View allAll Photos Tagged pineforest
Another photo from early this year that I found on my old hard drive that apparently didn't make the cut at the time...
Driving back to Inverarnie by Farr from Loch na Curra, I glimpsed Loch Ashie through the pine forest.
The sun was low and cast a wonderful warm glow through the trees.
This image was cropped as the sun, although placed directly behind a trunk took the eye away from the forest floor. Hope you approve!
The Swat Valley is known as the Switzerland of the East. I first visited it in August 1998 and have been back many times since. Swat was a tranquil area, serene but ruined by militancy in the last 3 years. It was a popular tourist destination for the summer. Its beauty attracted people from the other side of Pakistan. Swat had always been one of the most peaceful areas within the North-West of Pakistan but the Afghan war changed that.
Swat rises from over 900 metres above sea level to its highest peak of over 6000 metres. It is a green and fertile district which is heavily forested in some regions, specially Upper Swat and the side valleys. Sadly lower Swat has lost so much of it's tree cover making it look like the drier regions further to the south. Swat is green because of good rainfall and the river. Black Bear, Leopard, Wolves, Goral, Markhor, Ibex, Musk Deer, Pheasants, partridges, Redstarts, Wagtails, Flying Squirrel are some of the species found here. Sadly the 6 larger species mentionned are very rare thanks to over-hunting and habitat loss.
Lets pray for peace and normalcy to come back to Swat. So far the military operation has been very successful but the militants are never to be under-estimated!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swat,_Pakistan
Swat (Pakhto: سوات) is a valley and an administrative district in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan located 160 km/100 miles from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. It is the upper valley of the Swat River, which rises in the Hindu Kush range. The capital of Swat is Saidu Sharif, but the main town in the Swat valley is Mingora.[1] It was a princely state (see Swat (princely state)) in the NWFP until it was dissolved in 1969. With high mountains, green meadows, and clear lakes, it is a place of great natural beauty that used to be popular with tourists as "the Switzerland of Pakistan".[2].
In December 2008 most of the area was captured by the Taliban insurgency and it is now considered dangerous for tourism. The Islamist militant leader Maulana Fazlullah and his group Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi have banned education for girls and have bombed or torched "more than 170 schools ... along with other government-owned buildings."[3] The Pakistani government in late May 2009 began a military offensive to regain control of the region.
History
See also History of Swat (princely state)
The Swat River is mentioned in the Rig Veda 8.19.37 as the Suvastu river.[4] The first historical mention of the valley goes back to a hymn of the Rigveda(Stein, 1929:viii).[5] Swat has been inhabited for over two thousand years and was known in ancient times as the Udyana. The independent monarchs of this region came under Achaemenid influence, before reverting back to local control in the 4th century BC.[citation needed] In 327 BC, Alexander the Great fought his way to Udegram and Barikot. In Greek accounts these towns have been identified as Ora and Bazira. By 305 BC, the region became a part of the Mauryan Empire.[citation needed]
Buddhist heritage of Swat
Padmasambhava (flourished eighth century AD), also called Guru Rimpoche, Tibetan Slob-dpon (teacher), or Padma ‘byung-gnas (lotus born) legendary Indian Buddhistic Mystic who introduced Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and is credited with establishing the first buddhist monastery there.
According to tradition, Padmasambhava was native to Udyana (now Swat in Pakistan).[6] Padmasambhava was the son of Indrabhuti, king of Swat in the early eighth century AD. One of the original Siddhas, Indrabhuti flourished in the early eighth century AD and was the king of Uddiyana in north western India (identified with the Kabul valley). His son Padmasambhava is revered as the second Buddha in Tibet. Indrabhuti's sister, Lakshminkaradevi, was also an accomplished siddha of the 9th century AD.[7]
Ancient Gandhara, the valley of Pekhawar, with the adjacent hilly regions of Swat and Buner, Dir and Bajaur was one of the earliest centers of Buddhist religion and culture following the reign of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, in the third century BC. The name Gandhara first occurs in the Rigveda which is usually identified with the region [8]
The secular Swat museum has acquired footprints of the Buddha, which were originally placed for devotion in the sacred Swat valley. When the Buddha ascended, relics (personal items, body parts, ashes etc.) were distributed to seven kings, who built stupas over them for veneration.
The Harmarajika stupa (Taxila) and Butkarha (Swat) stupa at Jamal Garha were among the earliest Gandhara stupas. These were erected on the orders of King Ashoka and contained the genuine relics of the historic Buddha.[citation needed]
The Gandhara school is credited with the first representations of the Buddha in human form, rather symbolically as the wheel of the law, the tree, etc.[citation needed]
As Buddhist art developed and spread outside India, Indian styles were imitated. In China the Gandhara style was imitated in bronze images, with gradual changes in the features of these images over the passage of time. Swat, the land of romance and beauty, is celebrated throughout the Buddhist world as the holy land of Buddhist learning and piety. Swat was a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Buddhist tradition holds that Buddha himself came to Swat during his incarnation as Gautama Buddha and preached to the people here.
