Shinkiari - Kund Banlga (Constructed by British in 1919 AD)

The journey to Kund Bangla begins at Shankiari Forest Department College. If you have a car, you can park it outside the college. If you know someone from the college, they might let you park inside, and it's a safe place to leave your vehicle. The road to the college is in perfect condition. I would suggest you take the motorway as it will save you time.

We started our trek from the college itself. The trail is a jeep track that locals use to reach Kund Bangla and beyond. It's quite similar to treks in the Galyat region or Panj Pir. Along the way, you'll come across plenty of tall pine trees and some beautiful green meadows.

The total length of the jeep track is about 21 kilometers, and it involves a significant elevation gain of over 1200 meters. If you're carrying a heavy camping bag, the trek can get quite challenging. The ascent is continuous and can be tough, especially in hot weather. As you hike, you'll pass through several villages. What's truly remarkable is the breathtaking scenery – on your left, you'll see the picturesque Siran Valley, and on your right, the stunning Kaghan Valley unfolds before your eyes.

Regarding water, there are water taps in the villages, but they have specific timings for water availability. It's a good idea to carry extra water with you just in case.
After a long and tiring hike of 18 kilometers, you'll reach a facilitation center. You can camp here if you wish, but do note that it's quite populated. You can refill your water supply at this point, or you can continue trekking for about 2 more kilometers to reach Kund Bangla itself. From the facilitation centre, the Munro trek start which is 60km+ in total length.

At Kund, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the mountain range, including the peaks of Musa Ka Massala, Marka, Malaka Parbat, and Kaghan. Operated by the NWFP Forest Department, Kund Bangla's rest house offers a serene escape from city life atop a mountain, overlooking Shinkairi town and its breathtaking landscapes. Like Sharan, Kund Bangla remains untouched by mass tourism, preserving its natural beauty. This isolation lets travelers connect with nature's raw beauty, immersing themselves in serenity.

Kund Bangla is looked after by Mr. Arif, a government employee in the forest department. He's incredibly hospitable and helps those who come to camp at the site. If you need assistance, you can reach him at this number: +92 0345 9617126.

I would rate this trek as very difficult due to its steep elevation gain. The round trip covers approximately 40 kilometers. So, if you decide to complete the trek in one day and reach the start point, be prepared for a 40-kilometer journey, it will take 10+ hours.

Note: I stopped the recording a few 100 meters before the Banlga my GPS stopped working. However, the banlga is on the right side of the intersection.