Kumrat Valley and Katora Lake a Travelogue

Road Trips / Vacations / Hiking / Trekking

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-18 17:14:17 +0500 #361

A panorama of the Khurkhari Lake area.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-18 17:46:08 +0500 #362

Further up in the valley along the lake.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-19 14:25:43 +0500 #363

I sat there on the stones, watching calmly flowing bluish green waters of the lake, relaxing in this magical wilderness, before going back to the busy modern life of the cities again.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-19 14:41:45 +0500 #364

This area seemed like a meeting point of many valleys. In early summer, it should me more green and full of flowers, a good camping site then.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-20 16:44:34 +0500 #365

Here at the far end of the lake, Fareedoon came out of his summer house, where he lives with his family taking care of his cattle. He offered tea, which I politely refused due to shortage of time.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-20 16:46:23 +0500 #366

He took this picture of mine with the lake.

aghaabbas (aghaabbas) 2014-10-21 02:34:50 +0500 #367

Superb ....

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-22 13:33:22 +0500 #368

Thank you Agha Sahib.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-22 14:16:57 +0500 #369

In the shadow of thick clouds, I completed my series of panoramic pictures of the lake and in light rain I started back towards the jeep.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-23 16:39:24 +0500 #370

On our way back to jeep, me and Rahmat gul ( Driver and Guide), talked about the prospect of a visit to Godur Lake in future. He told me about many side valleys of Gabral area, which were less visited but exceptionally beautiful, especially in early summer, when the snow melts.

f_ind1 (f_ind1) 2014-10-24 03:48:49 +0500 #371

Awesome

f_ind1 (f_ind1) 2014-10-24 03:51:00 +0500 #372

Nice picture s

nsaeed (nsaeed) 2014-10-24 06:09:59 +0500 #373

dreamland!

zzqureshi (Zahid Zaman Qureshi) 2014-10-24 07:11:00 +0500 #374

It is indeed a great thread which would be remembered and referred to those who intend to visit these areas. Thank you so much Dr Saab....

nishat12 (nishat12) 2014-10-24 09:35:55 +0500 #375

Dear Dr. Shafiq Ahmed Sahib,

What a stunning beauty all around full of natures, scenic and panoramic views. Sir, all credit goes to you that your using gears and capturing capabilities are unmatchable. Congratulation to you from the core of my heart.

With Best regards,
Ali Imran

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-24 12:35:34 +0500 #376

Thank you Qureshi and Ali Imran brother.

Finally we started back towards Kalam in showers of light and heavy rain. A very enjoyable weather indeed.

akj073 (akj073) 2014-10-26 04:23:34 +0500 #377

Excellent photography, but processed pictures looks like artificial not real

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-26 11:32:12 +0500 #378

In fact, I am still in the process of learning HDR photography. But as long as I have basic images (3 or more) which construct an HDR, I can reprocess and make an image with painting like effect on one end to a total real world image.

Here is example of last picture, first actual image (single picture, Non-HDR).

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-26 11:37:13 +0500 #379

Now HDR (constructed with 3 images taken at different EVs).

I have tried to be close to reality here.

lastsoul (lastsoul) 2014-10-26 11:55:15 +0500 #380

And now same images with different painting like processing.

I hope this satisfies your query.