Kaghan Valley is an alpine valley in Balakot Tehsil, Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It covers a distance of 155 kilometres across northern Pakistan, rising from its lowest elevation of 650 m to its highest point at the Babusar Pass around 4,170 m. It is a popular tourist attraction in Pakistan, known for its scenery and landscapes, such as glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and forests.
Kaghan Valley is a paradise on earth for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the valley, explore the rich culture and history of the local people, experience the thrill and challenge of hiking, trekking, camping, fishing, and skiing, or simply relax and unwind in the cozy and comfortable kaghan valley hotels and resorts.
Kaghan Valley Location and How to get
Kaghan Valley is located in the north-east of Pakistan, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is part of the Mansehra district and lies within the Balakot tehsil. The main town and the gateway to the valley is Naran, which is about 270 km from Islamabad, the nearest major city.
Here are some of the most common routes and modes of transportation:
Islamabad to Kaghan Valley
The most convenient and popular way to get to Kaghan Valley from Islamabad is by road. You can take a bus or a van from the Pir Wadhai bus terminal or the Daewoo bus terminal in Islamabad. The fare is around 1500 to 2000 PKR per person and the journey takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions.
You can also hire a car or a jeep from Islamabad for a more comfortable and flexible ride, but it will cost you more. The average rate for a car or a jeep from Islamabad to Kaghan Valley is around 15,000 to 18,000 PKR per day, excluding fuel and toll charges.
Local traditions and festivals
The local traditions and festivals of Kaghan Valley are a reflection of the rich and diverse culture and history of the region. They are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by the local people, and also attract many visitors from other parts of Pakistan and abroad.
Some of the main local traditions and festivals of Kaghan Valley are:
Shandur Polo Festival
The Shandur Polo Festival is an annual event that takes place in July at the Shandur Pass, which connects Kaghan Valley with Chitral Valley. It is the highest polo ground in the world, at an elevation of 3,700 m. It is a traditional and competitive polo tournament, in which teams from Kaghan and Chitral participate. It is also a cultural festival, in which folk music, dance, and food are enjoyed by the spectators and the players.
Jashn-e-Baharan
The Jashn-e-Baharan, or the Spring Festival, is an annual event that takes place in April at the Naran town, the main tourist hub of Kaghan Valley. It is a celebration of the arrival of spring, and the blossoming of flowers and fruits in the valley. It is a cultural festival, in which folk music, dance, art, and food are displayed and enjoyed by the locals and the tourists.
Lok Mela
The Lok Mela, or the Folk Festival, is an annual event that takes place in September at the Balakot town, the gateway of Kaghan Valley. It is a showcase of the folk culture and heritage of the valley, and the surrounding areas. It is a cultural festival, in which folk music, dance, art, craft, and food are exhibited and enjoyed by the locals and the tourists.
Kaghan Valley weather in Different Seasons
Kaghan Valley is a place that can be visited and enjoyed in any season of the year. Each season brings its own charm and beauty to the valley, making it a unique and memorable experience for the visitors.
Summer Charm
Summer is the peak season for tourism in Kaghan Valley, as it offers a pleasant and refreshing climate for the visitors. The average temperature in summer ranges from 10 °C to 20 °C. kaghan valley weather in summer is ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and sightseeing.
Summer is also the season of festivals and fairs in the valley, such as the Mela, the Mushaira, and the Lok Mela, where visitors can experience the culture and traditions of the local people.
Winter Wonderland
Winter is the off-season for tourism in Kaghan Valley, as it offers a harsh and cold climate for the visitors. The average temperature in winter ranges from -10 °C to 0 °C.
Autumn Colors
Autumn is the transition season for tourism in Kaghan Valley, as it offers a moderate and mild climate for the visitors. The average temperature in autumn ranges from 5 °C to 15 °C. kaghan valley weather in autumn is comfortable for both outdoor and indoor activities.
Spring Flowers
Spring is the revival season for tourism in Kaghan Valley, as it offers a warm and sunny climate for the visitors. The average temperature in spring ranges from 15 °C to 25 °C. kaghan valley weather in spring is perfect for outdoor activities, such as picnicking, cycling, horse riding, and photography.