It is said[by whom?] that the Swat valley was filled with fourteen hundred imposing and beautiful stupas and monasteries, which housed as many as 6,000 gold images of the Buddhist pantheon for worship and education. Archaeologists now know of more than 400 Buddhist sites covering an area of 160 km in Swat valley alone. Among the important excavations of Buddhist sites in Swat an important one is Butkarha-I, containing original relics of the Buddha. A stone statue of Buddha, is still there in the village Ghalegay.[citation needed] There is also a big stupa in Mohallah Singardar Ghalegay.[citation needed]
Hindu Shahi Rulers and Sanskrit
Swat was ruled by the Hindu Shahi dynasty who have built an extensive array of temples and other architectural buildings now in ruins. Sanskrit was the language of the Swatis.[9]
Hindu Shahi rulers built fortresses to guard and tax the commerce through this area. Their ruins can be seen in the hills of Swat: at Malakand pass at Swat’s southern entrance.[10]
Advent of Islam by Mahmud of Ghazni
Scenery from a restaurant near Mingora, Swat ValleyAt the end of the Mauryan period (324-185 BC) Buddhism spread in the whole Swat valley, which became a very famous center of Buddhist religion .[11]
After a Buddhist phase the Hindu religion reasserted itself, so that at the time of the Muslim invasions (AD1000) the population was solidly Hindu (ibid,ix)[12]
In 1023 Mahmood of Ghazni attacked Swat and crushed the last Buddhist King, Raja Gira in battle. The invasion of Mahmood of Ghazni is of special importance because of the introduction of Islam as well as changing the Chronology.[13]
These invasions caused no break in local traditions: the place–names given in the early Greek sources may be recognized in the names of major villages of modern Swat.(ibid,47,60), Conversion to Islam was thus something imposed by a small group of warrior lords, with the bulk of the population maintaining its secular Indian traditions. The main body of the modern agricultural tenants in Swat are probably descended from this formerly Hindu population.
The first Muslim masters of Swat were non–Pakhtun Dilzak tribes from south-east Afghanistan. These were later ousted by Swati Pakhtuns, who were succeeded in the sixteenth century by Yisufzai Pakhtuns. Both groups of Pakhtuns came from the Kabul valley [14]
Later, when the King of Kabul Mirza Ulagh Beg attempted to assassinate the dominant chiefs of the Yousafzais they took refuge under the umbrella of the Swati Kings of Swat and Bajour. The whole area was dominated by the Swati/Jahangiri Sultans of Swat for centuries. According to H. G. Raverty, the Jahangiri Kings of Swat had ruled from Jalalabad to Jhelum. After more than two decades of guerrilla warfare, they were dispossessed by the Yousafzais.
Demographics
The population at the 1981 Census was 715,938, which had risen to 1,257,602 at the next Census in 1998. The main language of the area is Pakhto. The people of Swat are mainly Pakhtuns, Yousafzai's, Kohistanis and Gujars. Some have very distinctive features[neutrality disputed]. Most probably they are originated from the same tribe who are roamed around the great trans-Himalayan mountain ranges thousands of years before, and now remained in some isolated but extremely beautiful pockets of Himalayan mountain ranges.
The Dardic people of the Kalam region in northern Swat are known as Kohistanis and speak the Torwali and Kalami languages. There are also some Khowar speakers in the Kalam region. This is because before Kalam came under the rule of Swat it was a region tributary to Chitral the Kalamis paid a tribute of mountain ponies to the Mehtar of Chitral every year.
Tourist attractions
PTDC Motel at Malam Jabba Ski Resort.There is a popular ski resort in Swat at Malam Jabba, 40 km north east of Saidu Sharif, closed in 2007 due to the decreasing ability of the Pakistani government to maintain security in the region. In June 2008, the ski resort was burned down by militants.[15]
Administration
The region has gone through considerable changes over the last few years since the dissolution of the Swat (princely state) in 1969. Members of the former Royal family have been elected to represent the area in the Provincial Assemby and National Assembly on occasion since then.
The district is represented in the provincial assembly by seven elected MPAs who represent the following constituencies:[16]
Taliban insurgency
Main article: Battle of Swat
By January 2003, there was a notable increase in violence as militant groups in the Swat valley, led by radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah, began attacking and killing civilians as well as police checkposts in Swat.[18] In 59 villages, the militants set up a "parallel government" with Islamic courts imposing sharia law. By 2009 the region was largely under effective militant control, despite the presence of 20,000 Pakistani troops.[19] Local opponents of the militants have been harshly critical of Pakistani civil society for its lack of concern for their plight as well as critical of the military and provincial government for their ineffective measures for controlling the tide of militancy.[20]
Late 2007
After a four-month truce ended in late September 2007, fighting resumed.[21] The paramilitary Frontier Constabulary was deployed to the area, but initially were reported to be ineffective. On November 16, 2007 Militants were reported to have captured Alpuri district headquarters in neighbouring Shangla. The local police fled without resisting the advancing militant force which, in addition to local militants, also included Uzbek, Tajik and Chechen volunteers.[22]
In late November 2007, Pakistani regular forces threw out Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi militants from its stronghold in the Kabal District of north-western Swat. About 250 militants died in two weeks of fighting according to Pakistani authorities and the militants retreated into the mountains.[1] By December 2007, the militants were on the run, with the valley "largely cleared".[23] Pakistani officials stated at that time that it would take four months to re-establish functioning institutions in the area, in the wake of Islamist ruin.[23]
Developments in 2009
A January 21, 2009 issue of the Pakistan daily newspaper The News, reports Taliban enforcement of a complete ban on female education in the Swat district. Some 400 private schools enrolling 40,000 girls have been shut down. At least 10 girls' schools that tried to open after the January 15, 2009 deadline by the Taliban were blown up by the militants in the town of Mingora, the headquarters of the Swat district.[27] "More than 170 schools have been bombed or torched, along with other government-owned buildings."[3]
