Ganga Choti
Ganga Choti is a hilltop ear Birpani settlement in Bani Minhasan, Bagh. It is between Chikar and Bagh district of Azad Kashmir. Chikar is a historic city dating back to the Dogra Dynasty and known for its conflict-ridden histoy. While Bagh is a small but beautiful place with many tourist attractions like Lasdanna.
Ganga Choti is located in Pir Panjal Range. It has an elevation of 3,045 metres (9,990 feet) above sea level. It is also known as the Crown of Bagha.
The name of Ganga Choti has a mythical story of Gangadevi or Gangambika. She was a princess in the Hindu Vijayanagara Empire during the ¹⁴th century. Her husband was Kumara Kampana, who was the son of King Bukka Raya.
Time to Visit
The season to visit Ganga Choti begins in April and lasts until October. This area receives a lot of snowfall during the winter. The climatic circumstances are pleasant and comfortable. It is the ideal place for sightseeing. You may enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Gangotri. At 9,987 feet, it soars over the surrounding mountains.
Ganga Choti is a wonderful location. The historical site to visit is Gangotri, the temple of Goddess Ganga. Sudhan Gali and Ghoratha Lake are the other popular tourist sites. These two locations are worth visiting through your stay. There are many fresh waterfalls on the way.
Travelling
It takes a few hours to get to Ganga Choti from Islamabad. Tourists may get there from Muzaffarabad via Sudhan Gali Road. It’s 18 kilometres from Hattian Bala. The hike from the basecamp takes roughly 4 hours; alternatively, travellers can ride horses to the top of the peak. Tourists may, however, see the surroundings without climbing to the top of the Ganga Choti, which offers an incredible perspective of the entire valley. It is full of natural beauty, which you will undoubtedly admire. The terrain in this area is fertile. There are lovely green meadows where sheep, mules, and horses graze.
Sightseeing
Gangashti offers a spectacular perspective of the area and its surrounds. It is accessible via a two-hour climb through scenic landscapes. Gangashti sits 3,000 metres above sea level. Nature takes over, engulfing you in its vibrant and pure splendor. The scenery is enough to make anyone fall in love with this location for all time. Ganga Choti, surrounded by lush green meadows, is a fantastic area to explore. Horseback riding is strongly recommended. The trip includes hurdles such as jumping across rivers and shooting arrows at targets while riding horses.
Camping
Camping is also a possibility in this location. There are two campsites accessible here. Campsites feature large tents with power, restrooms, and lawns for relaxing in the sun or having an evening stroll.
Trekking
The trek from the basecamp to the top (at 3,000 metres) takes two to three hours. The surrounding area is covered by a pine tree forest. Ganga Choti is a good camping location due to its stunning environment. It is brimming with sightseeing opportunities and natural beauty, making it an earthly paradise.
Amenities
Sudhan Gali and Chikar provide tourists with the necessary amenities and accommodations. There are just a few hotels in Sudhan Gali and Chikar, so make your reservations in advance.
Ganga Choti is 174 kilometres from Islamabad and 23 kilometres from Bagh city.
Islamabad < Murree Expressway < Kohala < Muzaffarabad < Hattian Bala < Sudhan Gali
Islamabad < Murree Expressway < Kohala < Dhirkot < Bagh < Ganga Choti
Author: Fehmeeda Farid Khan
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