Aesthetic Tourist Spots is the Queen of Valleys in Pakistan is KUMRAT VALLEY.
Kumrat is a valley in Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This beautiful valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is filled with high mountains, thickest, tallest, largest, and oldest trees and cool rivers and springs.
Kumrat has a unique location due to the attractive beauty of the region with green pastures, snowy mountains, Panjkura River and vast forests, which are home to various types of plants and animals.
Green forest and Panjkur river flowing in the middle, snow-capped peaks, everything is here.
As soon as you enter the Kumrat Valley, at the foothills of the mountains, the Kumrat River, a tributary of the Panjkora River, flows with waves, waves and small villages on the other side.
With the grace and grace of Allah Subhan wa Ta’ala, the moments of filming this sight were also very precious.
Kumrat is a beautiful valley and natural region located in Deer Bala district of Pakistan. It is considered as one of the most beautiful valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. 
Among the famous places in Kumrat are Thal (تھل), Jandroi (جندروئی), Bargoi ( باڑگوئی), Sheringal (شرینگل), Barikot ( بریکوٹ), Bayar ( بیاڑ), Patrak Kalkot (پاتراک کلکوٹ), Dojunga (دوجنگہ), Bada dhanda Lake (بڑاڈھنڈہ جھیل), Blackwater (Torachina) (تورہ چینہ) but in Kumrat Valley Jhaz Banda (جھاز بانڈہ), Chamrin Abshar (چمرین ابشار), Nil Dara (نیل دارا), Katora Lake (کٹورہ جھیل), Chitror Banda (چتروڑ بانڈہ) is a place that will mesmerize and amaze you. In addition, there are many small and big valleys on the trek and trek, and it is a real paradise. 
It has green pastures, the most beautiful paths, peaks and many beautiful valleys.
I spent the most beautiful days of my life in Kamrat Valley. That beauty was preserved in my heart and in my eyes, but I could not preserve in my mobile the same as those eyes of mine saw. Whether the path is difficult or long, the dedication to reach the destination does not let you stop or tire. Early morning quiet environment and surrounding natural views.
How to Reach Kumrat Valley from different Places in Pakistan
Kamrat Valley is an unknown but rich in natural beauty located in Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To come to Kamrat Valley, if you are coming from Punjab or Islamabad etc then you have to reach Timergara first via Pindi Islamabad Motorway and Swat motorway, if you are coming from Bannu, Kohat etc then you have to come via Peshawar. Motorway must come to Mardan. Mardan to Kumrat Thal local vehicles ply on daily basis, you can also reach Thal Kumrat comfortably by sitting in any local vehicle, but if you are coming in your car then you have to go towards Malakand from Mardan. 
After crossing Malakand, you will come to Batkhela city, after that you will come to a small town called Chakdara (Chakdara Pul Chowki), there the road is divided into two parts, one way goes to Swat and one way to Dir Bala.
If you want to come from Dir, then instead of going to Swat, you have to come to Upper Dir, to reach Kamrat valley you have to reach Timergar first, from here you can easily get a local vehicle to Thal Kumrat. You have to move towards Upper Dir. A broad road leads from Taimargarh to Upper Dir. 500 meters before the district headquarters of Deer Bala, a highway leads to this beautiful and charming valley. This road winding through the mountains is blessed with beautiful scenery. There will be small towns and cities on the way, but you have to reach Chukyatan (چکیاتن) directly. Chukiatan comes about 5 or 6 km before Dir city, there is a FC check post here. There is a big gate on the straight ahead of the check post, on which there will be written “Bab-e-Kamrat” ( باب کمراٹ). 
You have to pass through this gate and come towards Dir Kohistan.
The first stop on the same road is at a beautiful valley of Shringal, there is a beautiful market and a small town, you have to pass through Patrak, Beyar, Barikot, Kalkot and Thal through Shringal you can be easily taken to Thal. The road condition from Chukyatan to Shringal is very good, from Shringal to Thal, the road is good till Bayaar ( بیاڑ ) Dir Kohistan area car can come easily. Beyond Shringal will come a village called Rajkot (Patrak) راجکوٹ ( پاتراک ) . After that will come the jar (bayar) جار ( بیاڑ ) . Then going further, Byaar then Kalkot and then Thal will come. 
