The Hidden Jewel of Hazara

Jab Valley, located in the picturesque Hazara region of Haripur, Pakistan, is home to the famous Hazara Waterfalls. Surrounded by lush green hills, crystal-clear water streams, and breathtaking landscapes, the valley has become a rising tourist attraction.

It offers a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families looking for peace in the lap of nature.

Media Spotlight

Nestled in the verdant folds of the Haripur district in the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Jab Valley is an emerging gem in Pakistan’s eco-tourism landscape. At its heart lies the Hazara Waterfalls — a cascading chain of eight waterfalls, some plunging from dramatic heights, hidden among forests of wild olive and pine.

Discovery & Early Interest

In late 2021, Hasan Nisar, a student and amateur explorer from Haripur, used drone photography and field exploration to document eight cascading waterfalls in what had previously been uncharted terrain. He named this scenic cluster the “Hazara Waterfalls,” and began sharing visuals and stories of the valley on social media, drawing curiosity and admiration.

Rising Popularity & Tourist Influx

By mid-2025, Jab Valley’s allure had rapidly grown. During Eid holidays, thousands of tourists from across Pakistan flocked to the valley, transforming it from a quiet rural area into one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s most talked-about destinations. The Express Tribune reported that the waterfalls, some plunging from heights of up to 200 metres, turned the once-obscure locale into one of the region’s most sought-after destinations.

The influx of visitors has had real economic impacts: a local roadside tea stall owner claimed that his daily earnings tripled during peak times compared to previous years.

Eco-Tourism Vision & Institutional Support

Recognizing the potential of Jab Valley, the Pakistani government, provincial tourism agencies, and international partners have begun planning infrastructure development that balances accessibility with environmental protection.

In September 2025, a UK-funded eco-tourism project commenced to convert the valley into a flagship sustainable destination, backed by FCDO via WWF-Pakistan’s Water Resource Accountability Project (WRAP). An initial allocation of Rs 5 million is being used to build safe walking paths, viewing platforms, and small tourist huts.

WWF-Pakistan’s involvement underscores the emphasis on protecting the fragile ecosystem, managing visitor impact, guiding local employment, and promoting community stewardship.

Significance & Identity

Today, Jab Valley symbolizes a new paradigm in Pakistani tourism — community-led, eco-integrated, and rooted in authenticity. It stands as an invitation: to walk softly, to breathe deeply, to see unspoiled waters — and to invest in conservation over commercialization.

Featured in the Press

Thousands of tourists flock to Jab Valley

The Express Tribune

Jab Valley’s Hazara Waterfalls set to shine as eco-tourism hub with UK-backed project

APP / National News

Student ‘discovers’ Hazara area with eight waterfalls

Dawn