Eight-thousander (Mountains above 8000m)

Eight-thousander (Mountains above 8000m) 

The eight-thousanders are the fourteen highest mountains in the world that are more than 8,000 meters (26,247 ft) high above sea level. These all 14 mountains are located in the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges in Asia

Following are the names of these mountains according to there ranks.

1. Mount Everest
2. K2   
3. Kangchenjunga 
4. Lhotse 
5. Makalu 
6. Cho Oyu  
7. Dhaulagiri I 
8. Manaslu 
9. Nanga Parbat 
10. Annapurna I 
11. Gasherbrum I
12. Broad Peak 
13. Gasherbrum II 
14. Shishapangma 

Reinhold Messner was the first person who climbed all fourteen eight-thousanders. He completed this task on October 16, 1986. 

1. Mount Everest (Ranked 1st)

Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,848 m (29,029 ft) above sea level. It has a Prominence of 8,848 m (29,029 ft)

Mount Everest is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas on the Nepal side of Nepal-China (Tibet) border. 

First ascent on Mount Everest was made by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on 29 May 1953

2.  K2  (Ranked 2nd)

K2 is the 2nd highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,611 m (28,251 ft). It has a Prominence of 8,848 m (29,029 ft).

K2 is located in Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. 

First ascent on K2 was made by A. Compagnoni, L.Lacedelli on 31 July 1954 
 

3. Kangchenjunga  (Ranked 3rd)

Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,586 m (28,169 ft). It has a Prominence of 3,922 m (12,867 ft). 

Kangchenjunga is Located at Himalaya range, between Nepal and India border. 




Kangchenjunga means "The Five Treasures of Snows", as it contains five peaks, four of them over 8,450 m (27,720 ft). The treasures represent the five repositories of God, which are gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books

The five peaks of Kangchenjunga are as follows:

Name of peak Height (m) Height (ft) 
Kangchenjunga Main 8,586 28,169 
Kangchenjunga West (Yalung Kang) 8,505 27,904 
Kangchenjunga Central (Middle) 8,482 27,828 
Kangchenjunga South 8,494 27,867 
Kangbachen 7,903 25,925


First ascent on Kangchenjunga was made on May 25, 1955 by Joe Brown and George Band.

4.  Lhotse   (Ranked 4th)

Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,516 m (27,940 ft). It has a Prominence of 610 m (2,001 ft). 

Lhotse is located at the border between Tibet (China) and the Khumbu region of Nepal. 

First ascent on Lhotse was made on May 18, 1956 by Fritz Luchsinger and Ernst Reiss. 

5.  Makalu   (Ranked 5th)

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of at 8,481 m (27,825 ft). It has a Prominence of 2,386 m (7,828 ft)

 Makalu is located in Himalayas Range, on the border between Nepal (Khumbu) and China (Tibet). 

The first attempt on Makalu was made on May 15, 1955 by Lionel Terray J.Fraco, G, Magnone-Gialtsen, J. Bouier, S. Coupe, P. Leroux, A. Vialatte and Jean Couzy of a French expedition

6.  Cho Oyu   (Ranked 6th)

Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,201 meters (26,906 ft) above sea level. It has a Prominence 2,340 m (7,677 ft) 

Cho Oyu is Located in Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas range, at the border between Nepal and China (Tibet) 



 First ascent on Cho Oyu was made on October 19, 1954 by Herbert Tichy, Joseph Jöchler and Sherpa Pasang Dawa Lama.

7.  Dhaulagiri   (Ranked 7th)

Dhaulagiri is seventh highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,167 m (26,795 ft). It has a Prominence of 3,357 m (11,014 ft).

Dhaulagiri is Located in Himalaya Range, Nepal. 

First ascent was made on May 13, 1960 by K. Diemberger, P. Diener, Nyima Dorji, Nawang Doriji a team of Swiss/Austrian expedition.

8.  Manaslu   (Ranked 8th)

Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,156 m (26,759 ft). It has a Prominence 3,092 m (10,144 ft)

Manaslu is located in the Gorkha District, Mansiri Himal, Himalaya Range, in the west-central part of Nepal. 

First ascent on Manaslu was made on May 9, 1956 by Toshio Imanishi, Gyalzen Norbu and M. Higeta a team of 
Japanese expedition.

  

9.  Nanga Parbat   (Ranked 9th)

Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,126 meters (26,660 ft). It has a Prominence 4,608 m (15,118 ft).

Nanga Parbat   is located in Himalaya Range, Pakistan.

