Gokand valley, in the Showdarra area of Buner district, is known for the Taghan waterfalls, a series of falls reached by a hillside trail above the hamlet of Kuz Gokand. It became widely known only in recent years, after photographs from local hikers spread on social media, and it now draws day visitors from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This guide covers what the valley and its waterfalls are like, how to get there, and how hard the trail actually is.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Kuz Gokand, Showdarra area, Buner district |
| Known for | The Taghan waterfalls, reached on foot from the valley floor |
| Access | By road to Gokand, then on foot up the Taghan trail |
| Difficulty | Moderate; a steep, unmarked hillside path, not a paved walkway |
| What to bring | Proper shoes, water, cash; no facilities on the trail |
| Safety | UK advises against all travel to Buner; check local advice first |
What Gokand valley is known for
Gokand is a side valley off the main Buner landscape, wooded with pine and watered by streams that feed the Taghan waterfalls. The principal fall drops from a considerable height in a broad, umbrella-shaped curtain of water, and the trail up to it passes at least two smaller falls on the way, so the walk itself is part of the attraction rather than just the approach to it.
Local reporting on the valley describes it as a recent discovery for tourism: for years it was known only to people in Buner itself, and it was small groups of hikers exploring the area who first brought back photographs that made it known more widely.
Getting to Gokand
Gokand is reached by road from the rest of Buner, most commonly approached via the M1 motorway from Peshawar or Islamabad, exiting towards Buner district and following local roads to Showdarra and on to Gokand. From Islamabad this is a similar distance and drive time to the rest of Buner's sights, around five hours, so most people build it into a wider day or overnight trip rather than visiting Gokand on its own.
There is no fuel station or bank in the valley itself, so fill up and carry cash before you leave the main Buner roads.
The Taghan waterfalls trail
From the parking area at Kuz Gokand, the trail climbs on foot through forest, following the stream up the valley. It is not a maintained tourist path: expect an unmarked, sometimes steep hillside trail rather than steps or a walkway, with the terrain becoming rougher the further up you go. Along the way you pass two smaller waterfalls before reaching the main fall, which plunges in a wide sheet over the rock face at the head of the trail.
Reports of how long the hike takes vary with the pace and the state of the path; treat any timing you read, including here, as a rough guide and allow a comfortable half day for the round trip rather than rushing it. Wear proper hiking shoes rather than sandals, and carry your own water, since nothing is sold on the trail itself.
How difficult is it?
This is not a walk for flip-flops or a stroll for small children. The path is a genuine hillside trail with loose stone and stream crossings, and it gets harder, not easier, closer to the main fall. Fit adults and older children in decent shoes manage it without technical difficulty, but anyone with knee problems, small children, or limited hiking experience should ask locally about the current state of the trail before setting out, since a valley without a maintained path can change from one season to the next.
Visit early in the day if you can. Photographs of the main fall are better before the sun is directly overhead, and starting early gives more room to turn back if the trail proves harder going than expected.
Litter and leaving the valley as you found it
Because Gokand's popularity is recent, the valley has struggled with the volume of visitors it now gets: reporting on the site has noted plastic bottles and wrappers left along the trail. Take your rubbish back out with you and, if you can, pick up what you find. A valley that is losing its appeal to litter is one that stops being worth the walk.
Is it safe to visit right now?
The UK government currently advises its citizens against all travel to Buner district, which takes in Gokand. Pakistani visitors continue to make the trip in normal numbers, but check current local news and police advice before you go, and be aware that heavy rain in this kind of terrain can affect both the trail and the roads in. Our guide to places to visit in Buner has more on the district as a whole and its current safety picture.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Gokand valley?
In the Showdarra area of Buner district, at the hamlet of Kuz Gokand, reached by road from the rest of Buner.
How long does the Taghan waterfalls hike take?
Timings vary with pace and trail conditions, but plan for a comfortable half day for the round trip rather than rushing it.
Is the Gokand valley trail suitable for children?
It is a genuine hillside trail rather than a paved path, with loose stone and stream crossings, so it suits older children and fit adults better than young children.
Are there facilities at Gokand valley?
No. There is no fuel, bank or shop in the valley itself, so fill up, carry cash and bring your own water and snacks.
Is Gokand valley safe to visit?
The UK advises against all travel to Buner district. Pakistanis still visit regularly; check current local news and police advice before you travel.
