I read the other day that now they are building a bridge across river Kabul to give an unfettered access to Kund National Park. The park lies on the north bank of river Kabul, some twenty clicks before Nowshehra on GT road, while traveling towards Peshawar. Presently, only the brave visitors usually use small rafts to cross the rapid-flowing river, and there had been few mishaps in the past. But, I think it’s well worth it, as the serene beauty of the Kund forest is just splendous.
I have never actually been inside the park; only glanced at it from the Southern bank of the river. Although, anyone familiar with the area, would certainly know a small town called Pubbi which lies a little upstream from Kund. My father used to take us duck hunting there during the winter season, and we always had to cross the river in the middle of the night in small motor boats to actually get to a doab; where we set-up the environment for an early morning welcome of migratory ducks flying over Kabul; such as setting up decoys in icy waters, and blowing duck whistles :D..and I still can’t imagine how stupid were those birds which actually came down thinking there was a duck party going on in attractive waters. Good times indeed. It would be awesome if someone has visited the place or has any pictures to post here, and just share some experiences.
I hope that you are right Zakk. Somehow, I wasn't really thrilled about the idea of too many people coming and spoiling the place. I just want it to remain secluded; the way it is. It's funny that when you are there, the place seems a bit ordinary since you have seen it several times, and now when you are away, all of a sudden these places become all so special..do visit it the next time when you are there.
PESHAWAR: Plan to set up wildlife park under study http://www.dawn.com/2003/text/local35.htm
PESHAWAR, April 6: The provincial government was considering a proposal about converting of Kund Park into a Wildlife safari park to serve as a centre for conservation, education and nucleus for propagation of endangered species.
The proposal for setting up of the safari park was presented by the Wildlife department for its active consideration.
An official of the Wildlife department informed that a meeting to this effect by the concerned officials will be held with senior minister, Siraj-ul-Haq, who also holds the portfolio of environment, on April 8.
Kund Park is situated on the confluence of river Indus and river Kabul over an area of 176 acres and the wildlife department has displayed a number of species in the park including common leopard, spotted deer, hog deer, black buck, golden pheasant, silver pheasant, ring-necked pheasant, kalij pheasant, cheer pheasant, blue peacock, white peacock, cranes, partridges, bar- headed geese and ruddy shelduck.
A bear centre has also been established in the park with the assistance of the World Society for the Protection of Animals.
The centre is the only facility in Pakistan for the confiscated bears and is serving as deterrent to the poaching and trapping of wild bears.
The official informed that the proposal was earlier submitted to the governor of NWFP for transferring the management of the park to the Wildlife department from the Sarhad Tourism Corporation.-APP