[Pictures credit: Hafiz Nawaz Madani]
Gazen is a picturesque and peaceful village located in the Yarkhun Valley of Upper Chitral, surrounded by towering snow-covered mountains.
Situated approximately 150 kilometers from Chitral city, the village lies on the route to Thoi Pass, which connects it with the Yasen valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, giving it both geographical and strategic importance.
The village is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. During summer, the valley turns lush green, filled with wildflowers and fragrant grass. Crystal-clear streams flowing from the mountains further enhance its charm, while a natural hot spring adds a unique attraction.
From April to October, the weather remains pleasant, but after that, harsh winter covers the area in deep snow.
Gazen also has historical and tourism importance. The nearby area of Darband is considered one of the ancient historical sites of Chitral, while Gazen serves as an important base camp for trekkers heading towards Thoi Pass. This makes it a promising destination for eco-tourism and adventure tourism.
The central hub of the village is Zhupu, which functions as the main center for social and economic activity. It includes a government higher secondary school, a private school, a market, a dispensary and small hotels, providing essential services to the local population.
Gazen consists of six small settlements: Gazen, Rakshin, Nichagh, Darband, Kurkun and the base camp area.
With nearly 100 households, the village has an impressive literacy rate of around 96%, reflecting strong community focus on education. The people are known for their hospitality, hard work and cultural values.
In summary, Gazen is a remarkable village where natural beauty, culture, education and development come together, making it a potential tourist destination and a model of resilience in the remote mountains of Upper Chitral.
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