Kumrat Valley
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Kumrat Valley
{{nq| کُمراٹ{{popdf}}}}
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| settlement_type = Valley
| image_skyline = File:Evening shades.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Evening view at Kumrat Valley
| pushpin_map = Khyber Pakhtunkhwa#Pakistan
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa##Location in Pakistan
| coordinates = {{coord|35|32|N|72|13|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Pakistan
| subdivision_type1 = Province
| subdivision_name1 = Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_name2 = Upper Dir District
| subdivision_type3 = Tehsil
| subdivision_name3 = Sharingal Tehsil
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| timezone1 = PST
| utc_offset1 = +5
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Kumrat ({{langx|ur|{{nq|کُمراٹ}}}}) is an alpine valley of the Dir Kohistan region in the Upper Dir District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Omar Mukhtar |date=September 16, 2020 |title=Kumrat valley — the hidden gem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1578925 |access-date=September 11, 2021 |website=Daily Dawn |language=en}} There is around 45 minutes drive to Kumrat Valley from the town of Thal on the banks of the Panjkora River. It is among the most popular tourist spots in the Malakand Division.{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2021 |title=‘Illegal construction’ scars Kumrat Valley |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2319745/illegal-construction-scars-kumrat-valley |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}
Every summer season, thousands of tourists from different areas of Pakistan and abroad visit Kumrat Valley for its greenery and cool weather.{{Cite web |last= |date=July 31, 2024 |title=Kumrat Valley shines as tourists flock to monsoon paradise |url=https://www.nation.com.pk/31-Jul-2024/kumrat-valley-shines-as-tourists-flock-to-monsoon-paradise?version=amp |access-date=September 17, 2024 |website=The Nation}} Around Eid al-Fitr holidays, around 2,000 vehicles enter the region on a daily basis.{{Cite web |date=August 29, 2021 |title=A little piece of paradise |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2317701/a-little-piece-of-paradise |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}} It can only be accessed via four-wheel vehicles, as the road leading to it is unmetalled.
Features
Kumrat is covered with green pastures and snow-clad mountains. The river Panjkora, foggy mounds and forests are attractions of the region. These forests serve as habitats for variety of flora and fauna. It is located in the Upper Dir Kohistan region at the back side of which Swat Kohistan area of Gabral is located. Another feature of Kumrat Valley is its towering Deodar forest trees located on level ground adjacent the Panjkora river. At several places, the Panjkora River divides into channels, on the banks of which a few makeshift camping spots offer accommodation to tourists. There are several waterfalls there as well. Kala Chashma (Black Spring) is also located there.
Deforestation
Deodar forest is fast depleting in Dir Kohistan Valley and it continues unhindered as the locals claim that they have no other source of fuel for heating and cooking purposes in the harsh winter season. The people of Kohistan Valley had offered the government in the 2010s that they were ready stop cutting Deodar trees if they were provided with a natural gas facility. However, the government did not pay any heed to their demand.{{Cite web |last=Jan |first=Syed Zahid |date=December 28, 2017 |title=Deodar forest fast depleting in Dir’s Kohistan valley |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1379288 |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=Daily Dawn |language=en}}
Gallery
File: kumrat.jpg
File: kumrat valley.jpg
See also
{{commons category|Kumrat Valley}}