In a stated attempt at bringing peace to this region, the Pakistani Government on 16 February 2009, signed a peace accord with the Taliban and agreed to the imposition of Sharia law in Swat and suspension of military offensives against the Taliban. This agreement invoked mixed reactions from the locals: some are relieved on the prospect of relative peace, while others are more skeptical about the Talibanisation of this scenic paradise and the push that this accord would give to the spread of Taliban's movement in Pakistan.[28] International concern primarily stems from the rigidity with which the Taliban is seen to be imposing Sharia. Others point to the impact such an accord will have in empowering radical Islamists and the jihadi movement in Pakistan and elsewhere.[29]
February 2009 ceasefire
Main article: Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009
The Pakistani government announced on February 16, 2009 that it would allow Sharia law in the Malakand region. In return, Fazlullah's followers agreed to observe a ceasefire negotiated by Sufi Muhammad.[30][31][32]
Reactions to Ceasefire
NATO feared that the agreement would only serve to allow militants to regroup and to create a safe haven for cross-border attacks into Afghanistan.[33]
Amnesty International expressed concern that the agreement would legitimize human rights abuses in the region.[30]
The people of Swat have welcomed this peace-agreement as welcome respite from the fighting that had brought their lives to a standstill.[who?] However, reports from the area suggest that this agreement has been accepted by them out of fear of continuous fighting that has destroyed the once scenic tourist haven.[citation needed] With the imposition of Nizam-e-Adl, some colleges and schools, including those for women, have reopened.[citation needed] However, women have to conceal themselves from head to toe as per the Islamic law or Shariah.[citation needed] Furthermore, Pakistanis are now scared that this deal may only serve to embolden militants to spread their influence into more settled parts of Pakistan.[citation needed]
Despite the reported ceasefire, the Taliban have refused to lay down their arms[34]. Various international political and security analysts are opining that this deal and refusal to lay down arms may have devastating effects on the stability of Pakistan.[35][36][37]
April-May 2009 Pakistani offensive
Through a media broadcast, the Pakistani government announced in late April that it would fight the Taliban in the Swat Valley, this war is called swat operation. This led to a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Commissioner for Refugees announced that between 150,000 to 200,000 civilians had fled the war zone.[citation needed] The Pakistani military took back multiple Taliban strongholds, such as Rama Kandhao ridge in Matta and a Taliban headquarters in Loenamal. On the 8th of May, the Pakistani military announced that around 80 Taliban fighters had been killed and two Pakistani soldiers had been injured. Air strikes, artillery bombardment and rocket attacks by helicopter gunships are being undertaken extensively. As of 11 May, the military spokesperson of the ISPR report that as many as 200 militants had been killed in the fighting with Pakistan Army troops, also that Pakistan helibourne commandos had been inserted in the area which is the main stronghold of these militants.[38] By early June 2009, most of Swat was freed from Taliban and Mingora, the main town of Swat, was in complete government control and then pakistan government started focusing army on South Waziristan.[citation needed]
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaghan_Valley
The Kaghan Valley (Urdu: وادی کاغان) is a valley in the north-east of Mansehra District of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. It attracts many tourists from around the country. The inhabitants were affected by the earthquake disaster on 8 October 2005.
The Kaghan valley is named after the town of Kaghan rather than for the Kunhar River which flows through the length of the valley. The valley extends 155 km, rising from an elevation of 2,134 feet (650 m) to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 13,690 feet (4,170 m). Popular languages are Hindko and Gojri, while Urdu, Pakistan's national language is also familiar among the locals. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet.
Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in a pristine state. Kaghan is at its best during summer (from May to September). In May the temperature ranges between a maximum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F). From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon and winter seasons. The Kaghan area can reached by road via the towns of Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or Naran.
The road from Balakot ascends along the Kunhar River through lovely forests and the villages of Paras, Shinu, Jared and Mahandri. The valley is somewhat narrow along this stretch and the views are limited but as you ascend, the surrounding peaks come into view. One spot that is quite famous for its spectacular view and scenery is 'Shogran'. This village, surrounded by peaks and forests, is east of the main Kunhar River. It hosts the famous Siri Payee Lake mountain with breathtaking views at its top.
Kaghan Valley is home to many a tourist attractions, especially its lakes. There are more than a dozen big and small lakes in the valley, but three are more popular among the tourists: Saiful Muluk Lake, Dudipatsar Lake and Lulusar Lake.
Saiful Muluk, named in a folktale—the Qissa Saiful Muluk—about a romance between a Persia prince and a fairy princess. In the folktale. The lake is mentioned as the meeting site of the lovers in the folktale. lake Saiful Muluk is 10,578 feet (3,224 m) above the sea level, it is one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. The water of this over a mile in diameter oval shaped lake is spectacularly clear with a slight green tone..
It is accessible by a motor-able road during the summer months or can be reached by tracking from the nearest village Naran, some 10 kilometers away in four to five hours. The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers all around the high basin feeding the lake.
Dudipat Lake is enclosed with high peaks. It is one of the hardest places to reach in the valley, requiring a tough hike lasting four to seven hours. The hike is rewarding, as tourists are greeted with green pastures and the lake's blue-green waters.
