Tehsil Balakot-An Overvew

Tehsil Balakot-An Overview

Balakot City
Coordinates for Balakot City
UTM: CU42
Geographical coordinates in decimal degrees (WGS84)
Latitude: 34.550
Longitude: 73.350

Geographical coordinates in degrees minutes seconds (WGS84)
Latitude: 34 33' 00''
Longitude: 73 21' 00''

Balakot City

Altitude: 3000 feet from sea level

Distance from major towns/cities:
Mansehra: 32 km (via Attar Sheesha)
47 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Abbottabad: 57 km (via Attar Sheesha)
72 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)

Major Languages: Hindko, Gojri, Pashto and Urdu

Major Spots:
Shrines of Hazrat Syed Ahmed Shaheed & Hazrat Shah Ismail Shaheed

Balakot is the gateway to Kaghan valley. Balakot is located at the southern entrance to the Kaghan valley. Balakot itself is 72 km from Abbottabad. This beautiful small town is located on the banks of Kunhar River. Attarshisha and Garhi Habibullah are major stopovers between Balakot and Mansehra. A famous battle was fought here between the Sikh Army and Mujahideen in 1831. The Mujahideen leaders, Hazrat Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Hazrat Shah Ismail Shaheed lie buried in Balakot city along with other martyrs.

Important Stopovers in Tehsil Balakot

Kawai

Altitude: 4000 feet from sea level

Distance from major towns/cities:
Mansehra: 53 km (via Attar Sheesha)
68 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Abbottabad: 78 km (via Attar Sheesha)
93 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Balakot: 21 km

Major Languages: Hindko, Gojri, Pashto and Urdu

13 miles away from Balakot to Kaghan is Kawai. In these 13 miles you'll reach the altitude of 4000 feet starting from 3000 feet which means that you have covered 1000 feet of altitude in just 13 miles.

Shogran

Altitude: 7000 feet from sea level

Distance from major towns/cities:
Mansehra: 61 km (via Attar Sheesha)
76 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Abbottabad: 86 km (via Attar Sheesha)
101 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Balakot: 29 km

Major Languages: Hindko, Gojri, Pashto and Urdu

From Kawai onwards the main place to visit is Shogran. Kawai is connected to Shogran through a link road of about 5 miles. In these 5 miles one will go up another 3000 feet. Shogran is about 7000 feet above the sea level and rightly so because Shogran means "Forest in the sky". Some of the lofty peaks are viewable from here, which are "Moosa Ka Musalla" and "Makra" having height of 14000 feet, and Malika-e-Parbat (Queen of the Mountains) (17000 feet).

Siri Paya

From Shogran an extra bumpy road leads to Sri Paya. You can also plan a hiking trip to Sri Paya from Shogran. It will take around two and half hour to reach at peaks of Sri Paya. Once you reach Sri Paya the discomfort of the journey is forgotten as you find yourself surrounded by a spectacular view of the Makra hills and the Malka Parbat peak. Malka Parbat in english means "Queen of Mountains".

Mahandri

Altitude: 5800 feet from sea level

Distance from major towns/cities:
Mansehra: 78 km (via Attar Sheesha)
93 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Abbottabad: 103 km (via Attar Sheesha)
118 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Balakot: 46 km

Major Languages: Hindko, Gojri, Pashto and Urdu

Then comes Mahandri village the altitude here is 5,800 feet now the landscape and the scene changes here and becomes wilder the river Mahandri is still with you but you'll feel it much closer to you. Another 11 miles from here is the village Kaghan at 7000 feet is the wonderland here river is 800 feet below the road.

Kaghan

Altitude: 7000 feet from sea level

Distance from major towns/cities:
Islamabad: 240 km
Mansehra: 94 km (via Attar Sheesha)
111 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Abbottabad: 121 km (via Attar Sheesha)
136 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Balakot: 64 km

Major Languages: Hindko, Gojri, Pashto and Urdu

Major Spots:
· Trout Hatchery at Shinu

A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away, located north-east of the Hazara district of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience. The Kaghan valley is named for the town of Kaghan rather than for the Kunhar River which flows to the length of the valley. The Valley extends for 155 kms rising from an elevation of 2,134 meters to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173 meters. The local population is friendly and easygoing and speaks Hindko (a language spoken by the hill people in Hazara), Pashto, and/or Urdu. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet.
Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in an unbelievable pristine state. It is indeed an unspoiled paradise! This is why it can be a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan. Kaghan is at its best during summer (months ranging from May to September). In May the temperature is: maximum 11°C and minimum 3°C. From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon and winter seasons. The Kaghan area can be reached by road via the towns of Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or Naran.
The best time to visit the area is May-September, though it can get very cold. The lowest point is 7,000 ft/2,000 m, while the highest point, Babusar Pass, sits at 13,600 ft/4,150 m. There's good fishing (rentals available), and guides are abundant for treks (never hike alone).

