Naran valley is a big attraction for tourists. Due to its uniqueness and natural beauty it owns this popularity. Naran and Kaghan are two twin valleys located near the Mansehra district. It is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. This valley is elevated 2500 meters above sea level. Naran valley is surrounded by beautiful green Himalayan Mountains, lush Alpine forest and river Kunhar flowing side by side gives it a more iconic look. Naran and its magical attractions stun everyone who visits them.
It has a big Bazar just like mall road Murree. Expensive and economic all kind of hotels is available in Naran. This valley has become so crowded that the government had to make a bypass for other traffic which leads towards Hunza and Pak-China border known as Khunjerab pass.
The weather in Naran valley is cold. Its temperature in summers during June July is moderate or less cold but in winters there is heavy snowfall. The majority of locals are very fit and healthy. And the reason behind their fitness is that they walk a lot and they also have fresh air to breathe, crystal clear glaciers’ water full of minerals to drink and freshly cooked food to eat.
In summers tourism is at full peak but in winters it is a bit low side but it never completely stops. From all over the world photographers, hikers, and other tourists single, in groups, or with families visit this natural beauty.
Way to Naran
After the construction of Hazara Motorway accessibility towards Naran valley is become very busy. From Islamabad, Naran valley is 282km approx. 6 hours’ drive away. Now it is not very difficult to enjoy the beauty of this valley.
Hazara motorway ends at Mansehra. You reach Balakot after one hour (39 km) drive. Balakot is a big town that is rebuilt after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. It is the starting town point of river Kunhar. Tourists take a break here for breakfast and eating fish. It is also the starting point of the gorgeous points of Naran valley.
Balakot to Naran is an 81 km 2hours 48 drive. On the way to Naran, you can see many natural dazzling points.
Attractions
Pakistan’s northern area is a place of valleys, rivers, mountains, and plateaus. You can see all of its crystal clear river flowing, snowcapped mountains, many beautiful shimmering lakes, and lush green meadows. Naran is the home for many natural beauties. This valley is basically in the middle of the many gorgeous points. Some points come before Naran city and some are after Naran city. So you can see all these points that come in your way towards Naran. You can stay at Naran, take a rest, enjoy its’ bazaar, taste food, do some shopping for yourself and for the family as well, and then heads further to see the rest of the stunning points. Naran has a lot of irresistible amazing points. Here are 14 magical attractions that mesmerize every tourist.
Beautiful places before Naran
From 14 attractions the following 6 points are before Naran city.
Kiwai Waterfall
The steep road starts after Balakot. After an hour or so through a twisted road, you reach the splendid Kiwai waterfall. This is a very big waterfall. Many coats and chairs are placed in the shallow water of the waterfall. You can sit there and enjoy and feel the cold water. On both sides of the waterfall, there are many shops and a few hotels available. You can enjoy food snacks like pakoras and tea while having a scenic beautiful view of the waterfall.
Shogran
Above Kiwai waterfall there is a road going towards the Shogran plateau. The distance between Kewai and Shogran is of one hour. Shogran’s beauty enhanced when it is covered with clouds. It is located 7749 meters above sea level. The beauty of this plateau gives you a peaceful feeling which relaxes your mind and body.
Siri Paye
Siri Paye is the gorgeous scenic big grassy plain. You have to hire a jeep to reach this place. The road is very uneven and rocky that a normal car couldn’t make it to go there. After 45 minutes of jeep drive, you reach the beautiful Siri Paye meadows. There are hotels as well so you can stay there and enjoy the beauty and weather of Siri Paye.
Makra Peak
At the top of the Siri Paye, there is Makra peak. Behind this peak, Kashmir valley starts. Keen hikers love to climb this peak. To summit this peak you have to climb 8 hours on the mountain. Its mountain range is Himalaya and its elevation is 3885 meters.
Sharan Forest
When you go back to Kiwai place name Paras is there where a road is going towards Sharan forest. If you want to enjoy the real untouched beauty and want to have the natural forest feel then you must for camping in Sharan forest. Other than camping in this forest you can also stay at hotels and huts available there.
Kaghan City
Kaghan city is a small city. it is 2500 meters elevated. From Kawai this city is22.5 km away approx. it takes 39 minutes’ drive. Whereas if you directly go to Kaghan valley from Balakot it is just 1.2km means 4min away. There are many hotels on both sides of the road. People mostly stop here for Nashta and the famous Chapli Kabab. This valley is an alpine valley and also famous for its scenic natural beauty. It is also known as the twin city of Naran city but Naran is way bigger and rushy than Kaghan. Those tourists who want a wave of peace and a quiet place to stay so they can relax in the natural beauty they can stay at Kaghan hotels.
