Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Jab Valley: The Untouched Gem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Landscape

Jab Valley: The Untouched Gem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tourism Landscape

Once a hidden corner deep in the forested hills of District Haripur, Jab Valley is fast becoming one of Pakistan’s most breathtaking natural destinations, thanks to its spectacular waterfalls and raw, untouched beauty.

Just 80 km from Islamabad and 170 km from Peshawar, Jab Valley offers easy access to both domestic and international tourists. Located only 15 km from Khanpur Dam, the valley makes an ideal detour for travelers exploring northern Pakistan.

The Birth of Hazara Waterfalls

The world first glimpsed the hidden beauty of Jab Valley in 2021 through the lens of a drone, piloted by Hassan Nisar, a local YouTuber and founder of Metrix Pakistan. During an exploratory hike, Nisar captured breathtaking aerial footage of eight majestic waterfalls plunging through green cliffs and into the forest below.

Moved by the discovery, he named them the Hazara Waterfalls, highlighting their cultural and geographical significance.

“When I saw the waterfalls from above, I knew they were something the world needed to see,” Nisar said. “It’s not just a tourist spot, it’s a sanctuary.”

A Valley Untouched by Commercialization

Jab Valley remains free of commercialization, preserving its natural charm. Towering pine trees, medicinal herbs, ancient wild olive trees (locally known as Zaitoon), and diverse wildlife—migratory birds, porcupines, and foxes—flourish in this silent sanctuary.

Despite its growing popularity, the valley lacks basic infrastructure. There are no marked trails, rest areas, or safety measures, and access to the waterfalls remains rugged and unpaved.

Nisar emphasized the need for responsible tourism, warning that unmanaged influxes could harm the fragile ecosystem and pollute the Haro River, which feeds into Khanpur Dam, a vital water source for Islamabad.

Metrix Pakistan: A Youth-Led Movement for Rural Empowerment

Through Metrix Pakistan, a youth-led initiative, Nisar is working to empower local communities. The organization trains youth in eco-tourism, digital storytelling, and environmental preservation—ensuring the local population benefits from tourism while maintaining the valley’s ecological balance.

Today, local families offer guided treks, homemade food, and eco-friendly services, creating new income streams while respecting nature.

“Our aim is not to alter Jab Valley,” said Nisar. “It’s to uplift those who’ve protected it for generations and ensure that what’s natural remains natural.”

Call for Sustainable Investment

Once a hidden corner deep in the forested hills of District Haripur, Jab Valley is fast becoming one of Pakistan’s most breathtaking natural destinations, thanks to its spectacular waterfalls and raw, untouched beauty.

Just 80 km from Islamabad and 170 km from Peshawar, Jab Valley offers easy access to both domestic and international tourists. Located only 15 km from Khanpur Dam, the valley makes an ideal detour for travelers exploring northern Pakistan.

The Birth of Hazara Waterfalls

The world first glimpsed the hidden beauty of Jab Valley in 2021 through the lens of a drone, piloted by Hassan Nisar, a local YouTuber and founder of Metrix Pakistan. During an exploratory hike, Nisar captured breathtaking aerial footage of eight majestic waterfalls plunging through green cliffs and into the forest below.

Moved by the discovery, he named them the Hazara Waterfalls, highlighting their cultural and geographical significance.

“When I saw the waterfalls from above, I knew they were something the world needed to see,” Nisar said. “It’s not just a tourist spot, it’s a sanctuary.”

A Valley Untouched by Commercialization

Jab Valley remains free of commercialization, preserving its natural charm. Towering pine trees, medicinal herbs, ancient wild olive trees (locally known as Zaitoon), and diverse wildlife—migratory birds, porcupines, and foxes—flourish in this silent sanctuary.

Despite its growing popularity, the valley lacks basic infrastructure. There are no marked trails, rest areas, or safety measures, and access to the waterfalls remains rugged and unpaved.

Nisar emphasized the need for responsible tourism, warning that unmanaged influxes could harm the fragile ecosystem and pollute the Haro River, which feeds into Khanpur Dam, a vital water source for Islamabad.

Metrix Pakistan: A Youth-Led Movement for Rural Empowerment

Through Metrix Pakistan, a youth-led initiative, Nisar is working to empower local communities. The organization trains youth in eco-tourism, digital storytelling, and environmental preservation—ensuring the local population benefits from tourism while maintaining the valley’s ecological balance.

Today, local families offer guided treks, homemade food, and eco-friendly services, creating new income streams while respecting nature.

“Our aim is not to alter Jab Valley,” said Nisar. “It’s to uplift those who’ve protected it for generations and ensure that what’s natural remains natural.”

Call for Sustainable Investment

While provincial authorities have expressed interest, no formal investment has yet materialized. Environmentalists warn of the consequences of unregulated tourism and stress the urgency of sustainable development and protection for Jab Valley.

Still, Nisar remains optimistic that community-led stewardship can serve as a model for future tourism across Pakistan.

“This valley feeds our rivers, our reservoirs, and our identity,” he said. “It’s a reminder of what we have—and what we could lose.”

The Birth of Hazara Waterfalls

The world first glimpsed the hidden beauty of Jab Valley in 2021 through the lens of a drone, piloted by Hassan Nisar, a local YouTuber and founder of Metrix Pakistan. During an exploratory hike, Nisar captured breathtaking aerial footage of eight majestic waterfalls plunging through green cliffs and into the forest below.

Moved by the discovery, he named them the Hazara Waterfalls, highlighting their cultural and geographical significance.

“When I saw the waterfalls from above, I knew they were something the world needed to see,” Nisar said. “It’s not just a tourist spot, it’s a sanctuary.”

A Valley Untouched by Commercialization

Jab Valley remains free of commercialization, preserving its natural charm. Towering pine trees, medicinal herbs, ancient wild olive trees (locally known as Zaitoon), and diverse wildlife—migratory birds, porcupines, and foxes—flourish in this silent sanctuary.

Despite its growing popularity, the valley lacks basic infrastructure. There are no marked trails, rest areas, or safety measures, and access to the waterfalls remains rugged and unpaved.

Nisar emphasized the need for responsible tourism, warning that unmanaged influxes could harm the fragile ecosystem and pollute the Haro River, which feeds into Khanpur Dam, a vital water source for Islamabad.

Metrix Pakistan: A Youth-Led Movement for Rural Empowerment

Through Metrix Pakistan, a youth-led initiative, Nisar is working to empower local communities. The organization trains youth in ecotourism, digital storytelling, and environmental preservation—ensuring the local population benefits from tourism while maintaining the valley’s ecological balance.

Today, local families offer guided treks, homemade food, and eco-friendly services, creating new income streams while respecting nature.

“Our aim is not to alter Jab Valley,” said Nisar. “It’s to uplift those who’ve protected it for generations and ensure that what’s natural remains natural.”

Call for Sustainable Investment

While provincial authorities have expressed interest, no formal investment has yet materialized. Environmentalists warn of the consequences of unregulated tourism and stress the urgency of sustainable development and protection for Jab Valley.

Still, Nisar remains optimistic that community-led stewardship can serve as a model for future tourism across Pakistan.

“This valley feeds our rivers, our reservoirs, and our identity,” he said. “It’s a reminder of what we have—and what we could lose.”

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