Thal is the last village of Dir Kohistan, Byaar that Kumrat area starts. All necessities of life are available in Thal. After parking your car in Thal, you have to hire a jeep for Kamrat. There are many hotels in the forest of Kumrat, you can rest in a hotel if you want, you can also set up your camp if you want, there are also many tent hotels where you can spend the night without worry. 
Most of the tourists go to Kumrat Valley by motorbike which is beneficial for them. Because the road is bad, the motorcycle can easily run. There are 2 routes from Thal. One route goes to Kamrat Valley where the charms of nature are inviting people step by step, while the other side is a banal route (جہاز بانال) . (Banal in Kohistani language refers to the place where there are 5 to 10 houses on the mountains and people live with their cattle in summer). From Thal along the river some paved and mostly rough track leads to a valley. 
A route to Kamrat is also possible from Swat district. Through Kalam and Atroor کالام اور اتروڑ, this route passes through a difficult, very high but very dense forests. The journey to Kumrat through this route is a very unique journey of its kind. It is also very important to have a small jeep and a good driver with high skills for this trip. 
If you want to come from Swat Kohistan side, then you have to go to Swat, after leaving Chakdara towards Swat, you have to come to Bahrain, the capital of Swat Kohistan. From Bahrain then further to Kalam and then through Atroot ( اتروٹ ) through Badgoi pass ( باڈگوئی پاس) you can reach Thal (تھل). 
From Chakdara (Pul Chowki) to Bahrain there is an excellent road, from Bahrain to Kalam the road is being worked on in places and beyond Kalam i.e. Badgoi (باڈگوئی). The way to the pass is jeep track, if you have your own jeep, otherwise you have to park your car at Kalam and hire a jeep from there to reach Thal (تھل). On the way from Chakdara (Pul Chowki) to Thal (تھل), you will pass through beautiful areas like Madian, Bahrain, Kalam Atrot and then further to Dasht Laila Badgoi to reach Thal.
This route is best if one has time and a four-by-four vehicle. 
The forests of Kamrat are also rich in wildlife. Markhor (مارخور) , deer (ہرن) and leopards (چیتے) are found here. Monkeys (بندر) are usually easily seen. The whole valley is beautiful. But Jehaz Banda Meadows (جہاز بانڈہ م
یڈوز), Jehaz Banda Lake (جہاز بانڈہ جھیل), Katora Lake (کٹورہ جھیل), every step of Kumrat Valley, the blue water of Panchkora River and the towering green and snow-capped mountains are examples of Aesthetic view.
Well, the whole valley of Kumrat is worth visiting but there are some places which I think it would be an insult to the beauty of Kumrat to return without seeing.
1: Jamia Masjid Darul Islam Thal (جامع مسجد دارالاسلام تھل)
Apparently, this mosque has nothing to do with the natural beauty of Kamrat, but this mosque has the honor of being the oldest and most famous mosque in Dir Kohistan, so it would be a mistake to visit Kumrat without visiting it. This mosque is located in the last village of Dir Kohistan. Located on the banks of the Panjkura river beyond Thal Bazaar, this mosque has two parts, the upper floor was constructed in 1999 with galvanized sheets. While the lower part was built in 1865, a part of it was affected due to a fire in this mosque in 1953. which was rebuilt by the local people. 
The special thing about this mosque is that except for the roof and walls, the rest of the mosque is made of Diyar wood, huge trunks of trees are used as pillars, and the walls and pillars are decorated with ax and decorative colors. That man of today’s machine age cannot live without being amazed. Remember, there were no wood cutting machines, saws, etc. at that time. The local people have done very beautifying work on the walls and pillars with their ancient tools. Most of it is old. 
The main reason for the unique status of this mosque is that it is 45 feet long and 1.5 x 1.5 feet wide beams made of cedar without any joints. Its beams are supported by 2 x 2 feet wide and 8 feet tall cedar pillars. These pillars have exquisite carvings which are masterpieces of regional architecture and iconography. The mosque is a testament to the simplicity of the area, the worshipers perform ablution here with the water of Panjkoda river while this river makes this mosque more beautiful.