First ascent on Nanga Parbat   was made 3 June 1950 by M. Herzog, L.Lachenal (French

10.  Annapurna I (Ranked 10th)

Annapurna I is the tenth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,091 m (26,545 ft). It has a Prominence 2,984 m (9,790 ft)

Annapurna I is located in Range Himalayas in Central Nepal.

First ascent on Annapurna I was made on 3 June 1950 by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal of a French expedition.

11.  Gasherbrum I   (Ranked 11th)

Gasherbrum I is the eleventh highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8, 080 m (26,509 ft). It has a Prominence 2,155 m (7,070 ft)

Gasherbrum I located on the Pakistan-China border in Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

First ascent on Gasherbrum I was made on July 5, 1958 by Pete Schoening , Andy Kauffman Nicholas B. Clinch. Richard K. Irvin, Tom Nevison, Tom McCormack, Bob Swift and Gil Roberts of an American expedition.

12.  Broad Peak (Ranked 12th)

Broad Peak is the tweleth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,051 m (26,414 ft).It has a Prominence 1,701 m (5,581 ft)

Broad Peak is located in Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. 

First ascent on Broad Peak was made on June 9, 1957 by Fritz Wintersteller, Marcus Schmuck, Kurt Diemberger, and Hermann Buhl of an Austrian expedition.

13.  Gasherbrum II (Ranked 13th)

Gasherbrum II is the thirteenth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,035 m (26,362 ft) It has a Prominence 1,523 m (4,997 ft).

Gasherbrum II is located in Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan. 

First ascent on Gasherbrum II was made on July 7, 1956 by Fritz Moravec, Josef Larch and Hans Willenpart of an Austrian expedition.

14.  Shishapangma (Ranked 14th)

Shishapangma is the fourteenth highest mountain in the world with an elevation of 8,013 m (26,289 ft). It has a Prominence 2,897 m (9,505 ft).

Shishapangma is located in Himalayas Range in Jugal Himal, south-central Tibet, China, a few kilometers from the border with Nepal.

First ascent on Shishapangma was made on 2 May 1964 by Xu Jìng, Zhang Junyan, Wang Fuzhou, Wu Zoongyue, Chen San, Soinam Dorje, Suonan Duoji, Cheng Tianliang, Migmar Zhaxi, Dorje Duoji and Yun Deng a team of a Chinese expedition.

HANNA LAKE QUETTA (Balochistan-Pakistan)

Hanna Lake is a lake near Quetta city in Balochuistan province of Pakistan. It is surrounded by mountains which gives it a beautiful look. This beautiful lake is14 km from Quetta. and a little short of the place where the Urak Valley begins. The water of lake gives turquoise reflection within bare brown surroundings. Quetta's sightseeing can not be complete with out visiting Hanna lake.

 The Hanna Lake was built in the time of British Empire in 1894. A reservoir was Constructed by the British Empire. In 1894, a small action dam Surrpull (Red Bridge) was constructed on main Urak road for converting of water into Hanna Lake coming from the Zarghoon Mountains range, of streams, snow melting and rains through main channel. At one end, the irrigation dam rises out of the depths like battlements of a fort.

Hanna Lake is very attractive place. There is no better place to visit than Hanna Lake. It gives a sensational experience and a great day out.

There is a lakeside restaurant shaded by pine trees. From this restaurant one can sit and enjoy beautiful views around at the Lakeside.

In the middle of lake is a small Island which gives unique identity to this lake. The lake  has a fleet of boats and pedal boats, One can hire a boat and paddle boat on the lake and go around the island of this lake. The lake and its surroundings are ideal for for  hikers and campers.

Lakes of Azad Kashmir Pakistan

Baghsar Lake

Baghsar is beautiful place, 12 kilometres in the east of Samahni town and a same distance away from Jandichontra. Baghsar is a lake situated at 975 m above sea-level in the Samahni Valley, Bhimber District. The lake is roughly half a kilometer long and overlooks the Bandala Valley. The lake is a popular tourist destination. There is a huge granite built fort known as baghsar fort. Moghul Fort overlooks the lake from the top of a hill.

Many local and migratory birds, especially ducks and geese, inhabit the lake. The lake is habitat to water lilies, and the surrounding hills are covered by cheerh, or pine trees and lily flowers.

Banjosa Lake

 

Banjosa Lake  is an artificial lake and a tourist attraction 20 kilometers (12 mi) from the city of Rawalakot in District Poonch in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located at an altitude of 1,981 meters (6,499 ft).  The lake is surrounded by densely pine forest and mountains, which make its very charming and romantic. The weather in this area remains cool and pleasant in summers, and cold and chilly in Winter. In December and January snowfall also occurs there.

