Pir Channasi winning the hearts of nature lovers

Mubashar Naqvi

I can never ever forget the sight of one of the most beautiful sunsets, I ever seen in my whole life and that
was from Pir Channasi a long time ago. A tourist spot globally known for its breathtaking natural beauty
and deep spiritual environment because of the presence of holy shrine of Pir Syed Shah Hussain Bukhari
(RA), a famous Sufi saint who selflessly served his whole life in spreading the message of peace,
harmony and promoting a pluralistic culture in Kashmir. Devotees of Shah Hussain Bukhari (RA) by
visiting his shrine refresh their dusted hearts.

The spot is a high mountain pass located 30 kilometers east of Muzaffarabad, capital city of Azad Jammu
and Kashmir on the top of hills at an elevation of 2,900 meters (9,500 ft) above the sea level. One can
walk over the lush green grassy carpeted surface in summer, which takes white blanket of snow as the
mercury dips down at the advent of winter in Kashmir. However, pure, refreshing and freezing air will
keep welcoming you from Sarran to Pir Channasi and during rest of your stay at the glorious piece of
land.

Pir Channasi is a complete package for those who want to come-out from the hustle and bustle of daily
life, has become annoyed while staying in the noisy and overpopulated metropolitan cities and lacks
spirituality in their lives.

What this spot is offering?

An eye feasting view of the small traditional villages established all around the mountain peak, thick
forests (Deforestation is also at peak) smiling nature and peace at its climax. Due to its lush green plains,
magnificent weather and charming landscapes it has become the ultimate destination of tourists from all
over the Pakistan. You must have food with you as the no two three four or five star hotels available
there. And if there is a plan for night stay in summer, one must have winterized tent with him. It could
only serve in summer as the spot receives heavy snowfall in winter.

Don’t forget your camera, I am still regretting for missing it when witnessed the amazing view of the
sunset from the hill station. There are many excellent photography opportunities here and nature is
stretching her all wings at Pir Channasi and tourists can get a great view of Muzaffarabad and rural areas
around the hidden city. One can get to view several trekking trails and paths amidst a scenic setting. It is a
beloved spot for the trekkers and the tourists with a daring bent of mind.

The other specialty of the spot is that it provides a best point to paragliders to take off as well as suits
adventure tourism activities. Pir Channasi remained the center of paragliding activities, hiking and other
tourism adventures.

The site’s neighboring areas Pir Assimar, Phanwa Da Dana, and areas at the foot of Pir Channasi; Jarran
Phirran , Sikki, Sud Bun, Saran and Mushki are places worth seeing when visiting Pir Channasi. Lodging
services for tourists are provided at Saran by a tourist lodge.

How to reach there?

The zigzag road to the scenic spot is much better and recently upgraded now. It usually opens all year, but
it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. It’s a collection of hairpin turns (more
than 30) and is very steep. 4x4 Jeeps and Land cruisers will be best choice for reaching smoothly to the
destination. However, motorbikes to rickshaws and cars could also reach there. Pir Channasi peak would
maximally take your an hour or more thirty minutes from the capital city Muzaffarabad.
Farrukh Haider, a banker from Karachi shared his experience of traveling to Pir Channasi with family.
“My God, I have never ever experienced such a thrilling journey. Once I thought to skip the idea of
reaching top of the peak but my smiling driver Lal Deen kept encouraging me to travel more as the
destination was not too far. Finally, after one and half hour drive we reached one of the most beautiful
spots I ever visited. The site is simply incredible and yes after visiting this spot I believed Kashmir is
paradise on earth.”

Farrukh Haider urged state government to take measures for the safety of the visitors and recommended
construction of protection walls all along the sharp turns on the road.

AJK government’s Plan..!

Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has recently approved a mega project to make scenic tourist spot
Pir Channasi to convert it into an international tourist resort. It has been learnt that a company of
international repute will construct chairlift from Pir Channasi to Jhattiyan at a cost of 1.5 billion rupees.
In the next phase the concerned company will construct five start hotel, Public Park and tourist resorts at
the hill station. The government has provided 250 Kanal lands to the company to initiate the project.
Tourist Facilitation Center near the scenic spot is also being setup under public private partnership.

About the Author

The writer is a freelancer and an MPhil scholar in Mass Communication. He tweets

@SMubasharNaqvi