In Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Hazara area, the Kaghan Valley is situated. Beginning at a height of 650 metres and rising to a maximum elevation of 4,170 metres at the Babusar Pass, this alpine valley traverses northern Pakistan for roughly 155 km.
Landslides significantly harmed the approaches into the valley after the deadly 2005 Kashmir earthquake. However, there have been significant efforts made to restore these roads.
Because of its breathtaking natural beauty, travellers adore visiting the Kaghan Valley. Anyone who wishes to take in some breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the great outdoors should visit this location.
Geography of Kaghan Valley:
Located in the Hazara region of Pakistan, Kaghan Valley borders Gilgit Baltistan in the north, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the east. The lower Himalayan Mountain range encompasses the valley giving it an alpine climate. And this is why the valley is house to alpine meadows and pine forests. Lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and the wild Kunhar River adorn the valley, adding to its stunning beauty.
Access to Kaghan Valley:
By car, it is possible to go from Balakot to the Kaghan Valley via Abbottabad and Mansehra. Public buses and other forms of transportation may be utilised in Balakot to go to the valley. Additionally, visitors can drive to Abbottabad or Mansehra from Peshawar or the national capital of Islamabad and then book a cab or another kind of public transportation to get to the Kaghan Valley.
To get rid of all the hassle of planning, booking cabs, and hotel reservation you can simply avail of Abroad 21’s services.
Summertime travellers may reach the valley whenever they want, but wintertime travellers cannot. This is due to the fact that, although these glaciers generally melt between February and April, they obstruct the roads leading to the Kaghan during the winter. The highways and Babusar Pass are accessible from May to the end of September. Temperatures in May reach up to 11 degrees Celsius and fall as low as 3 degrees Celsius.
Best Places to Visit in Kaghan Valley:
Now that we have had an overview of Kaghan Valley, let’s dive deeper and see what the valley has to offer to its visitors and tourists.
Lake Saif-ul-Mulook: Situated at a distance of 8 km from Naran, you can reach Lake Saif-ul-Mulook in 30-40 minutes. It is one of the most beautiful lakes and has great significance in the local mythology and folklore. It is also called the “lake of fairies” in the local language and it is believed that fairies come to visit this lake. The lake is situated at 10,000 ft above sea level and the famous story of Prince of Persia is also associated with the lake.
Sharan Forest: Located at the heart of Pakistan’s Kaghan Valley, Sharan Forest is a natural marvel steeped in history. Covering a vast expanse of over 2,400 hectares, this forest holds significant ecological importance as a pivotal watershed for the region and features a diverse range of trees, including pine and oak.
Historically, Sharan Forest has functioned as a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species, including leopards, pheasants, and Himalayan snowcocks. It has long been a cherished entry point to the captivating high-altitude meadows and the iconic Babusar Pass, making it a perennial favourite for trekkers and hikers.
Moreover, the forest’s enduring allure has woven itself into local folklore and culture, with its tales of beauty and mystique resonating through the ages, continuing to enchant visitors and locals alike.
Babusar Top: Babusar Top is situated at a distance of 70 km from Naran and connects Thak Nala with Chilas; a well-known village in Gilgit Baltistan. Tourists stop on their way to Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu to enjoy its refreshing and cool wind and the scenic views of nearby mountains and the Karakoram Highway that the top has to offer.
Shogran: In Kaghan Valley, Shogran is the most picturesque location. From Kiwayi, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to get there by car. one of the top Naran Kaghan locations to check out anytime you want to go. Balakot is 30 km away from Shogran. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world due to its lush foliage and pine trees. While the summertime in Shogran is still nice, the winters may get rather chilly. In Shogran, there are several hotels that range in price from cheap to luxurious. Atop Shogran, at a height of 7,749 feet (2,362 m), you can view the whole valley. Tourists like taking advantage of the chilly weather to unwind in a tranquil environment while sipping hot tea or coffee.
Siripaye: Shogran’s higher region is known as Siri Paye Meadows. From Shogran, rent a jeep and have a pleasant drive to the Siri Paye meadows. The pavement is excessively uneven and dirty. However, it is Naran’s most picturesque location. Another tourist spot is Siri Paye Meadows, which is located around 6 miles from Shogran. One of the attractions and gorgeous green meadows are Siri Paye Lake. It is a well-liked location for riding horses. Tourists from Naran now frequent this region as a popular attraction. Visitors may stroll through the lushly carpeted meadows of Siri Paye, ride horses by the lake, and breathe in the clean air.
Jalkhand: The Kaghan Valley’s second-to-last town is this one. From here, the Kunhar River approaches the grounds. You may take in the combined natural splendour of rivers and beautiful green meadows. Additionally, it is roughly 3410 metres high and the lake with a stunning panoramic view of the Kaghan Valley’s tallest point. After Saif ul Malook and Babusar Top, Jalkhand is the third most visited tourist destination in the valley.
While the above-listed spots top our list of the best places to visit in Kaghan, the valley has much more to offer than these. Adorned with many hidden gems, the valley is calling you to plan your next trip to Kaghan Valley with Abroad21, so that you can get served from the best and leave all the hassle to your host team.