Kaghan Valley
The Kaghan Valley is regarded as a gem among the stunning valleys in Pakistan’s Mansehra region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Stretching over 160 kilometers, the valley is a well-liked summer vacation destination for travelers from both domestic and foreign destinations. The salient characteristics and most famous regions of Kaghan Valley are as follows:
Table of Contents
- Naran
- Kaghan
- Shogran
- Saiful Muluk
- Babusar Top
- Lulusar Lake
- Batakundi
- Jalkhad
Balakot
is the final town or city before the Kaghan Valley begins. In addition to being the site of a significant historical conflict between Sikhs and Muslims in the early 1800s, Balakot is also the final resting place of prominent Muslim leader Syed Ahmed Shaheed. Travellers from distant places typically opt to spend the night in Balakot before formally exploring the picturesque valleys of Kaghan.
Kawai
After entering into Kaghan, the first town that comes our way is Kawai. Kawai is situated at a distance of 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Balakot and is home to a small number of people. The track that passes through Kawai winds through thick forests of pine and can be extremely prone to landslides in wet weather.
Kiwai waterfall is a famous spot on in Kaghan valley with various restaurants available for refreshment. Most tourists stop here to rest and have meal to get fresh, then continue their travel.
Shogran
Visitors arrive in Shogran, a wonderful location with breathtaking views, after crossing Kawai. At a height of 2400 metres (7500 feet) above sea level, Shogran is located. It towers over the valley at this height. There are several guest houses in Shogran that are available for overnight stays. The forestry department rest and guest house is the most well known.
Siri Paye
After crossing Shogran, there’s a long climb up to the breathtaking Siri and Paya plateau. A plateau called Siri and Paya sits directly above the picturesque Shogran. Paya is easily identified by its stunning lake, which reflects the surrounding vegetation. The plateau is located at Siri, which is further ahead. From Shogran, it’s a 2.5-hour climb or a jeep drive to Siri Paye. Paya is located at 11,200 feet, or 3414 metres, above sea level. A vehicle can travel the distance between Siri and Paya in fifteen minutes. At Siri, there’s a forest rest house.
Meadows Manna
The elevation of Manna Meadows is 8000 feet above sea level. An about 4-hour hike from Paya brings you to Manna Meadows. Because the flowers are at their peak in July and August, this is the ideal time of year to visit Manna Meadows. A three-hour hiking trail connects Manna Meadows with Shogran.
Sharan
From Paras, which is located on the opposite bank of the Kunhar River, there is a 16-kilometer jeep route that leads to Sharan. Sharan is located 7872 feet (about 2.4 km) above sea level. It is a component of the mountain range that has 13,372-foot-high Musa ka Musalla as its highest summit.
Shinu
Shinu is a town near Sharan that is also worthy of note. The town is well-known for having a great supply of trout fish because to its trout hatchery. Visitors can fish in the well-stocked river in Shinu by purchasing a fishing licence.
Jared
Jared is a small town known for its handicrafts. The handicraft business is run both privately and in collaboration with the government. The government also runs a handicraft development center at Jared. The handicrafts sold at Jared mainly comprise of: • Carved furniture • Handmade woolen shawls
Khanian
Khanian approaches Mahanderi from a slight distance. Khanian is a base camp for those going into the Danna Meadows and Kamal Ban forest. It is located on the right bank of the Kunhar River.
Meadows Danna
Danna Meadows can be reached from Khanian by a ten-kilometer jeep trail. Even though the course is only 10 km long, it still takes around one hour to complete. At ten thousand feet, Danna Meadows offers views of several snow-capped summits that rise well above fifteen thousand feet. The jeep track is currently unusable, thus getting to Danna Meadows on foot will take about three hours.
Naran Valley
The valley’s most popular and heavily populated tourist destination is Naran. Numerous hotels, eateries, and tent communities can be found there. The elevation of Naran is 2427 meters, or 7693 feet, above sea level. It is almost 82 kilometers (51 miles) away from Balakot. Despite being the hub of tourism in the Kaghan valley, Naran lacks a bank.
Distance between Kaghan to Naran valley is around 23 kilometers, and it takes around one hour by road. Road between Naran Kaghan is bit tricky for new drivers in hilly areas so you should drive with extra care.
Lake Saif-ul-Muluk
10 kilometers east from Naran is Lake Saif-ul-Muluk. It is situated at an altitude of around 3,212 meters or 10,537 feet above sea level. In winter, the lake is covered by sheet of ice, while in April, when the ice begins to melt; miniature icebergs can be seen floating on the surface of the lake. The mountain right behind the lake is called Malika Parbat. From the lake one can trek up to the Saif-ul-Muluk glacier which is located southwards. Once can also trek over a 4300 meter pass and reach the settlements on the other side of the lake.
Aansoo Lake
Aansoo Lake is situated near Malika Parbat in the Himalayan mountain range. The word Aansoo in Urdu stands for ‘teardrop’. The lake has been named so because of its tear-like shape. Aansoo Lake has been said to be discovered by Pakistan Air Force Pilots in 1993 while flying at a relatively low altitude. Before this, the lake was unknown even to the locals. Aansoo Lake can be reached via a strenuous trek from Lake Saif ul-Muluk. However there is an alternate route to reach the lake from Mahanderi but this route is not preferred as it is a less trodden route and the difficulties are unknown. The best season to visit Aansoo Lake is from May to July.
Batakundi
Batakundi is the first settlement that one comes across when travelling towards the Babusar pass. Standing 2,624 metres, or 8607 feet, above sea level lies Batakundi. It is located sixteen km away from Naran. Three other hotels and a PWD rest house are located in Batakundi. The final village in the valley to remain open throughout the winter is Batakundi.