Tourist Attractions in Kaghan Valley
Kaghan Valley is a paradise for tourists, as it has many attractions that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you are looking for natural beauty, adventure, culture, or history, you will find something to enjoy and admire in this beautiful valley. Here are some of the tourist attractions in Naran Kaghan Valley that you should not miss.
Pyala Lake
Pyala Lake is a small and charming lake that is located at an elevation of 3,000 m (9,843 ft), about 20 km from Naran. It is named after its shape, which resembles a cup or a bowl. It is a clear and calm lake that reflects the surrounding mountains and trees. It is a peaceful spot for camping, fishing, and boating.
Shogran Meadows Attractions
Shogran is a hill station at an elevation of 2,362 m (7,749 ft), about 34 km from Balakot. It is a peaceful and serene place that offers panoramic views of the valley and the mountains. It has a flat and green meadow that is ideal for camping, picnicking, and horse riding. It is also the base for treks to Siri Paye and Makra Peak.
Siri Paye Lake and Meadows
Siri Paye is a highland lake at an elevation of 3,058 m (10,033 ft), about 10 km from Shogran. It is a small and shallow lake that reflects the surrounding mountains and clouds. It is surrounded by alpine meadows that are covered with wild flowers and grass. It is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and photography. You can enjoy spending a day at green Siri Paye, which is one of the most relaxing and picturesque activities in the valley. You can experience the beauty and tranquility of nature, walk on the soft and green grass, and take amazing photos of the lake and the mountains.
Saif ul Malook Lake
Saif ul Malook Lake is the most famous and scenic lake in Naran Kaghan Valley. It is located at an elevation of 3,224 m (10,578 ft), about 10 km from Naran. It is a crystal-clear lake that reflects the surrounding mountains and clouds. It is also associated with a legendary love story of Prince Saif and a fairy princess. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and camping at the lake or hike to the nearby Ansoo Lake, which is shaped like a teardrop.
Lulusar Lake Visit
Lulusar Lake is the largest lake in Kaghan Valley. It is located at an elevation of 3,410 m (11,190 ft), about 48 km from Naran. It is a turquoise lake that is the main source of the Kunhar River. It is surrounded by green pastures and pine forests that are home to many birds and animals. It is a beautiful spot for camping, fishing, and boating.
Babusar Top
Babusar Top is the highest point in Naran Kaghan Valley. It is located at an elevation of 4,173 m (13,691 ft), about 80 km from Naran. It is a mountain pass that connects Kaghan Valley with Chilas and Gilgit-Baltistan. It offers stunning views of the valley and the snow-capped peaks of Nanga Parbat, Malika Parbat, and Musa ka Musalla. You can also see the nomadic Gujjar tribes and their herds of cattle along the way.
Lalazar Meadows Attraction
Lalazar is a picturesque plateau at an elevation of 3,200 m (10,499 ft), about 21 km from Naran. It is accessible by a jeep track from Naran or by a hiking trail from Lake Saiful Muluk. It is famous for its wildflowers, pine forests, and panoramic views of the valley and the mountains. It is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and horse riding.
Malika Parbat
Malika Parbat is the highest peak in Kaghan Valley and the highest peak in the Hazara Division. It is located at an elevation of 5,290 m (17,356 ft), about 6 km from Lake Saiful Muluk. It is also known as the “Queen of the Mountains” because of its beauty and grace. It is visible from Lake Saiful Muluk and from some parts of the valley. It is a test for climbers and a delight for trekkers.
Aansu Lake
Aansu Lake is a tear-shaped lake at an elevation of 4,250 m (13,944 ft). It is one of the most beautiful and highest lakes in Pakistan. It is reachable by a strenuous trek from Lake Saiful Muluk or from Mahandri. It is named after its shape, which resembles a human eye with a teardrop. It is a hidden gem of Kaghan Valley and a must-see for adventurous travelers.
Accommodation and Facilities in Kaghan Valley
Kaghan Valley has a range of accommodations and facilities to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some cheap hotels in Kaghan Valley that you should check out.
Jumeirah Gold Hotel
Jumeirah Gold Hotel is a luxury hotel that is located in Naran, the main town and the gateway to Kaghan Valley. It is a 4-star hotel that offers spacious rooms, suites, and cottages. The average rate for a room at Jumeirah Gold Hotel is around 15,000 PKR per night.
