The Kaghan valley is named after the town of
Tourism
Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in a pristine state. Kaghan is at its best during summer (from May to September). In May the temperature ranges between a maximum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F). From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to
The road from Balakot ascends along the
Lakes
Saiful Muluk, named in a folktale—the Qissa Saiful Muluk—about a romance between a
It is accessible by a motor-able road during the summer months or can be reached by tracking from the nearest village Naran, some 10 kilometers away in four to five hours. The clarity of the water comes from the multiple glaciers all around the high basin feeding the lake.
There are many hotels in the Naran valley. One of the most popular is the
Fishing
Mahasher
Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown Trout and Mahasher are stocked in pure silvery waters in the upper parts of the valley. 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.
Naran
Onwards a 3 hour drive away from Shogran is Naran. It is a small tourist village open only during the tourist season of May to September. The rest of the time it is covered with snow. All visitors come to Naran to pay a visit to the
If you are walking directly up-valley from Naran to Babusar "Top" the loveliest spots to camp on this trail is at "
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
The
The mountain scenerey, the dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are the main reason to come here. The Valley extends for 155 km rising from an elevation of 2,134 meters to its highest point, the
Naran is the best base for treks and walks in the valley. There are some options for accommodation here and some restaurants. Naran is best reached by jeep from Balakot some 200 km north of
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
In summer it is possible to continue to
Practical Information
A Visit to
Most of the tourists especially come to visit
You can find nice and comfortable hotel accomodation at Shogran and after a day's rest consider moving on to Sri Paia. But be prepared for the extra bumpy ride. You can also plan a hiking trip to Sri Paia from Shogran. It will take around two and half hour to reach at peaks of Sri Paia. (In local language, Sri means
Once you reach Sri Paia the discomfort of the journey is forgotten as you find yourself surrounded by a spectacular view of the Makra Hills and the Malka Parbat peak. Malka Parbat in english means "Queen of Mountains".
The next stop Khanian offers the best Trout fish one can taste in the north. The dazzling greens of Dana Meadows and the slippery glaciers at tarmac, on the way to Naran, are quite an experience.
Malka Parbat, can be best approached by hiking or driving 10 KM from Naran to the legendary Saiful Maluk nesting in the shadows of The Malka Parbat. On a clear day, you can behold the majesty of the Malka Parbat'speaks reflected in the lake's deep blue icy waters. The road from Mansehra to Naran is excellenty built. The workers of Frontier Works Organization are always busy in repairing the road and clearing the way of eroded mountains to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
Naran is one of most popular tourist spots of
Foreign tourists mostly stay at PTDC motel while Pakistani elites prefer Pine Park Hotel and the same PTDC motel. There are many budget hotels in Naran's main bazar and most of people prefer to stay there. Hotel fares are very high in good hotels ranging between Rs.2,000 ($34.5 appox) to Rs.8,000 ($138 appox) per night. Tents on rent are also available where you can stay by paying as low as Rs.150 per night. July and August see more visitors as compared to the other months of summer. Local people do most of their business to earn livelihood for the whole year in these two to three months. Their businesses vary from teashops to rent-a-jeep service.
The most interesting job is of the elder people of the area who narrate medival story of Prince Saiful Maluk in a very catching way to the visitors who listen to them intently. After story is finished they demand their money for offering this story telling service.Tourists never show misery to those storytellers after they (tourists) are entertained with the story.
In my recent trip to Kaghan valley I did trekking, camping and hiking in various locations like Shogran, Lake Saif-ul-Maluk, Lalazar, Lake Lulu Pat Sar, Sri Paia, and Dana Medows. This trip was was full of adventure and I strongly recommend every one to visit
Getting Around
Kaghan velley opens its ways for trevellers in a number of directions. Keeping Azad Jammu and
Shogran, a visitors paradise in the Kaghan velley offers perhaps the best lush green scenic stay in the ares. A further high, Siri Pai is a real magical place to visit - a full day trek.
Lalazar is among the major attractions of Kaghan velley. With alpine forest, carpetted meadows and snowy peaks in surroundings, a wonderful place to keep visitors' stay for a couple of days.
Babu Sar Top is a traditional rout joining the Kaghan velley with Northern Areas of Pakistan. Saral and
In addition to mentioned above attractions of Kaghan velley there are many other possible hikes and treks for physically fit and adventure tourists. Including Aanso (Tear)
No comments:
Post a Comment