Beautiful places after Naran
The following 8 points are after Naran city.
Lake Saiful Malook
This breathtaking beauty is 40 min away up from Naran city. You can hire a jeep from Naran because the lake’s road is very dangerous. This lake is 113 feet deep and 10000 feet above sea level. Lake Saiful Malook is also known as the lake of fairies. It is the most popular and attractive tourist visiting point. This lake has a very magical scenic view. Snowcapped mountains are all around and in the middle of the lake is there having shiny crystal green water and it looks very mesmerizing. There are many snack shops and some hotels as well. You can also do camping there. You can also the highest peak of Naran valley named Malka Parbat from this lake point. Boating is also allowed in this lake.
Ansu Lake
After Lake Saiful Malook here comes another lake called Ansu Lake. Ansu Lake exactly looks like a drop of tear. After 6 hours of the hike above Lake Saiful Malook, you can reach this Ansu Lake. It is a very high point so it opens only for 2 months. Only young and adventurous hikers go there who not only enjoy the surroundings during the way towards this lake but also share their victory on reaching this beautiful looking lake on social media.
River Kunhar Rafting Point
After some distance from Naran city, there are many rafting points. It will be definitely an adventure ride for tourists. Almost every tourist never misses or come back before this amazing rafting experience. Boat flowing over rushing water gives you a fresh energetic feel.
Lalazar
After rafting point here comes a road for Lalazar. This road is near a small town named Batakundi which is 28 min or 14.9 km away from Naran. Lalazar is a lush green meadow which is located 4.1 km away from Batakundi. Lalazar road is more dangerous than Lake Saiful Malook road. Very few people dare to go there because it is so much risky road. You can hire a jeep from Batakundi for Lalazar. This meadow is very pretty and gorgeous. This meadow is a bed of unique type of amazing looking flowers.
Pyala Lake
On the way before Jalkhand, there is a lake called Pyala Lake. It is about 40 km from Naran and from Batakundi it is 25.2 km away. This lake is unique and looks very attractive due to its shape. It looks like a perfect bowl having bluish-green water in it. Pyala Lake is a very small lake. This lake is at the side of the road but the road is very high. To reach there you have to go down the road. You can use a car to go there and take a close look at this beauty.
Lulusar Lake
This is the longest and biggest lake in Naran valley. It has sparkling blue color water. At the start of the season, many glacier blocks are floating on this lake. This adds up the beauty of the lake more. From Naran, this lake is 276.2 km away and it takes about 8 hours to reach there. This lake is surrounded by mountains. It is so deep that boating is not allowed there. This is also one of the coldest lakes in the Naran valleys. The fast cold breeze is flowing there. You have to wear warm clothes head to toe so that you can remain safe from these chilling airs.
Gatidas
It is a place where the road and river come to the same level. In the middle of the road and river, there are big lush green grounds. This view gives a very soothing feel to the eye. Whenever you reach there, take a break and take a walk around and enjoy this beauty.
Babusar Top
The last point of Naran beauties is the Babusar top. It is located around 13700 feet above sea level. You can also feel the low oxygen level in the air. This Babusar Top most of the time surrounded by clouds or sometimes above it. It is a very cold place throughout the year. You cannot go there without wearing a jacket, boots, gloves, wool cap. There are huge walls of ice on both sides of the road. It is also a pass from there 2 roads link to the road which goes towards Chillas, Hunza till Khunjrab pass.
Precautions
- Don’t travel any part of northern areas in monsoon season. Mountain roads become very risky and there are huge chances of land sliding.
- Bring some spare blankets and snacks in the car. If God forbid landslide happened and you struck there so you have something to eat and blanket for warmth. Land sliding clearing depends on how small and huge land sliding occurred. It can clear in a day or it takes more than 72 hours to clear the roads if there are 12, 13 lands sliding straight away.
- There is a big network issue after Naran. You have to have a Telenor network so you can have contact in times of need and safety.
So these are the must-stop places of Naran valley. Also during the journey, you can see many small waterfalls glaciers as well. You can take a break there and enjoy that natural beauty. Whenever someone goes to Naran first time or many times these views will every time remain and stick in the memories forever. Everyone who goes there keeps this memory in their heart and also in their photo albums through pictures. Hope you like it.
