 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.
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| 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.
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| 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 |
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