ISLAMABAD: Soon Valley is a breathtaking vista of natural beauty comprising of lakes and springs, lush green fertile fields, beautiful landscapes, dense forests and pre-historic sites.
A Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) official said that the valley provides a unique sanctuary for migratory birds in winter. “Located at a height of 5,010 feet (1,530m) above sea level, Sakesar is the highest point in the Soon Valley. The area of the valley is about 300-square-mile (780 sq km),” he said.
Soon Valley is accessible through Kallar Kahar at M2 motorway. From here, the valley extends almost 100 kilometres. The temperature is mild to pleasant in the summer and cold in winters, the official said. In order to promote this valley as an eco-tourist destination, TDCP has taken a lot of initiatives.
He said that a project titled ‘Development of Eco-Tourism in Soon Valley at Khabekhi and Uchali Lake – Khushab.’ He said that the main sites identified for the development project were Kenhetti Garden, Khabeki Lake and Uchali Lake. Moreover, the signage has been placed across the valley to facilitate the tourist,” he said.
Lake Uchhali is one of the famous and picturesque salt water lakes of the Soon Valley overlooked by mount Sakaser. “Lake Khabikki is another important attraction in the southern salt range,” he said. It is one kilometre wide and two kilometres long. Khabikki is also the name of a neighbouring village. The official said that Jhalar Lake was another important attraction in the southern salt range.
The official said that these lakes attract thousands of migratory birds each year including rare white-headed ducks (Oxyura leucocephala) from Central Asia. He said that the main components of development at Khabeki Lake includes a restaurant, tourist information centre, board walk, gazebos, cycling treks, hard and soft landscaping, hiking trails, staff residence, bird watching and sighting of several wildlife species.
The installation of signage and benches has been completed to facilitate the visiting tourists. The official said that Kanhatti Garden was established by Major W Whet Burn, district engineer of the area during 1933. “Kanhatti sub village of Khabeki has been derived from Kanhat, a special rock found at natural water spring. The plantation in the garden includes almond, apricot, pine apple etc.
He said that the components of development at Kanhatti Garden include camp site and camping facility, garden view point, rest house, caravan park, camel riding, hiking trails, bird watching & sighting of wildlife species, natural water springs, waterfalls, water mills and water pools. Moreover, the installation of signage has been completed to facilitate the tourists.