KAGHAN VALLEY

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 valley: 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.