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| Khunda Top (conical) pictured enroute to Musa Ka Musalla |
Khunda Top stands at about 3900 meters or 12,800 feet above the sea level and is located at the northern end of the Siran Valley adjoining Allai. A road is being extended from Jabbar and Mundi to Khunda Gali which is a wide mountain pass next to the Khunda Top. It will boost tourism in the region. Some water channels that feed into the Siran River traverse through Khunda Gali and the valley downstream with Khunda, Chirko, Araam Gali and Musa ka Musalla overlooking it. So, we are talking of number of trekkable mountains and valleys which can be approached from both Mundi and Munda Gucha.We saw the prominent conical shaped Khunda feature from Musa ka Musalla last year.
So, the trek was on our bucket list. Asad and I drove early from Islamabad on 24 September, and we met our resourceful guide, Sumundar Khan, at Jabbar. He helped us hire two porters cum guides and horses to carry our gear and food items. We were dropped in a hired jeep plus of Mundi which is the kick-off point for treks to Khunda and Chirko mountains. We started by mid-day on 24 September.
The first hour was a gentle incline along the gushing water stream in the Siran catchment. We then climbed along a mountain side with a prominent raised canopy. Our guide informed us that it is known as Choli Lar and the canopy is visible from Abbottabad. The trek was mostly through a heavy forest with shade. We reached Araam Gali, at 2900 meters or about 9500 feet after two hours and forty-five minutes.
Sloping meadows straddle Araam Gali and on its eastern side one gets a breathtaking view of a deep green valley with a water channel. We saw the imposing stony Chirko and Musa ka Musalla on the skyline, but some mountains were screened by the gathering clouds. Our attempt to reach the Khunda Top on the same day was abandoned due to sudden burst of torrential rain and failing light. We returned to Aaram Gali and settled in a shepherd’s hut for the night.
Early next morning on a clear day we went again for the Khunda Top and I chose to go over a shorter route via Shea Mountain with a pronounced incline. It is famous for its herbs. We reached the barren extension of Khunda and then the Top after a three-hour trek. A short break and a picture session, and then the return trek for which we chose the longer but relatively lesser steep route via Khunda Gali at 3300 meters or 10,850 feet. The rocks wore a distinct shine indicating high silica content. We tried to absorb the sheer beauty of the landscape, reached Mundi in the late afternoon and travelled onwards to Islamabad.
| Araam Gali |
Khunda Top and Araam Gali can also be approached from Munda Gucha but the trek will take possibly three days being a longer route. From Mundi, from where we went, you can even do the trek in a day during the longer summer days provided you leave early, and of course depending upon the fitness level. Araam Gali is a suitable camping place with
water sources. Khunda is suited for winter treks and sports which can be organized along Khunda and Araam Gali. Their slopes make a great venue for para-gliding.
Summary:
| Access | Logistics | Treks | Safety | Cost | Aesthetics |
| Moderately difficult | Camping, food and portering required | Moderate degree of difficulty | Guide required | Rs 15000 per head to include guide, portering and food charges | Remarkable |