KOHAT: Pakistan Army has added a new picturesque site ‘Allah Hoo’ to the enchanting mountains of Kohat for the lovers of hiking, which is thronged by people to check their stamina and nerves by climbing the snake-like high narrow track.

The 6.9-kilometre track has been carved out on the three tiers of mountains between Kohat and Darra Adamkhel, and it starts from Kotal Pass.

For a few metres it is levelled and a parking place has been established from where people take on foot to climb the mountains which take between 3 to 4 hours depending on the health of hikers.

The people take food and tea with them to enjoy picnic parties at the stopovers while ascending to reach the peak and touch the painted ‘Allah Hoo’. It has a sitting area, BBQ pits and gazebo for the resort lovers to cook and rest.

From its top connecting north with the west of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for ages it gives a bird’s eye view of beautiful landscapes of Kohat and Darra Adamkhel. Even during sizzling heat the hikers enjoy cool breeze of undulating heights and joy of an achievement.

Groups of young boys are seen going to the base camp in 15 minutes from Kohat city and after parking their cars and motorcycles they try to climb the mountains. However, only a few of them make it to the top.

A climber Hashim told this correspondent that they come down from halfway up and had never made it to the top. The ‘Allah Hoo’ sign could be seen in the night too which had been lit up with red lights.

“It becomes dangerous as we climb up because the route is rough and people with weak hearts can only think of climbing it,” Mr Hashim said. The visitors say that it is an excellent addition to the resorts, but requires safety grills on both sides for their protection from falling down.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2018