Balakot

Kaghan begins at Balakot. It is famously known for the Mausoleum of two Muslim warriors namely; Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Syed Ismail Shaheed who lost their lives in the 18^th century during a battle against the Sikhs. It is situated at a distance of 38 km Mansehra and 72 km away from Abbottabad. It is a town very famous for its historical importance.

Kaghan Valley

Kaghan Valley is a wonderful and celebrated excursion place for sightseers and explorers. It is situated in Mansehra locale. Kaghan Valley is near Naran Valley which is likewise the well-known traveller centre. Kaghan Valley is the best spot to appreciate cool climate in the late spring season. Numerous foreigners and Pakistanis spend their mid vacations in Kaghan Valley. Kaghan Valley is perfect and brimming with enthralling perspectives. Individuals are quiet in nature. Some popular trekking courses incorporate Ratti Gali, Doodhi Pat Sar, Saral Gali, Noori Pass, Aansoo Jheel, Kuch Gali and Siran Col while trekking pinnacles of Makra and Musa KaMusalla are different attractions for amateur trekkers.

History:

Kaghan Valley is known to be named after the town Kaghan, instead of the river Kunhar that runs along the valley. This valley has most noticeable summer event spots for the two Pakistanis similarly as outcasts. If you value climbing, trekking or calculating, by then Kaghan Valley looks like heaven. Pompous apexes crown the mountains reach out on either side like turrets, running in range from 12,000 to 17,000 ft, to say the least, with the eastern range higher than the western. At Balakot it slopes up to 3000 ft, to Gittidas at 12000 ft and finally at 14000 ft cross the Babusar Pass. The way to Kaghan is startling on the grounds that to your left side are the profound inclines to the stream and on your privilege are the grandiose mountains. Initially the land area seems to infertile, however when you reach to the altitude of 5000 ft, thick forests of pine, fir and a number of other plants are visible which have lead Kaghan to be known as the “Botanists Paradise”. Further north from Babusar Pass, a jeep track prompts Chilas, which is currently on Karakoram Highway (the street that interfaces Islamabad to Xinjiang territory of China by means of Gilgit, Hunza and Khunjerab Pass. Prior to the establishment of the Karakoram Highway in 1978, the main street access to Gilgit was through Kaghan Valley.

Geography:

The valley broadens 160 km, ascending from a rise of 2,134 feet to its most elevated point, the Babusar Pass, at 13,690 feet. It is in the Mansehra District of Hazara in Khyber Pakhtun Khuah.

Climate:

In May the temperature goes between a limit of 11 °C and at least 3 °C. Mid-July to end of September the street past Naran Valley is open right until the Babusar Pass. Development is limited during the rainstorm and winter seasons. The ideal time to visit Kaghan is in summer months that is May to September.

Ecology:

Fishing is renowned calling and a side interest in Kaghan valley. Dark-coloured trout and Mahseer are plenitudes in waters of Kunhar River which streams in the valley. License for fishing is issued by the 'Fisheries Department at Naran' or by the 'Trout Hatchery' at Shinu. Forests of Kaghan valley are loaded with cedar and pine trees

People:

The Inhabitant of Kaghan Valley is essentially Gujars who speak Hindko and Urdu. They are exceptionally liberal and well-intentioned. They welcome the travellers in all respects pleasantly and treat them like their own friends. Their principle wellspring of pay is the vacationers and their occupations incorporate visit guides, rest house supervisors, businesspeople, eatery specialists, jeep drivers, some of them additionally develop harvests and some of them are shepherds. Yet, their entire fortune is simply gotten together in the late spring season as in winters the entire region is concealed in snow and they need to descend to Mansehra or some other hotter place. Ladies are housewives and generally remain at home. One government elementary school is present where a portion of the nearby youngsters go for examining. Alongside that there was no arrangement of instruction over there. For the most part youngsters were filling in as movement aides and retailers

Popular Places of Kaghan valley:

Kawai:

In the wake of going into Kaghan, the principal town that comes our direction is Kawai. Kawai is arranged at a separation of 24 kilometres (15 miles) from Balakot and is home to few individuals. The track that goes through Kawai twists through thick backwoods of pine and can be amazingly inclined to avalanches in wet climate.

Shogran:

Subsequent to intersection Kawai, guests end up in Shogran, a superb spot with excellent perspectives. Shogran is arranged at an elevated level of 2400 (7500 feet) meters above ocean level. At this elevation, it stands well over the valley. Shogran has various visitor houses that can be utilized as a dwelling place the night. Most notable is the ranger service office rest and visitor house. Shogran offers heavenly perspectives to three wonderful snowcapped crests, specifically: Musa ka Musalla, Makra, Malika Parbat.