Lulusar Lake is approximately 48 kilometers away from Naran and has an altitude of 10,910 feet (3,330 m). Surrounded by wildflowers in almost all colors imaginable, this lake is the main source for the Kunhar River. Lake Lulusar is said to be one of the most tranquil spots on the Kaghan Valley, the lake is fenced by snow capped mountains whose image is reflected on the standstill blue-green waters of this approximately three kilometers long "L" shaped lake. Jared is a very beautiful village with having special attraction for tourists,In this village there is one small industry of wood working which is point of attention for visitors.The peoples of this village are mostly Hindko speakers and mostly belonged to Swati caste.This village is about 80 km from Mansehra city and almost 40 km from Naran.
There are many hotels in the Naran valley. One of the most popular is the New Cecil Hotel. Among other Fairy land Hotel is also situated in midway of kaghan valley near Malakandi with exciting natural scenaries,
Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown Trout and Mahasher are stocked in pure silvery waters in the upper parts of the valley. The Kunhar river trout is considered to be the best throughout the sub-continent. Fishing licenses are issued by the 'Fisheries Department at Naran' or by the 'Trout Hatchery' at Shinu. Apart from this there are some other private trout fish farms at Kawai (also spelled as Kiwai) and Kahania, these are owned by pine park hotels, a well known hotel chain in Kaghan valley.
Onwards a 3 hour drive away from Shogran is Naran. It is a small tourist village open only during the tourist season of May to September. The rest of the time it is covered with snow. All visitors come to Naran to pay a visit to the Saiful Muluk Lake (10,500 feet) 6 miles east of town. If the road is open transportation by jeep can be arranged. If the road is closed, it is an easy, gradual three-hour walk, and the lake is a lovely spot for a picnic.
If you are walking directly up-valley from Naran to Babusar "Top" the loveliest spots to camp on this trail is at "Lulusar Lake". Located just before the final grade to Babusar Top and surrounded by tall peaks, Lulusar is just one many high elevation lakes that sit along the crest of the ridge.
One of the most interesting features of the Kaghan area is the Gujar (herder) families you'll see along the way bringing their animals up to the summer pastures. The Kaghan valley is one of their most popular destinations in Pakistan. You will find them camped along the road in their tents or moving up the valley with their goats, sheep and pack animals around the start of summer and on their way back to lower altitudes around the beginning of winter.
Portrait of a pretty woman in a winter wonderland pine forest setting during the snowfall at Christmas
An old "Grannie Pine" in Glen Cannich, part of the large but sparse remnant of the Great Wood of Caledon. At least this part is deer fenced to aid regeneration, but most of it is dying as the deer and sheep are eating all the young trees.
The mountain behind is Toll Creagach, at over a 1000m it is one of several Munroes in the area, including to the right of it is 1112m high Tom a'Choinich. The hill in front of Toll Creagach is Creag a'Baha which is 746m high.
Two pine cones cling to a branch, their layered scales catching the sunlight. Each cone tells the quiet story of renewal, nestled among the long green needles that guard them.
A quiet winter view of the Dachstein mountains above Gosau. Snow-covered peaks rise above a dark alpine forest, creating a calm and timeless Alpine landscape.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaghan_Valley
The Kaghan Valley (Urdu: وادی کاغان) is a valley in the north-east of Mansehra District of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. It attracts many tourists from around the country. The inhabitants were affected by the earthquake disaster on 8 October 2005.
The Kaghan valley is named after the town of Kaghan rather than for the Kunhar River which flows through the length of the valley. The valley extends 155 km, rising from an elevation of 2,134 feet (650 m) to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 13,690 feet (4,170 m). Popular languages are Hindko and Gojri, while Urdu, Pakistan's national language is also familiar among the locals. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet.
Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in a pristine state. Kaghan is at its best during summer (from May to September). In May the temperature ranges between a maximum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F). From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon and winter seasons. The Kaghan area can reached by road via the towns of Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or Naran.
The road from Balakot ascends along the Kunhar River through lovely forests and the villages of Paras, Shinu, Jared and Mahandri. The valley is somewhat narrow along this stretch and the views are limited but as you ascend, the surrounding peaks come into view. One spot that is quite famous for its spectacular view and scenery is 'Shogran'. This village, surrounded by peaks and forests, is east of the main Kunhar River. It hosts the famous Siri Payee Lake mountain with breathtaking views at its top.
Kaghan Valley is home to many a tourist attractions, especially its lakes. There are more than a dozen big and small lakes in the valley, but three are more popular among the tourists: Saiful Muluk Lake, Dudipatsar Lake and Lulusar Lake.
Saiful Muluk, named in a folktale—the Qissa Saiful Muluk—about a romance between a Persia prince and a fairy princess. In the folktale. The lake is mentioned as the meeting site of the lovers in the folktale. lake Saiful Muluk is 10,578 feet (3,224 m) above the sea level, it is one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. The water of this over a mile in diameter oval shaped lake is spectacularly clear with a slight green tone..
It is accessible by a motor-able road during the summer months or can be reached by tracking from the nearest village Naran, some 10 kilometers away in four to five hours. The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers all around the high basin feeding the lake.
Dudipat Lake is enclosed with high peaks. It is one of the hardest places to reach in the valley, requiring a tough hike lasting four to seven hours. The hike is rewarding, as tourists are greeted with green pastures and the lake's blue-green waters.
