There are some places in
Pakistan, beauty of which cannot be described in words. Such a touring venue
with limitless beauty is Kaghan valley. Visiting Kaghan valley is an experience
that imprints everlasting impression on visitor’s mind. It is not possible to
visit the whole valley in a single tour, but a selected tour of selected sites
can be performed in limited time schedule.
Popular visiting sites for a group or family tour are Naran, Lalazar, Lake Saifulmalook and Shogran. Minimum of 6 hours are required to reach Naran Bazaar from Islamabad City. Major cities on the way to Naran, where one can stay or spend a night, are Abbottabad and Balakot. From Abbottabad a drive of 4 hours and from Balakot a drive of 2 hours is required to reach Naran. First day after reaching Naran can be spent at the bank of Kunhar River and in Naran Bazaar.
Second day after hiring a jeep early in the morning, both Lalazar and Lake Saifulmalook can be visited. Jeep track towards Lalazar, starts from Battakundi, is non-metallic, narrow and steep, that makes it an adventure ride. Lalazar is situated at a height of 10,500 feet above sea level. It nearly takes one and half hour to reach at Lalazar which is a very beautiful lush green meadow surrounded by tall pine trees. An hour or so is enough to spend there to hover around and view attractive scenery beneath and all around. After Lalazar, journey to Saifulmalook can be started that will take at least two hours to reach the lake. Jeep track is started from Naran Bazaar, and is in good condition, even a metallic road is being constructed there. Lake Saifulmalook, situated at a height of 10,600 feet above sea level, is a magical lake that stuns the visitors with its loveliness. Lake is surrounded by huge mountains and snow glaciers depending upon the season. Bluish green look of water really soothes the mind. Boating facility is also there at the lake. There are restaurants at the lake where one can take lunch, or even eatables can be escorted along with from Naran Bazaar before moving towards the lake. 2 to 3 hours are enough to enjoy the splendor of Lake Saifulmalook.
Next day, it is recommended to leave for Shogran early in the morning. Shogran is on the way back and it may take at least two hours to reach there. From Kiwai, steep road moves upward towards Shogran. Shogran, situated at the height of 7,700 feet above sea level, is a very beautiful place with immense greenery and dense tree line. After checking in the hotel, hire a jeep to move upwards to Siri Paye. Jeep track towards Siri Paye is very rouge, steep, narrow and dangerous. The destination point, Siri Paye, is situated at a height of 9,500 feet above sea level. There is a lake named Paye Lake on the plateau. In surroundings of Paye, there are Makra Peak, Malka Parbat and Kashmir mountains. Weather here at Siri Paye is incredible, with random variations; instant takeover of clouds makes the whole place a fairy land. Two hours are enough to take meal, move around and see catching scenery there. After arriving back at Shogran, a bone fire can be arranged, with the help of hotel administration, to make the last night memorable.
Kaghan valley can be visited from
end of April to November, avoiding the peak winter season when roads are
blocked due to snow. High visiting season is from June to Mid August, and
highest during Eid and public holidays. Hotel rates are at much higher side
during the high visiting season and highest during Eid holidays. From mid
August to November, an economical tour can be planned. During high season hotel
rates even exceed Rs. 15,000 per night and during off season even fall down to
Rs. 1,200 per night. It is advisable to
take warm jackets, wool caps, wool gloves, rain coats or umbrellas to tackle
random weather changes, especially nights are much colder.
Good camera with extended memory
card will do the job to conserve the beauty laying all over the Kaghan
valley.
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