In this high paced era one definitely wants to take some
time and be close to nature and peace. Gobore, in the north west of Pakistan KPK
is one of such places to visit. Gobore is situated at a distance of 78 KMs from
town Chitral and 30 KMs for Garamchashma town. “Yadghaa” and “Sheikhanwar” are
the two dialects spoken in Gobore. Khowar, Chitrali dialect is also spoken
fluently by the inhabitants. The first inhabitants of Gobore Shah Saleem have been
known to migrate from Nooristan Afghanistan. Many generations have passed since
then. The road is jeep-able and has served as a major trade route between
Afghanistan and Pakistan in the recent past.
Although everyone has
one’s own reasons to travel and explore nature here are few reasons which I
think are appealing enough to be considered by tourists, travelers and
explorers.
1. Beautiful Long Drive
On the way to Gobore you
can find a lot of attractions such as: Ibex view point at Shahr-e-Sham where
you can see number of ibex along the river bank. You can take photographs of these beautiful
creatures that dwell on the mountains of Hindukush. Secondly, beautiful streams and rivers
alongside the long drive make it an exciting journey.
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| On the way to Gobore Bakh |
2. Hot Springs
After about 2 hours drive from Chitral Town
you reach Garamchashma Town. Here you can find Hot Springs (natural spring with
Sulpher). These hot springs are a major tourist attraction and famous for skin
related allergies/diseases. You can take a bath in the “Hamams” built near the
hot springs. As you travel ahead and
reach Shah Saleem Gobore, you will find more hot springs.
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| Hot Spring At Shah Saleem Gobore |
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| Hot Spring Bath, Garamchashma . One bath could be charged Rs.20 only |
3. Trout Fishing
There is abundance of trout in
Garamchashma and Gobre. You can enjoy fishing. However, you might need a
fishing license from Fisheries Department. It’s not that expensive. Besides
trout you can also find other fish in the streaming river.
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| Fried fish
4. Wild Animals and Birds
Here you can find ibex, deer, leopard,
marmot, Ram Chakoor, Chakoor and migratory birds. (Sorry I could not go after
them with camera due to time shortage.)
5. Glaciers View
A number of glaciers can be seen in different places throughout the valley. These include Awsek Glacier ( 5 hours trek from Gobore Bakh), Mach Glacier (at Mach Pass), Irjeak Gol Glacier (near Irjeak) and others.
6. Traditional Food
In the valley, some of the most delicious
local food is served at homes. These include cheerashapik, Jush,
Shoshpalaki, Rishiki and phenak. Majority of the food consists of dairy
products and desi ghee (Rich oil) with wheat flour.
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| Local Food. Yummmm |
7. Traditional Games
People in the area play Buz Kashi, Pagah
(free style horse race without saddle), Mountain race and donkey polo. Most of
the games are played during Gobore festival. This year Gobore Fetival 2016 is
expected by the end of July.
8. Shrines of Saints
In Garamchashma valley, there are shrines of
few famous saints as well. The shrines are called “ziarat” in khowar as well as
urdu language. The tomb of spiritual leader and Poet Peer Nasir Khisrow is
located in the center of Garamchashma town. Besides, shrines of contemporary
saints of Peer Nasir Khisrow are also located at two other places, one of them
in Zhutur gol and the other in Moshain near Pull-e-Kabul.
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| A saint's shrine on the way to Gobore. Some claim it's a Prophet's shrine. |
a. Dorah Pass
From Shah Saleem Village Gobore one can
follow Dorah Pass and reach Afghanistan. It’s an 8 hours trek from Shah Saleem.
The trek is not that hard but you would need a visa if you want to enter
Afghanistan at Singlich. In the photo below Dorah Pass trek can easily be seen
at the back.
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| Dorah Pass at my back . Trek is visible |
b.
Mach Pass
Similarly, Mach Pass is also a very good trek
from Gobore Bakh to Singlich Afghanistan. However, it will take 10 hours. Mach
Pass also leads to Arakari Oveer if you take the trek to Akram Gol.
a.
Nogoreshal Trek
through Zidik Gol
In 6-7 hours you can trek into Nooristan
Aghanistan using this trek.
10. Beautiful Lakes
Top Khana Lake ( 6 hours trek from Gobore),
Chapdarah Lake (7 hours trek from Gobore), Unni lake, Khogia Lake are of medium
and small size lakes that are found along the treks.
11. Natural Beauty
Throughout your stay you will find mesmerizing
beauty of nature in the form of clean water, water falls, streams, lush green
grasslands and peaceful atmosphere.
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| On the way to Gobore. |
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| At Shah Saleem, Gobore. |
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| The Peaceful and hardworking Mountain Man ! |