Lalazar
Lalazar is reached by a jeep route that is roughly two kilometres from Batakundi. Lalazar is well-known for its meadows that are a riot of colour in the spring. Lalazar is home to a large number of potato fields as well.
Burawai
Batakundi and Burawai are located about 13 kilometres apart. One of the best roads in the nation connects Naran and Jalkhad; it’s also referred to as the Manshera-Naran-Jalkhad highway.
Jalkhad
Jalkhad is further up the road. It is twelve kilometres away from Burawai. The Jalkhad stream empties into the powerful Kunhar river at this location. The MNJ highway splits at Jalkhad. One segment joins KKH and travels to Chilas.The other, however, travels to Sharda before arriving at Muzafarrabad in Azad Kashmir.
Lake Pyala
A kilometre or so east of Jalkhad is where Pyala Lake is located. This lake’s water has a blue tint. Pyala is the Urdu word for “bowl.” The lake’s bowl-like shape gave rise to its name.
Noori Top/ Noori Lake
Noori Top is situated at an altitude of 12900 feet above sea level. It remains snowcapped throughout the year. From Noori top two hiking tracks to Ratti Gali and Saral Lake originate. Noori Lake lies at the border of Kaghan Valley and Azad Kashmir. It is at an altitude of 12,780 feet above sea level. The lake can be reached by a Jeep via Jalkhad in 1.5 hours.
Besal
The road north of Jalkhad steeply rises and reaches Besal, a wilderness with treacherous terrain. In stark contrast with the lush green forests of the Kaghan Valley, Besal offers mere views of jagged rocks. It also serves as a base camp for Lulusar Lake.
Lake Lulusar
The lake is about 10,000 feet above sea level. Kunhar river receives additional strength from the water that drains from the lake. Wild flowers in shades of blue and gold encircle Lulusar Lake.
Lake Dudipatsar
Another stunning lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks is Dudipatsar. Situated at an elevation of 3800 metres. “Sar” means lake, while “dudi” means white. The lake was given this name because of the white snow that covered the nearby peaks. One of the valley’s most difficult locations to get to is Dudipatsar Lake. The lake is reachable from Besal after a strenuous 6-hour hike.
Babusar Pass
High mountains obstruct the Kaghan Valley at its end, but a pass allows the route suitable for jeeps to wind over into the Chilas Valley. This is Babusar Pass, which is 4,173 metres high. The Babusar Pass, which overlooks the entire Kaghan landscape, marks the end of the Kaghan Valley. Babusar Pass is located 75 miles from Naran and 161 km from Balakot.
This minaret indicates that the pass’s highest point is 13,690 feet above sea level. The entrance to the Gilgit Valley and Kaghan region is Babusar Pass. Babusar Pass road closures occur from October to June, with additional restrictions in place during the monsoon season.
Naran Kaghan Weather: A Year-Round Guide
The weather in Naran Kaghan varies greatly depending on the season, making it crucial to plan your visit accordingly. The valley experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in Naran Kaghan is nothing short of magical. The snow from winter starts to melt, revealing vibrant greenery and blossoming flowers. The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, while nights remain cooler.
Summer (June to August)
This is the peak tourist season due to the mild and comfortable Naran Kaghan temperature. Daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The summer weather is perfect for trekking, hiking, and visiting the famous Saif-ul-Malook Lake.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn brings a golden hue to the valley as trees shed their leaves, and the temperature drops slightly. The Naran Kaghan temperature during this time ranges from 5°C to 15°C. It’s a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and want to enjoy the valley’s peacefulness.
Winter (December to February)
Naran Kaghan transforms into a snowy wonderland in the winter months. However, due to heavy snowfall, the valley becomes inaccessible for most tourists. Temperatures can drop below freezing, with daytime averages around -5°C to 5°C. Only experienced adventurers and locals visit during this season.
Understanding Naran Kaghan Temperature for an Ideal Trip
Knowing the Naran Kaghan temperature during your intended travel dates is crucial for packing and planning activities. The valley’s temperature fluctuates significantly, especially between day and night, so it’s wise to prepare for a range of conditions.
If you’re visiting in summer, pack light, breathable clothes for the daytime and a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. For spring and autumn visits, it’s best to layer up, as mornings and evenings can be chilly. Winter visitors should be prepared for sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, requiring specialized clothing and equipment.
Best Time to Visit Naran Kaghan
The best time to visit Naran Kaghan largely depends on what you want to experience. For pleasant weather and easy access to all major attractions, June to August is the best period. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and a more peaceful experience, consider visiting in early spring or autumn. Winter, while beautiful, is best left to those who are prepared for extreme cold and potential road closures.
Tips for Traveling to Naran Kaghan
- Pack for the Weather: Always check the Naran Kaghan temperature before your trip to ensure you’re dressed appropriately.
- Stay Hydrated: The altitude of the valley can sometimes cause dehydration, so keep water with you at all times.
- Book Accommodation Early: During peak season, hotels can fill up quickly, so make sure to reserve your accommodation in advance.
- Travel Safely: If you’re planning a winter visit, make sure to check the road conditions, as some routes may be blocked due to snow.
Conclusion
Kaghan Valley is a true gem in Pakistan, offering a blend of stunning landscapes, historical sites, and outdoor adventures. From the serene waters of Lake Saif-ul-Muluk to the rugged peaks of Babusar Pass, every corner of the valley presents an opportunity for exploration. With its diverse weather patterns, ranging from pleasant summers to snowy winters, Kaghan Valley is an ideal destination for travelers seeking natural beauty throughout the year. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to unwind in peaceful surroundings, Kaghan Valley has something to offer everyone. So, plan your trip, check the Naran Kaghan weather, and embark on a journey to experience the majestic beauty of this breathtaking valley.