Complete Travel Guide to Naran and Kaghan Valley.

Naran and Kaghan Valley are the most common tourist destinations to visit in Pakistan. They are located in Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the region, there are green fields, rivers, lakes and high mountains. Every year they receive thousands of people. There is adventure, nature, and peaceful locations.

This travel guide will demonstrate how to manage your travel experience, the best places to visit, and enjoy a safe and enjoyable vacation.

Visiting Naran and Kaghan Valley? Why?

Naran and Kaghan Valley are characterized by the following:

There are beautiful lakes and rivers such as Saif-ul-Malook Lake.
Mountains, waterfalls and fields.
Entertainment activities such as trekking, jeep rides and hiking.
Compromised spots to unwind and make photographs.
The combination of the nature and the neighboring culture makes Naran and Kaghan an excellent place to visit with families, partners as well as individuals.

Best Time to Visit

Islamic season Naran and Kaghan are best visited during May-September. During these months:

Roads are clear and safe.
Lakes and rivers are overflowing with water and are beautiful.
The climate is favorable to sightseeing, camping and trekking.

The seasons of winter, between October and April, are not favorable to the majority of tourists due to heavy snow, closed roads and cold weather. Winter is the best though when one likes snow and adventure.

How to Reach Naran & Kaghan

By Road:

Naran and Kaghan can be reached by driving them out of Islamabad which is the capital of Pakistan.
The distance between Islamabad and Naran is approximately 240 km.
By car, bus, it takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to travel.
Destination: Islamabad, Abbottabad, Balakot, Mansehra, Naran, Kaghan.

By Public Transport:

Regular vans and buses operate between Islamabad, Abbottabad and Mansehra.
The bus schedules are to be checked beforehand, particularly during the busy seasons.

Tips for Travel:

Begin in the morning before the traffic.
In the rain season, roads are likely to be slippery and therefore drive cautiously.
Carry snacks and water along.

Accommodation Options

Naran and Kaghan Valley have many accommodation options and these are:

Hotels & Guesthouses:

They are in Naran, Kaghan and Balakot.
They are at low-cost up to moderate prices.
Meals, Wi-Fi and parking are typically included in facilities.

Camping:

Lulusar Lake and Saif-ul-Malook are places where you can camp.
Better than the nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Bring your sleeping bags, tent and warm clothes.
Hint: Reserve early on in the high season (June to August).

Best attractions in Naran and Kaghan.

Visit Saif-ul-Malook Lake

Naran Valley is the most renowned place in Saif-ul-Malook Lake. It is located at a height of 3,224 meters and is bordered by mountains that are covered with snow.
The following you may do at Saif-ul-Malook:
Boating on the lake.
Make photos of the landscaped scenery.
Trek around nearby trails.
Tips:
Get in early morning and enjoy smooth and quiet water and less people.
Use warm clothes; it is cold even in summer.
There are jeep rides in case you do not feel like hiking.

Explore Lulusar Lake

Lulosar Lake is approximately 48 km of Naran. It supplies the Kunhar River and is not as busy as Saif-ul-Malook.
Activities:
Family and friends picnics.
Capture images of mountains and the reflection in the water.
Short hikes around the lake.
Note: Lulusar would be a good place to take an escape vacation in tourist areas.

Discover Babusar Top

Babusar Top is the topmost point of Kaghan valley road of height 4,173m. It provides a broad perspective of mountains, valleys and rivers.
Things to do:
Enjoy scenic photography.
See snow in summer time.
Spend time with friends and relatives at picnic.
Note: Babusar Top weather may fluctuate, and you should not forget warm clothes and raincoats.

Trekking and Hiking

Naran and Kaghan are ideal in trekking and hiking. Popular spots are:
Saif-ul-Malook to Ansoo Lake Trek- approximately 5-6 hours.
Babusar Top to Lulusar Lake- Easy hikes.
Ratti Gali Lake Trek -hard but well worth it.
Tips for trekking:
Always engage a local guide so as to be safe.
Bring water, snacks and good trekking shoes.
Look at the weather prior to commencing.

Visit Shogran and Siri Paye

Shogran is a Kaghan Valley hill station. It possesses green fields, high pine trees and cool climate. Shogran also has hiking options to Siri Paye Meadows as a beautiful plateau with mountain scenery.
Activities:
Riding of horses to higher fields.
Camping and picnics.
Make snapshots of beautiful green scenery.
Tips:
Better to go during summer when it is greener.
Bring hats and sunscreens.

Explore Waterfalls

The valleys are waterfall-bearing, with a number of beauties, including:
Kaghan Waterfall close to Naran – readily accessible by the main road.
Siri Paye Waterfalls- it involves a hiking adventure.
Waterfalls are also suitable in taking photographs, picnics, and relaxing when there is a hot day.

Local Food and Culture

A trip to Naran and Kaghan Valley is also concerned with local culture. Try these foods:
Chapli Kebab – tasty minced meat kebab.
Desi Chicken Karahi- spicy chicken curry.
Corn on the cob (Bhutta) – sold on the road by local street vendors.
Fresh trout fish- can be found in the restaurants close to rivers.
Hint: Carry money since the credit cards are not accepted in most of the remote areas.

Photography and Nature Walks.

Naran and Kaghan Valley are wonderful sites to visit by photographers and nature lovers.
Photography tips:
The best natural light is in the sunrise and sunset.
There are lakes, rivers and mountains to include in beautiful compositions.
Take hostage life in the small villages to get real life pictures.
River walks, mead walks, little forest walks are pleasant and entertaining.

Naran and Kaghan Valley Travel Tips.

Begin early enough: during the seasons of congestion, roads are crowded.
Check weather: there are swift weather changes in mountains.
Bring money: There are few ATM outside Naran town.
Take care of the nature: do not litter and obey the local regulations.
Wear warm clothes: in summer mornings and evenings can be cold.
Reserve books in advance particularly in July and August.
Employ local guides to lead in the treks and off-roads.

How Many Days to Spend?

It would be a 3 to 5 days journey to see Naran and Kaghan at ease.