Lulusar Lake is approximately 48 kilometers away from Naran and has an altitude of 10,910 feet (3,330 m). Surrounded by wildflowers in almost all colors imaginable, this lake is the main source for the Kunhar River. Lake Lulusar is said to be one of the most tranquil spots on the Kaghan Valley, the lake is fenced by snow capped mountains whose image is reflected on the standstill blue-green waters of this approximately three kilometers long "L" shaped lake. Jared is a very beautiful village with having special attraction for tourists,In this village there is one small industry of wood working which is point of attention for visitors.The peoples of this village are mostly Hindko speakers and mostly belonged to Swati caste.This village is about 80 km from Mansehra city and almost 40 km from Naran.
There are many hotels in the Naran valley. One of the most popular is the New Cecil Hotel. Among other Fairy land Hotel is also situated in midway of kaghan valley near Malakandi with exciting natural scenaries,
Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown Trout and Mahasher are stocked in pure silvery waters in the upper parts of the valley. The Kunhar river trout is considered to be the best throughout the sub-continent. Fishing licenses are issued by the 'Fisheries Department at Naran' or by the 'Trout Hatchery' at Shinu. Apart from this there are some other private trout fish farms at Kawai (also spelled as Kiwai) and Kahania, these are owned by pine park hotels, a well known hotel chain in Kaghan valley.
Onwards a 3 hour drive away from Shogran is Naran. It is a small tourist village open only during the tourist season of May to September. The rest of the time it is covered with snow. All visitors come to Naran to pay a visit to the Saiful Muluk Lake (10,500 feet) 6 miles east of town. If the road is open transportation by jeep can be arranged. If the road is closed, it is an easy, gradual three-hour walk, and the lake is a lovely spot for a picnic.
If you are walking directly up-valley from Naran to Babusar "Top" the loveliest spots to camp on this trail is at "Lulusar Lake". Located just before the final grade to Babusar Top and surrounded by tall peaks, Lulusar is just one many high elevation lakes that sit along the crest of the ridge.
One of the most interesting features of the Kaghan area is the Gujar (herder) families you'll see along the way bringing their animals up to the summer pastures. The Kaghan valley is one of their most popular destinations in Pakistan. You will find them camped along the road in their tents or moving up the valley with their goats, sheep and pack animals around the start of summer and on their way back to lower altitudes around the beginning of winter.
I have long wanted to shoot a series of forest landscape images similar in style to a famous Russian landscape painter Ivan Shishkin. I absolutely love his work and it really helps me with my photography. There is a lot to learn from Shishkin's paintings in terms of composition and lighting and studying his paintings has helped me tremendously...
The PTDC Motel, Naran is located on the banks of the Kunhar River, known for its Trout fishing. The Motel is spread over a 20 acre compound having standard rooms, huts and economy rooms. There are also 3 VIP cottages overlooking the Motel on the adjacent mountain top. The restaurant with its choice of western and Pakistani cuisine is always willing to oblige anglers with excellently prepared trout. A TV lounge near the restaurant overlooks the lush green lawns. The Motel offers Telephone, Satellite TV, Indoor Games, Children park, Rent-a-Jeep and Laundry facilities. Visiting Saif-ul-Muluk, lalazar, Batkundi or simply relaxing in this gentle valley, the experience at the PTDC Motel is guaranteed to be a memorable one.
Tel: 0885 – 430002 Fax: 0985-430111
I've uploaded and deleted this stupid thing a dozen times over the course of the last couple days. I like it...I don't like it.....I like it....I don't like it....I like it....I don't like it.....
Today I was on the 'like it' cycle...so I'm keeping it. But...go ahead and delete it if you so feel inclined...keep the cycle going!
I appreciate the offers but please ***NO INVITES OR GROUP ICONS***
Another shot from my time up on the west coast of Scotland. I'm a big fan of habitat style images and wanted to try and show the Pine Marten in their woodland environment - hopefully I've achieved that here.
Changla Gali is a hill station located in the Galiyat, are which borders NWFP and Punjab, starting at Murree and ending at Thandiani.
The Galiyat are popular due to the cool weather and beautiful scenery. They are also very closely located to areas with high population.
Changla Gali is one of the smaller resorts, most people preferring to stay at either Nathiagali or Murree.
The mountains are covered by thick pine forests which give the Galiyat a unique character. It is one of the greenest areas of Pakistan and receives better rainfall than most areas. The resorts were developed by the British and you will see a lot of colonial influence there.
The natural beauty of the area lies in the pine forests which are a haven for wildlife and insects. Rhesus Monkeys wait to be fed by curious tourists who may have arrived from busy urban areas and have never seen wildlife so close and taking food from them. Other wild animals which occur here are Leopards, Red Fox, Porcupine, Wild Cats, Black Bear, Pheasants and a large diversity of small birds including Tits, Woodpeckers, Tree-creepers, Warblers and Parakeets. There are plenty of walking trails in the Galiyat and some lead to the highest peaks of Miranjani and Mukshpuri, both which can be done in a day.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changla_Gali
Changla Gali is one of the tourist mountain resort towns of the Galyat area of Pakistan, it has an altitude of 2559m[1]. During British rule it was the headquarters of the Northern Command School of Musketry.[2]
Changla Gali is located in Seer Gharbi which is a Union Council of Abbottabad District, it is located 16km north from the more famous Galyat town of Murree in Rawalpindi District[1].
