About
Darel Valley lies in Diamer District along the Darel River. At its mouth, a rock spur scattered with boulders holds a major cluster of petroglyphs, with prehistoric animals, hunting scenes, and figures, along with later Buddhist carvings. About 370 carvings on 46 boulders were recorded there in 2007. The valley was an important Buddhist centre in the past. A famous ancient monastery, known locally as Naukot, stands on a hill above the village of Phuguch, and early Chinese travellers recorded the valley, including a wooden image of Bodhisattva Maitreya. Sir Aurel Stein also visited Darel in the early 20th century. The valley is remote and far from the main tourist trail, so it suits travellers interested in archaeology, history, and quiet mountain scenery.