Ayman Shad
Living in a valley like Talash valley is a blessing as it’s full of nature, having captivating landscapes and sitting in the lap of majestic Hindu Kush Mountain range, not less than the Switzerland of Pakistan (swat valley)
Talash valley is situated in the northern part of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa in a small district Lower Dir it is 20 km away from Chakdara and 21km from Timergara.
Dir’s lands welcomed Aryans, Achaemenids, Greeks, Scythians, Parthians, Kushanas, Hunas, Turks, Mongols, and the Mughals, leaving indelible marks on its heritage.
You can reach Talash valley by road not by air nor train you should take a straight route from swat motorway to chakdara and then towards Talash valley.
Talash valley enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. You can visit Talash valley any time of the year.
As Talash is a valley so it’s surrounded by mountains and having a bowel shaped map so the best thing you can do in Talash valley is adventurous hiking picnic and enjoy with family and friends.
Talash is a huge valley divided into 4 union councils i.e. Shahi kheil, Nura Kheil, Bandagai and Bagh Dushkheil. This region of Dir Lower this region holds traces of Alexander the Great historical conquests, ancient Buddhist and Hindu relics, bearing witness to a fascinating tapestry of history. In the global context of archaeological exploration, this region of District Dir Lower, Pakistan, emerges as a true gem Nestled within the majestic landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Every village of Talash has a story to tell. Amlokdara Village also has a story to tell – from the time of Buddhism to when the Hindu Shahi period began. And in Gumbat Village, there are remains of a Hindu Temple, the Shamshikhan site it is like discovering old Buddhist Stupas that whispered secrets from the past. And even though not everything was dug up in Talash Valley, you can still found interesting places. All these places have stories to tell, and they are still calling out to anyone who wants to uncover history’s mysteries.
It is important to highlight that between 1960 and 1970, a significant portion of Dir lower including Talash valley underwent excavation and exploration. But it’s not preserved properly.
You can visit Jalil baba which is full of nature and enfolds a history of a small kid name Jalil who then became a spiritual personality (Jalil Baba) you can find beautiful meadows and springs there most of which are dried up now due to climate change and poor management but still you can enjoy your visit. Apart from Jalil baba you can visit Dob which is a historical cliff in our area it is said that when we were invaded by Britain and then they were leaving this area they buried there treasures here at Dob dara you can still find there remains here from the top of Dob you can see half of Talash valley.
You can also explore Patoo village which is having a very attractive beauty and charming environment, or Radar top, aden deary, khandangoo and kamrany and in Guru you will find ponds and springs all of which left an unforgettable image in a tourist mind.
You can visit Gumbad and many other places. There you can cook food for yourself and enjoy the company of nature you can also do camping there on mountains. In short in talash you well find a welcoming environment.
If you do not like cooking on the top of beautiful hills you can also have your meal in restaurants but specifically in Talash you will find ordinary hotels if you like common and simple touch you can have your meal there and if you like a little bit modern touch you can have your meals 20Kms away from Talash near to chakdara in an area specifically known as Jalawanan and you can also find hotels on the other side which is Thana road there you will find many hotels like Khurak mahal Hujra Meral and many others. Personally I like the common taste and common touch of Khurak mahal which is not changed from a decade, they have maintained there taste and common touch.
And if you don’t like to have camping you can stay in Shelton hotel located in Timergara 21Km away from Talash valley.
Talash is much more then I have discussed here as I have only discussed the areas I visited by myself and the areas I know.
Enjoy your trip and hiking adventure, never forget to bring fresh water with yourself to stay fresh and hydrated during your hiking as you may face heralds finding water reservoirs.
Author is a student of BS ENGLISH at UOM
