Malika Parbat
Malika Parbat is standing high in between the valleys of Kaghan. The peaks are beautifully covered with snow. The glaciers are releasing chunks of ice that melt to become water and flow down the steep mountain paths of the magnificent Queen of the Mountains.
We have some great options if you are still planning your summer adventure and are unsure where to go. Whether dipping your toes into mountaineering or looking for an astonishingly beautiful place to spend your summers, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Here, we have covered this mountain, from its history to some guidelines that can be a savior for you throughout your voyage. So, without further ado, read on to know them.
Synopsis
Malika Parbat is the highest peak in Kaghan Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is situated about 6 kilometers south of Lake Saif-ul-Maluk, near Ansoo Lake. The mountain can be seen from the popular tourist destination of Lake Saif-ul-Maluk. It can be reached from the Naran-Lake Saif-ul-Maluk side and the Batakundi-Dadar Chitta ice sheet.
History of Malika Parbat
Captain B.W. Battye and four Gurkha soldiers first reached the North summit in 1920, followed by Trevor Braham, Norman Norris, and Gene White in 1967. Rashid Butt and Omer Aziz, two Pakistanis, ascended the Malika e Parbat central peak in 1998. An expedition of four members, with the guide Ahmed Mujtaba Ali (Pakistan), reported to Summit the Malika Parbat in August 2012. Other team members were Ahmed Naveed, Kamal Haider, and Saqib Ali. Only two of the mountaineers were able to reach 5,180 meters. At that point, the clouds assembled, followed by a hail storm.
The Story of Malika Parbat
Malika Parbat is known as the Kaghan Valley’s highest peak. It is thought to be the most challenging one above 5,000 meters. Many climbers from all over the world have ascended the Queen of the Mountains, but unfortunately, a number of them have lost their lives. With being as heightened as 5290 meters, only 12 climbers have reached the top of the mountain until now.
The Meaning of Malika Parbat
The literary meaning of Malika Parbat is “Queen of the Mountains.”
Weather
The nights here are mostly cold and snowy throughout the year, as it is among the highest peaks in Pakistan. While during the daytime, pleasant and breezy winds are whirling in the surroundings.
What is the Best Time to Visit Malika Parbat?
The best time to visit is from May to July, as the monsoon season starts in August and the risk of land sliding increases. So, better to choose the right time.
NOTE: Before visiting this attraction, you should check the weather conditions here.
Highest Peak in Kaghan Valley
it is one of the top tourist attractions in Pakistan. Year-round, locals and visitors from across the globe are welcomed. It has gained a lot of footholds and a considerable reputation among the most beautiful places in Pakistan. It is a fact that this mountain is the highest peak in Kaghan Valley.
The visitors can surely capture their Instagram-worthy photos at this picturesque destination to live through the memories of this spectacular and dramatic mountain peak.
How Many Days Does It Take to Reach Malika Parbat?
It depends on the mountaineers and the team guide. Some ascend it in 5 days, while others reach the top in 12 to 13 days.
What to Pack for The Journey Towards Malika Parbat?
The list of the essentials you need to pack for the journey towards Malika e Parbat is as follows: food and water, raincoat, mountain climbing essentials, first aid kit, and necessary medicines, warm parka jacket, trekking shoes, crampons, helmet, harness, goggles, warm clothes, gloves, and headlamp.
Pro Tip: Do not forget to pack your skin food items, like sunblock and moisturizer, in your essentials, as due to weather conditions, your skin pH can irritate.
Base Camp
Malika e Parbat’s Base Camp is at an altitude of around 4000 meters. The climbers trek towards the base camp with their backpacks carrying donkey’s backs. The acclimatization process is also carried up here. The mountain climbers usually spend the night before the summit day at the Base Camp.
Malika Parbat Summit
The three summits are Malika Parbat (North peak), Cresta, and Malika Parbat (South Peak).
Top Hurdles in Reaching the Top
The top hurdles the climbers face during trekking include falling off rocks, slipping from ice slopes, the climbers falling, dropping off icebergs, snow avalanches, falling into crevasses, and the dangers from altitude and weather.
Nearby Attractions
Ansoo Lake
Ansoo Lake is regarded as one of the highest lakes in the Himalayan Range and is situated at an altitude of 4,250 meters above sea level. It is a beautiful tear-shaped lake with crystal-clean water. It is located in Kaghan Valley after the Saif-ul-Malook Lake; Ansoo Lake is the most traveled tourist destination in the Naran Kaghan valleys.