Hotel One Naran
Hotel One Naran is a budget hotel that is located in Naran, the main town and the gateway to Kaghan Valley. It is a 3-star hotel that offers cozy rooms that are equipped with basic amenities. The average rate for a room at Hotel One Naran is around 5,000 PKR per night.
PTDC Naran Motel
PTDC Naran Motel is a cheap hotel in kaghan valley which is a government-run motel that is located in Naran, the main town and the gateway to Kaghan Valley. It is a 2-star motel that offers simple rooms that are equipped with basic amenities. The average rate for a room at PTDC Naran Motel is around 3,000 PKR per night.
Mount Feast Hotel
Mount Feast Hotel is a family-friendly hotel that is located in Shogran, a hill station and a popular tourist spot in Kaghan Valley. It is a 3-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms that are equipped with basic amenities. The average rate for a room at Mount Feast Hotel is around 4,000 PKR per night.
Northern Retreat by Hotel Demanchi
Northern Retreat by Hotel Demanchi is a boutique hotel that is located in Shogran, a hill station and a popular tourist spot in Kaghan Valley. It is a 4-star hotel that offers elegant rooms, suites, and cottages that are equipped with modern amenities. The average rate for a room at Northern Retreat by Hotel Demanchi is around 12,000 PKR per night.
The Sarai
The Sarai is a luxury resort that is located in Lalazar, a picturesque plateau and a popular tourist spot in Kaghan Valley. It is a 5-star resort that offers deluxe rooms, suites, and villas that are equipped with modern amenities. The average rate for a room at The Sarai is around 20,000 PKR per night.
Conclusion
Kaghan Valley is a destination that has something for everyone. It is a place where you can enjoy the natural beauty, the cultural diversity, the historical significance, the local cuisines, and the adventure activities. It is a place where you can relax, explore, learn, and have fun. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories and experiences.
Kaghan Valley is a paradise that awaits you. It is a paradise that deserves your love and respect. It is a paradise that you should visit and enjoy, but also preserve and protect. Kaghan Valley is a paradise that you should not miss.
FAQS
Why is Kaghan Valley famous?
Kaghan Valley is famous for its natural beauty and diversity, as it offers scenic views of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests, and meadows. It is also famous for its wildlife, especially its birds and butterflies. It is a popular tourist destination in Pakistan, especially in summer.
Is Naran and Kaghan same?
Naran and Kaghan are not the same, but they are closely related. Naran is a town and a valley in the upper Kaghan Valley. It is the main tourist hub and the base camp for exploring the Kaghan Valley. It is located at an elevation of 2,409 meters (7,904 ft) and has a population of about 20,000.
In which province lies the Kaghan Valley?
Kaghan Valley lies in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is part of the Mansehra district and the Hazara region. It borders the Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir territories to the north and east, respectively.
What is the highest point in Naran Kaghan?
The highest point in Naran Kaghan is the Babusar Pass, which is also the highest point in the Kaghan Valley. It is a mountain pass that connects the Kaghan Valley to the Chilas Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is located at an elevation of 4,173 meters (13,691 ft) .
Where is Babusar Pass?
Babusar Pass is located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley, about 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Naran. It is the highest and the last point of the Kaghan Valley, and the gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan.
Where is Khyber Pass?
Khyber Pass is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan. It is a mountain pass that connects the Peshawar Valley to the Kabul Valley.
Which river flows in Kaghan Valley?
The river that flows in Kaghan Valley is the Kunhar River. It is a tributary of the Jhelum River and a part of the Indus River system. It originates from the Lulusar Lake in the Kaghan Valley and flows through the valley for about 166 kilometers (103 mi) before joining the Jhelum River at Muzaffarabad.
Which pass is called Roof of the World?
The pass that is called the Roof of the World is the Khunjerab Pass, which is also the highest paved international border crossing in the world. It is a mountain pass that connects Pakistan and China via the Karakoram Highway. It is located at an elevation of 4,693 meters (15,397 ft) and crosses the Karakoram mountain range.
Which is the most beautiful valley in KPK?
The most beautiful valley in KPK is a subjective question, as different people may have different opinions and preferences. However, some of the valleys that are widely considered to be very beautiful in KPK are the Swat Valley, the Chitral Valley, the Kalash Valley, the Kumrat Valley, and the Shangla Valley. These valleys are known for their natural beauty, cultural diversity, historical significance, and tourist attractions.
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