Kaghan Valley

Kaghan Valley - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Laying in lower Himalayan mountains range, the Kaghan valley, famous for its bewitching splendor and natural beauty, is one of the most charming tourist resorts in scenic Hazara division. At a distance of 64 km from Balakot, it offers resplendent beauty surrounded by magnificent mountains, magical glaciers, enchanting waterfalls and sweet lakes with plenty of flora and fauna. The valley is about 160 km long and between 1000 m to 4000 m above sea level at different places. Noisy Kunhar river with its icy water flows through the picturesque valley. The river water carries with it the delicious trout fish, famous for its rich taste being the most sought after food item for visitors and tourists.At peak summer when plains boil with scorching heat the valley regains its life. Kunhar river with its surging waters treacherously edges Kaghan and two other small towns, Balakot and Naran situated on its banks. The spring season that brings with it unfading fragrance of beautiful flowers and plants, witnesses quick movement of nomads along with their cattle towards upper pastures of Kaghan Valley and the return journey begins in autumn when they come down after this seasonal migration. The movement is going on since ancient times. Nomad womenfolk usually wear their typical mostly loose garments tailored locally with decorative hand-made embroidery.  Shogran At a distance of 34 km from Balakot, lays the beautiful summer retreat of Shogran. It is a strikingly beautiful plateau in the entire territory and can be through a metalled road via Kawai. Picturesque landscape, ecstatic views, tranquility and serenity of climate add to its natural charm. Surrounded by green mountains and full of fragrance of flowers it offers a perfect peace to visitors especially in summers amidst a comfortably cool climate and fresh breeze blowing across this tiny retreat. A pine forest brings further adds to its natural romance.  Jared Situated on the road leading to heart captivating resort of Naran, Jared is a small hamlet about 40 km from Balakot and just beyond Shinu. A trip to this small place can take you to a large variety of locally produced articles beautifully displayed at state-run Handicrafts Development Center and at small shops lined up at its narrow bazaar. Jared is known for producing traditionally carved furniture, hand-made woolen shawls and namda rugs more liked by people all over Pakistan. Any of the favorite items could be bought during a trip to this hamlet inhabited by simple hillfolk. Naran Blessed with captivating all round natural beauty, Naran is an earthly paradise for tourists and visitors. Situated at a distance of 86 km from Balakot, Naran is so lavishly beautiful a place where nature communicates with nature. Glimpses of magnificent mountains, meadows, streams, pine trees make it an exceptionally worth seeing place ever ready to joyfully welcome the outside guests. Its small bazaar lined up with wooden shops is like The Mall regaining its life in the evenings during summers. Visitors usually stroll and take food in a carefree cool and serene environment at the shops and kiosks packed with popular beverages and food items.Naran’s height at a certain place is 2498 m above sea level. Nature has lavishly showered its romance on this summer town. At PTDC Motel where Naran ends, the thrilling and most fascinating journey begins towards Lake Saiful Muluk, Battakundi, Lalazar Plateau, Lake Lalusar and Babusar Pass taking the visitors to these fairylands of lower Himalayan region mountain range. Lake Saiful Muluk The bowl-like famous lake with its ancient romantic legend is at a distance of 10 km from picturesque Naran, at a height of 3500 m above sea level. It can be reached by jeep. The journey is full of panoramic view of some of magical scenes of the 5291 m high Malika Parbat, popularly known as Queen of the Mountains in a cool and serene atmosphere. The lake is like a beautiful bowl magically reflecting the huge shadows of surrounding mountains in its crystal clear pure water. The view is heart captivating. This magnificent lake named after a prince Saiful Muluk carries an old romance. The legend goes that the prince dumbfound by the beauty of the fairy of the lake, fell in love with her. The legend is alive till this day. Lake Dudipat Sar This beautiful spot is 1100 feet above sea level. A charming lake, famous for trout fishing, can be reached from Basel after 8 hours trekking in the mountains.After the middle of June when the weather is more pleasant is the best time for visiting the lake.  Lake Lulu Sar Located between Basel and Gitidas, lake Lulusar is the biggest natural lake in scenic Hazara. It feeds roaring Kunhar river which is its main source. You come across magnificent view of the lake through a jeep trek on the banks of the lake that takes you to Babu Sar Pass. The journey is full of excitement. Babusar Pass Gifted with plenty of natural beauty Babusar Pass is at a distance of 80 km from Nara. Kaghan Valley’s treasures of natural attraction become more and more eye catching all along the route leading to the Pass. Babusar Top provides a convenient point to view majestic Nanga Parbat (8126m) on a clear day in fine weather.  When To Visit Hazara region of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa usually has mild climate with Abbottabad being its central city. It had been named after a British officer Major Abbot. Round the year the weather generally remains moderate both in summer and winter. Its adjoining summer resorts scenic Nathialgali, Dungagali and Ayubia are known for their diverse climate, comfortable cool in summer with maximum temperature of 10 centigrade and minimum of zero centigrade in summer and extremely cold in winter. The snowfall season generally begins in December and continues till late February.All these resorts are accessible round the year. The hilly town of Thandiani, at a short distance from Abbottabad, receives heavy snowfall in January and February that some times block traffic to this tiny hill station, where you can find perfect peace in lush green pine forests. The best time to visit and enjoy plenty of leisure in Kaghan valley is from mid-May to mid-October. You can take a trip to Babusar Pass as it is open for 4 months from July to October.  How To Get There The picturesque Kaghan valley is accessible by road from Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar. You can use paved roads from Abbottabad to Thandiani, Nathiagali, Ayubia, Mansehra Thakot and Kaghan. The road up to Naran is in good condition. However, beyond it the journey to all directions is possible only on jeep tracks. What To Do For visitors, fishing in Kunhar river and lakes is the main activity in Kaghan valley. Brown trout and rainbow trout found in enchanting river and serene water of lakes provide a good pastime. Prescribed permits for fishing can be obtained from the Fisheries department at Shinu or Naran. Besides fishing, you can go for mountain climbing, trekking and pony ride giving you much of outdoor recreation. Favorite Shopping Items Kaghan valley is famous for a variety of locally manufactured articles. Some of the traditional items add to decorative tastes at your household. Embroidered woolen garments, carved furniture of walnut wood and numda rugs are available for purchase at shops. Map