A Complete Travel Guide from Lahore to Kumrat Valley – A Journey Through Heaven on Earth
If you’re planning to travel from
Lahore to Kumrat Valley by local transport, be ready for a mesmerizing yet
adventurous journey. The total travel time from Lahore to Upper Dir is around 12
hours, followed by another 3-hour drive to Thal. I’ve been to Kumrat
twice, and every time it feels like stepping into a new world of nature’s
unmatched beauty.
To explore Kumrat Valley
completely, you should ideally have at least one full week. Here’s
how you can plan your trip day by day:
Day
1: Lahore to Upper Dir to Thal
Start your journey from Badami
Bagh Bus Terminal, Lahore. Local buses easily take you to Upper Dir
in about 12 hours. From there, you’ll find regular vehicles heading
toward Thal, which serves as the gateway to Kumrat Valley.
Thal divides the Kumrat region into
three main travel zones. Once you reach Thal, book a 4x4 jeep to explore
Badgoi Top and Dasht-e-Leila.
The Badgoi Pass is an
unforgettable experience – snow-capped mountains dressed in green meadows make
you feel like you’ve entered a fairytale. However, the road is steep and
risky, so families with children should be extra cautious. Don’t forget to
pack warm clothes, as the weather here can get quite chilly.
At Dasht-e-Leila, you’ll find
a vast green plateau that feels straight out of a dream. After sightseeing, you
can easily find camping spots or small lodges to stay the night.
Day 2–3: Exploring Dojanga, Shazoor Lake, and Kund Lake
From Badgoi Top, head towards Dojanga,
a peaceful spot surrounded by pine forests and rivers. You should stay here for
at least two days to fully enjoy the area.
On the first day, hike toward Shazoor
Lake – it’s a 5 to 6-hour trek one way. There’s no accommodation
near the lake, so it’s better to return to Dojanga by evening.
The next day, go for Kund Lake,
another equally stunning destination. The trek is similar in length and
difficulty but rewards you with crystal-clear water and panoramic views.
Day
4: Kala Chashma and Kumrat Waterfall
Leave Dojanga early in the morning
and move toward Kala Chashma (Black Spring). Along the way, the sounds
of waterfalls and rivers make the journey soothing and peaceful.
Finally, you’ll reach Kumrat
Waterfall, one of the most popular attractions in the valley. You’ll find plenty
of lodges and campsites here with basic to luxury facilities (ranging
from PKR 1,000 to PKR 15,000 per night). Enjoy bonfires under the
stars and soak in the serene mountain atmosphere.
Day
5–6: Jahaz Banda, Kund Banda, and Katora Lake
From Thal, hire a jeep to Taki
Top, where the road ends and the real adventure begins. From there, either hike
or ride a horse through breathtaking mountain trails toward Jahaz Banda,
a high-altitude meadow that looks like a scene from a fantasy film.
After setting up camp, take a short 30-minute
trek down to Kund Banda. This spot is quieter and often considered
more beautiful than Jahaz Banda itself. The Kund Banda waterfall is
massive, and even from afar, you can feel the mist on your face.
The next morning, start your journey
toward the majestic Katora Lake. The trek from Jahaz Banda to Katora
takes about 3 hours. Horses can’t go beyond a certain point, so it’s
mostly a hiking trail. Along the way, you’ll pass through Chhota Katora,
where you can enjoy boating on the lake.
You can either return the same day
or spend one more night in Jahaz Banda before heading back to Thal.
Day 7: Return Journey
From Thal, catch transport back to Upper
Dir, and from there, you’ll easily find buses going toward Lahore or
Rawalpindi.
If you’re traveling by local
transport, the fare from Lahore to Upper Dir is around PKR 2,500
per person, while jeep tours around Kumrat cost approximately PKR
50,000 to 55,000 depending on your negotiation and itinerary.
💡Travel Tips for Kumrat Valley
- Always carry warm clothes, even in summer.
- Jeep rides
are necessary for most parts of Kumrat.
- Mobile signals
are limited, so download maps in advance.
- Try local food in Thal – it’s fresh, organic, and full
of flavor.
- Respect nature; don’t litter or harm the environment.
✨
Why Visit Kumrat Valley?
Kumrat Valley is one of Pakistan’s
most beautiful and untouched travel destinations. With its waterfalls,
alpine lakes, pine forests, and snow-covered peaks, it’s a true paradise
for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Kumrat offers a perfect blend of serenity and adventure – a journey that will stay in your heart forever.
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