(The only downside to beginning with Mianwali is that a lot of the region's history is unknown or very hard to dig. So, I will keep the post in constant edit until we have satisfactory info.)
1- Kalabagh / Mari Indus
A few miles from the city of Mianwali lie the towns of Kalabagh and Mari Indus. The mountains surrounding the towns have extensive coal and salt mines. The salt mines, in particular, are worth visiting.
In the mountains, overlooking the Indus are the ruins of ancient Hindu temples. The legend goes that these were constructed during the exile of the Pandavas brothers, which will place these temples in the age of Mahabharata or the Iron Age (between 10th century to 4th century BCE).
In the local language, the temples are referred to as "Manikot" or the "fort of jewels". This is where the Kalabagh diamonds are found (quartz in six-sided prisms, terminated by six-sided pyramids).
(Photo credits: Arsalank2 @ flickr.com)
With Indus flowing through the town, weaving its way through mountains, the area is picturesque. Railway bridges from the colonial era are still in use here.
Another excellent place to visit (i.e. if you can get in) is the house of the Nawab of Kalabagh on the bank of Indus. The building is spectacular with marble interiors. And judging from the pictures hanging in the elegant sitting room, dignitaries ranging from Queen Victoria to President Kennedy and President Ayub Khan have visited/stayed at this place. The gardens have numerous varieties of fruits and flowers (I remember picking grapefruits).
For lunch, one should visit any of the places serving kebabs and fresh naan from the 'tandoor'. In particular, the restaurants near the (now non existent) Afghan Refugee camps which had some of the best Kabuli Pulao and Kebab I ever tasted. (As a plus, you get to sit on the ground and look out towards Indus through the windows.)
(Photo credits: Yousuf Niazi @ mianwalionline.com)
2- Kafirkot
3- Chashma
4- Musakhel and Namal Lake
