Kaghan Valley is a god-gifted jewel amongst the beautiful valleys of the Mansehra district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This valley is approximately 160 kilometers long and is a popular holiday destination for tourists from both within the country and abroad.

Its mountains, dales, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and glaciers are in an unspoiled paradise. That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan. Kaghan is a beautiful place to visit. Its valleys and lakes make it like a wonderland of Pakistan. Normally it is known together with Naran Valley that is very next to it. Both valleys are called KaghanNaran as one place. Saif ul Malook Lake is one of the greatest attractions that is like a fairy place. It also has an account in history. There is a complete book of poetry written by Mian Mohamamd Bakhsh on it.

We urge you to explore, but don’t forget one thing! 

Make your visit a sustainable one. Our beloved country has a huge trash problem, and we ask you to be part of the solution. Don’t litter here and there, and bring a plastic bag along with you so you can take any trash you might find along the way.

Kaghan Valley is located at:

Kaghan Valley is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the north of Pakistan, bordering the territories of Gilgit-Baltistan to the north and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the southeast. The 155-kilometer valley is enveloped by the Lower Himalaya range, resulting in an alpine climate and the prevalence of pine forests and alpine meadows. Alongside the flow of the Kunhar River, the valley features glaciers, crystal-like clear lakes, waterfalls, and frosty mountain streams. Kaghan is famous for its scenic beauty and landscapes, resulting in its popularity as a summer resort.

Map Link:

https://goo.gl/maps/f7z6eX5sdkzBtkZX7

Kaghan Valley is famous for:

Kaghan valley is one of the hottest tourist destinations for summer holidays, thousands of tourists each year come across this valley to explore its beauty and to enjoy their vacations. Mainly attractions are Shogran, Siri Paye, Kaghan, Naran, Lake Saif-ul-Malook, and Babusar Top, Lulusar lake. Various hotels with the best facilities are available. The nightlife is amazing, and horse riding, jeep ride for Siri Paye, and Saif-ul-Malook are also available. Let’s explore more of it.

• Balakot was the place of an important historical battle between the Sikhs and Muslims in the early 19th century.
  • It is also home to the grave of Syed Ahmed Shaheed, an important Muslim leader.
  • Tourists coming from far-flung areas usually prefer to stay at Balakot for the night before officially venturing into the scenic valleys of Kaghan.
    
• Kawai is the first town after entering Kaghan.
  • It is situated at a distance of 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Balakot and is home to a small number of people. 
  • The track that passes through Kawai winds through thick forests of pine and can be extremely prone to landslides in wet weather.
    
• Shogran Kawai is the first town after you cross Kawai. It is a heavenly place with beautiful views.
  • Shogran is situated at an altitude of 2400 (7500 feet) meters above sea level.
  • At this altitude, it stands well above the valley. Shogran has several guesthouses that can be used as an abode for the night. 
  • Most well-known is the forestry department rest and guest house.
  • Shogran offers magnificent views to three beautiful snowcapped peaks, namely:
  • –  Musa ka Musalla, Makra, and Malika Parbat.
    
• Siri Paye leads you to the stunning plateau of Siri and Paya. Siri and Paya is a plateau right above the scenic Shogran.
  • Paya is instantly recognized for its beautiful lake that reflects the greenery around it. 
  • Further ahead, at Siri, the plateau is situated. Siri Paye can be reached through a jeep drive or a 2.5-hour hike from Shogran.
  • Paya is situated at a height of 11,200 feet or3414 meters.
  • The distance between Siri and Paya can be bridged in 15 minutes via jeep. There is a forest rest house situated at Siri.
    
• Manna Meadows is situated at an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level.
  • It takes approximately 4 hours from Paya to reach Manna meadows via a hike.
  • The best time to visit Manna Meadows is July/August because it is this time of the year when the flowers are in full bloom.
  • There is also a 3hour hiking track from Manna Meadows to Shogran.
    
• Sharan is a 16-kilometer jeep track from Paras which is situated at the opposite bank of river Kunhar leads to Sharan. Sharan is situated at an altitude of 7872 feet.
  • It is part of the mountain range which boasts Musa ka Musalla as its highest peak at 13,372 feet.
    
• Shinu is another town in the vicinity of Sharan, and you won’t regret visiting it.
  • The town is well known for its Trout hatchery which is a rich source of trout fishes.
  • Tourists can purchase a fishing license at Shinu which allows them to fish in the well-stocked river.
    
• Jared is a small town known for its handicrafts.
  • The handicraft business is run both privately and in collaboration with the government. The government also runs a handicraft development center at Jared.
  • The handicrafts sold at Jared mainly comprise carved furniture items and handmade woolen shawls.
    
