Kumrat Valley Forest Upper Dir
Kumrat Valley is an enchanting fairy-tale forest destination in Upper Dir Khyber Pakhtunkhwa famous for dense deodar pine forests roaring Panjkora River wooden canopy bridges and pristine alpine meadows.
ExploreKawai Kaghan Valley
Kawai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Overview
Situated twenty four kilometers past Balakot along the N15 highway at an elevation of 1450 meters above sea level Kawai is a picturesque mountain village and pivotal travel junction in lower Kaghan Valley Mansehra District Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Perched beside rushing mountain streams flowing into the Kunhar River Kawai is world famous as the official gateway and 4x4 jeep station for the stunning alpine plateau of Shogran and Siri Paye Meadows. Surrounded by terraced corn fields thick pine tree forests and roadside fruit stalls Kawai offers travelers an essential transit hub featuring 4x4 jeep stands local tea spots fresh trout dining and scenic roadside mountain stops along the main route to Naran.
Highlights
- Official 4x4 jeep transit gateway to Shogran plateau and Siri Paye Meadows
- Picturesque mountain village located 24 kilometers past Balakot on the N15 highway
- Situated along rushing glacial streams merging into the main Kunhar River
- Famous for roadside 4x4 jeep stands local fruit stalls and trout fish dhabas
- Surrounded by dense pine forested mountain slopes and terraced agricultural fields
Things To Do
- Hire a local 4x4 jeep at the Kawai junction stand to trek up to Shogran and Siri Paye
- Enjoy hot cardamom green Kahwa tea and fresh pakoras at roadside stream cafes
- Photograph rushing mountain stream waterfalls and pine covered valley ridges
- Shop for fresh mountain fruits walnuts local honey and travel snacks at village stalls
- Relax at riverside open air sitting spots before starting the steep climb to Shogran
Local Transportation
Easily accessible via the paved N15 National Highway 24 km from Balakot using personal cars public coasters passenger vans or local taxis.
Accommodation
Local guesthouses and roadside inns available at Kawai bazaar with major resort accommodations located 8 km up in Shogran plateau.
Food & Cuisine
Roadside teahouses serve fresh fried mountain trout, chicken karahi, hot pakoras, fresh tandoori flatbread, sugarcane juice, and green Kahwa tea.
Safety Information
Safe and active transit hub. Drive carefully around the sharp mountain turn off from N15 onto the steep Shogran Jeep Road.
Travel Tips
Park your personal sedan or city car at secure paid parking lots in Kawai bazaar and rent a dedicated local 4x4 jeep for the steep climb to Shogran.