Thousands of people visit this magnificent piece of architecture art on the banks of the Panjkura river every year – there is no restriction on taking pictures inside the mosque.
2: Badgoi Top, Dasht Laila (11558 feet) باڈگوئی ٹاپ دشت لیلی (11558 فٹ )
(11,558 feet) above sea level, Badgoi Top (باڈگوئی ٹاپ), also known as Atrur Pass (اتروڑ پاس) and Dasht Lail (دشت لیلی), is an ancient route connecting Dir Kohistan (دیر کوہستان) with Swat Kohistan (سوات کوہستان). Like the Khanjrat (خنجرات) and the Babu Sar top (بابو سر ٹاپ), it is also associated with seeing. This pass has been used by the hill tribes on both sides for centuries, it takes about three to four hours to reach Kalam (کالام) from Thal (تھل) through this pass. 
Every year thousands of tourists come to Kumrat on this route through Swat, by traveling on this route tourists not only visit Kumrat Valley but also see Madian (مدین ), Bahreen (بحرین), Kalam (کالام), Mahudand (مہوڈنڈ) and Attur (اتروڑ) for free. Badgoi Top (باڈگوئی ٹاپ) is very famous for its cool weather and magical scenery. Badgoi Pass is also known as Dasht e Laila (دشت لیلیٰ). Dasht Leila is a different world in itself, a heaven-like world where vast and wide plains of green grass, glaciers, blowing icy winds, colorful flowers, lush green mountains all around and white snow on the mountains welcome the tourists. The Badgoi Pass route is a four-by-four vehicle route that is easily accessible from the Kalam Bazar. 
Friends coming to Dir Kohistan if they want to visit the popular tourist spots of Dir Kohistan as well as Swat Kohistan in one tour, they can come via Badgoi, the route is open and the weather is perfect.
If you want to enjoy these beautiful colors of nature and make a memorable visit of your life, then come sometime.
3. Banal jaaz (جاز بانال) OR Jahaz Banda (جہاز بانڈہ)
Another famous entertainment place of Dir Kohistan is Jaz Banal also known as Jaaz Banda. Jaaz Banal is a mountain pasture at an altitude of 11,500 feet with green grassy plains, colorful flowers, clear water streams and dense pine forests. “Banal” Dardi (داردی ) people speak summer pasture in their mother tongue Gauri ( گاوری).
Which is called Banda (بانڈہ) in Pashto. 
Some friends consider Jaz Banal also a part of Kumrat valley but actually Kumrat is in Thal and Jaz banal is situated in Jindri valley (وادی جندری). Thousands of tourists from all over the country visit this famous tourist spot of Dir Kohistan every year. The scenery here is so beautiful and charming that it feels like we are visiting a magical world. You have to come to Dir Kohistan to see this area rich in natural beauty.
By the way, to come to Dir Kohistan, the Dir route is mostly used, but most of the tourists come by the Swat Kalam route. To go to Jaz Banal, from the main road (Khas Dir) straight through the gate (a small village), one road leads to Kamrat and the other to Lamuti village (لاموتی گاؤں).
The road from Thal to Jaz Banda is rough and bumpy. There is a 2 hour jeep trek.
You have to talk to the driver to go to Taki banda (ٹکی بانڈہ). Taki Banda is the last stop for vehicles, after which the Jaz Banda walking track begins.
Jaaz Banda has many rest houses built for tourists. But it is better if you arrange the food yourself. Because food is quite expensive here.
4. Kund Banda (کنڈ بانڈہ)
A dreamy valley full of amazing Kund Banda, lush green meadows and clear waters. A few minutes away from Jaaz Banda. The water flowing from the Katura Lake passes through the Katura Falls and sometimes turns into a river and sometimes turns into water falls. The Mini Katura Lake and the water does not seem to come out of the Mini Katura Lake. You will know that this water from Mini Katura lake passes under the mountains, you will not see the water, but you can hear the sound of its flowing, from there this water flows into another small lake. This small lake also has its own beauty whose water is very crystal and from there the water flows forward in the form of a river and enters the river in Jaaz Banda. By cutting the rocks, it takes the form of this beautiful waterfall, after that the water of this waterfall again takes the form of a river and if you go along with this water for three hours, you will have a beautiful view of another beautiful and bigger waterfall. 