The Banjosa Lake is accessible by a metallic road from Rawalakot. Some rest houses and huts of AJK Tourism & Archaeology Department, Pakistan Public Works Department and Pearl Development Authority are located there for stay. Few hotels and tuck shops are also exists. 

 

Chitta Katha Lake

 

The Chitta Katha Lake is a lake in Shonter valley in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located at an altitude of 4,100 meters (13,500 ft).  Common route followed by the tourists is through kel. There is a road from Kel to Shounter Valley. Besides the lake it’s the Lush green meadows, filled with wild alpine grass and flowers, which increases the beauty of this Lake.

 Chitta Katha Lake is only accessible in the months of July and August.

 

Lunda Lake 

 

It is located in Neelum Valley Azad Kashmir

Mangla Lake in Mirpur Azad Kashmir

 

Mangla Lake is in Mirpur azad kashmir, it constructed in 1960's decade. Mangla is situated in Mirpur District, Azad Kashmir at the edge with Jhelum district Punjab, with Jhelum river making the border line. Mangla is an olden town and is named after Mangla Devi. It is also the site of crossing of river Jhelum by Alexander forces in front of Raja Porus. At the time of creation of Mangla dam, towns of Baral, Baruti and Thill across the river in Jhelum district were developed as housing colonies and offices for overseas employees and officials. This has now been transformed to a armed cantonment and referred as Mangla cantonment.

Mangla is positioned 10 km from Mirpur city at the mouth of the Mangla Dam. The construction of the Dam lake, which has a outer limits of 400 km, has turned it into a place of interest. The Mangla Dam water storage and power generation project was the start of the construction of jumbo projects in Pakistan. Mangla also hosts the Mangla Power Station which is second biggest in Pakistan and 12th biggest in the world.

Mangla is also the site of famous Mangla castle. The castle is situated on a high hill overlooking Jhelum river in-between Mirpur and Jhelum districts. Most of the castle was razed during the assembly of Mangla Dam, a fraction remained and served as a public leisure place. It is now closed to common public due to Mangla dam upraising project.

 

Hansraj lake

It is located in Azad Kashmir Pakistan.

 

 

 

RatiGali Lake

 

Ratti Gali Lake in Ratti Gali, a trek from Noori top, Northern Areas into Kashmir, Pakistan, at the elevation of 13000-14000 feet above sea level. From Dowarian 22Km above Athmuqam a track leads 30km upto 4140 meter high Rati Gali Pass or Ratti Pass and on towards Lalazar pleatue in Kaghan valley. Near the pass is The Ratti Gali Sar, an alpine lake. Sar means lake.

 

                                     

 

 This valley and trek is Alpine Meadow/Himalayan tundra, around august these green pastures are filled with wild alpine grass and flowers and some orchids. In winter this valley is covered with white snow and big chunks of Glacier floats in the dark blue magical water like huge swans.Mr. Mustansar Hussain Tarar, a famous writer from Pakistan, calls this Lake, A Dream Lake. He writes about The Ratti Gali Lake in one of his columns, “When you want to pay the highest tribute possible to a painter or an actor, you say he is the painter’s painter or actor’s actor, so I will say

Islands of Karachi

Karachi is located in the south of Pakistan,on the coast of the Arabian Sea. There are many small Island near Karachi.

Baba and Bhit Islands

 

Baba Bhit Island is the smallest neighborhood of Kiamari Town in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It comprises three small fishing islands which in the center of the Harbour of Karachi. The approximated area of these islands is 4 km² and the population is about 12000. 

It is named after the famous and patron saint of Sindh "Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai" whose shrine is located in Bhit shah town the interior part of province of Sindh

Bath Island

Bath Island is one of the neighborhoods of Saddar Town in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

 

Buddo Island

Buddo Island also known as Dingi is a small island located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

 

Bundal Island

Bundal Island also known as Bundaar is a small island located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Bundal, pronounced Bhandar by local fishermen, is a twin island of Buddo and lies to its West. 

On Bundal Island the tomb of Muslim Sufi Yusuf Shah is located. The annual urs of 'Yusuf Shah' attract thousands of coastal people to the island. The island looked like a city during the urs.

Churma and Buddo Islands are also located near Bundal Island.

 

Churna Island

Charna Island is a small island located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It is situated 3.855 nautical miles northwest of a fishing settlement Mubarak Village.
Mubarak Village (Mubarak Goth), is located approximately 60 km from Karachi on Hawks Bay-Mubarak Goth Road. There are scattered straw huts along and around this road.  Most of the people living in Mubarak Village are poor and they earn their livelihood through fishing.