Thought these were sticky-bun boletes (Suillus granulatus ) but it seems I was on the wrong track. Found on pine forest floor in old coastal dune sand at New Brighton, Christchurch, New Zealand. ID suggestions welcome.
Now leaning towards Giant flamecaps (Gymnopilus junonius)
The Pines of Roche are a short cycle from Camping Rosaleda and Conil and are a really beautiful place to visit. The Pines are beautiful trees and provide great shade in such a dry sandy climate and it is an important area of conversation that needs to be protected.
Pinar de Roche is located on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, next to the village of the same name, in the city of Conil de la Frontera, Cadiz province. It occupies an area of approximately 689.18 hectares.
Natural and forest areas preside. The stone pine forest, for example, occupies more than 30% of the territory, and scrubland made up of mastic trees and conifers extends for practically the same amount. The remaining area is made up of wooded, coniferous pastures scattered with recent logging and forest plantations and some crops on the banks of the streams that cross the land.
Birdlife is possibly the most abundant species within the scope of the SAC, boasting sedentary, numerous summer species, and also wintering avifauna. In fact, the area is situated in the Playa de la Barrosa-Cabo Roche migratory corridor, part of the eastern Atlantic flight path, where the remarkable passage of almost 10,000 spoonbills takes place every year.
In the cliff areas, the laridae stand out due to their numbers and uniqueness, with the peregrine falcon and lesser kestrel also nesting on the cliff, competing for the hollows. Among the seagulls that can be seen around the cliff area is the rare Audouin´s gull. The reptile group also stands out for the presence of the common chameleon and the Mediterranean turtle. It is for this reason that this Special Area of Conservation is considered a place of interest for this group of vertebrates.
Model: Viktoria
Photo: Thomas Ohlsson Photography
www.thomasohlsson.com | 500px | Facebook | Flickr | Instagram
Model: Viktoria
Photo: Thomas Ohlsson Photography
www.thomasohlsson.com | 500px | Facebook | Flickr | Instagram
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaghan_Valley
The Kaghan Valley (Urdu: وادی کاغان) is a valley in the north-east of Mansehra District of the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. It attracts many tourists from around the country. The inhabitants were affected by the earthquake disaster on 8 October 2005.
The Kaghan valley is named after the town of Kaghan rather than for the Kunhar River which flows through the length of the valley. The valley extends 155 km, rising from an elevation of 2,134 feet (650 m) to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 13,690 feet (4,170 m). Popular languages are Hindko and Gojri, while Urdu, Pakistan's national language is also familiar among the locals. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet.
Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in a pristine state. Kaghan is at its best during summer (from May to September). In May the temperature ranges between a maximum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F). From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon and winter seasons. The Kaghan area can reached by road via the towns of Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or Naran.
The road from Balakot ascends along the Kunhar River through lovely forests and the villages of Paras, Shinu, Jared and Mahandri. The valley is somewhat narrow along this stretch and the views are limited but as you ascend, the surrounding peaks come into view. One spot that is quite famous for its spectacular view and scenery is 'Shogran'. This village, surrounded by peaks and forests, is east of the main Kunhar River. It hosts the famous Siri Payee Lake mountain with breathtaking views at its top.
Kaghan Valley is home to many a tourist attractions, especially its lakes. There are more than a dozen big and small lakes in the valley, but three are more popular among the tourists: Saiful Muluk Lake, Dudipatsar Lake and Lulusar Lake.
Saiful Muluk, named in a folktale—the Qissa Saiful Muluk—about a romance between a Persia prince and a fairy princess. In the folktale. The lake is mentioned as the meeting site of the lovers in the folktale. lake Saiful Muluk is 10,578 feet (3,224 m) above the sea level, it is one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in Pakistan. The water of this over a mile in diameter oval shaped lake is spectacularly clear with a slight green tone..
It is accessible by a motor-able road during the summer months or can be reached by tracking from the nearest village Naran, some 10 kilometers away in four to five hours. The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers all around the high basin feeding the lake.
Dudipat Lake is enclosed with high peaks. It is one of the hardest places to reach in the valley, requiring a tough hike lasting four to seven hours. The hike is rewarding, as tourists are greeted with green pastures and the lake's blue-green waters.
Lulusar Lake is approximately 48 kilometers away from Naran and has an altitude of 10,910 feet (3,330 m). Surrounded by wildflowers in almost all colors imaginable, this lake is the main source for the Kunhar River. Lake Lulusar is said to be one of the most tranquil spots on the Kaghan Valley, the lake is fenced by snow capped mountains whose image is reflected on the standstill blue-green waters of this approximately three kilometers long "L" shaped lake. Jared is a very beautiful village with having special attraction for tourists,In this village there is one small industry of wood working which is point of attention for visitors.The peoples of this village are mostly Hindko speakers and mostly belonged to Swati caste.This village is about 80 km from Mansehra city and almost 40 km from Naran.
There are many hotels in the Naran valley. One of the most popular is the New Cecil Hotel. Among other Fairy land Hotel is also situated in midway of kaghan valley near Malakandi with exciting natural scenaries,
Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown Trout and Mahasher are stocked in pure silvery waters in the upper parts of the valley. The Kunhar river trout is considered to be the best throughout the sub-continent. Fishing licenses are issued by the 'Fisheries Department at Naran' or by the 'Trout Hatchery' at Shinu. Apart from this there are some other private trout fish farms at Kawai (also spelled as Kiwai) and Kahania, these are owned by pine park hotels, a well known hotel chain in Kaghan valley.
