Naran Kaghan valley is in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it attracts tourists from all over the country and abroad. Summertime (May to September) is the ideal time to go because of the nice weather and accessibility of most tourist attractions. Kaghan Valley is accessible by road from Islamabad and other major cities in Pakistan. Depending on traffic and road conditions, the roughly 240-kilometer trip by car from Islamabad to Kaghan Valley typically takes five to six hours.

Lake Saiful Muluk 

You can reach Naran from Islamabad either by private car or public bus. It’s advisable to travel by jeep for better access, especially if you want to go up to the lake. There are hotels available where you can stay overnight. You can enjoy activities like horse riding and boating here. During winters, Naran is covered in snow, adding to its charm.

Here, you can take a boat ride, either for a half-lake tour or a full-lake tour. You don’t need to pedal; instead, you can enjoy various types of “kehwa” (a local tea) and regular tea here. The majestic Malka Parbat is visible almost all the time, covered in snow, enhancing the scenery.

Saif ul Muluk lake story

Locals tell a spooky tale about the lake, saying that whoever ventured to explore its depths never came back. This legend emerged during the snowy days of the Kaghan region. They believe Malka Parbat, visible from the lake, is an unreachable peak, and they link this to a supposed curse by Saiful Muluk, enhancing the area’s energy of mystery.

Malka Parbat, also known as the Queen of Mountains, holds many secrets from ancient times. One story tells of a prince who had a dream about a fairy near the lake at the mountain’s base. In his dream, the fairy promised to reveal herself fully if he shouted thrice at a specific spot after waiting for 12 years. Curious and intrigued, the prince patiently waited for the appointed time. When the time came, he traveled to the base of Malka Parbat, where locals said a mysterious spirit lived. What came next is still unknown. Some say the fairy and the prince were happy together, but others think their story took a more mysterious turn. Malka Parbat’s stories never cease to enchant listeners, no matter how they end.

The distance between Kaghan Valley and Lake Saiful Muluk is approximately 9 to 10 kilometers, and the journey by road typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on road conditions and mode of transportation.

Here are a few options for hotels near Jheel Saif ul malook along with their approximate distance and pricing:

Hotels Near Jheel Saif ul Malook

Hotel Name	Distance	Price Range (PKR)
Saif ul Muluk Hotel	Walking distance	3,000 – 5,000
Fairy Meadows Cottages	1 kilometer	4,000 – 7,000
Mountain View Resort	2 kilometers	6,000 – 9,000
Saif ul Muluk Resort	Walking distance	3,500 – 6,000
Lake View Hotel	1.5 kilometers	3,500 – 5,500

Babusar Top

Babusar Top often has variable weather, which usually gets worse after midday. It’s best to start your journey early in the morning. If you visit around mid-year, you’ll encounter lush greenery along the way.

Many travelers begin their journey from Naran, while some start from Batakundi. In the middle of the year, you might witness glaciers melting, adding to the scenic beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass through Batakundi, Burawai, Jalkhad, and Ghazi Sar Point, where camping is also an option. As you traverse from Burawai, the route becomes exceptionally picturesque, with lush greenery all around. You’ll encounter the Darya-e-Khulhar along the way. Further ahead, after Jhalkand, you’ll come across Lulusar Lake. Following Lulusar, you’ll encounter melting glaciers and steep inclines, so it’s essential to maintain control of your vehicle.

Be prepared for the cold here; it can be intense enough to cause blood clotting.

The distance from naran Kaghan Valley to Babusar Top is approximately 50-60 kilometers, and the journey by road typically takes around 3-4 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

Naran

Usually, you’ll travel the Hazara Motorway from Islamabad to Abbottabad and then on to Balakot. The road leads to Naran from Balakot .Balakot is a town located in the Mansehra District. It is surrounded by green hills and sits along the banks of the Kunhar River, making it an attractive spot for travelers. The town is the starting point for visits to well-known tourist destinations like Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, Kaghan Valley, and Naran. It attracts tourists because of its scenic surroundings, pleasant weather, and availability of adventure activities like hiking, trekking, and trout fishing in the Kunhar River. 

