The Kaghan Valley

The Kaghan valley has a reputation as a place of great natural beauty. The Kaghan valley is one of their most popular destinations in Pakistan, and you'll find them camped along the road in their tents or moving up the valley with their goats, sheep and pack animals.

A vacation in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away, located north-east of the Hazara district of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience. The Kaghan valley is named for the town of Kaghan rather than for the Kunhar River which flows to the length of the valley.

The Valley extends for 155 km rising from an elevation of 2,134 metres to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173 metres. The local population is friendly and easygoing and speaks Hindko (a language spoken by the hill people in Hazara), Pushto, and/or Urdu. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet.

Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in an unbelievable pristine state. It is indeed an unspoiled paradise! This is why it can be a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan. Kaghan is at its best during summer (months ranging from May to September). In May the temperature is: maximum 11 C and minimum 3 C. From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon and winter seasons. The Kaghan area can reached by road via the towns of Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or Naran.

The road from Balakot ascends along the Kunhar River through lovely forests and the villages of Paras, Shinu, Jared and Mahandri. The valley is somewhat narrow along this stretch and the views are limited but as you ascend, the surrounding peaks come into view. One spot that is quite famous for its spectacular view and scenery is 'Shogran'. This village, surrounded by peaks and forests, is east of the main Kunhar River. It hosts the famous Siri-Paya mountain with breathtaking views at its top.

Fishing

Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown Trout and Mahasheer are stocked in pure silvery waters between Kaghan and Naran. The Kunhar river trout is considered to be the best throughout the sub-continent. Fishing licenses are issued by the 'Fisheries Department at Naran' or by the 'Trout Hatchery' at Shinu. Apart from this there are some other private trout fish farms at Kawai (also spelled as Kiwai) and Kahania, these are owned by pine park hotels, a well known hotel chain in Kaghan valley.

People

One of the most interesting features of the Kaghan area is the Gujar (herder) families you'll see along the way bringing their animals up to the summer pastures. The Kaghan valley is one of their most popular destinations in Pakistan, and you'll find them camped along the road in their tents or moving up the valley with their goats, sheep and pack animals. For those with time and interest, this peaceful, lovely valley offers an interesting and enjoyable destination.

Travel Guide

The best time to visit Kaghan is in summer months (May to September). From the middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran, snow-bound throughout the winter, is open right up to Babusar Pass. Movement may be restricted during the monsoon season due to heavy rains and landslides.

In summer it is possible to continue to Gilgit Valley - one hell of a trip with incredible views - but roads are not always in tiptop condition so it may involve some hard work to get to the other site of the mountains.

Places to Visit

Kaghan valley, which is regarded as the ‘valley of lakes’ starts from Balakot and ends at Babusar Pass. Kaghan offers some of the best mountain resorts of Pakistan, among which some are given below:

Balakot

Balakot is the gateway to Kaghan valley. It is a charming mountain village which is at a distance of 72 kilometer from Abbottabad. This picturesque small town is located at the bank of the Kunar River. A famous battle was fought here between the Sikh Army and Mujahideen in 1831. The Mujahideen leaders, Hazrat Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi and Hazrat Shah Ismail Shaheed lie buried here along with other martyrs.

Shogran

Shogran is one of the most beautiful plateau in the whole area is situated at a distance of 33 km from Balakot via Kawai. Shogran can only be described as a little bit of nowhere, for it consists of grassy slopes and wooden patches. Shogran’s real asset is its view. The air is impregnated with the scent of flowers and the fine forests around. It is at an altitude of 2362 meters above sea level. Mighty peaks of Himalayan range such as Musa Ka Musallah (4419 m), Malka Parbat (5229 m) and Makra (4581 m) are visible from here.

Kaghan

It is a little beautiful alpine village after which the whole valley is named. It is at a distance of 61 km from Balakot and is 2039 meters above sea level.

Naran

Naran is at a distance of 86 km from Balakot. Between Kaghan and Naran – a distance of 25 km – your hopes begin to rise again. Your dramatic drive at this point has run half its course. Naran is also situated at the bank of the Kunar River and has an altitude of 2498 m above sea level. At this point the whole valley widens. The river is wider and quieter than other locations. There is a good view downstream with some tree covered islands in the foreground. Naran serves as a base camp for Lake Saiful Malook, Battakundi, Lalazar plateau, Lake Lalusar and the Babusar Pass. From Naran, one can enter into Shardi (Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir) by a three days trek.

Lake Saiful Malook

It is situated at a distance of 10 km from Naran and has an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level. The lake and its surroundings have a touch of unreal about them and are breathtakingly lovely. The lake offers an inspiring view of Malka Parbat (Queen of Mountains) which is 17,360 feet high. There is a charming legend about a prince called Saiful Malook who fell in love with the fairy of the lake. The lake is thus named after that prince.

Lalazar

It is situated at a distance of 21 km from Naran via Battakundi. It is at an altitude of 3200 m (10,200 ft). It is the most beautiful hill station in Kaghan Valley with its meadows and pine thickets.

Babusar Pass

It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Naran, and is located at an altitude of 4146 m (14,000 ft). From here, the whole panorama lies spread out before the visitor. On a clear day the great Nanga Parbat (26,660 ft) can also be seen from here.