MANSEHRA: Nature lovers and adventure seekers from across the country have begun flocking to the breathtaking alpine meadows of Arshi Danna in the scenic Siren Valley.

“Words can hardly capture the mesmerising beauty of this alpine paradise, where the journey winds through natural springs, streams and dense forests, accompanied by the melodic calls of pheasants and other birds,” said mountaineer Nayyar Shahzad who guided a group of over 80 hikers to the Siren Valley.

The Running and Hiking Club Pakistan’s volunteers, comprising mountaineers and trekkers from various parts of the country, successfully reached the Arshi Danna meadow, which is situated at an altitude of over 10,000 feet above sea level.

“This is a unique, picturesque landscape, and exhaustion from the long and laborious trek melts away as soon as one sets foot on this untouched piece of nature,” Mr Shahzad said.

Hiker declares visit fantastic due to ‘unspoiled forests, gushing streams, serene environment’

Rafaqat Ali, a hiker from Islamabad, described the experience as fantastic, citing the unspoiled forests, gushing streams and the serene environment.

“We’re exhausted after the long journey on foot, but the moment we reached, the refreshing atmosphere and stunning scenery made it all worthwhile. It’s hard to put my feelings into words,” he said.

Club coordinator Zeeshan Jadoon said his group encountered several water crossings, which added a thrilling element to the trek.

“While people in other parts of the country are dealing with a scorching heatwave, it’s still cool here as we have crossed as many as 17 streams with a feel of the gentle touch of snow-fed breezes,” he said.

Another member of the group Waqas Khan said he had always wished to come to the meadows and finally that dream had come true.

“This place feels untouched,” he said.

Dr Zahid, a mountaineer and first-time visitor, said he was astonished by the meadow’s untouched beauty.

“This is truly a masterpiece of nature that remains hidden from the eyes of most travellers,” he said.

TABLEEGHI CONGREGATION: A three-day Tableeghi Ijtema began in the Baffa area here on Friday, attracting hundreds of thousands of faithful from across Hazara, Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of the country.

The tented village set up along the Siren River in Baffa Mera and its surrounding areas has started receiving Tableeghi delegates from far and wide amid tight security by police and volunteers.

Religious scholars urged participants to adhere to the teachings of Islam and spread the message of Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) across the world.

Meanwhile, residents of Mansehra city and its suburbs on Friday urged the government to ensure the supply of potable water, complaining that wells and boreholes in the area have dried up.

“We are facing a severe shortage of drinking water in Channia and its surrounding areas because the tehsil municipal administration has failed to supply water to this large urban settlement,” Mohammad Ayub told reporters.

Resident Abdul Waheed complained that though funds were approved for a gravity flow water supply scheme, the multi-billion-rupee project had not yet been initiated.

Mohammad Bashir urged the TMA to immediately make the shallow well scheme operational to relieve Channia residents of the water crisis.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2025