Onwards a 3 hour drive away from Shogran is Naran. It is a small tourist village open only during the tourist season of May to September. The rest of the time it is covered with snow. All visitors come to Naran to pay a visit to the Saiful Muluk Lake (10,500 feet) 6 miles east of town. If the road is open transportation by jeep can be arranged. If the road is closed, it is an easy, gradual three-hour walk, and the lake is a lovely spot for a picnic.
If you are walking directly up-valley from Naran to Babusar "Top" the loveliest spots to camp on this trail is at "Lulusar Lake". Located just before the final grade to Babusar Top and surrounded by tall peaks, Lulusar is just one many high elevation lakes that sit along the crest of the ridge.
One of the most interesting features of the Kaghan area is the Gujar (herder) families you'll see along the way bringing their animals up to the summer pastures. The Kaghan valley is one of their most popular destinations in Pakistan. You will find them camped along the road in their tents or moving up the valley with their goats, sheep and pack animals around the start of summer and on their way back to lower altitudes around the beginning of winter.
I first visited Thandiani in the year 2000. I can never forget waking up in the morning and the weather being so cold. It is an extremely peaceful place and one for those who love serene areas. If you want to escape the crowds of the other summer hill stations then Thandiani is the right place to go. It is an amazing place which helps you relax and unwind and allows you to think without causing stress. It is a good place for those wanting a quiet break with the family or honeymooning couples. It is a superb place for nature lovers. The area is lush green resulting in dense forests thriving with birdlife. One can go for walks and delve into the forests to explore the wilderness.
If you have not been then do take a trip. You will relax and unwind and forget about the busy life you had.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thandiani
Thandiani (literally meaning 'Very Cold') is a hill station in the Galyat area of Pakistan.
Thandiani was established as a Sanatorium during British rule, for the convenience of officers stationed at the neighbouring cantonment of Abbottabad, it contained some European houses and a small bazaar, which were occupied only during the summer months[1]
Most of local population belongs to the Sarrara tribe.
Thandiani is located in the south of Abbottabad District at 34°13'60N 73°22'0E[2] and is about 31 kilometres from Abbottabad city at the foothills of the Himalayas. To the east beyond the Kunhar River lie the snow covered mountain ranges of Kashmir. Visible to the north and northeast are the mountains of Kohistan and Kaghan. To the northwest are snowy ranges of Swat and Chitral. The hills of Thandiani are about 9,000 feet (2,750 m) above sea level.
The mountains around it are thickly forested. Local wildlife include leopards, monkeys, pheasants and the flying squirrel, to name a few.
The area and its surrounding villages were damaged by the 2005 Kashmir Earthquake
Am 08. Juli 2025 lag die Region rund um Kamari auf der Peloponnes unter klarem Himmel mit Temperaturen um 31 °C. Ein leichter Wind vom Golf von Korinth brachte Abkühlung, und die Sicht reichte weit über Meer, Hügelland und die umliegenden Gebirgsketten.
Kamari, gelegen an der Nordküste der Peloponnes, gehört zur Gemeinde Xylokastro-Evrostini. In der näheren Umgebung finden sich mehrere historische und kulturell bedeutsame Orte. Das Kloster Moni Panagia Korifis, erreichbar über eine kurvenreiche Bergstraße, geht auf byzantinische Ursprünge zurück und ist in späteren Jahrhunderten mehrfach umgebaut worden. Der heutige Gebäudekomplex besteht aus einer kleinen Hauptkirche mit Kuppel, die von umgebenden Mönchszellen und Wirtschaftsgebäuden eingerahmt wird. Fresken und Ikonen im Inneren zeugen von der religiösen Kunst und liturgischen Tradition der Region. Die Lage auf einem Hügel erlaubt einen weiten Blick über das Tal bis zum Meer, was dem Ort in der Vergangenheit auch strategische Bedeutung verlieh. Archäologische Spuren deuten auf ältere Kultstätten hin, die möglicherweise vorchristlichen Ursprungs sind, bevor die Anlage im Mittelalter zur christlichen Klosterstätte wurde.
Entlang des Fonissa-Flusses, der sich durch eine enge Schlucht windet, liegen mehrere Natur- und Kulturobjekte von historischem Interesse. Der Fonissa entspringt im Westen der Region Korinthia und fließt durch eine markante Schlucht, bevor er zwischen Kato Loutro und Kamari in den Golf von Korinth mündet. In der Antike bildete der Bach die natürliche Grenze des antiken Pellene. Der Name „Fonissa“ (weibliche Mörderin) verweist auf die Gefährlichkeit des Wassers bei Hochwasser, wenn die Strömung in der engen Schlucht besonders stark ist. An einer Stelle befindet sich eine Höhle, die sowohl geologisch als auch archäologisch bedeutsam ist. Die Höhle weist Karstformationen auf, die sich über Jahrtausende durch die Auswaschung des Kalksteins gebildet haben. Funde von Keramikscherben und Spuren von Feuerstellen deuten auf eine Nutzung als Schutzraum in der Antike und möglicherweise schon in prähistorischer Zeit hin. Die Schlucht selbst war über Jahrhunderte ein schwer zugänglicher Naturraum und bot Rückzugsorte während politischer Unruhen. Alte Pfade, die heute teils als Wanderwege genutzt werden, verbinden die Siedlungen im Tal mit den Höhenlagen und waren früher wichtige Verbindungslinien für Handel und Versorgung.
