A WONDERLAND (KAGHAN VALLEY)

Kaghan Valley is a ninety-six mile long scenic wonderland. Even today, when few places have escaped man’s meddlesome fingers, Kaghan’s collection of Himalayan peaks, lakes, waterfalls and glaciers is still an unbelievably pristine state, an unspoilt paradise. That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan.

Half the fun of visiting Kaghan is in getting there. From Islamabad, you go to Abbottabad and on to Balakot-------three places as picturesque as their names. A rented car is your best bet for this pleasant 120 mile drive on smooth, metalled avenues. Buses, taxis and station wagons are also available.

At Balakot, a lovely little mountain village, you switched over to a jeep for your Kaghan adventure. From beginning to end, the steep narrow Kaghan Valley extends for 96 miles until it ends at the Babusar Pass (13684 ft above sea level).

Your first stop is 21 miles away; at Shogran, which is 7550 feet above sea level. Shogran can only be described as a little bit of nowhere, for it consists of grassy slopes and wooded patches. Shogran real asset is its view. Here the mountains hold perfect sway.

Back on the Kaghan road the landscape changes imperceptibly. In the distance you can see villages perched on sharp ridges and inaccessible spurs. Impressive snow-clad peaks mock the summer season. And at every twist and turn the frothing, raging Kunhar river roars defiance at those who dare to invade its domain.

At Kaghan, the little village from which the valley takes its name------a distance of only 38 miles from Balakot----you get down quite shaken both by the bumpy drive and the dazzling views.

Between Kaghan and Naran a distance of 14 miles-your hopes begin to rise again. Your dramatic drive at this point has run half its course. Naran serves as the base camp for the whole of Kaghan. Its outstanding attraction is its air of peace and serenity.

All in all, a holiday up in Kaghan, the Himalayan hide-away, is an unforgettable experience. An experience you’ll wish to repeat over and over again.

Kaghan is at its best in the summer months, May to September. The climate in summer is temperate which maximum temperature of 51 F and minimum 37 F. From the middle of July upto the end of September, the road beyond Naran, snow-bound throughout the winter, is open right upto Babusar Pass. The monsoon showers arrive about this time, adding the extra colour to the entire scene so characteristic of this subtropical mountain region. Movement is restricted during the monsoons.

The tourist season is from the middle of October. From Naran you can go on excursions to many picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks. Start with lake Saiful Maluk, over 10500 feet high, guarded by a ring of forbidding peaks. Take a jeep for the six-mile-trip-----they are easily available at Naran or go riding even if you have never been on a horse before. Of course the most interesting way is to hike, provided you are up to it.

Lake Saiful Maluk has a touch of the unreal about it. This deep, blue lake offers an awe inspiring view of Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains) 17360 ft high. A hoary boatman will take you for a sail and tell you the local legends, particularly the ones about Prince Saiful Maluk who fell in love with a fairy.

Further up the road, you pass by or stop to rest at a number of places, first Battakundi then Burawai, then Besal and finally Gittidas, each with its own distinct charm.There are also many unpland beauties, off the road, beckoning to you, if you have the time, like Lalazar, a flower spangled plateau and the Lalusar lake changing its own colour and to snake over to the Gilgit Valley. This is the 13684 feet high Babusar top from where the whole Kaghan panorama lies spread out before you. On a clear day you can glimpse the great Nanga Parbat (if you look over the pass) 26660 feet high. At Babusar you reach the high point of your holiday and it is time to begin the return journey.
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