Eleven Reasons to visit Gobore, Garamchashma Valley Chitral !

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.

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.

Hot Spring At Shah Saleem Gobore

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.

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. 

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.

A saint's shrine on the way to Gobore. Some claim it's a Prophet's shrine.

  9.Passes and Treks 

 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. 

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.

On the way to Gobore.

At Shah Saleem, Gobore.

The Peaceful and hardworking Mountain Man !