Der Küstenbereich bei Kamari ist ebenfalls historisch gewachsen. Reste von Befestigungen und kleinere Hafenanlagen deuten auf eine intensive Nutzung der Küste in vergangenen Jahrhunderten hin. Die Nähe zur antiken Stadt Sikyon und die Lage an der Handelsroute zwischen dem Golf von Korinth und dem peloponnesischen Binnenland machten den Ort zu einem Knotenpunkt lokaler und regionaler Wirtschaft. In osmanischer Zeit dienten die kleinen Häfen vor allem der Verschiffung landwirtschaftlicher Produkte. Viele der heutigen Gebäude im Ortskern zeigen Elemente traditioneller Architektur mit Natursteinmauern, Ziegeldächern und Holzläden, die im 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhundert typisch für Küstendörfer der Region waren.
Die Natur in und um Kamari bietet eine große landschaftliche Vielfalt. Entlang der Küste wechseln sich Kies- und Sandstrände mit felsigen Abschnitten ab, in deren Spalten Muscheln, Krebse und kleinere Fische leben. Das Wasser im Golf von Korinth ist in den Sommermonaten warm und klar, was die Entwicklung von Seegraswiesen begünstigt. Diese sind Lebensraum für zahlreiche marine Organismen und tragen zur Stabilisierung des Ökosystems bei. Der Fonissa-Fluss entspringt im Gebirge und führt, abhängig von der Jahreszeit, unterschiedlich viel Wasser. Im Frühjahr und nach Regenfällen ist er wasserreich und bildet kleine Kaskaden, während er im Sommer stellenweise trockenfallen kann. Entlang seines Laufs gedeihen Platanen, Weiden und Oleander, die Schatten und Schutz für verschiedene Tierarten bieten.
Die Schlucht des Fonissa ist geprägt von steilen Felswänden, an denen sich Kletterpflanzen wie Efeu und Wilder Wein ausbreiten. In den kühleren und feuchteren Abschnitten wachsen Moose und Farne, während die trockeneren Hänge von Macchie-Vegetation mit Wacholder, Zistrose und Thymian bedeckt sind. Die Tierwelt reicht von Insekten wie Schmetterlingen und Libellen über Reptilien wie Eidechsen und Schlangen bis zu Vögeln wie Wiedehopf, Turmfalke und Mönchsgeier.
Das Hinterland ist landwirtschaftlich geprägt: Olivenhaine, Zitrusplantagen und Weinberge bestimmen das Landschaftsbild. Die Böden sind meist kalkhaltig und bieten günstige Bedingungen für mediterrane Nutzpflanzen. In höheren Lagen nahe des Klosters wachsen Pinien- und Zypressenwälder, die in den heißen Sommermonaten ein kühleres Mikroklima schaffen. Die dortigen Wälder bieten Lebensraum für Kleinsäuger, Igel und eine Vielzahl von Singvögeln.
Die geologischen Gegebenheiten der Region sind stark vom Kalkstein geprägt, der durch Erosion und Verkarstung zahlreiche Höhlen und Spalten bildet. Diese geologischen Strukturen haben nicht nur landschaftliche, sondern auch ökologische Bedeutung, da sie als Wasserreservoirs dienen und Mikrohabitate für spezialisierte Tier- und Pflanzenarten schaffen. Der Wechsel von Küsten-, Fluss- und Berglandschaften auf engem Raum macht die Region zu einem vielfältigen Naturraum mit hoher Biodiversität.
Die Region Kamari mit Kloster Moni Panagia Korifis, der Fonissa-Schlucht und der Küste ist ein Ziel mit kulturellen, historischen und landschaftlichen Sehenswürdigkeiten.
Wikipedia: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnes
Weblink: xylokastro-evrostini.gov.gr
Kamera und Objektiv:
Sony QX1 und Sony SEL18200
Sony A6500 und Sony SEL18200LE
Sony ILCE-7CR und Sony SEL24240
Bildinformation:
12MP - 3465 x 3465 px - ca. 3 bis 6MB
Bildbearbeitung: Adobe Photoshop Express
#Griechenland #Peloponnes #Kamari #XylokastroEvrostini #GolfvonKorinth #KlosterMoniPanagiaKorifis #FonissaFluss #FonissaSchlucht #Höhle #Kalkstein #Seegraswiesen #Kiesstrand #Sandstrand #Platanen #Oleander #Macchie #Thymian #Zistrose #Olivenhaine #Zitrusplantagen #Weinberge #Pinienwald #Zypressenwald #Reisefotografie #Naturfotografie #Kulturerbe #TraditionelleArchitektur #Biodiversität #Wiedehopf #Mönchsgeier
#Greece #Peloponnese #Kamari #XylokastroEvrostini #GulfofCorinth #MoniPanagiaKorifisMonastery #FonissaRiver #FonissaGorge #Cave #Limestone #SeagrassMeadows #PebbleBeach #SandyBeach #PlaneTrees #Oleander #Maquis #Thyme #Rockrose #OliveGroves #CitrusPlantations #Vineyards #PineForest #CypressForest #TravelPhotography #NaturePhotography #CulturalHeritage #TraditionalArchitecture #Biodiversity #Hoopoe #GriffonVulture