Exploring Naran Valley - A Complete Guide

Naran Valley is seen and known as the fairyland of Pakistan. A home to many wonders of nature, leaving people stunned. The town of Naran, located in the upper region of Khagan Valley, at an elevation of 2500 meters, attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. Many visit Naran Valley to witness the natural beauty; some visit to capture the views, while others traverse the steep hills. People desire to see the great valley of Naran.

Exploration Begins

 Travelling to Naran Valley is an Adventure of a lifetime. You will not only be able to admire Naran's attractiveness, but you will also experience what lies on your path to the ultimate destination, which is undoubtedly breathtaking.

Start your journey on the M1 motorway and switch towards the M13 motorway, which eventually leads you to the beautiful Abbottabad city. You shall pass the Uchara forest along the way while the Dor River accompanies you by your side.

Bounties along the way

Abbottabad is a city loved by the people and those who live there. The First Deputy Commissioner of the Hazara district, Major James Abbott (1807–1896), wrote the "Abbottabad" poem before returning to Britain. "I remember the day when I first came here and smelt the sweet Abbottabad's air...I bid you farewell with a heavy heart; never will your memories thwart from my mind."

Home to the Ilyasi Masjid. The oldest and largest mosque in Abbottabad, people come here to seek spiritual solace and admire its beauty. It is built on top of a natural stream of water flowing down a nearby hill. Two ponds in the mosque's front part gush cool, delicious glacier water. The mosque's magnificent architecture ranks it among Pakistan's most beautiful and unique buildings. It is a must-visit for anyone who passes through Abbottabad.

The Abbottabad Cricket Stadium is a top-rated site for cricket lovers across Pakistan. Wasim Akram remarked, "It’s probably the most beautiful stadium globally. I feel proud that we have such stadiums in Pakistan. I have travelled worldwide and am pleased to see such a venue in our country."

Upon leaving Abbottabad, the journey continues on the N35 motorway, leading to Mansehra.

Mansehra is located 140 km from Islamabad, a city of incredible beauty and rich history." Manshera" is acquired from the Hindu words "Mahaan Sehra", meaning 'The Flower of Abdundace'. An area is an old place with settlements dating back to mediaeval times. Before Islam, there were several civilizations, including Buddhism and Hinduism. 15km from Mansehra, located in the village of Chitti Gatti, is the Temple of Shiv, which is 2000-3000 years old. The oldest Hindu temple in Pakistan is a must-visit for anyone visiting Mansehra.

Leaving Mansehra, the N35 will lead you to Shogran, only 67 km from Mansehra and 222 km from Islamabad.

Shogran is one of Pakistan's most scenic and spectacular hill stations; the peace, wilderness, and scenic dreamland are unparalleled. Whether it's the densely forested peaks, the meadows at the top, the tremendous birdseye perspective of the surroundings, or the opportunity to explore many excellent tourist attractions nearby, this place is truly a fairytale. You would have a spectacular view during the dawn and sunset, especially if the weather were cloudy. You'd feel like a sea of clouds buzzing around you, caressing you. The distant wooded peaks, the glittering icy summit, and the white clouds lingering over the mountains would make for a stunning view.

When you visit Shogran, you can see some spectacular and marvellous places on the same route as the Shogran. These picturesque places include Siri Paye and Siri Lake. Siri Paye, another famous tourist spot, is just 7 kilometres away from the Shogran and Siri Lake is one of the ways to Siri Paye. So you can visit many beautiful and unique places in one round trip.

THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION

Guided by the N34, you will enter the Beautiful valley of Naran. Around 1.2 million people visited during the Eid holidays in 2021. Inhabited by great attractions such as Balakot. Kaghan Valley above Balakot City is frigid enough to convert the entire area to ice in the winter.

Babusar Top, elevated at 4,173 metres, is the highest peak in Khagan Valley. Babusar Top, also known as Babusar Pass, connects KPK to Gilgit Baltistan. Being easily accessed by car, it is a fantastic spot to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape and for hikers to have an adventure.

Naran-Khagan Valley is also home to exquisite lakes such as,

Saif Ul Malook Lake. Located 6KM north of Naran, in the part of Khagan Valley, Malika Parbat is the highest peak near the lake. Captivating the lush green grass around the sky reflecting the lake surrounded by the mountains which reach the heavens. Formed by the glacial moraine, which blocked the streams of passing water through the valley.  Camping beside the lake is a must, as when the weather is clear, the night sky is a glimpse to capture, and the stars reflect on the lack, making it seem like the lake is a gate to the sky.

Lulusar Lake is a must-see for anybody visiting Naran. Only 51 minutes away from the town of Naran. With its calm winds and slow-moving clouds, the intimidating snow-capped hill around it, and the beautiful blue water that is the spirit of the lake, it is a place from the heavens.

Khunar River, the great river of KPK, flows through the Khagan valley like a great serpent. Having a length of 166 km, originating from Lulusar Lake below Babusar Top. It crosses Bata Kundi, Naran, Kaghan, Kawai, and Balakot and ultimately joins the river Jhelum at Rara. When visiting this exulted river, welcoming you will see the local fishers and the thrill-seekers who wish to tame the great river of Khunhar rafting is the sport for them.                                            

Stay in Naran

If you're visiting the Naran Valley and want a comfortable place to stay with easy access to all the sights, this is the place to stay.

We recommend staying at THE SARAI HOTEL & RESORT  when visiting Naran Valley. The Sarai Hotel & Resort is a four-star hotel at Naran located in the valley's centre, next to all the valley's attractions. Such as the Babusar top is roughly an hour's drive, Lulusar Lake is a 51 min drive, and Saif-ul-Mulk Lake is 37 mins away from the SARAI hotel.

ACCOMMODATION

The luxurious hotel in Naran provides all the modern amenities for its guests and has spacious rooms ranging from Executive to Premium. They are equipped with everything you need for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Hotel rooms are designed to accommodate visitors as comfortably as possible so they are never troubled by anything. Daily housekeeping services ensure that spaces are always tidy, no matter how long they stay.

Moreover, they also have a penthouse with two rooms having king-size beds, a kitchen, and a balcony eyeing the views of Naran Valley. What more could one ask in the great valley of Naran?

INCREDIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

As you walk in the door, you'll be amazed by our attentive and courteous personnel. The personnel is always willing to help, whether with luggage or directions to your accommodation. If you have any concerns during your stay at the Hotel Naran, the customer care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist you. They ensure you have all you need to have a great time during your visit while providing a concierge.

FITNESS CENTER

While staying at the SARAI Hotel Naran, a fitness centre is readily available, the best-equipped fitness centre in the region.SARAI Hotel offers a discount for guests who use the fitness centre during their stay.

DINING

They also offer a dining experience that caters to your preferences and satisfies your craving for regional cuisine. Expert chefs are waiting to show you their honed skills and mastery of the taste buds—moreover, complimentary parking for guests staying at the resort.

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

Lastly, having a high-speed internet connection is a must in this day and age. Many use it to connect with their devices, and The SARAI Hotel & Resort does not let its customers be disconnected from the world and provides high-speed internet with free Wi-Fi for all guests in the resort.

We are looking forward to your stay with us in Naran Valley.