Jaz Banda and Katora Lake is in Kamrat valley
Wadi Kumarat is a unique and beautiful paradise. It has a distinct identity
These places are owned by Lamutai, a beautiful village in Dir Kohistan.It should be noted that Badgoi Pass is also the territory of Lamutai.
5. Ghan Sar (گھان سر) OR Katora Lake (کٹورا جھیل):
Ghan Sar (گھان سر commonly known as Katura Lake is the name of a beautiful lake located in Jaaz banal (جہاز بانڈہ), a popular tourist destination of Dir Kohistan. Thousands of tourists visit Dir Kohistan every year to see this charming lake hidden between the snow-clad mountains of Hindu Kush (ہندوکش). Katura Lake Elevation (11,500 ft/3,500 m above sea level) is an elevated cold-water lake in the Kumrat Valley in the upper reaches of Jahaz Banda (جہاز بانڈہ), a district in Dir Bala district of KPK.
The word Katura means “bowl” “پیالے” in Pashto (bowl-shaped) ( “پیالےکی شکل والا”). The road leading to Katura Lake starts from Thal Bazar (تھل بازار) Kumrat Valley. The hiking track starts from Taki Banda (تکی بانڈہ). The hiking level is easy and it takes no more than two hours to reach Shipped Meadows. After overnight stay at Banda, start early morning trekking to Katura Lake. The journey from Banda to Katura Lake is not more than 2 to 3 hours.
6. Dhano Pashker Falls (دنو پشکیر آبشار)
Dano Pashkir Falls is the anonymous but the biggest waterfall of Kohistan Dir which not even a percent of people outside have seen. I have not been here myself, but according to those who have been, this is the biggest attraction in Pakistan. Located in Jaaz Banal, a popular tourist spot in Kohistan Dir, this large and anonymous Abshar is called Dhano Pashker Water falls (دنو پشکیر آبشار) in the local Gawri language.
The water of Jaz Banal or Konar Abshar (کونڑ ابشار) in Banda, which is also called Jaz Abshar by some people, flows down the valley and gives birth to this beautiful Abshar.
The water of Katura lake goes down and gives rise to two waterfalls. One is the Konnar Abshar and the other is the biggest Danu Pushkir Abshar. To reach here one has to walk along the water of Konrad Abshar. Two routes are used to reach the stream of Konar Abshar. One way leads down to Chamrin Guest House (چمرین گیسٹ ھاوس) and the other way down to the first jaz ground. The trek to this Abshar, which is about two to three hours of trekking from Chamrin Guest House, also known as Raja Guest House (راجہ گیسٹ ھاوس) by some, is not difficult but not easy either.
This beautiful waterfall can be seen after passing through streams, rocks and ups and downs on the way. This track is not a normal track so it is very difficult to see Abshar up close. Falling from a height of at least 1200 feet, this waterfall falls in a narrow place where there is no field nearby and no suitable place to sit, so you can see it from a distance.
7: Kotgul Water Falls (کوتگل آبشار)
Coming out of Thal Bazaar and going towards Kumrat, there is a climb on the way, there are two or four shops along it, going ahead comes the FC check post, actually Kumrat is just the name of the place. The whole valley has been given the name Kumrat by the outsiders. The area beyond the FC check post is called Sri May (سری مئی) where the Kumrat festival is held every year.
Beyond this comes the plain of Rui Shii ( روئی شئی), where the flat plain ends, where the Kotgul Abshar falls steeply on the right hand. It is just visible from the main road, you have to walk a short distance to see this waterfall. You will have to walk for at least half an hour on a smooth path. From a distance, it looks like an ordinary waterfall, but after getting closer, you will find that it is a beautiful and fascinating waterfall.
8: Lalgah Waterfall (لال گاہ آبشار)
Lalgah Abshar is the most famous Abshar of Kumrat Valley, the cold icy water of this Abshar falls from a height and melts from the glacier on the high snow clad mountains.
Its flow is worth seeing in the morning, when the cold icy water falls from a height and hits the stones on the way, when it falls on the ground with force, one is mesmerized by this pleasant sight.
