Naran Valley

Naran is the most visited and thickly populated vacation spot in the valley. It is home to various lodgings, eateries, and tent towns. Naran is arranged at the 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. 

Geography:

The Kaghan 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 the 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 the summer months that is May to September. 

Ecology:

Fishing is a renowned calling and side interest in Kaghan valley. Dark-coloured trout and Mahseer are plenitudes in the 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. The forests of Kaghan valley are loaded with cedar and pine trees. 

People:

The Inhabitant of Kaghan Valley is necessarily 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 friends. Their principal wellspring of pay is the vacationers. Their occupations incorporate visit guides, rest house supervisors, businesspeople, eatery specialists, and jeep drivers; some additionally develop harvests, and some are shepherds. Yet, their entire fortune is gotten together in the late spring season as in winters the whole 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 examination. 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:

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. 

Kawai:

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

Shogran:

After intersection Kawai, guests end up in Shogran, a superb spot with unique 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 marvellous 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 to 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 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 between Siri and Paye can be crossed over in 15 minutes employing a jeep. There is a woodland rest house arranged at Siri.

Makra Peak:

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

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. Likewise, one can trek over a 4300-meter pass and achieve the settlements on the opposite side of the lake.

Batakundi: 

Moving towards the Babusar pass, the first 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 flows out of the lake streams and 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 between 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 extravagant or budget shelters. 

Restaurants:

Naturally, gotten fish and other Pakistani dishes are made in little bistros and eateries. Numerous visitor's houses and lodgings additionally give sustenance; however, it is consistently a smart thought to go around and eat from one of the 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 leading close-by emergency clinic used to be three hours path in Balakot, which is no more after the 2005 Earthquake. 

Shopping: 

The principal 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 important 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 principal 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 available in the first bazaar.

Transportation:

There are no Careem and Uber services available. However, local buses and taxis provide excellent 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