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| Musa ka Musalla (grave like mountain) seen from Shaheed Pani |
Musa ka Musalla stands at 4086 metersor 13,400 feetand is locatedbetween the Kaghan and Siran valleys. It can be viewed from numerous locations across the region. Local folklore talks of a saint who is buried in the Choti Ziarat about 50 meters short of the Top. The other Ziarat is located at the Top.
However, we could not find a satisfactory explanation of its appellation ‘Musa ka Musalla’. It has number of approaches in the Siran Valley, and these include from Munda Gucha, Shinkiari or Jabori which can be reached in two and half to three hours from Islamabad via Hazara Motorway. We trekked to Musa ka Musalla from Munda Gucha.
Musa ka Musalla Top with the Guide
The Munda Gucha Approach: Myself, Imtiaz and Asad kicked off from Jacha which is 30 minutes’ drive from Manda Guha, at a pleasant 5500 feet above the sea level. We trekked along a ridge to reach the picturesque Dhohr where Dhohr Nullah meets the Siran River. From there on, three hours climb brought us to a series of expansive green meadows. We stayed the night in a shepherd’s hut in the Khodi Meadow.
The next morning, a two-hour trek brought us to Guli, a springs-fed meadow, above 11000 feet. It is the kick-off point for the hike to the Top. It took us about three and a half hours of steep climb to reach Musa ka Musalla via Choti Ziarat. After an orientation cum picture session, we followed the same route back and stayed the second night at the Khodi Meadow. We went back to Munda Ghucha by the afternoon on 2 November and onwards to Islamabad.
View while descending from the Top (towards Guli)
The Shaheed Pani Approach: Shaheed Pani can be approached either from Shinkiari – Kund Bungla and onwards along the ridgeline. It can also be approached from Jabori where you can hire a jeep till village Magra which is around 6500 feet and then trek up to Shaheed Pani. This is a shorter route but has a steep incline.
From Shaheed Pani one treks along an elevated ridgeline to Rohri at about 10000 feet and onwards to Musa ka Musalla in about 5-6 hours. You gain height as you go along the ridgeline which makes the ascent less challenging. It takes three days, depending upon the fitness level, to scale the mountain and return via this route. You have the option to camp enroute at Shaheed Pani or Rohri or some other suitable location.
There is another steep route going from Balakot to Shaheed Pani and onwards to Musa ka Musalla. Finally, another route with a degree of difficulty goes from Paras in the Kaghan Valley and onwards to Sharan Forest and it also leads to Musa ka Musalla.
Everyone does not have to go to the Top. One has the option to trek upto the scenic Meadows or Kund Bungla enroute to camp during summers. Then there is the option of undertaking winter treks though they require specialized equipment and support. Musa Ka Musalla also offers para gliding opportunities.
However, one must carry the first aid kit along as no emergency medical support can be accessed enroute. On logistics, we brought eatables and camping equipment and hired two guides and two porters with horses to haul our gear. There is no food available ahead or Shinkiari, Jabori or Munda Gucha and the Shaheed Pani route has comparatively less water sources and therefore, one must be adequately stocked.
Summary:
| Access | Logistics | Treks | Safety | Cost | Aesthetics |
| Options available | Camping , food and portering required | Difficult depending on the fitness levels | Guide required to avoid disorientation | Rs 11000 per head to include food, portering and guides charges | Good |