• Khanian is at a little distance from Mahanderi.
  • It is situated at the right bank of river Kunhar and serves as a base camp for people venturing into the Kamal Ban forest and Danna Meadows.
    
• Danna Meadows is at a distance of ten-kilometer jeep track from Khanian.
  • Despite the track being only 10 km’s long it still takes about an hour. 
  • Danna Meadows is situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet and presents views to several snowcapped peaks that are well above 15,000 feet.
  • But remember, the jeep track is currently inaccessible which requires around three hours on foot to reach Danna Meadows.
    
• Malkandi Forest is a densely populated forest abundant with black bears and leopards.
  • It also serves as home to a small number of cattle farmers.
  • Black bears often venture into areas of the human population and damage crops, therefore shooting down a bear is thought to be a big thing in Malkandi.
  • Shooters are often rewarded by forest officers.
  • Apart from black bears and leopards, a small number of red bears, musk deer, and Ibex’s can be found in Malkandi forest.
    
• Naran is the most visited and densely populated tourist attraction of the valley. It is home to several hotels, restaurants, and tent villages.
  • Naran is situated at an altitude of 2427 meters or 7693 feet above sea level. The approximate distance from Balakot is 82 kilometers (51 miles).
  • Naran is the center of tourism in the Kaghan valley yet there is no bank in Naran.
    
• Lake Saif-ul-Muluk is at a distance of ten-kilometers in east from Naran.
  • It is situated at an altitude of around 3,212 meters or 10,537 feet above sea level. In winter, the lake is covered by a sheet of ice, while in April, when the ice begins to melt; miniature icebergs can be seen floating on the surface of the lake.
  • The mountain right behind the lake is called Malika Parbat.
  • From the lake, one can trek up to 4300-meter pass the Saif-ul-Muluk glacier which is located southwards.
    
• Aansoo Lake is situated near Malika Parbat in the Himalayan mountain range.
  • The word Aansoo in Urdu stands for ‘teardrop’. The lake has been named so because of its tear-like shape.
  • Aansoo Lake has been said to be discovered by Pakistan Air Force Pilots in 1993 while flying at a relatively low altitude. Before this, the lake was unknown even to the locals.
  • Aansoo Lake can be reached via a strenuous trek from Lake Saif-ul-Muluk. However, there is an alternate route to reach the lake from Mahanderi but this route is not preferred as it is a less trodden route and the difficulties are unknown.
  • The best season to visit Aansoo Lake is from May to July.
    
• Batakundi is situated across the way towards the Babusar pass.
  • The altitude of Batakundi is 2,624 meters or 8607 feet above sea level.
  • It is situated at a distance of 16 kilometers from Naran.
  • A PWD rest house and three other hotels are situated at Batakundi.
  • Batakundi is the last village in the valley to stay open all winter.
    
• Lalazar is situated along the jeep track about two kilometers from Batakundi
  • Lalazar is famous for its meadows full of blooming flowers during the spring season. There are also numerous potato fields situated in Lalazar.
    
• Burawai is situated at a distance of around 13 kilometers from Batakundi.
  • The road from Naran to Jalkhad also known as the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad highway is one of the best roads in the country.
    
• Jalkhad is at a distance of 12 km from Burawai.
  • This is the place where the Jalkhad stream flows into the mighty river Kunhar. From Jalkhad, the MNJ highway bifurcates.
  • One part leads to Chilas and joins KKH and whereas the other goes to Sharda and ultimately reaches Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir.
    
• Pyala Lake is situated about 1 kilometer east of Jalkhad.
  • The water of this lake is of a bluish hue. Pyala stands for ‘bowl’ in Urdu. The lake has been named so due to its bowl-like shape.
    
• Noori Top/ Noori Lake is situated at an altitude of 12900 feet above sea level.
  • It remains snowcapped throughout the year.
  • From the Noori top, two hiking tracks to Ratti Gali and Saral Lake originate.
  • Noori Lake lies at the border of Kaghan Valley and Azad Kashmir. It is at an altitude of 12,780 feet above sea level.
  • The lake can be reached by a Jeep via Jalkhad in 1.5 hours.
    
• Besal is at the road towards the north of Jalkhad.
  • It is treacherous terrain. In stark contrast with the lush green forests of the Kaghan Valley, Besal offers mere views of jagged rocks.
  • It also serves as a base camp for Lulusar Lake.
    
• Lulusar Lake is situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
  • The water flowing out of the lake flows into the river Kunhar further contributing to its strength.
  • Lulusar Lake is wreathed in blue and gold wildflowers.
    
