A slice of heaven in Bakote

A scenic valley north of Murree draws visitors who want to escape summer heat in droves

BAKOTE: With summer now officially in full swing, much of Pakistan is sweltering with temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius.

Some parts of the country, however, are still free from such unbearably hot weather, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) Bakote valley among them.

Located some 45 kilometres north of Murree in the Galiyat region, at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level, the valley is famed for its pure refreshing air and view of the majestic hills that surround it.



The valley is a scenic view unto itself as well, pockmarked with meadows and waterfalls of dazzling beauty. Its waterfalls, in particular, draw visitors from across the country, particularly those trying to escape the scorching heat elsewhere.

Visitors tend to spend entire days in Bakote, bathing in the streams flowing from the waterfalls. Many bring food items and cooking equipment with them so that they can enjoy a proper picnic. Others even choose to camp. It is not amiss to see visitors relaxing on charpoys (foldable beds) which they have brought along.

Sadly though, the roads that lead to Bakote are in an extremely dilapidated condition. Better infrastructure would surely bring more tourists, both local and foreign, to the valley.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2019.