Naran Town Kaghan Valley
Naran Town is the bustling heart and primary tourism hub of Kaghan Valley sitting at 2409 meters famous for Lake Saiful Muluk Babusar Pass and trout dining.
ExploreBalakot Mansehra
Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Overview
Situated thirty eight kilometers north of Mansehra city along the roaring Kunhar River at an elevation of 980 meters above sea level Balakot is a historic mountain town and the historic entry gateway to Kaghan Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Known historically as the site of the famous 1831 battle involving Syed Ahmad Shaheed and Shah Ismail Shaheed whose revered shrines sit along the riverbanks Balakot serves as the main commercial and transport junction connecting mainland Pakistan to Naran Kaghan and Babusar Pass. Rebuilt following the major 2005 earthquake Balakot features bustling roadside bazaars trout fish eateries suspension bridges and scenic riverside viewpoints serving as an essential transit stopover for travelers venturing into the high alpine regions of Hazara.
Highlights
- Historic entry gateway town to Kaghan Naran Valley sitting along the Kunhar River
- Home to the historic shrines of martyrs Syed Ahmad Shaheed and Shah Ismail Shaheed
- Major commercial transit hub connecting Mansehra to Naran and Babusar Pass
- Famous for fresh river trout fish eateries built along the rushing waters of Kunhar River
- Scenic valley town surrounded by green Hazara pine hills and terraced agricultural plots
Things To Do
- Visit the revered historic shrines of Syed Ahmad Shaheed and Shah Ismail Shaheed
- Enjoy fresh fried river trout fish at open air restaurants along the Kunhar River
- Cross scenic suspension footbridges over the roaring Kunhar River for valley photography
- Shop for local Hazara dried fruits honey travel gear and handicrafts in main bazaar
- Relax at riverside parks and teahouses before starting the mountain drive to Naran
Local Transportation
Easily accessible via the smooth paved N85 / N15 Karakoram National Highway network 38 km from Mansehra using personal cars public coasters passenger vans or local taxis.
Accommodation
Numerous roadside hotels and guest houses available including Pine Track Hotel Balakot, Gateway Hotel, River View Hotel Balakot, and local family inns.
Food & Cuisine
Famous for fresh river trout fish, chicken karahi, chapli kabab, fresh tandoori flatbreads, sugarcane juice, and green Kahwa tea.
Safety Information
Highly safe, well populated, and family friendly gateway town with active local police checkpoints, petrol pumps, mechanic shops, and medical centers.
Travel Tips
Balakot is the best spot to withdraw ATM cash, fill vehicle fuel tanks, and buy basic medicines before driving further into Kaghan Valley.