Naran, Kaghan Valley

Naran (Urdu: ناران ‎) is a medium sized town in upper Kaghan Valley in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the Pakistan. It is located 119 kilometers (74 mi) from Mansehra city at the altitude of 8,202 feet (2,500 m).

Naran is one of the most scenic towns in Pakistan, attracting thousands of tourists, trekkers, photographers and nature-enthusiast, every year. The Kunhar River, swollen by glacial melt, passes through this town as it meanders its way through the valley.[1]

Naran can be considered as base station to scenic destinations like Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Lalazar Babusar, Noori Valley and Purbi Valley

.

Accommodation

Naran has more than 100 hotels of various types ranging from high-end luxury hotels to very low priced motels. Tent motels are also present which rent family size tents to tourists to stay in. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) also has a motel [2] situated in the north of town which can accommodate people on different tariffs, from average rooms to costly huts beside the River Kunhar. A market also exists there where all basic necessities of life are available.

Transportation

Naran is connected by Naran road from Mansehra. In the tourist season (1 June to 31 August) public transport runs daily between Manshera and Naran. Jeeps, rent a cars and taxis are also available from Manshera to reach here. In winter the road which leads to Naran is blocked due to heavy snowfall and it is very difficult to reach there.

Weather

In Naran, the climate is cold in winters and mild cool in summers. There is significant rainfall in summers and heavy snowfall in winters. Even the driest month still has a lot of rainfall. The average annual temperature in Naran is 10.1 °C. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet. Following is the weather history of Naran.[3]

Hiking, trekking, and off-roading

Lake Saif-ul-Maluk

Naran to Lake Saiful Muluk dusty jeep track is approximately 9 km in length with hiking tracks difficulty level ranging from easy to medium. It can be traveled by jeep in one Hour. Net elevation gain is around 700m (2300 feet).

Ansu Lake

Ansu is tear shaped high-altitude lake situated adjacent to Malika Parbat. It can be reached via 11 km trail starting at Saif-ul-Malook. This trail can be divided in two steps. a) 7 km walk from till base of Malika Parbat. b) 4 km hike up the mountain with net elevation around 1000m (3300 feet). It can be traveled by Trekking in 4-5 Hour. Lake remains accessible from early June till late November, with deteriorating weather making it difficult at start and end of season.

Lalazar

Lalazar is a plateau once known for beautiful wild flowers and soothing pine forests. Though recently cultivation of potato and other corps declined the natural beauty, but still enchanting view of Malika Parbat and lush meadows make it a must visit. Lalazar can be reached through a muddy jeep track of 01 hour starting from Battakundi. Some people prefer trekking over riding the jeep. One famous, moderate trek starting from Lake Saif-ul-Malook through picturesque Hans Gali ends at Lalazar.

Other Tracks (Originating/Ending in Naran Valley):-

- Balakot (Gate of Kaghan Valley)

- Noori Top

- Dudipatsar Lake (Queens of The Lakes)

- Saral Lake

- Fairy Land [Place Discovered in 2014 by Shahzada Naveed]

- Battakundi

- Ratti-Gali Lake (Lake is in AJK)

- Sat-sar Mala Lakes (6 Lakes in One Place)

- Gitidas

- Gattian Lake (Lake is in AJK)

- Jalkhad (Mindblowing Place)

- Lulusar Lake

- Sarkatha lake (Lake is in Kohistan) [Lake Discovered in 2013 by Shahzada Naveed]

- Sangal Lake [Lake Discovered in 2013 by Shahzada Naveed]

- Katha-sar Lake (Lake is in Kohistan)

- Ghazi Sar (Awesome Place)

- Maheen Lake (Lake is in Kohistan)

- Babusar Top (End of The Kaghan Valley)

Top Tourist Destinations In Naran  

Lake Saif-ul-Maluk: 

is considered by many visitors to be an essential stop when visiting Naran. Located over 10,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by mountains,

 this lake was named after an Egyptian prince. With its calm surface Lake Saif-ul-Maluk reflects the surrounding mountains in its waters, creating a one of a kind location. Located roughly five miles from the city it is an hour ride by Jeep or a two hour hike to see Lake Saif-ul-Maluk.

Shogran: 

due to being located in a valley Naran is home to several plateaus. Shogran is located 7,749 feet above sea level and offers an amazing view of several well known local mountains. Aside from offering a brisk hike Shogran is also near several meadows.

Lalazar:

 is a meadow located 13 miles from Naran. What makes this a desirable location to visit is the natural surroundings. Lalazar is located near the local mountains and is surrounded by a pine forest. Visitors have also commented on the lovely view of the valley below as Lalazar sits at 10,500 feet above sea level.

Siri Payee:

 is a grassy plain at the end of a hike through a pine forest. While in a somewhat out of the way location Siri Payee has hotels and huts for summer renting. It’s high location also offers a scenic view of the valleys and river below.

Siri Paye is green carpeted land, covered under clouds and mesmerizing scenery  of snowy mountains. On your tour to Shogran, must visit Siri Paye Meadows and Siri Lake. Road condition from Shogran to Siri Paye is not too good but this place is worth seeing.

River Kunhar: 

flows through the center of the valley and is located right by Naran. Many visitors enjoy sitting by the lake and enjoying the outdoors or rafting which has also become a popular activety in recent years.

Dudipatsar Lake: 

is another of Naran’s local lakes. Situated next to mountain peaks the river reflects these snowy mountains during the few months of the year it is not frozen. Considered by many visitors to be the most beautiful lake in the valley the challenge is getting to it. Visiting Dudipatsar Lake requires a several hour hike and use of Jeeps or horses to effectively get there.

Lulusar Lake:

 attracts tourists as it is the largest lake in the Kaghan Valley. Located 30 miles away from Naran it is also easy to get to as a Jeep ride is easily affordable.

However, snow and rain keep the lake closed in the winter and early parts of summer. Visitors note the smooth surface waters of the lake reflect the surrounding mountains making for a very picturesque location. It is also a good starting point for those planning to hike to other surrounding lakes.   

Babusar Top 

70 Kilometers from Naran a mountain pass at the north connecting Thak Nala with Chilas is also a famous destination while on your tour to Naran Kaghan Valley.