Other than the northern Pakistan, one of the famous valleys of Pakistan include Wadi-e-Soon and Sakesar (wadi means valley) in the central Punjab province. Soon Valley is situated in the north west of Khushab. Soon Valley starts from Padhrar village and end to Sakesar that is the highest peak of Salt Range. The length of Soon Valley is 35 miles and average width is 9 miles. Although not as coold as the valleys up north, Soon valley consists of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, jungles, natural pools and ponds. Soon valley is also blessed with ancient civilization , natural resources, and fertile farms. There are some special features of this valley that distinguish it from other areas, without knowing about them it is very hard to understand its importance. Sabhral, Khoora, Nowshera, Kufri, Anga, Ugali, Uchali and Bagh Shams-ud-Din are important towns in soon valley. Kanhatti Garden, Sodhi Garden, Da'ep and Sakesar are resorts to visit. Awan tribe is settled in Soon Valley.
Located at a height of 5,010 feet above sea level, Sakesar was once the summer headquarters for the deputy commissioners of three districts - CampbelIpur (now Attock), Mianwali and Sargodha. It is the only mountain in this part of the Punjab which receives snow fall in winters. In view of Sakesar's ideal location and height, the PAF selected it in the late-50s as the site for a high powered radar which would provide air defence cover for the northeastern part of the western wing. Pakistan Television's re-broadcasting center has been installed to provide terrestrial transmissions coverage to adjoining areas.
There are two well-renowned Uchhali Lake and Khabikki Lake lakes in
Soon valley. Uchhali is a salt water lake in
the southern Salt Range area in Pakistan. This lake is formed due to the absence
of drainage in the range. Sakaser, the highest mountain
in the Salt Range, looms over the lake. Due to its brackish water the lake is
lifeless. But it offers a picturesque scenery. Khabikki Lake is a salt water
lake in the southern Salt Range area in Pakistan. This lake is formed due to the
absence of drainage in the range. Earlier its water was brackish. Now the water
is sweet and a Chinese breed of fish is introduced in it.
The lake is one kilometer wide and two kilometres long. Khabikki is also the
name of a neighbouring village. Boats are also available and there is a rest
house beside the lake. A hill gently ascended on the right side of the lake. The
lake and the green area around provide a good scenery. These lakes attract
thousands of migratory birds each year and are ideal haven for the bird
watchers.
Soon Valley is accessible through public transport from Islamabad (M2 Balkasar
Interchange), Lahore (M2 Kalar Kahar Intre-change), Sargodha, Khushab and
Mianwali.
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