Saif-ul-Malook Lake
Saif-ul-Malook Lake lies at the northern end of Kaghan Valley. Mesmerizing snow-capped mountains and glorious mountains surround it. It draws the attention of thousands of tourists every year. You can have the best time at the lake while experiencing water sports, camping adventures, horse and pony riding, and much more. The alluring Saif-ul-Maluk Lake is only accessible by a jeep.
Lalazar
Lalazar is located in the Upper Kaghan Valley in the Mansehra district at an elevation of 3,123 meters (10,246 ft). It is a lush meadow with alluring nature at its peak. The pine trees are dotted all over the land spontaneously. Lalazar is worth a visit, but it can only be reached through the deadliest jeep track.
Naran Valley
Due to its favorable weather throughout the summer, Naran is a popular spot for tourists. Each year a bulk of visitors head to the valley to explore it. Besides, it serves as the gateway to Gilgit Hunza via Babusar Pass. Naran Bazaar sees a large influx of people during the hot season. Naran offers a lot, from ice-topped mountains to clean lakes with pristine water. And you can get so much more out of them visiting Naran Valley.
Batakundi
Batakundi is a fertile lowland with a mesmerizing river flowing by. The town stays open throughout the year. The tourists make a brief stop here during their journey towards Naran and Babusar Top. The Batakundi Waterfall, one of the town’s most famous sights, is why most tourists come here. The town is home to several top-notch hotels and restaurants, including the renowned Moon Restaurant.
Siran Valley
Siran valley is considered to be the most beautiful valley in Pakistan. With the peaks like Musa ka Musallah and Chokro peaks and meadows like Baleja, Saraan, Aram Gali, Khanda Gali, Darwaza Gali Chor, and Mundi. And hard to overlook the magnificent forests around, like Jacha, Manda Gucha, Dhor, Kund Bangla, and Sathan Gali; Siran valley is a landscape full of beautiful places and holds attractions to amaze every eye.
Tiger Peak
Tiger Peak is said to be a mini K2. The reason for this is its similarity with K2, especially during the winters when the snow overlaps this magical peak. The visitors come to praise nature here. It is the best spot to throw your tiredness away while enjoying some time at the sublime lake underneath.
Other Closest Peaks
Some of the other highest mountain peaks nearest Malika e Parbat are Makra Peak, Laila Peak, Shiagiri, Miranjani, Rupal Peak, Ganalo Peak, Rakhiot Peak, Bedori Top, and Chongra Peak.
Denmark-Pakistan Expedition
In July 2012, Imran Junaidi of Pakistan and Jens Simonsen from Denmark created history by ascending to the top of Malika e Parbat. The first Pakistani to scale the North Peak was Imran Junaidi. Due to its steepness, various physical perils, and mystical dangers, the mountain is seen as unclimbable by the locals. Both climbers planned the five-day climbing trip to show the developing friendship between Pakistan and Denmark. In addition to being the first cooperative climbing expedition between Pakistan and Denmark, this one marks the first ascent of the North Peak by a Pakistani national.
How to Reach?
- From Islamabad to Naran:
You can opt for local bus services like Daewoo, Faisal Movers, etc. However, booking a cab or car is also very accommodating.
- From Naran to Saif-ul-Malook Lake
The jeep is the only option to travel from Naran to Saif-ul- Malook Lake.
- From Saif-ul-Malook Lake to Malika Parbat Base Camp:
You are to trek and climb through the mountains.
The Distance Between Naran and Malika Parbat:
The distance between Naran and them is 11.4 kilometers.
Location:
It is located in Kaghan Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The Parent Range of Malika Parbat is the Himalayas.
Terrain of Malika Parbat:
The terrain consists of shrubs, glaciers, rock climbing, boulders, and snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has anyone climbed Malika Parbat?
Only 12 climbers have reached the top of the peak.
Is it dangerous to visit Malika Parbat?
It is dangerous to visit Malika Parbat as the mountain is considered unclimbable due to its steepness and natural hazards.
How much is the height of Malika Parbat?
The height of Malika Parbat is 5,290 meters or 17,360 ft.
What is the trekking level of Malika Parbat?
Trekking till basecamp is graded as moderate. Moderate treks cover more challenging days and slightly higher altitudes (3000+) meters. During the expedition, be prepared for long walking days and steeper elevation changes. Climbers need to be in generally good health, fit, and active.
A Quick Go-Through
Malika Parbat is the highest peak in Kaghan Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The mesmerizing yet calming tourist destinations near it make Malik Parbat the best place to enjoy the hottest days of your summer. It has everything from squeaky-clean lakes, glaciers, deep scenic valleys, panoramic meadows, and unimaginable beauty. If you are a hiking enthusiast, bring yourself up for trekking and hiking.