Dr. Sumaira Taj
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth… are signs for people of understanding.” (Qur’an 3:190)
Every year, many families travel to Pakistan’s northern valleys in search of cool weather, breathtaking landscapes, and a welcome break from the demands of everyday life. My family was no different. Yet our recent journey through Kumrat and Kalam became much more than a holiday. It became a reminder of the extraordinary blessings Allah has bestowed upon our country and of our shared responsibility to preserve them.
The journey itself was an adventure. Long stretches of winding mountain roads, rocky tracks, and narrow passes tested both our patience and our courage. Yet every difficult mile was rewarded by scenes of unmatched natural beauty. Crystal-clear streams, towering pine forests, emerald meadows, majestic mountains, and a serene environment combine to create landscapes that seemed almost untouched by time.
Among the many places we visited, Don Char Valley left the deepest impression. Reaching it required a demanding hike across icy streams, rocky terrain, and mountain trails, but every step was rewarded by breathtaking waterfalls, peaceful alpine meadows, and panoramic views that reminded us of the magnificence of Allah’s creation. Standing among those towering peaks, it was impossible not to reflect upon the Qur’anic verses that invite us to observe the signs of the Creator in the natural world.
Equally memorable was the warmth of the people we encountered along the way. We met local residents who voluntarily strengthened a wooden bridge to make it safer for visitors, families who welcomed travelers with remarkable generosity, and individuals whose quiet acts of kindness reflected the true spirit of hospitality for which the people of northern Pakistan are known. These encounters reminded me that the greatest wealth of these valleys lies not only in their scenery but also in the character of those who call them home.
Like every adventure, our journey also brought moments of uncertainty. A moderate earthquake struck while we were near Saifullah Jheel, reminding us of the immense power of nature and the fragility of human life. In those moments, surrounded by mountains and deep waters, our greatest source of comfort was our faith and our gratitude for Allah’s protection.
However, alongside unforgettable beauty, we also witnessed signs of concern. Returning to Shahi Bagh after several years, we found damaged roads, littered picnic areas, and evidence of environmental degradation that had diminished the charm of a place we once remembered as pristine. Such changes serve as an important reminder that natural beauty cannot sustain itself without responsible stewardship.
Pakistan has immense potential as a destination for nature-based tourism. Realising that potential, however, requires more than promoting scenic locations. It calls for investment in safe infrastructure, environmental conservation, proper waste management, effective regulation of tourist services, and a commitment to preserving fragile ecosystems. At the same time, visitors must recognize their own responsibility to respect these places, dispose of waste responsibly, and leave every destination cleaner than they found it.
As we returned home after six memorable days, physically tired but spiritually renewed, I realised that the greatest gift of the journey was not the photographs we had taken but the perspective we had gained. Kumrat and Kalam reminded us that Pakistan’s true treasures are not only its mountains, rivers, and forests, but also the generosity of its people and the values these landscapes inspire – gratitude, humility and responsibility.
If we truly wish to introduce the world to the beauty of Pakistan’s northern valleys, we must first ensure that they remain protected for generations to come. These magnificent landscapes are more than tourist destinations; they are a trust, and preserving them is a responsibility we all share.
The writer is an educationist and enjoys travelling across the globe, including Pakistan, to explore its natural beauty and promote responsible tourism.
