for a round trip from Lake Saif-ul-Malook to Ansoo Lake. This trek can be separated into two halves. The first part is through a valley alongside a river to the base camp of Malika Parbat. The second steeper part is from the base camp of Malika Parbat to Ansoo Lake.

From Mahandri through Manoor Village

The second trek to Ansoo Lake begins in a village named Mahandri, located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the south of Naran. Turning left from Mahandri Bazar, a jeep track leads to Village Manoor. This valley offers picturesque views. Vehicles cannot proceed further from here. 6–7 hours of trek brings one to a green meadow called “Dher”. From here the trek becomes steeper. After 3–4 hours of trek from Dher at a height of about 14,000 feet, Ansoo Lake becomes visible.

Lalazar is a tourist spot situated 21 km from Naran in Kaghan Valley, Pakistan. It is located at the height of 10,499 feet (3,200 meters).

Lalazar is a lush green meadow with full of wild flowers and pine and fir forest. The road to Lalazar is a typical Pakistani mountain road, with hills on one side and a deep khud (valley) on the other side. The only difference was that the khud is the Kunhar River.

Lalazar is a place where one would enjoy camping. It is a must-see when visiting the Kaghan Valley and attracts lots of visitors every year. Its great beauty is highly appreciated, and people go to see its beautiful wildlife.

It is also a full day trip like Saiful Maluk. On a clear sunny day, its possible to view the snow-covered peak of “Falak Sonia” from Lalazar. This peak has also got a fairy tale story in its background, like most of the other places in Kaghan Valley. You may also see the River Kunhar flowing roughly thousands of miles below the altitude you would be standing. It is accessible by a jeep track from Naran via Battakundi.

Lalazar is situated on the other end of Lake Saiful Muluk, over the mountain; a small resort worth visiting. A large green plateau gives a lovely view of the valley below. The place can be reached through the deadliest track on jeep with several twists and turn. For hiker lovers, there is another track, a 5-hour hike, over a mountain pass from Lake Saiful Muluk. You may find a guide. One can get a chance to see the rare wildlife variety of “Markhoor” on this track during the months of October and November.

Saiful Muluk (Urdu: جھیل سیف الملوک‎) is a mountainous lake located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley, near the town of Naran.^[1] It is in the north east of Mansehra District in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. At an elevation of 3,224 m (10,578 feet) above sea level, it is well above the tree line, and is one of the highest lakes in Pakistan.

Saiful Muluk is located in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about eight kilometers north of Naran, in the Northern part of Kaghan valley. Malika Parbat, the highest peak in the valley is near the lake.

The lake is accessible from the nearby town of Naran throughout the summer season.

Physical features

Saiful Muluk was formed by glacial moraines that blocked the water of the stream passing through the valley. The Kaghan Valley was formed in the greater Pleistocene Period dating back almost 300,000 years when the area was covered with ice. Rising temperatures and receding glaciers left a large depression where glaciers once stood. Melting water collected into the lake.

Ecology

The lake has rich eco diversity and holds many species of blue-green algae. Large brown trout are found in the lake, up to about seven kilograms. About 26 species of vascular plant exist in the area, with Asteraceae the most commonly found specie. Other species commonly found in the region are: Ranunculaceae, Compositae, Ranunculaceae, Cruciferae, Gramineae, Apiaceae, Leguminosae, Scrophulariaceae and Polygonaceae.

RAZA SAFARI TOUR ITINERARY JULY 2015

DATE	DESTINATIONS FROM	TO	NIGHT STAY
21st July 2015	Assembly in RWP / ISB	Overnight	At own
22nd July 2015	Rawalpindi	Naran by PTDC *	PTDC / Motel
23rd July 2015	Naran	Saiful Malooq Lake	PTDC / Motel
24th July 2015	Naran	Lalazar Meadows	PTDC / Motel
25th July 2015	Naran	Ansoo Jheel	PTDC / Motel
26th July 2015	Naran	Rawalpindi	Dispersal

DAY ONE

• Leave for Naran at 9.00 am from PTDC FLASHMANS hotel Rawalpindi. It is an 8 hours drive covering about 280 kilometers taking us through Abbottabad where we meet the rush of the Inter city traffic and the children’s school vehicles. During travel we will stop over at Mansehra and then Balakot and reach Naran at about 5.00 O’ Clock in the evening. Transfer to Hotel for night stay.

DAY TWO

• 9.00 am after breakfast gather downstairs for a breathtaking trip on jeeps to LAKE SAIF UL MALOOQ journey time about 3 hours coming and going. Lunch / snack at LAKE SAIF UL MALOOQ. In the evening drive back to hotel for night stay.