9: Black water (black spring) (Kala Chashma) کالا پانی) ( کالا چشمہ ))
Kala Chashma, also called Kala Pani by some people, is the name of a spring located in Kamrat. The water of which looks slightly black due to which it is called black spring. In the local Kohistani language (Gawari Dardi) ( گاوری داردی ) it is called Keshin Dera Oos (کیشین دیرا اوس ) meaning spring of black stones.
The word “Der” is used in Gawri language for big stones, these big black stones are around this spring due to which the water of the spring looks black, otherwise neither its water is black nor its name is black water.
10: Nibal (نبل)
The area in front of Kala Pani (Black water) is called Nibal (نبل), there is a dense forest of Diar, a wide green field.
11. Shell top (شیل ٹاپ)
80% of Kohistan Dir area is still unknown. Friends from outside have so far seen only the Kamrat and Jaz banal areas, the rest of the hills are still hidden from the tourists. If you see, Ghan Sar (گھان سر) or Katura Lake is very famous today, although the fact is that there are more beautiful and bigger lakes here, but due to anonymity, outsiders do not know, so every Katura Lake is the most famous lake in Dir Kohistan. It is considered a big and beautiful lake. This is the situation of Wadi Kamrat and Jaz Banal. Tourists think that only these two places are worth mentioning in Kohistan Dir, but in reality there is nothing like that. Here we have many other areas like Kumarat and Jazz Banal which are different that outsiders don’t know about. 
This Shell Top (شیل ٹاپ) is one of the lesser-known but naturally beautiful regions of Kohistan Dir. Located on a four to five hour trek from Jar (Biyar) village, this place has the honor of being able to see most of the villages of Kohistan Dir from here.
Apart from this, all the high snow-capped peaks of Panjkora Valley including Thalo zum ( تھالوں زوم), Kishore (کشور ), Jhokot (جھوکوٹ) and Sundarwal (صندراول) can also be easily seen from here.
The sunset view from here will never be forgotten in your life once you visit this place. When the sun takes shelter behind the Hinduraj ( ہندوراج ) mountain range on the border of Kohistan and Chitral, a scene is witnessed which one can never forget. The sun setting behind the snow-capped mountains, the vast green meadows around, the herds of sheep in the plains, the thick pine forest on the edge of the plains and the smoke rising from the houses in the distant villages below can enchant one. .
It is called Shell Top (شیل ٹاپ) by our elders. The famous and beautiful village of Shell Top Kohistan Dir, also known as Bayar, is located on the heights just in front. Jar (جار) or Best village (بیسٹ گاؤں) comes after Patrak village coming to Kamrat from Dir side. It is not known how high Shell Top is, but from here you can see the entire mountain range. In front of Jar (جار) village is an area called Kehjoon (کیھجون), beyond it begins an area called Bajaur. However, some families managed to escape from there and came to their Gauri brothers in Dir Kohistan, whose descendants are still present here today). You can go there comfortably in a 4 by 4 vehicle.
Beyond Bajuar (باجوڑ) is an easy trek of two and a half hours on foot, the path is somewhat straight and smooth, so it is not difficult to walk. There is no hotel in Shell Top and there is no suitable place to spend the night, so don’t forget to take food and tents etc. to spend the night with you. The local people belong to the Dard Al Nasl Gauri (دارد النسل گاوری) tribe and are simply hospitable people, so there is no problem of security etc. If a friend wants to go here, he can go without fear, but he has to take care of cleanliness. This area is still untouched and there is no cleaning system. Therefore, instead of leaving your garbage etc., you have to bring it back with you.
12. Dir Kohistan Bayar Barikot Shar Banda Manz Pan Ghadi ( شڑ بانڈہ منز پن غاڑی دیر کوہستان بیاڑ بریکوٹ )
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Dir Kohistan Bayar Brikot, including Jannat Nazir Anonymous Wadi Shar Banda Manz Pan Ghadi is a very attractive lake rich in natural beauty, a masterpiece of natural beauty that is hidden from the eyes of the tourists of the world. This place is very beautiful.
Avoid littering in the valley. So that the beauty of the valley can remain forever.
And see the picturesque lake and scenery of Kamrat Valley, Dir Kohistan and this paradise.
