A Visit to Kaghan Valley will leave you enchanted by the spectacular beauty of its mountains, glaciers and lush greenery. Kaghan Valley includes Naran, Kaghan, Shogran and its surrounding areas. The way to Kaghan valley starts with two hour drive to Abbottabad. At Abbottabad you can refresh yourself with a cup of tea before driving to Mansehra, Balakot and onwards to Kawai. Kawai onwards is a steep climb to the Shogran plateau which offers a splended view of a fabulous array of mountains, amid pine trees and lush green meadows
Kaghan & Naran: Kaghan Village has given its name to the whole Valley. It is 64 km from Balakot at an altitude of 2,039 m. Naran is the main tourist attraction of the valley. It is linked with Balakot by 88 km long metalled road. It takes 4 hours by car to reach Naran. Naran serves as a base for the whole valley. From here, you can ride a jeep or horse or hike to several picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks. The journey through the valley by the side of Kunhar river is indeed a unique experience.
A holiday in Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away situated northeast of Hazara district of North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience. Its mountains, dales, lakes, waterfalls, streams and glaciers are still in an unbelievable pristine state, an unspoiled paradise. The Valley extends for 155 km rising from an elevation of 2,134 metres to its highest point, the Babusar Pass (4,173 m). Kaghan is at its best in the summer months (May to September). In May the temperature is: maximum 11 C and the minimum 3 C. From the middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran, snowbound throughout the winter, is open right up to Babusar Pass.
Tourist Attractions
Most of the tourists especially come to visit lake Saiful Maluk lying 10,600 feet above sea level with its natural tranquillity in the foot hills of Himalayas. Saiful Maluk is one of the most beautiful lakes of the world. To sit beside the lake is to be in the fairy world. Camping at Saiful Maluk is an experience of life time.
You can find nice and comfortable hotel accomodation at Shogran and after a day’s rest consider moving on to Sri Paya. But be prepared for the extra bumpy ride. You can also plan a hiking trip to Sri Paya from Shogran. It will take around two and half hour to reach at peaks of Sri Paya.
Once you reach Sri Paya the discomfort of the journey is forgotten as you find yourself surrounded by a spectacular view of the Makra hills and the Malka Parbat peak. Malka Parbat in english means “Queen of Mountains”.
The next stop Khanian offers the best trout one can taste in the north. The dazzling greens of Dana Meadows and the slippery glaciers at tarmac, on the way to Naran, are quite an experience.
Malka Parbat, can be best approached by hiking or driving 10 KM from Naran to the legendary Saiful Maluk nesting in the shadows of The Malka Parbat. On a clear day, you can behold the majesty of the Malka Parbat’speaks reflected in the lake’s deep blue icy waters.
Around Kaghan
Lake Saiful Maluk & Lalazar: Lake Saiful Muluk has a touch of the unreal about it, nestling 3,206 metres high in the shadow of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains – 5,291 m). You can go fishing or boating in the lake and hear the local legend about Prince Saiful Maluk who fell in love with a fairy. Further up are quaint woodland villages, Battakundi, Burawai, Basal, Gittidas and Lalazar. At a distance of 19 km from Naran, Lalazar is unique place for a day excursion.
Lake Saiful Maluk the lake is accessible by jeep or by trekking because there is a mere trek to reach the lake. It is almost impossible to describe the beauty of this lake, which is like mirror at the altitude of 3200 meters. The Queen of the Mountains is standing in the east and looking her image in the mirror of Lake Saiful Maluk. You can spend few days here to monitor the guards of lake, which are towering peaks and spread all around the lake.
Lake Saiful Muluk is situated at 3000+m, about 40 minutes jeep ride from Naran. Best time to visit is early in the morning when the air is cool, resulting in a picture perfect reflection on the lake. Camping facilities are also avaialbe, but you will have to check with the hotel that you will stay at. Nice view of Malaka Parbat
The Land of Fairies Five mile away another 3000 feet above the Naran is Fairy Tale Lake.Local legend relates that Prince Saif-ul-Muluk fell in love with a fairy from the mountains. One day, he saw her bathing in the stream and crept up and stole her clothes. To preserve her modesty the not-so-reluctant fairy promised to be his wife. The fairy’s demon lover appeared in time to see the happy pair together, and in a fit of jealous rage flooded the entire valley. Saiful Maluk the lake is accessible by jeep or by tracking because there is a mere trek to reach the lake. It is almost impossible to describe the beauty of this lake, which is like mirror at the altitude of 3200 meters. The Queen of the Mountains is standing in the east and looking her image in the mirror of Lake Saiful Maluk. You can spend few days here to monitor the guards of lake, which are towering peaks and spread all around the lake.
How To Get There?
Kaghan Valley is accessible by road from Rawalpindi/Islamabad and Peshawar. PTDC runs its seasonal coach service between Rawalpindi and Naran from 1st June till 31st August. For bookings, please contact any of PTDC Tourist Information Centres. The Kaghan Valley is blocked at the end by high mountains but a pass lets the jeepable road snakes over into Chilas Valley. This is 4,173 m high Babusar Pass, which commands the whole Kaghan panorama as well as gives you, on a clear day, glimpses of Nanga Parbat (the Naked Mountain) glistening at 8,126 m.
Where To Stay?
There are many moderately priced hotels, motels in Kaghan Valley at Balakot, Shogran, Kaghan, and Naran. More over, the comfortably furnished PTDC Motel Complex at Naran and Balakot, welcome the visitors to Kaghan Valley.
What To Buy?
Kaghan is noted for its artistically carved walnut handicrafts, embroidered shawls, shirts, woollen blankets and “Namdas” (woollen felt rugs).