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A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the
Himalayan hide-away, north-east of the Hazara district of Pakistan's
North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience.
Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers
are still in unbelievable pristine state, and unspoiled paradise.
That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to
spend a few days in Kaghan |
Locations
The Valley extends for 155 kms rising from an elevation of
2,134 metres to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173
metres. Kaghan is at its best in the summer months (May to
September). In May the temperature is: maximum 11 C and the
minimum 3 C. From the middle of July up to the end of September,
the road beyond Naran, snow-bound throughout the winter, is
open right up to Babusar Pass.
The Kaghan Valley is accessible by road from Rawalpindi/Islamabad
and Peshawar. You can drive in your own or a rented car, taxi,
station-wagon or bus to Abbottabad which is 122 kms. from
Rawalpindi and 217 kms. from Peshawar. Abbottabad is a charming
town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.
Places to Visit
Balakot
From Abbottabad, you drive 72 kms to
Balakot, the gateway to the Kaghan Valley. Balakot has
the shrines of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Ismail Shaheed
Brelvi, the South Asia great freedom fighters.
For your drive to Kaghan, you switch over at Balakot
to a jeep. Your first stop is 34 kms away at Shogran
at 2,362 metres above sea level. At Kaghan, the little
village that gives the valley its name-61 kms from Balakot |
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Naran
At Naran, 23 kms from Kaghan you reach the half-way point.
Naran also serves as the base for the whole valley. From here
you can ride a jeep or horse or hike in excursions to several
picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks.
Lake Saiful Maluk
| Lake Saiful Muluk has a touch of the unreal
about it, nestling 3,200 metres high in the shadow of
the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains) 5,291 metres
high. You can go boating on the lake and hear the local
legend about Prince Saiful Muluk who fell in love with
a fairy. Further up are quaint woodland villages; Battakundi,
Burawai, Besal Gittidas and Lalazar |
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Babusar Pass
The Kaghan Valley is blocked at the end by high mountains
but a pass lets the jeep-able road snake over into the Chilas
Valley. This is the 4,173 metres high Babusar Pass which commands
the whole Kaghan panorama as well as gives you, on a clear
day, glimpses of the Nanga Parbat (The Naked Mountain) glistening
at 8,126 metres.
Photos are coming
soon
Top
places in Northern Areas
Swat Valley | Gilgit
and Hunza Valleys | Chitral (Kalash
valleys) | Kaghan and Naran |
Skardu and Deosai Plains (Baltistan) |
