Uchhali Lake and Soon Valley

The Soon valley lies in the western Salt Range, an unexpected pocket of green wheat fields, orchards and villages enclosed by dry escarpments, and it holds three brackish lakes of which Uchhali is the largest. Because the lakes have no outlet, the water is saline and supports a specialised ecology: greater flamingos winter here in varying numbers along with ducks, waders and the occasional rarity, and the wetlands are recognised internationally for their importance to migratory birds. Around the valley are the Sakesar hill, the highest point of the Salt Range at over 1,500 metres, waterfalls in the side ravines and the Kanhatti garden. The valley is agricultural and quiet, with little tourism infrastructure, and its distance from the main routes has kept it that way. Birdwatchers are the main visitors, arriving in winter with telescopes.

What you actually see

• Uchhali Lake - the largest of the valley's brackish lakes.
• Wintering flamingos - flocks present in the cold months, numbers varying.
• Soon valley farmland - wheat, orchards and villages enclosed by escarpments.
• Sakesar hill - the Salt Range high point above the valley.

When to go

November to March for the birds, which is the reason to come; outside the winter months the lakes are quiet and can shrink considerably. Early morning is best for viewing and light. Summer is hot and the valley is at its least interesting.

Honest expectations

Flamingo numbers vary hugely between years and can disappoint; there is no guarantee. Access roads are ordinary but the valley is far from major towns and accommodation is very limited, mostly basic rest houses. There are no hides or birdwatching facilities. Bring your own optics and water.

Nearby

Khushab is the nearest town; the Khewra and Katas Raj sites lie east in the same range.