Ganga Choti (Mountain) Azad Kashmir
This Lesser Himalayan region is running from east-southeast (ESE) to west-northwest across the Himachal Pradesh (Indian Territory) and India occupied Jammu Kashmir, then in Pakistan administrated Azad Kashmir.
Where is Ganga Choti situated?
Ganga Choti is located in district Bagh of Azad Kashmir at an elevation of 3650 m (12057 ft) in the Pir Panjal mountain range of the Lesser Himalayan region.
Pir Panjal is the largest mountain range in the Lesser Himalayan range where an average elevation varies from 1400 m (4600 ft) to 4100 m (13500 ft).
How to reach Ganga Choti?
The Ganga Choti (peak) of Pir Panjal mountain range can b accessed in two ways, one is from Sudhan Gali of the Bagh district and the other is from Chikar.
Is Ganga Choti worth visiting?
It is one of the most visited places in the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir by tourists and locals as well, due to its marvelous and amazing views spread all over.
Ganga peak (Choti) and all surrounding peaks are full of grass and tall pine trees so the lush green views attract tourists.
Ganga peak is the highest peak in the Bagh district that tourists admire this place for its striking natural views.
By reaching the top of the peak you can enjoy the breathtaking views of all the lush green peaks around. Clouds and cool breezes that touch your cheeks add colors to the scenery.
Nature has blessed Pakistan with endless tourist destinations few of them are Naran Kaghan Valles, Swat, Chitral, Hunza, and Murree which every nature lover tourist knows about these.
Most of those tourists visit only the main and prominent tourists destinations but the real beauty of nature exists a little beyond these.
Same like this when it comes to tourist places in Azad Kashmir most of the tourists consider The Neelum Valley for their tourism activity, Undoubtedly nature has blessed Neelum Valley with all its natural and awesome views.
But as I earlier said the real natural views are little beyond the prominent tourist places, and the Bagh district is an ultimate example of it. The Bagh district of Azad Kashmir has something for everyone, the most frequently visited places by tourists in Bagh are Sudhan Gali and Ganga Choti or peak.
Nature has endowed the Bagh district with all its blessing and it has gigantic lush green peaks that become more beautiful in the winter season when snow covers these all around. It has springs of crystal clear water, dense forests of tall and shady trees, and most importantly paved roads for transportation, that facilitate tourism activities here.
Why Ganga Choti is called Ganga Choti?
There are many famous stories about the name of the Ganga peak but most of the people living here believe that this peak was named "Ganga Choti" by the Hindus who lived here before the partition of India.
See also:
Banjosa Lake Ajk Pakistan, All You Need to Know
Baboon Valley Neelum Valley Ajk
Human Face Like Rocks in Kashmir
Islamabad to Ganga Choti
Total distance from Islamabad to Ganga choti is about 175 km via Lehtrar, Kotli Sattian, Tain Dhalkot, And stay at Sudhan Gali. Islamabad to Sudhan Gali distance is about 165 km and It takes about 5 hours to cover. And Sudhan to Ganga Choti base camp is about 10 km including 3 km of hiking trek.
Sudhan Gali to Ganga Choti
It is the most scenic and enjoyable with natural views track that leads you to the Ganga Choti's base camp. The road to the base camp from Sudhan Gali is up-ward and paved and you can go there in your own car or bike as well. However, you can hire a four-by-four jeep as well from Sudhan Gali at a cost of PKR 3500 to 5000 (20 to 30 dollars).
Ganga Choti hiking trek
Ganga Choti hiking trek is one of the easiest treks in Azad Kashmir but in winter, this whole valley is covered with a white sheet of snow and the Ganga Choti hiking trek becomes more adventurous and amazing.
You can hire a horse or mule at a cost of PKR 500 (3 dollars) for this trekking as well.
It is about 3 km long and takes about 1 and a half hours to complete from its base camp in summer, and you can see the high peaks all around while this hiking gives you a feel-like are the peaks are under your feet. You can see greenery spread far and wide of this peak that is reasoned to cool tourists' eyes.
Best time to visit Ganga Choti
This tourists destination remains open to welcome its visitors in all seasons of the year however if you want to see its lush green views you must go in the May to August months of the summer season.
And if you want to see snow-capped mountains under your feet from the top of the Ganga Choti (peak) you should go there from October to February months in the winter season.
What language is spoken in Azad Kashmir?
Pahari-Pothwari is local longuage here while official language is Urdu, however English language is also used by people living here. There are various accents that locals speak to, so one can imagine that there are several local languages, its not a reality.
Ganga Choti weather
The weather here remains cold in the winter season and it hosts heavy snow falling, but administrative machinery keeps working to keep the valley open for tourism and transportation. The temperature here drops down to -5 Celsius in winter.
The temperature here remains pleasant and welcoming throughout the summer season that attracts tourists, it remains 15 to 23 Celsius when the summer season makes every coming day from hot to hottest.
Can I stay at night at Ganga Choti?
There are some huts and camps located at its base camp to facilitate tourists for their accommodation and fooding. You can rent a camp here or install your own camp for a night's stay at this mesmerizing place.
Conclusion
The Ganga Choti is the best place to visit in the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir for its mesmerizing and stunning views and its calm and peaceful environment is a big reason that made it very famous among tourists. It is also known as the easiest and most beautiful hiking trek in Azad Kashmir.
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