Soon Valley is in Khushab, district in Punjab Province. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains with greenery, salt fields, waterfalls, and thick forest. Soon Valley is also a refuge for several types of birds migrating from Siberia’s severe winters.
Some of the places that are popular among visitors are here for those who visit the valley for the rest of the lakes or the prehistoric places. Soon Valley may be reached through Kallar Kahar using the M2 motorway. It is an hour’s drive from kallar kahar.
The Lilla exchange is another way to reach the valley. It is better to enter Kallar Kahar and depart from Lilla after a thorough journey across the valley. It is usually safe to go round the valley, although your movements should be limited after sunset.
The summer is warm and pleasant here and winter temperatures are cold. The Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) just started developing a sustainable, eco-tourism initiative across the valley.
Khabeki Lake
Khabeki is a lake of around 1421 acres, with fish-friendly water. The lush green valley is one of the best picnic gateways for families. The route is easy to reach and is surrounded by vegetation and birds when birds migrate during the winter season.
In contrast to other lakes in the valley, Khabeki Lake is well developed. Tourists who visit the lake can do a lot of activities, including places to enjoy natural beauty, a boardwalk, an adequate cycle track along the lake, and hiking trails.
Tourists also have spots to sit down and observe birds flying and exploring the lake. The government recently implemented these enhancements to ease and encourage tourism in these less explored areas.
Kanhatti Gardens
Major W Whet Burn, District Engineer in the region in 1933 built Kanhatti Garden. The Kanhatti sub-village of Khabeki originates from Kanhat, a unique rock discovered in the spring of natural water. In the garden, there is a plantation of almonds, apricots, pineapples.
Kanhatti Garden is developed in the following ways: the camping area, the garden, the rest house, caravan park, camel riding, paths for walking and birdwatching places, restoration of natural waterfalls, water mills, and pools are all part of the development.
In addition, the signage installation has been finished to make the visit more convenient for tourists.
Uchali Lake
The most prominent tourist attraction in the region is Uchali Lake. This lake is produced because of the lack of drainage in the range. At 1,522 meters, Sakaser, the tallest peak in the Salt Range. The lake is dead due to its salty water, yet offers a lovely landscape. A boating facility is also available here.
Jahlar Lake
On your visit to Jahlar Lake, you may sense tranquility and natural beauty and generate a sensation of profound peace. It is largely visited by tourists mainly due to its location in the valley. The lake is located close to the Jahlar settlement.
Birds migrate to this lake from far away in winter and return to the original countries in summer. The water is quite acidic hence not suitable for swimming.
No facilities like boating or fishing unlike Uchali and Khabeki Lake are available on this lake. There are two ways to this lake: one is from Kathwayi to Jahlar, and the second is from Naushera to Surakki and then to Jahlar.
Anmb Shareef
Anmb Shareef is regarded as a portion of Soon valley that is historically important since a fort and a temple are present. From the archaeological point of view, the site has particular importance.
The site was formerly a fort built in Kashmiri style, with one palace and two temples. Today, just the remnants of the palace and of the vacant temple commemorate its history.
There are three levels in the palace, although tourists only have access to two. This area has enormous artistic significance, but the site was regrettably neglected over many years, and many rare and valuable items were carried by smugglers and local residents.
There is a lot that may still be retrieved out of soil including old coins, antiques, and perhaps historic walls.
Sultan Mehdi Shrine
At 26 kilometers away from Khabeki Lake lies the Shrine of Baba Sultan Mehdi. There is a shaded way down to the Sufi Saint’s prayer zone. The walk takes around 15-20 minutes and is in the middle of the mountains.
The sources adjacent to the prayer area contain crystal-clear water and little fish may be seen within. Sultan Mehdi Springs is a secluded and serene spot. The walk is an incredibly peaceful and spiritual experience for visitors.
Daep Sharif
Daep Sharif is 10 kilometers from Lake Uchali, and after parking, you have to hike a 20-minute walk to reach there. A guide is needed to reach the spot. Deap Sharif is likewise a lonely and peaceful place, like Sultan Mehdi.
It consists of continuing series of pools falling into each other that too form a highly striking landscape. You enter a grassy ground if you hike a little above this area. This place is peaceful and best for meditation with beautiful nature sounds.
Sakesar
Sakesar is the valley’s tallest peak and the airbase of the Pakistan army. A half-hour journey through thick woodland is the route leading to the top of the mountain where the base is located. The Sakesar is a nature lover’s paradise, with a panoramic picnic area and a beautiful hike around the mountain.
The area offers various viewpoints from an altitude of 2,500 feet across the whole valley, notably Uchali. Bring your coats and sweaters if you intend to stay at Sakesar since the area may be extremely cold.
There are many places to spend your night stay while in the valley. These include TDCP Resorts, Government Rest Houses, and Village Inn Hotel.
While visiting Soon Valley one should bring water bottles, swim gear, sunscreen, warm clothes, mosquito repellent, and snacks along with you. One can do boating, hiking, cycling, bird watching, swimming, and camping in the valley.
