Do it Yourself Travel Plan

10 Days trip from Karachi to Kaghan Valley (Shogran, Naran, Babusar)

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About 240KM from Islamabad and 119KM from Mansehra lies the most famous valley of Pakistan, the Kaghan Valley. It is considered as one of the most scenic and wondrous valley that is extending about 160KM, with the lowest altitude of 2,134ft. to the highest point of 13,700ft at Babusar Pass. The valley is known for its pine forests, alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes, snow covered mountains and the most famous the Kunhar River. Nestled along the banks of the river are the towns of Balakot, Shogran, Paras, Mahandari, Kaghan and Naran.

At a distance of about 34KM from Balakot there is a green plateau at a height of about 7,749ft., known as Shogran. From Shogran, one can visit several picturesque places like Siri, Paye and Makra Peak. Siri Paye is 6KM from Shogran and can be reached either by hiring a four wheel jeep trailing over a bumpy road or just can trek there, and at a majestic height of 11200ft. the Makra Peak boasts the most dramatic scenery of Paye meadows. There is a population some few kilometers from Balakot before Naran with beautiful houses, hotels and restaurants this area is also named as Kaghan (Kaghan City). 

Naran is a medium sized town in upper Kaghan Valley in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the Pakistan. It is located 119KM from Mansehra city at the altitude of 8,202ft. Naran is a town situated between the two mountains, the mountains covered with Pine Forest and the river Kunhar flowing in parallel to the town. You can feel the clean unpolluted air as soon as you enter the Naran town. The only street in the Naran is Mansehra-Naran-Babusar-Chillas highway that passes in the middle of the town and all the hotels, restaurant and houses are constructed along both sides of the road. The other street that is called “Naran Bypass” road is situated at the back side of the town and is only used during the rush hours on the main highway. The Naran city act as a hub for those visiting Lake Saiful Muluk, Trek to Ansoo Lake, Malika Parbat, Lalazar, Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top and also for those going toward Gilgit-Baltistan. Naran is more famous for its nearby destination of Lake Saiful Muluk. Situated at the height of 10,578ft. above sea level, Saiful Muluk is the most beautiful lake in the Kaghan Valley. Offering splendid views of the Peak of Malika Parbat (Mountain) this lake is a water source for River Kunhar, the river that is going along with us from the Mansehra district.

Another fascinating and popular place in Kaghan Valley is Lalazar. Lalazar is a green meadow situated 21KM from Naran. Lalazar is filled with attractiveness, not only it has green plains and valleys but is surrounded by Fir and Pine Forest, the snow covered mountains and the River Kunhar flowing thousands of miles below in the valley.

While travelling toward Chillas on Mansehra-Naran-Babusar-Chillas highway, there lies another famous lake known as Lulusar Lake. Lulusar is a group of mountain peaks and a lake in the Kaghan Valley. At 11,190ft. it is the primary headwaters of Kunhar River, and is some 48KM from Naran, on the road ascending toward Babusar. With mirror-like water reflecting the surrounding snowcapped Lulusar Mountains, it is believed the biggest lake in the Kaghan Valley. Travelling fewKM from Lulusar Lake one reaches the highest point in Kaghan Valley, the Babusar Pass, at 13,700ft.

One can comfortabily stay in Naran and visit these facinating places. There are many hotels ranging from 1 star to 5 stars and numbers of restaurants for the visitor in Naran. Traditional clothing items, head wear, carved walking sticks, jewellery items and leather goods are abundantly available at the famous Naran Bazar.