Kaghan Valley

Kaghan Valley is a Himalayan wonderland. Even today when few place s have escaped man's meddlesome fingers, Kaghan's collection of Himalayan peaks, lakes, dales, streams, waterfalls and glaciers are still an unbelievable pristine state of an un-spoilt paradise.

The 161 km long landscape of Kaghan valley with its towering Himalayan peaks, peaceful lakes, majestic glaciers, singing springs, and splashing waterfalls are a scenic wonderland. The elevation of the valley rises from 2,133.60 meters (7,000 ft) to its highest point at the Babusar Pass at 4,145.28 meters.

Kaghan valley, which is regarded as the ‘valley of lakes’ starts from Balakot and ends at Babusar Pass. Kaghan offers some of the best mountain resorts of Pakistan, among which some are given below:

Balakot

Balakot is the gateway to Kaghan valley. It is a charming mountain village which is at a distance of 72 kilometer from Abbottabad. This picturesque small town is located at the bank of the Kunar River. A famous battle was fought here between the Sikh Army and Mujahideen in 1831. The Mujahideen leaders, Hazrat Syed Ahmad Shaheed Barelvi and Hazrat Shah Ismail Shaheed lie buried here along with other martyrs.

Shogran

Shogran is one of the most beautiful plateau in the whole area is situated at a distance of 33 km from Balakot via Kawai. Shogran can only be described as a little bit of nowhere, for it consists of grassy slopes and wooden patches. Shogran's real asset is its view. The air is impregnated with the scent of flowers and the fine forests around. It is at an altitude of 2362 meters above sea level. Mighty peaks of Himalayan range such as Musa Ka Musallah (4419 m), Malka Parbat (5229 m) and Makra (4581 m) are visible from here.

Kaghan

It is a little beautiful alpine village after which the whole valley is named. It is at a distance of 61 km from Balakot and is 2039 meters above sea level.

Naran

Naran is at a distance of 86 km from Balakot. Between Kaghan and Naran – a distance of 25 km – your hopes begin to rise again. Your dramatic drive at this point has run half its course. Naran is also situated at the bank of the Kunar River and has an altitude of 2498 m above sea level. At this point the whole valley widens. The river is wider and quieter than other locations. There is a good view downstream with some tree covered islands in the foreground. Naran serves as a base camp for Lake Saiful Malook, Battakundi, Lalazar plateau, Lake Lalusar and the Babusar Pass. From Naran, one can enter into Shardi (Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir) by a three days trek.

Lake Saiful Malook

It is situated at a distance of 10 km from Naran and has an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level. The lake and its surroundings have a touch of unreal about them and are breathtakingly lovely. The lake offers an inspiring view of Malka Parbat (Queen of Mountains) which is 17,360 feet high. There is a charming legend about a prince called Saiful Malook who fell in love with the fairy of the lake. The lake is thus named after that prince.

[Read the Complete Story of Saiful malook]

Lalazar

It is situated at a distance of 21 km from Naran via Battakundi. It is at an altitude of 3200 m (10,200 ft). It is the most beautiful hill station in Kaghan Valley with its meadows and pine thickets.

Babusar Pass

It is situated at a distance of 75 km from Naran, and is located at an altitude of 4146 m (14,000 ft). From here, the whole panorama lies spread out before the visitor. On a clear day the great Nanga Parbat (26,660 ft) can also be seen from here.