best places to visit in Naran
Naran, in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, holds importance as one of the most popular tourist destinations with its gushing rivers, green meadows, snow- capped mountains, and crystal clear alpine lakes. It is home to truly stunning natural beauty, making it a great tourist spot for a quick escape from the bustling city life. It is surrounded by great hiking spots, making it a green getaway to the mountains to cool down and spend time in nature. Shogran, and Saif Al Malouk Lake stand out as major tourist attractions in the valley. The journey from the capital city to Naran spans around 175 miles, which takes between 7 and 9 hours depending on the road conditions. Tourists will be treated to captivating landscapes along the route. If you are planning a trip to Naran, read on to know the best places to visit in Naran Valley that will surely leave you in awe.
Naran is a summer haven for tourists, and Saif al-Muluk Lake is the first name that comes to every tourist’s mind when it comes to exploring the best places in Naran Kaghan Valley. This alpine lake is located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley, which is about 9 km away from the town of Naran. Saif al-Muluk Lake is adorned with wildflowers and reflects the snow-capped peaks that encircle it, creating a surreal atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairy tale. It is situated at an elevation of 3,224 meters above sea level and can be accessed by a sturdy 4×4 jeep.
Getting to this mountain lake is a real adventure, and the journey starts with a bumpy jeep ride across one of the most dangerous roads in Pakistan that culminates with a 9-kilometre trek. One jeep can accommodate around 5 to 7 persons per ride, and jeep fare ranges between 4000 Pakistani rupees and 6000 Pakistani rupees for a round trip. Tourists can immerse themselves in the serene ambience of this magical place by taking a boat ride in the lake. There is also a glacier cave on the road from Naran town to Lake Saif-ul-Malook that tourists can visit.
9km north of Naran
It takes 1 hour to get there from Naran.
Lake boating, staying overnight at a nearby campsite, relishing delcious brown or rainbow trout fish.
Shogran is a green gateway to the mountains, which is located at a distance of 66km from Naran. This place has everything you need for the mountain trip: expansive meadows, pine forest, mountainous landscape and cool weather. This mountain resort is situated at a height of 2364 m above sea level and sits between Naran and Balakot. It is more than 200km away from the capital city, so it can be a great weekend gateway to spend time in nature. It will take around four and a half hours to reach there from Islamabad. It is recommended to hire a taxi or go in your own car to get there. Shogran is also the gateway to the most sought-after destination, Siri Paye Meadows. Trekking from Shogran to Siri Paye Meadows takes around 3 to 4 hours. If you are not an adventure enthusiast, you can take a jeep ride.
This scenic journey across the bumpy mountain road adds to the thrill, and the ride takes about 60 minutes on the road. There are a wide array of resorts and hotels in Shogran prepared to warmly accommodate the guests. With trekking to Siri Paye Meadows from Shogran, there are also many adventurous things to do in Shogran, including enjoying hikes around Shogran to waterfalls and viewpoints, visiting mini zoo Shogran, spending a night by the bonfire and admiring the beauty of Malakandi National Park. Spending a night by the bonfire is ideal for group travelers as it may cost you around 5000 Pakistani rupees to 6000 Pakistani rupees.
66km away from Naran
It takes more than 2 hour to get there from Naran.
Trekking from Shogran to Siri Paye Meadows, spending a night by the bonfire, visiting Malakandi National Park, and Shogran mini Zoo.
Another one of the best places to visit in Naran valley in our list is Lulusar Lake, which is located 50 km from the town of Naran and easily accessible by car. This blue lake is surrounded by brownish mountains, unlike the famous Saif-ul-Malook Lake, which appears lush green due to the surrounding green meadows. Lulusar Lake is larger than other lake in this region. As it is situated 11,200 ft. above sea level, so winds are too strong. During the summer, it is adorned with wildflowers and lush green grass. In winter, it receives heavy snow, which causes roads closer. So the best time to visit Lulusar Lake is between June and September. Fishing and boat riding are prohibited in the lake. This lake is part of Lulusar-Dodipat National Park, which is home to beautiful lakes, rare wildlife species, birds and animals. However, wildlife is strictly off-limits here, but chances are you may see a few of them. This lake is the perfect place to take Instagram-worthy photos and admire the beauty of this alpine lake.
Lulusar-Dodipat National Park
48 km from Naran Bazar and takes 3 hours to get there.
One of the highest altitude lakes in Pakistan, bird sanctuary, stunning scenery, and trekking.