Trout Hatchery at Shinu
'Fisheries Department at Naran' has established a 'Trout Hatchery' at Shinu. One can find the well known brown trout here. The hatchery also contains several other types of fish, i.e. Mahasheer and Rahu.

Jared
Just beyond Shinu, Jared is a small village, about 40 km from Balakot. It has a state run Handicrafts Development Centre. Articles produced at Jared include traditionally carved furniture, hand-made woolen shawls and namda rugs which are famous throughout the Kaghan valley.

Khanian
Khanian offers the best trout one can taste in the north. The dazzling greens of Dana Meadows and the slippery glaciers at tarmac, on the way to Naran, are quite an experience.

Naran

Altitude: 7000 feet from sea level

Distance from major towns/cities:
Mansehra: 114 km (via Attar Sheesha)
131 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Abbottabad: 141 km (via Attar Sheesha)
156 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Balakot: 84 km

Major Languages: Hindko, Gojri, Pashto and Urdu

Naran is the middle point of Kaghan Valley. This impressive region is set in the heart of the Himalaya. The river Kunhar is at the same level to Naran and departs from here as you move out to Babusar Pass or Lake Saif-ul-Malook.
Naran is the famous fishing spot with trout and mahasheer as the major fish types. Fishing is the chief sport in the area. Brown Trout of the Kunhar River is considered to be the best throughout the sub-continent. Fishing licenses are issued by the 'Fisheries Department at Naran' to grab a piece or two by yourself or you can buy the fish from 'Trout Hatchery' at Shinu.

Lake Saif-ul-Malook

Altitude: 10600 feet from sea level

Distance from major towns/cities:
Mansehra: 122 km (via Attar Sheesha)
137 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Abbottabad: 149 km (via Attar Sheesha)
164 km (via Batrasi and Garhi Habibullah)
Balakot: 92 km

Major Spots:
· Malika-e-Parbat

Deep blue Lake Saif-ul-Malook (at an elevation of 10,000 ft/3,200 m), is the real asset of Kaghan valley. Saiful Maluk is one of the most beautiful lakes of the world. Pony rides can be arranged to help you see the area, but most visitors tour by four-wheel-drive vehicle (road conditions are very poor).
Most visitors to Naran pay a visit to Saiful Maluk Lake (10,500 feet) 6 miles east of town. If the road is open you can arrange transportation by jeep. If the road is closed, it is an easy, gradual three-hour walk, and the lake is a lovely spot for a picnic.

Malika-e-Parbat
Malika-e-Parbat can be best approached by hiking or driving 8 km from Naran to the legendary Saiful Maluk nesting in the shadows of The Malka Parbat. On a clear day, you can behold the majesty of the Malka Parbat's peak reflected in the lake's deep blue icy waters.

Lake Lulusar
If you are walking directly up-valley from Naran to Babusar "Top" the loveliest spots to camp on this trail is at "Lulusar Lake". Located just before the final grade to Babusar Top and surrounded by tall peaks, Lulusar is just one many high elevation lakes that sit along the crest of the ridge.

Battakundi and Lalazar
16 Kilometers from Naran is the Battakundi another enjoyable spot and is the turning point for Lalazar connected via jeep able road which a plateau of rare scenic beauty.
Babusar Pass
Babusar pass is the end of the Kaghan valley is blocked by the mountains but the Babusar pass is the gate between Kaghan and Gilgit valley at the altitude of 13600 feet. From here you can have the glimpse of the Nanga Parbat (The Naked Mountain) with a towering height of 26,660 feet. Road at Babusar Pass is remained closed, because of snowbound, from October to June, also restricted during monsoon season.

Union Councils-Tehsil Sub-units
Balakot
Garhi Habibullah
Garlat
Ghanool
Hangrai
Kaghan
Karnol
Kawai
Mahandri
Satbani
Shohal Mazullah
Talhat

Population with Gender Distribution of Tehsil Balakot
Total Population 214,630
Male Population 106,217
Female Population 108,413

Places near Balakot
1. Baili 2. Bajanbaura
3. Bala Pir Ziarat 4. Balgran
5. Banda 6. Banphora
7. Barna 8. Basut
9. Batangi 10. Batgran
11. Batkarar 12. Bauli
13. Bela 14. Bhangian
15. Birkot