 

Churna Island is a 4 x 3 square kilometer barren island with no civilian population. Most commonly seen fauna on the island is poisonous sea snake. Churna Island is a picturesque amid blue waters and it is famous for the marine life around it, which includes barracuda, Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, cobia, Dorado, Tuna, angel fish, sea urchin, sea fan, oyster, ray fish and rare green turtle. 

There are different kind of coral reefs  and widely varied marine life around this island.Some claim that there are more than 60 types of corals found near Churna waters and many new corals started to flourish after the 2005 tsunami in Indian Ocean.

 Pakistan Game Fishing Association (PGFA) holds national angling competitions near this island. It is the presence of  that attracts the number of big game fish around it. Churna Island is mostly used as a firing range by Pakistan Navy.

Area surrounding this island is popular for scuba diving . IndusScuba, a PADI certified organization, brings local enthusiasts while foreigners are also often seen clad in diving suits in the nearby Mubarak Village.

 

Clifton Oyster Rocks Island

The Clifton Oyster Rocks are a series of islets located off the coast of the Clifton neighborhood of Karachi, Pakistan. The islands were under the control of the Pakistani Navy until 2006, when the Karachi city government decided to include the island as part of its plans to renovate the city. 

 As part of these plans, the Port Fountain was constructed at the base of the northern island.It shoots water up to 620 feet in the air, and is the second-tallest fountain in the world.

 

Khiprianwala Island

Khiprianwala Island is a small island located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

 

Manora Island

Manora or Manoro is a small peninsula (2.5 km²) located just south of the Port of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. Manora is connected to the mainland by a 12 kilometer long causeway called the Sandspit. Manora and neighboring islands form a protective barrier between Karachi harbor to the north and the Arabian Sea to the south. The western bay of the harbor contains endangered mangrove forests which border the Sandspit and Manora island. To the east is Karachi Bay and the beach towns of Kiamari and Clifton. 

There is a Varun Dev Mandir at the Manora Island. The temple is devoted to Varuna, the god of the oceans in Hindu mythology. The exact year of the temple's construction or foundation is not known but it is assumed that it might be thousands of years old  At present, the building is not used for worship and the last ritual was held in the 1950s.

Currently, This temple belongs to the Hindu Council of Pakistan. According to a legend, it was around 16th century when a wealthy sailor by the name of Bhojomal Nancy Bhattia bought Manora Island from the Khan of Kalat, who owned most of the land along the coastline at that time and then his family commissioned a temple on the lay terrain.

Manora is also a popular picnic spot because of the long sandy beaches along the southern edge of the island, which merge into the beaches of the Sandspit and then extend several kilometers to the beaches at Hawkesbay.  The island lies approximately 15–20 minutes by boat ride from mainland Karachi .

At the southeastern end of Manora island is the tallest lighthouse (28 m or 91 feet (28 m) high) in Pakistan.

 

 

Garam Chashma (Lotkoh Valley- Chitral)

There is a  hot water spring in Lotkoh valley of Chitral. It is called Garam Chashma. The hot spring is also known the Sulphur Spring.Garam Chashma is popular for its healing touch. Boiling Sulphur springs of Garam Chashma are well-known for their healing effect for diseases such as gout, chronic headaches, rheumatism and skin diseases. For centuries the water has been use as a natural medication to cure many an ailment. Many people visit from all over the world to take a healing bath. 

 The beautiful village of the sub-valley Lotkoh, where the spring is located, has been named as Garam Chashma (hot spring). It is located at an elevation of 1859 meters.

  The hot water was fist cooled in the tubs and then it was used. The government has constructed a number of public bathrooms in the vicinity of the spring while the water is also taken in hoses to the bathrooms of nearby hotels and a rest house. 

 Usually patients takes three to four baths daily in three days. After a bath they had to keep themselves warm and avoid exposing themselves to cold air. It is said that the water is more useful for women and most of the visitors coming for a bath are women. It is an assumption that it slightly harmful for young people to bath in this hot spring water.

  Lotkuh river flows through Garam Chashma village and it is most beautiful and spectacular view. Garam Chashma is known as one of the best picnic spots in Chitral due to its superb natural beauty. It provide the tourists an opportunity of eco-tourism of the area and besides the bath they could enjoy trout fishing in the stream. Lotkuh river is abounds in trout fishes but for fishing permits are required which are issued by Fisheries Department.

 There is a small shrine of a Sufi saint who is brought Islam to this area.  

 Chitral is famous for its soft hand-woven woolen material known as ‘Shu”, which is available in white black, gray and neutral colours. The best variety is made in Mogh in Lotkuh.

The best season to visit is from March 21 and continue for two months of the spring season.