Located 6 Km away from Shogran, Siri Paye Meadows is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Naran Kaghan Valley. Tourists can reach there on foot and it takes around 3 to 4 hours. The difficulty level of the trek is fairly easy but try to leave early to go back before sunset. If you don’t want to love trekking, you can get there by jeep from Shogran. This bumpy jeep ride on the mountain road takes around 1 hour to get there. As soon as you reach the top of Siri Paye Meadows, you see a swing hanging over the hill. Sit on this swing to enjoy the best swing ride of your life and admire the scenic views of this place. Tourists can also roam around the meadows on horseback. There is also a blue lake that graces the scenery of this lush and verdant meadow that guarantees relaxing time and beautiful views.
6km away from Shogran
1-hour jeep ride from Shogran.
Siri Paye Lake, jeep riding, horseback ride along the Siri Paye lakeshore, and camping in the nearby camping site.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Kalam Valley
Babusar Top is situated at 4,173 m above sea level and is the highest point in the Naran Kaghan Valley, offering the most amazing views of the region. The majestic Babusar Top is located north of the Kaghan Valley. Babusar Pass connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Gilgit Baltistan and offers mesmerizing views along the way. The viewpoint is part of Gilgit Baltistan, and it offers UNREAL views with the mountain peaks, meadows, perfectly spaced plateaus and valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. This magical place offers aww-inspiring photos opportunities, making it a heaven for photographers. As it is the highest point of the region, you will experience windier and significantly colder weather than other tourist spots in Naran Kaghan Valley. A lot of vendors also sell fritters and tea to warm you up and make you feel cozy. You can visit this place from May to September as Babusar Pass is temporarily closed in winter.
North of Kaghan Valley
1-hour 52-minute drive from Naran via N-15.
Enjoy panoramic views from the vantage point, eat snacks and take hot tea, and enjoy thrilling jeep trips.
Lalazar Medows is located in the remote town of the Kaghan Valley, which sits 3,200 meters above sea level. It is a picturesque plateau and is known for its scenic beauty and abundant wildflowers. The most convenient way to get there is by road but the road leading to Lalazar meadows from Naran is bumpy and steep. So it is recommended to hire a jeep with a local driver who knows to drive on the challenging terrain. The journey on the narrow and winding mountain roads passing forest, waterfalls and streams lets you admire the beauty of this region and offers unparalleled adventure. It takes around 1 hour to reach there from Naran as it is around 21 kilometers away from it.
Upon arrival, you will find yourself surrounded by a vast expanse of lush green meadows encircled by snow-covered peaks. The beauty of this place not only mesmerizes you but also creates a surreal setting that leaves you in awe. This place also offers a lot of opportunities for hiking, trekking and short walks. Tourists can also take a jeep safari, horseback riding, and enjoy fishing at nearby lakes. The best time to visit Lalazar Meadows is during the summer months.
21 km away from Naran
It takes around 1 hour to get there by road.
Hiking, fishing at nearby lakes, Lalazar top to get the top view of the valley, taking a horseback riding, camping, trekking, and jeep safari.
Ansoo Lake is a tear-shaped glacial lake which is considered one of the highest lakes in the Himalayas Range. It is located in Kaghan Valley and sits at an elevation of 4,245 m from sea level. Known for its challenging trek, Ansoo Lake rewards adventurers with heart-stopping views. This lake is farmed due to the melting of glaciers. Its tear-shape makes it a distinctive attraction and adds to its allure. Ansoo Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and consists of glaciers, making it one of the top lakes to visit in Pakistan.
This famous lake is just 10km away from iconic Saif-ul-Muluk Lake, but it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach there on foot due to its challenging trek. Tourists can take a jeep ride from Naran to Saif ul Malook Lake, followed by 2 hours of horseback riding and then hike for 1 hour to get to Ansoo Lake. The alternative route via village Mahandri involves a 25-mile jeep ride and 7 hours of trekking to reach there.
So it is recommended to start your journey from Naran early in the morning. Summer months like July and August are the best time to visit this one-of-a-kind lake as it is covered with snow for most of the year. Tourists can enjoy the view of the highest peak in Kaghan Valley, Malika Parbat, from there. It is usually covered in fog, so it is said that only a few people can witness its beauty to the fullest.
Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
It can be accessed from Lake Saif-ul-Muluk or village Mahandri.
Views the Malika Parbat peak, explore nearby villages, experience a challenging mountain trek.
