Kumrat Valley in the Upper Dir district of KPK is among the beautiful valleys of Kohistan. Tourists describe this area as heaven on earth. Over the past few months, it has been among the famous spots in Pakistan due to its unique views.
The valley is incredibly lush and green. Mild cold at night is common here. This area has grassy fields, mountains covered with snow, and forests.
Kumrat valley is a combination of two words, Koi and Baat, from the local language Gaori. Koi means valley, and Bat means stone. This valley has a large variety of big rocks. Unique animals also exist in the mountains of Kumrat Valley.
The residents of the Thal and Kumrat villages own the Valley of Kumrat. The area’s people are less exposed to advanced means, and the traditional jirga system is robust. But, alongside, warm hospitality is a standard norm, too.
The Panjkora river, which emerges from the Hindu Kush mountains, runs through Kumrat Valley. The most common regions visited of Kumrat Valley are the forest, Siraj waterfall, Kala Chashma, Dojanga, and Jahaz Banda.
If you are more of a visual person, then please watch the following video, which summarizes my Kumrat Valley trip:
Kumrat Valley Height
Located in the Upper Dir region behind Gabral, Swat Kohistan Kumrat Valley is situated at 8,100ft above sea level.
Imran Khan Visit to Kumrat Valley
This area got famous after the visit of now Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2016. Imran Khan said that I have visited all the world but have seen such views only here. It was an unknown area in the past. Now tourism is flourishing here very rapidly.
Let’s know some of the essential features of these areas.
Kumrat Forest
Kumrat Valley is chiefly known for its beautiful forest. We pass by the forest as we enter the Kumrat Valley.
The high deodars give Kumrat forest a fairytale-like resemblance. But, sadly, many of the large deodar trees in the valley and the surrounding areas are quickly disappearing. The people depend on these forests, and the wood of the trees is used for firewood and cooking by locals.
There are beautiful pastures, lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and forests on both sides of the river.
Whereas river panjkora, which arises from the mountains of Hindukush, increases the beauty of the valley. The entire Panjkora valley, the Kumrat valley, Lamuti, Kalkot valleys, and Jahaz Banal are rich in pine forests and lovely meadows.
The views of the area are mesmerizing. The whole track consists of a rocky area. According to locals, there are precious herbs in these forest of Kumrat Valley. The forest moves till the end of the valley with the track.
Kumrat Valley Waterfall
This waterfall of kumrat is famous among tourists. Its real name is Kotgal waterfall. After the head of Jamat-e-Islami Siraj ul Haq, this waterfall was named Siraj Aabshar after him.
The water flows in the waterfall of Kumrat throughout the year. In winter, this waterfall freezes. Even in summers, the water of this waterfall is cold. The water bottles and juices are cooled by placing them in the water of these fountains.
Kala Chashma
Kala Chashma is an essential point in Kumrat Valley. In the local language, it is famous as “Toray Oaba.” The water of Kala Chashma is freezing and clean. So when the place from this river emerges has to moss it becomes Kala Chashma.
Locals use the water of Kala Chashma as a medicine. According to locals, this water stops the passage of diseases. Kala Pani and the surrounding mountains are also famous for Salajeet. At the same time, the whole area is also known for its trout fish.
Jahaz Banda
If you ever visit Kumrat Valley, then do go to Jahaz Banda and Katora Lake. This area is a famous Kohistani Pasture. One can enjoy camping and horse riding at Jahaz Banda. The Snake river of Kund Banda is also excellent.
Katora Lake is also at a few hours’ track from Jahaz Banda.
Kumrat Valley on Bike
My tour to kumrat valley on a motorbike was terrific, and I came here in the peak season of July. There are now many hotels been constructed in kumrat valley. During my visit to Kumrat Valley, I stayed in Amma ka Hotel. This lady belongs to Lahore and runs a hotel here. The rates are pretty standard, and the taste of the food was terrific. However, there are many campsites also available in kumrat valley.
Where to stay in Kumrat Valley
There is a camp city in Kumrat during the season and generally offers similar facilities at similar charges. I visited in late July and paid Rs. 500 for one-night camping in Amma ka Hotel.
In the past, there were less than a dozen residences made of tents in Kumrat, and now various camping sites are lying under almost every tree. While this increase in lodgings is profitable for the local economy, at the same time, it is damaging to the forests and climate there. The Kumrat village is just at the opening of this gorgeous valley, a couple of kilometers from the Thal village.
How to reach from Thall to Kumrat
To get Kumrat from Thall, you need to rent a Jeep with a driver. So prepare for a rough ride. A Jeep cost is around 5000-8000 Rs.
It takes an hour or two to drive through the narrow valley to the point where the mountains open wide again. Make sure to negotiate and explain where you want to be dropped and picked up.
How to reach from Kalam to Kumrat Valley
The village at the gateway to Kumrat Valley is named Thall. It’s a small village with basic facilities.
To enter Thall from Kalam in Swat Valley, one must first go to Atror, one hour from Kalam.
From Atror bazaar, Jeeps to Thall leave full and cost 500 – 700 Rs per person.
Distance of Kumrat Valley from Lahore and Islamabad
The distance of Kumrat Valley from Islamabad is 384 kilometers and from Lahore is 660 kilometers. At the same time, it is around one and half hours from Thall.
Best time to visit
The valley’s climate remains pleasant in summer but is very cold in winter. Because of heavy snowfall about 3 to 11 feet, it is inaccessible in winters. Therefore, the best time to visit Kumrat is in spring and summer, from June to September.
Hopefully, this blog will inspire you to visit Kumrat Valley. Also, if you have any questions on KPK or my experience traveling on a bicycle/motorbike, please comment below or email me. I’ll try to reply to you as soon as possible.