DAY THREE

• 9.00 am after breakfast leave for Lalazar by jeeps afternoon in Lalazar drive back to Naran in the evening.

DAY FOUR

• Very early morning breakfast those who are fit for the hike will accompany the menfolk to Ansoo Jheel lake. First to Saif ul Malooq by Jeeps and then from Saif ul Malooq to Ansoo Jheel by Pony track. Please read the detailed description of the trek given above.
• Ladies will have a small hiking programe next to the hotel where they will have their own interaction.

  DAY FIVE

• Early morning breakfast and board PTDC coaches for Rawalpindi reach Rawalpindi at about 5.00 pm for dispersal.

Tour Cost

1. PTDC coach one way from Pindi to Naran Rs. 1500/- per person / Rs.3000/- return)
2. PTDC hotel Rs. 7000/- for double occupancy basis / Local Hotel good accommodation Rs. 4000/- on double occupancy basis
3. Jeep cost Rs.3000/- for six persons to Saif ul Malooq **
4. Jeep Cost Rs. 4000/- for six persons to Lalazar **
5. Pony charges from Lake Saif ul Malooq to Ansoo Jheel Rs. 3500/- per person.
6. 6.      **The above costs are variable and except for No.1 which is fixed rest are subject to haggling and negotiation.

Optional

• Some of you may like to bring your own vehicles for the journey for which you are most welcome.
• Some of you may like to go for cheaper accommodation for which again you are most welcome.
• Accommodation arrangements have been made in FABSGO hotel which is a 3 Star accommodation on Jheel Road. Please see the facilities on Face-book page FABSGO.

Last date of confirmation.

• In case you are interested please confirm your participation before 10^th July 2015 by sending in Rs. 5000/- per person so that the PTDC tickets / reservations for transport can be made in advance.
• The cost of tour for four days comes to about Rs. 15000/- per person this includes transportation from Rawalpindi / Naran / Rawalpindi. Four nights hotel stay with breakfast.
• Not included is the jeep fare, pony fare and charges for lunch and dinner, snacks, tips and tolls enroute.

Note:

The dates from 25^th July 2015 may vary as to the road conditions / weather conditions and fitness of the participants / members and the local topographic conditions.

PRELUDE TO THE TRIP

Things to take with you

PERSONAL.

• Joggers, trainers, or hiking boots up to ankle high
• 03 pairs of towel socks white colour
• cap , jungle cap , sola cap
• Sun glasses
• Camera / Handy cam
• Sun block with S.P.F 50 , anti sun block
• Shooting jacket
• Jeans , trousers , track suit shalwar kameez
• T- shirt , sweat shirts
• Vests , u / wear  Bermuda shorts
• Shock proof wrists watch , pocket compass
• Rechargeable flash light and torches
• Personal medications
• Towel handkerchief  and towels
• Chappal and moccasins
• Mosquito repellants / sprays
• Personal back pack
• Warm Clothes jacket / Pullover / Sweaters
• Sleeping Bags (optional)
• Ground Sheet   
• Walking stick / Mountain Stick

EQUIPMENT:-

Provided by the Organizer 

• Pick and shovel
• Cooking utensils

Gas stove, frying pan, disposable glasses, plastic glasses, plates, fruit knife or sauce pan

• Walkie / talkie , vehicle mobile charger
• Generator
• Masalas, condiments , salt , cooking oil , wheat flour , sugar tea bags , powder milk and rice
• Tinned fruits cocktails , meat balls , minced meat , meat curry , fish
• Biscuit saltish and fancy as per your liking loads and loads of them
• Cold drinks , mineral water in  plastic bottles
• Whistle & mega phone
• G.P.R.S phone (If available)
• Maps general map, topo graphic map, contour map.
• To top it all by 4 x 4 vehicle / Toyotta Hiace Ace / Hi Roof (Optional)
• First Aid Kit

Daily Trek Notes

• Reach your next destination point before sunset under no circumstances should you over stretch yourself or travel at night.
• Please mark your route before you start your journey
• There should be a talc sheet over your map with markings 
• Permanent marker: – Plan your trek in such away that you are able to make it to your next point with in that day before sunset.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE TRIP

Please start walking and exercise daily by covering 1 mile distance in 15 minutes.

Climb 50 stairs in 10 – 12 minutes

Carry a load of 05 – 10 kg on your back for half to 1 hour

DETERMINATION

Remember this is a chance to see Mother Nature at its best and those areas of Pakistan where less than 10 % of the population has gone.

So be determined and make a resolve to complete this trip as a challenge for the outdoors.

FOR THOSE WHO DARE LIFE HAS A CHALLENGE WHICH THE SHELTERED NEVER ENJOY.

DR. BABUR ZAHIRUDDIN

Cell: 0332-4923235