Hope you guys will soon start your journey to explore this infamous valley
13: Dojunga (دوجنگا)
Dojunga is the last point of Kamrat as far as the vehicle can go. Beyond this the road ends and one has to walk further. Dojunga has a very important role in our regional history, according to our folk tales, Khazan Kot ( خزان کوٹ ) , beyond this Dojunga, was the last refuge of our forefathers. It is said that when the strength of the enemy (Muslim preachers and their armed forces) increased, the local people migrated from the lower areas and settled in the dense forest of Khazankot (خزان کوٹ) and started living here. fought the last decisive battle to save their religion and their land, according to local folklore, the local Kohistani (Gauri Dardi) ( گاوری دردی) tribes resolutely fought the enemy.
But they were defeated due to insufficient weapons and the large number of the enemy – it is said that the Kohistani people, followers of the ancient Dardic religion ( داردیک مذہب) who had lived here for centuries, were the most killed in this battle. Those who survived were captured, some ran away and got lost in the thick forests of Kumrat.
If you want to see Khazan Kot (خزان کوٹ), it is about 15-20 minutes from Dojunga, there will be a small forest colored bridge on the way. The route passes through Roshan Banal (روشن بانال), Jarkhor Banal (جارکھور) and Kondal Banal (کونڈل بانال) towards Shahi Bagh (شاہی باغ)area of Swat Kohistan (سوات کوہستان). And if you go in the direction of the nose, then Khazan Kot area starts, beyond that, after climbing a little height on the way, Charot Banal (چھاروٹ بانال) area starts, Banal Dardi Gauri (بانال داردی گاوری) people call the summer pasture. , at Chharot Banal the route then splits into two parts, the direct route leads to Ezglu Banal ( ایز گلو بانال), Gurshi Banal (گورشی بانال) to Shazur Banal (شازور بانال) and then to Shazur Lake (شازور جھیل), then onwards to the Chitral (چترال) areas. The other route leads to Chitral through Kashkikan Pass (کاشکیکن پاس ), Kashkikan Pass is an ancient route which our people have been using for centuries to go to Chitral. 
People of Dir Kohistan and Kumrat Valley
Dir Kohistan people are loving, affectionate and hospitable. Seeing a stranger, their hands are raised to shake hands in greeting. Whether you are in a car or on foot, every young, old, young and old person will raise their hands and say Assalam O Alaikum to you. People are hospitable and friendly. The people of Kohistan with religious orientation and local traditions consider hospitality as the top of the basic ethics. Don’t even mind your own business and work to guide the guests. Additionally, they do not accept offers of compensation for any such services.
The people of Dir Kohistan, a quiet valley on the banks of the verdant river Panjkora, still have that simplicity and sincerity that has remained in the form of an idea in the present age.
If you want to visit Kumrat Valley, keep these few points in mind.
Keep tents and camping equipment with you during the trip.
There are few hotels in the valley and most of the time you have to cook your own food.
Keep warm clothes, sheets etc. If you are a woman, arrange a veil while traveling and take care to observe local customs.
If your group consists of men and women, avoid mixing populations.
Don’t give any gift to a child as gifts in the form of cash to children are frowned upon by the people here.
The people of the Kohistani tribe are settled here. The spirit of hospitality is infused in them.
The local people of Dir Kohistan are Dardi Gauri, apart from the local Gauri language, Pashto is also spoken here. Call yourself Lahori. We are Dardi Gauri and speak Gauri language, Gauri language belongs to Kohistani branch of Dardi languages, it is an Indo-Aryan language which was spoken in Kalam region of Swat Kohistan and its surrounding valleys besides Dir Kohistan. Local people are very hospitable. From our ancestors we inherit hospitality among other things. In Kumrat you can go anywhere alone or with your family. There is no restriction on anyone anywhere, in case of any emergency knock on any house you will get full help, it is a peaceful and calm area.
We heartily welcome every peaceful guest of the world coming to Dir Kohistan and hope that our little paradise room at the foothills of Hinduraj will not disappoint you.
Only take pictures of natural scenery, there are only three private mobile companies in this area, Jazz, Warid and Telenor, so try to have the numbers of these companies to contact the outside world.
Use mobile and camera carefully as you may experience charging problems.