Damages and Projects to Reconstruct or Repair Government Assets
· Reconstruction of Dispensary at Saif-ul-Malook
· Reconstruction of Toilets at Saif-ul-Malook National Park
· Reconstruction of Police Station at Garhi Habibullah Balakot
· Reconstruction & Rehabilitation of Police Station Kaghan Balakot
· Reconstruction & Rehabilitation of Police Post Naran Balakot
· DSP Office Balakot
· DSP Residence Balakot
· Garage of Police Station Balakot
· Kitchen & Mess of Police Station Balakot
· Reconstruction of Mosque at Police Station Balakot
· Muharrar Residence Balakot
· Police Station Balakot
· Police Post Batrasi Balakot
· Construction of Bar Room in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of 03 type IV Residence for W&S Department Staff in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of Garage in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of Store in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of residences for Class-IV type V for W&S Department Staff in Tehsil Balakot (02 nos.)
· Construction of 04 No Putwar Khana in Tehsil Balakot (UCs Balakot, Garhi Habibullah, Kaghan & Mahandri)
· Construction of Assistant Commissioner Residence in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of Assistant Director W&S Department Residence in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of Sub Engineer W&S Department Residence in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of Tehsil Building Balakot in Tehsil Balakot
· Construction of Tehsildar Residence in Tehsil Balakot
· Reconstruction of Inspection Bungalow Kaghan in Tehsil Balakot
· Reconstruction of 02 No Court Rooms in Tehsil Balakot
· Reconstruction of Inspection Bungalow Balakot in Tehsil Balakot
· Reconstruction of Inspection Bungalow Kawai in Tehsil Balakot
· Reconstruction of Inspection Bungalow Mahandri in Tehsil Balakot
· Reconstruction of Rest House Garhi Habibullah in Tehsil Balakot
· Reconstruction of Civil Veterinary Hospital Kaghan Balakot

Damaged Water Supply Schemes in Tehsil Balakot
· WSS Roh Baghal Char, Balakot
· WSS Garhi Habibullah Balakot
· WSS Ghanool Balakot
· WSS Jiggan Balakot
· WSS Shingri Bela Balakot
· WSS Joe Sacha Balakot
· WSS Hassa Sobrian Balakot
· WSS Kasi Tranna
· WSS Naka Bahadara
· WSS Balakot Tehsil
· WSS Banda Balakot
· WSS Basoot Upper
· WSS Dara Shohal
· WSS Jalora
· WSS Kali Miti
· WSS Kali Miti Basti Faqir
· WSS Kund Miti Kot
· WSS Mangal Balakot
· WSS Mohallah Cham & Podina
· WSS Ramimabad Balakot
· WSS Shohal Najaf Khan
· WSS Upper Bampohra

Projects Planned for Damaged Roads and Routes by ERRA
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Gulderi Bissain Road-7KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T Garhi Habibullah Shaheed Gali Road -6 km (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Paras-Baila Kund Road -17 km (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Hassa Kanshian Road 12 km (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation of Balakot Hangrai Road -17 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Khait Serash Jabber Baggar Road -18 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Ghanool Batialy Parrang Road-8KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of MNJ Ghanool Gran Thawan Road -4 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Noori Chitta Par Road-8 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Dheri Narah Batsangra Road -12 KM(ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Talhata Surwai Road - 4 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Kashtra Sughdar Road with Link to Las Pattian -10 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Mahandri Manoor Road -16 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation of Paras to Suwan Road-8KM (KFW) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Balakot Bhangian Road-5 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Construction of sub structure, launching and carriage of Bailey Bridge Baila Manoor Balakot
· Construction of sub structure, launching and carriage of Bailey Bridge Bhojna-I Balakot
· Construction of sub structure, launching and carriage of Bailey Bridge Bhojna-II Balakot
· Construction of sub structure, launching and carriage of Bailey Bridge Ghanool No.1 Balakot
· Construction of sub structure, launching and carriage of Bailey Bridge Jared Balakot
· Construction of sub structure, launching and carriage of Bailey Bridge Sheshal Katha, FMR KM 14 Balakot
· Rehabilitation B/T of Fareed Abad Bonja Road -10 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T Kawai Shunga Road-5KM (ADB) Balakot
· Reconstruction of Pattan Des Chorkalan Bridge -90 M Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Pattan Des Road -15 KM (ADB) Balakot
· Reconstruction of 2 Nos RCC Bridges at Suan road -30 M Balakot
· Reconstruction of bridge on Balakot to Garhi Habibullah Road, KM 15-45M Balakot
· Reconstruction of Nadi Hari Walla Bridge -60 M Balakot
· Repair of Garhi Habibullah Steel Bridge -61 M Balakot
· Rehabilitation & B/T of Shohal Mazullah Jabri Allari Road -14 KM
· (ADB) Balakot
· Repair of Suspension Bridge at Balakot -70 M Balakot
· Rehabilataion of Jared Bazar to Nakkian Jared-5KM (KFW) Balakot
· Rehabilation of Garhi Habibullah to Jabi Road -3.5 KM (KFW) Balakot
· Rehabilitation of Kaith Sarash to Dandar Road-4KM (KFW) Balakot Rehabilitation of Shohal Muzullah Khangiri Road-8KM(KFW) Balakot