Sharan Forest is located in the upper Kaghan Valley, which is an oft-visited tourist spot to beat the heat in summer. It is around 65m away from Naran and lies on the way from Balakot to Naran. It is easily accessible via a 14km long jeep track from Paras and this journey is an adventure in itself. There are many big draws for tourists, including a vast expanse of meadows, Sharan waterfalls and the Manshi top. A two-hour trek from Sharan forest leads to the majestic Manshi Top, where the famous Musa ka Musallah peak can be spotted. It became famous when the TCKP (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Tourism Department) established glamping pods in 2016, which offer good accommodations and meals for travelers. To visit Sharan waterfall, tourists can get there on horseback or on foot, which is around a 30-minute walk from the Sharan forest.
Upper Kaghan Valley
It can be accessed via a 14km long jeep track from Paras which is around 53 km from Naran.
Hiking at Sharan Forest, Manshi Top, views of Musa ka Musallah peak, Sharan Waterfalls, jeep ride from Paras to Sharan, and camping at Sharan forest’s camping site.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Hunza Valley
Dudipatsar Lake is located in the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, which sits at 12,500 feet elevation. Dudipatsar means ‘white snowy mountain’ and it lives up to its name as it remains surrounded by the white snow-covered gigantic mountains throughout the year. It is known for its sparkling and crystal-clear waters that look like glistening glass. Tourists can reach there by driving to the town of Jhalkhand, which is located at a distance of 40km from Naran, followed by a 4 to 5-hour hike. The Dudipatsar trailhead is located near Besal village which is 45km north of Naran. The best time to visit this lake is from mid-June to mid-September because this is the only time it is open for visitors. This lake is home to brown Trout, so fishing is the best thing to do here. In addition, camping, star gazing, bird watching, and trekking are some of the main attractions at Dudipastar Lake.
Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park
Drive to Jhalkand town from Naran, followed by a 4 to 5 hour hike to the lake.
Camping, stargazing and bird watching at Dudipaster Lake.
We conclude our list of the 10 best places to visit in Naran with none other than the Noori Top, which is a majestic mountain peak and lies between the border of Kaghan and A&J Kashmir. Norri Top is the second-highest pass in Kaghan Valley, which sits at an altitude of 13,000 feet above sea level and provides breathtaking views of Naran Valley on one side and views of the Kargil Mountains and Azad Jammu Kashmir on the other side. Reaching to Noori Top possesses significant challenges due to the steep, narrow and rough route. It can be accessed from Naran through a 4WD vehicle, and it takes around one and a half hour via Jalkhand-Sharda Road from Naran. Despite its challenging terrain, it is the best place for hiking adventures and spending time in nature.
Norri Lake is located about an hour’s hike from there, which is mostly frozen throughout the year and retains its liquid state for only one month. This lake enhances the appeal of this scenic spot and contributes to the enchantment of this fascinating tourist destination. When you visit Noori Lake, don’t miss the chance to set up camp here and immerse yourself in the beauty of natural surroundings. The Noori Top route is accessible between July and September. Saral Lake, Ratti Galli Lake, and Gattian Lake are some nearby tourist attractions of Noori Top.
Lies between the border of Kaghan and A&J Kashmir.
It takes around one and a half hour from Naran.
Trekking to the Noori Top, Norri Top waterfall, camping at Noori Lake, and hiking to Noori Lake.
From the world’s most dangerous mountain passes to high-altitude lakes, Naran Kaghan Valley has many tourist destinations that are absolutely worth seeing. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Pakistan, bordering Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, where tourists can unwind, spend time in nature, experience adventurous hikes and admire the beauty of this region. Three to five days are sufficient to visit the best places in Naran and its nearby attractions to explore the natural gems of this region. Tourists can also continue their journey to the Swat Valley to the east and Gilgit-Baltistan to the north after visiting Naran Valley.
About Author:
Sondus Ubin
Sondus Ubin is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in travel and food. With nearly 10 years of experience in lifestyle content creation, her toes are dipped in the exciting world of travel and food. In her time working as a travel writer, she has had the opportunity to interact with frequent travelers and travel photographers. All that knowledge she gains and her passion for travel make it possible for her to bring you informative yet fun travel content. Trust her words to help you plan your dream trip. She lives in Lahore, where she explores the city’s most intriguing, interesting, and unusual places and captures the beauty and essence of every place through her lens. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her giving her eyes a much-needed break from screens with a good book, painting landscapes, or trying out new recipes.
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