Ganga Choti Trek in Bagh Kashmir Pakistan, is a hill near the Union Council Birpani village Bani Minhasan in central Chikar, a historic city in ancient times, especially the kingdom of Dogra and Budshah and one of the most beautiful areas in Bagh Region of Kashmir Pakistan. Most of the area is in the Bagh District and partly in the Chikar district.
Location of Ganga Choti Trek in Bagh Kashmir Pakistan
The Ganga Choti Trek, situated in Bagh, Kashmir, Pakistan, is positioned on the Pir Panjal Range, at an elevation of 3,675 meters (12,057 ft). Ganga Choti can be accessed via two routes, one commencing from Chikar and the other from Bagh Sudan Gali Road. Sudan Gali is a small town equipped with a few shops and hotels situated beneath Ganga Choti. Travelers have the option to stay in Sudan Gali due to the availability of food and accommodation services in the Sudan Gali market.
Azad Kashmir, often referred to as “paradise on Earth,” is renowned for its captivating Kashmir valleys and the awe-inspiring natural beauty it offers. Ganga Peak, which is more commonly known as Ganga Choti among the locals, is nestled in the Bagh district of Azad Kashmir and can also be observed from the city of Bagh.
Ganga Choti Height
Ganga Choti, situated in Bagh, Kashmir, Pakistan, stands at an elevation of 3045 meters. The trek to Ganga Choti commences from Sudhan Gali, a town nestled at an altitude of 2200 meters above sea level. The journey to reach the summit typically takes around four hours. As you embark on your trek or hike, the cold envelops you, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience.
Upon reaching the summit, you are treated to a breathtaking view of the city of Bagh. Cricket, the most popular sport in Pakistan, is played extensively. Atop Ganga Choti, you’ll witness locals engaged in cricket matches on the lush green fields that seem to emerge amidst the natural surroundings.
Thanks to the abundant vegetation, the area has returned to being a fertile landscape, with various animals roaming freely, including sheep, mules, and horses.
Sudhan Gali, the point where the mountainous terrain begins, is a small town. Accommodation options are limited, with a couple of good hotels available, one under the Azad Kashmir Tourism Department and the other managed by the Public Works Department (PWD). It’s advisable to book your room well in advance, especially when access to the location is challenging. Camping is also a viable option in this lush and picturesque area.
Ganga Choti Trek in Bagh Kashmir, Pakistan, is a remarkable destination. The road from Islamabad to Sudhan Gali is well-maintained. Rest houses like Benazir Palace are available in Sudhan Gali. The road from Sudhan Gali to the base camp is manageable for cars, but it’s steep. From the camp, it takes a two to three-hour hike to reach the summit, which stands at an elevation of 3,000 meters. The journey is a delightful experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty, and the view from the summit is truly breathtaking. Many consider Ganga Choti superior to Miranjani.
Ganga Choti is a sightseeing haven, graced with the gift of natural beauty, a true earthly paradise bestowed upon Pakistan. It’s highly recommended for everyone to visit this place at least once, as missing out would mean overlooking a truly stunning vista. There’s a call for government attention to develop tourist amenities and improve the accessibility of the area.
The summit of Ganga Choti is the highest point in the Bagh District and provides a mesmerizing view of the valley. Access roads have recently been constructed, offering the option to either stay overnight in Sudhan Gali or return to Bagh. The climb to the summit is also manageable for a physically fit individual.
How do you get to Ganga Choti?
The Ganga Choti Trek in Bagh, Kashmir, Pakistan, is a mountain located in Sudhan Gali, approximately 174 km from Islamabad and just 23 km from Bagh City.
To reach Ganga Choti from Zero Point in Islamabad, you can follow these directions:
- Head south on the Islamabad Expressway.
- Turn left from Khana Pul, leading you towards Lehtrar.
- Continue through the towns of Lehtrar and Kotli Sattiyan.
- Finally, you will reach the city of Bagh.
From Bagh, take the road that leads to Sudhan Gali, which climbs up the mountain. As you ascend the mountain, you’ll come across a hotel known as Benazir Palace, located near the summit. In the past, up until 2016, you would need to park your car at this point and proceed further in a jeep. However, it’s worth noting that a paved road may have been constructed since then, allowing you to use your own vehicle to reach a higher point.
Walk to Ganga Choti Trek in Bagh Kashmir Pakistan
Upon reaching the end of the road, you’ll leave your car on a flat surface just ahead of Ganga Choti Hill. To reach the summit, a 45-minute hike across a grassy hill is required. Start by crossing the open ground and then veer to the right. As you progress, begin your ascent up the mountain. The route to the summit is relatively straightforward; simply stay on top and keep heading upwards until you reach the peak.
At the summit of the hill, you’ll find yourself surrounded by clouds. Occasionally, the clouds will part, offering breathtaking views of the lush valleys of Kashmir below. These awe-inspiring moments make Ganga Choti a truly remarkable place to visit, an experience you won’t want to miss at least once.
