Sakesar Peak Climb, Soon Valley

Sakesar Peak, at 1,522m, is the highest point of the Salt Range and sits above the Soon Valley in Khushab District, Punjab. The approach starts from the Soon Valley road near Naushera, where a rough track climbs toward the summit; a private vehicle or hired taxi is needed since there is no public transport to the trailhead, and the final stretch is often gated near the Pakistan Air Force radar installation on the summit, so hikers should confirm access locally before setting out. The round trip covers about 6-8km with roughly 400-500m of ascent from the valley floor, taking 3-4 hours at a steady pace. The track is a mix of packed dirt and loose stone, becoming steeper and rockier in the upper section, with light scrambling over eroded sections in places but no technical climbing required. There is little shade above the lower slopes, so the exposure to sun and wind increases markedly near the top. Along the way, hikers pass terraced fields and scattered juniper and olive scrub typical of the Salt Range, with the Soon Valley's seasonal lakes visible below on clear days. The summit offers sweeping views over the valley, the Khushab plains, and on the clearest days toward the Indus. There are no water sources, refuge huts, or shelter along the route, so hikers must carry all water and be prepared to turn back before the final approach if weather closes in, as the exposed summit ridge can be dangerous in high wind or lightning.