Siri Lake and Paye Meadows:

Siri means lake. When you cross Shogran, a lofty ascension drives you the dazzling level of Siri and Paye. Siri and Paye is a level ideal over the grand Shogran. Paye is in a split second perceived for its lovely lake that mirrors the greenery around it. Further ahead, at Siri, the level is arranged. Siri Paye can be travelled to through a jeep drive or a 2.5-hour climb from Shogran. Paye is arranged at a stature of 11,200 feet or3414 meters. The separation among Siri and Paye can be crossed over in 15 minutes by means of jeep. There is a woodland rest house arranged at Siri.

Makra Peak:

Makra is a mountain among Kaghan and Azad Kashmir. It has the shape like Spider and has 8 unique ways which lead you to diverse tracks. That’s why it called Makra and no uncertainty its the greatest Spider on earth. To climb Makra top you need to follow around 6 hours, its a moderate kind of climbing yet some demise happens.

Naran:

Naran is the most visited and thickly populated vacation spot of the valley. It is home to various lodgings, eateries and tent towns. Naran is arranged at a height of 2427 meters or 7693 feet above ocean level. The inexact separation from Balakot is 82 kilometres (51 miles). Naran is the focal point of the travel industry of Kaghan valley yet there is no bank in Naran.

Saif ul Muluk Lake:

10 km east from Naran is Lake Saif-ul-Muluk. It is arranged at a height of around 3,212 meters or 10,537 feet above ocean level. In winter, the lake is secured by a sheet of ice, while in April, when the ice starts to liquefy; little chunks of ice can be seen skimming on the outside of the lake. The mountain directly behind the lake is called Malika Parbat. From the lake one can trek up to the Saif-ul-Muluk ice sheet which is found southwards. One can likewise trek over a 4300-meter pass and achieve the settlements on the opposite side of the lake.

Batakundi:

Moving towards the Babusar pass, the primary town that one unearths is Batakundi. The height of Batakundi is 2,624 meters or 8607 feet above ocean level. It is arranged at a separation of 16 kilometres from Naran. A PWD rest house and three different inns are arranged at Batakundi. Batakundi is the last town in the valley to remain open all winter.

Lulusar Lake:

The lake is arranged at an elevation of 10,000 feet. The water streaming out of the lake streams into the waterway Kunhar further adding to its quality. Lulusar Lake is wreathed in blue and gold wild blossoms.

Babusar Pass:

The Kaghan Valley is hindered toward the end by high mountains however a pass lets the jeep-capable street wind over into the Chilas Valley. This is the 4,173 meters high Babusar Pass. Babusar pass is the finish of the Kaghan valley which directions the entire Kaghan display. Babusar Pass is 161 km from Balakot and 75 km from Naran. A minaret here focuses on the most elevated purpose of the go as 13,690 ft. Babusar pass is the entryway among Kaghan and Gilgit valley. Street at Babusar Pass is stayed shut from October to June, likewise confined during storm season.

Hotels:

Kaghan is typically extravagant so go through the night in Kaghan and spend the following day touring in Naran. Kagan's downtown area is very clogged, however it's just a couple of hundred meters in length. There are different sorts and range from lavish lodgings and boutique inns to spending inns. Every one of the inns gives astounding settlement to their visitors independent of whether they are extravagance or spending lodgings.

Restaurants:

Naturally gotten fish and other Pakistani dishes are made in little bistros and eateries. Numerous visitors houses and lodgings additionally give sustenance however it is consistently a smart thought to go around and eat from one of prevalent bistros.

Health:

Ensure that you have every single essential prescription with you if your goal is Kaghan, Naran or Shogran. There are no meds, medicinal store and clinic here where you can go in case of crisis. The main close-by emergency clinic used to be three hours path in Balakot, a city that is no more after the 2005 Earthquake.

Shopping:

The principle things of Kaghan valley are dry products of the soil. One of the crafted works you should purchase are the masterfully cut Walnuts and another celebrated thing is the Namdas, the woollen felt carpets while woollen shawls, weaved shawls and shirts are likewise available. These spots have bungalow enterprises running and you can end up having brilliant deals. Handmade articles are uprooted in the shops at the principle market. Naran likewise has a little bazaar-like Murree shopping centre street. Necessities of life are promptly accessible there. Cell systems, portable shops, bread kitchen, general store, tailors and even hairstylists are accessible in the primary bazaar.

Transportation:

There are no Careem and Uber services available. However, local buses and taxis provide great services. On roads beyond Balakot, a four-wheel drive is advised.

Important Numbers:

Post Office, Naran                                                

0997-430017

Basic Health Unit, Naran                                        

0997-430018

Police Post, Naran                                                

0997-430075

T-PAK Tourist Facilitation Centre, Balakot                        

0997-501061