• Dudipatsar Lake is another beautiful lake encircled by snow-clad peaks.
  • It is at a height of 3800 meters. 
  • The word “dudi” means white and “sar” means lake. This name has been given to the lake because of the white color of snow at surrounding peaks.
  • Dudipatsar Lake is one of the hardest places to reach in the valley. A tough trek of around 6 hours from Besal leads to the lake.
    
• Babusar Pass is situated towards the Kaghan Valley by high mountains.
  • Babusar pass is the end of the Kaghan valley which commands the whole Kaghan panorama.
  • Babusar Pass is 161 km from Balakot and 75 km from Naran. A minaret here points to the highest point of the pass as 13,690 ft.
  • Babusar pass is the gate between Kaghan and Gilgit valley.
  • The road at Babusar Pass remains closed from October to June, also restricted during monsoon season.

Curious, what people in Kaghan Valley do?

The majority of people practice subsistence agriculture and livestock is the main source of livelihood. But to be honest, it gets affected by seasonal work in down districts of the country. Due to its diverse landscape and climatic conditions, the valley provides excellent habitat for a variety of commercially important medicinal plants.

What’s the prevalent language in Kaghan Valley? 

The popular languages spoken in the valley are Hindko and Gojri while the national language Urdu is also widely understood.

Best months to visit:

The best time for Kaghan visit is from April to Sep, where you can definitely enjoy the beauty of this place and also you can maximize your visit.

What’s the Climate look like?

The Kaghan lies on 2026m above sea level In Kaghan, the climate is warm and temperate. There is significant rainfall throughout the year in Kaghan. Even the driest month still has a lot of rainfall. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is Cfb. In Kaghan, the average annual temperature is 12.6 °C | 54.7 °F. The annual rainfall is 893 mm | 35.2 inch.

Where to stay at Kaghan Valley?

• Heaven’s Peak Resort 

This lavish resort is really an amazing and lovely place to visit. One of the highlighting factors here is star gazing at night. View is stunning from this Hotel and a perfect place for Couples to sit and enjoy the view from Balcony. Executive rooms are also available and the building of the hotel is elegant.

• Pine Park Shogran

Pine Park is a large property situated in Shogran. The access to the resort is through a winding dirt road that can only be accomplished by a 4×4. The resort which has all the needed facilities and can easily accommodate 50+ attendees at a time.

• West End Guest House

You will be greeted by the owners there very nicely. Cleaning and maintenance is quite astounding. 

• Arcadian Riverside Adventure Resort

One of the best resorts with a clean and spacious area, comfortable beds, and all luxury facilities for families and couples. You won’t regret having the view of scenic Kunhar River from the terrace.

• Sangam Hotel

The best part of this hotel apart from all the facilities is their traditional Kashmiri meatballs (goshtaba). Best traditional eatery place.

Other notable eateries are:

• Kunhar View Hotel
• Swiss Wood Cottages
• Lalazar Hotel
• Sun Rise Guest House
• New Balakot Hotel 
• Greenland Hotel Shogran

Where to Eat at Kaghan Valley?

In Kaghan Valley you can find the restaurants near Balakot- Kaghan road or at main Street of Naran.These restaurants serve a variety of dishes mainly from the Pashtun cuisine -aromatic, mouthwatering and delicious. A must eat while visiting is Kabuli Pulao, Lamb Sajji, Chicken/ Mutton Karahi, Chicken/ Mutton Biryani,  Chicken/ Mutton Handi, Chicken Roast, Trout fish, and Peshawari kahwa.

Some of the popular and fine-dining options are:

• STC Motel

Address: N15, Naran, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Phone: 0322 4557120

• De’Manchi Hotel

Address: Naran – Jalkhad – Chilas Road, Kaghan Valley, Naran, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Website: www.hoteldemanchi.com

Phone: 0341 9030303

• PTDC Motel Naran

Address: PTDC Motel Area, Naran, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Website: www.tourism.gov.pk

Phone: (051) 9208949

• Sayyam Heights

Address: Saiful Muluk Rd, Katha, Naran, Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Website: www.sayyamheightsnaran.com

Phone: (0997) 430256

• Kunhar View Hotel

Address: Main Bazar Naran, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Phone: +92 997 430124

How to get there

The Kaghan area can be 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. It can also be reached from the capital, Islamabad. You can drive in a rented car, taxi, station-wagon or bus to Abbottabad which is 122 kms from Islamabad and 217 kms from Peshawar. Abbottabad is also a Charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.

Information you should know:

Here are some helpful essentials:

• Police Station Kaghan: 420075

Kaghan & Neelum Valley Council: 03558144405, 03558108505