PESHAWAR, May 31 (APP):Once a forgotten corner in the forested hills of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tucked within District Haripur, the Jab Valley is fast becoming one of the country’s most breath taking natural destinations due to its stunning waterfalls.
The emergence of Jab Valley in the landscape of tourism industry of the country became possible through the lens of a drone and the vision of a determined youngster of the area.
The valley is home to a chain of eight stunning waterfalls, now collectively known as the Hazara Waterfalls Jab Valley, a name given by Hassan Nisar, a YouTuber and the founder Metrix Pakistan.
Nisar first discovered and filmed the falls in 2021 during an exploratory hike, using a drone to capture sweeping aerial footage that revealed the majesty of water crashing through green cliffs and disappearing into the dense forest below.
“When I saw the waterfalls from above, I knew they were something the world needed to see,” Nisar said. “I named them Hazara Waterfalls to reflect both their geography and their cultural belonging.”
Located just 80 kilometers from Islamabad and 170 kilometers from Peshawar, Jab Valley is easily accessible for domestic travelers and international visitors alike.
The site lies just 15 kilometers from Khanpur Dam, making it a convenient detour from well-known tourist circuits. The waterfalls feed into the Haro River, which ultimately flows into Khanpur Dam a key water source for Islamabad and its adjoining regions.
And yet, in the absence of commercialization, Jab Valley has retained its elemental charm. Towering pine trees, medicinal plants, and ancient wild olive trees known locally as Zaitoon shape the terrain. Migratory birds, porcupines, and native foxes thrive among the cliffs and forests. The only sounds are those of rushing waterfalls, birdsong, and the wind moving through untouched woods a sensory immersion in the natural soul of northern Pakistan.
Despite its ecological and geographical importance, and the growing influx of visitors, no formal investment or infrastructure has yet been provided by KP government. There are no marked trails, rest areas, or safety measures.
Access remains rugged and unpaved, with most travelers relying on local knowledge and guides to reach the site, Nisar complained.
“This valley is sacred in its silence,” Nisar said. “It’s not just a tourist spot it’s a sanctuary. And it deserves to be treated as such.”
Through Metrix Pakistan, a youth-led organization focused on rural empowerment and sustainable innovation, Nisar is working to help local communities directly benefit from tourism. His team trains young people from nearby villages in eco-tourism, digital storytelling, and environmental protection.
Already, many families are earning new income by offering guided hikes, food stalls, and services to travelers all while maintaining the valley’s delicate ecological balance.
“Our aim is not to alter Jab Valley,” Nisar said. “It’s to uplift those who’ve protected it for generations, and to ensure that what’s natural remains natural.”
Though provincial authorities have expressed interest in Jab Valley’s potential, no tangible steps have yet been taken to invest in its protection or promotion.
Environmentalists warn that unmanaged tourism could strain the local ecosystem and pollute the very rivers that supply drinking water downstream.
Still, Nisar remains hopeful that the model of community-led stewardship will endure.
“What started as a personal exploration has become a shared mission,” he said. “This valley feeds into our rivers, our reservoirs, and our sense of identity. It’s more than a destination it’s a reminder of what we still have, and what we stand to lose if we’re not careful.”