Travelers visiting the beautiful Kaghan Valley and the neighboring Himalayan mountains often base themselves in Naran.

Naran is roughly 240 kilometers away from Islamabad, and traveling there by car usually takes 7-8 hours. you can explore most places comfortably in your own car.

The town offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Here are some average hotels in Naran along with their approximate distance from the main market area:

Hotels Near Main Market

Hotel Name	Distance	Price Range (PKR)
Pine Park Hotel	1 kilometer	5,000
Arcadian Riverside	2 kilometers	8,000
Hotel Ambassador	500 meters	4,000
FWO Rest House	3 kilometers	3,000
Alaf Laila Guest House	1.5 kilometers	2,500
Millennium Inn Hotel	700 meters	3,500
Naran Continental Hotel	1.2 kilometers	4,500
PTDC Motel Naran	1.5 kilometers	3,000
Heaven Rose Hotel	800 meters	2,000
Hotel White Rose	1 kilometer	3,500

Lulusar Lake & Lalazar

If you’re staying overnight in Naran and planning to visit Lulusar Lake, it’s a journey worth embarking on. Lulusar Lake is en route to Babusar Pass from Naran. Along the way, you’ll encounter attractions like Batakundi, Jalkhand, and Burawai. If you’re traveling from Naran, you can reach Lulusar Lake in about 1.5 to 2 hours. During the journey, you’ll also come across several spots where you can witness glacier meltwater streams, adding to the charm of the trip.This trip offers an exciting and beautiful experience due to its uphill landscape.The glacial water from the surroundings feeds the lake. One of the main water sources for the Kunhar River, which flows through the Kaghan Valley, is Lulusar Lake.

Traveling from Batakundi or Burawai, you’ll eventually reach Lulusar Lake. 

Batakundi is gradually becoming a popular spot for longer stays compared to Naran. From here, you can visit various places. You can also go to Lalazar from here. A local bus can drop you near the jeeps, which will take you to Lalazar meadows in about an hour. If you prefer, you can also hike, which may take around 2-2.5 hours. Upon reaching Lalazar, you’ll find charming meadows and restaurants with a stunning view below.

Any car can comfortably complete this family-friendly journey.

However, please note that boating is not allowed on the lake. You’ll find restaurants here where you can easily grab some snacks. If you’re visiting during winter, you might even encounter snow, adding to the scenic beauty of the surroundings.

there aren’t many hotels directly nearby. However, there are accommodations available in nearby towns like batakundi, Naran or Jalkhand.

Siri Paye Meadows Shogran

If you’re starting your journey from Islamabad, the route to Kaghan Valley begins with a turn at Kiwai. After passing through Batakundi, your actual adventure begins, with the Kunhar River accompanying you along the way. For a smoother ride, especially if your vehicle isn’t built for steep climbs, it’s advisable to book a jeep with a professional driver. Upon reaching Shogran, you’ll find a range of accommodation options, from average to luxury, catering to different preferences and budgets. With its lush green landscapes and serene surroundings, Shogran offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

From Islamabad to Balakot: Start your journey from Islamabad and head towards Balakot. This is a scenic drive that takes approximately 4-5 hours.

From Balakot to Shogran: From Balakot, continue your journey towards Shogran, which is around 34 kilometers away. The road to Shogran is relatively smooth, and it takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to reach there by car.

From Shogran to Siri Paye: Once you reach Shogran, you’ll need to hire a 4×4 jeep to proceed towards Siri Paye. The journey from Shogran to Siri Paye is an adventurous one, as the road is rugged and steep. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to cover the approximately 6 kilometers distance to Siri Paye. You’ll find lots of peace and quiet here.

You can enjoy both food and tea here.

Here are some hotels in Shogran along with their approximate distance from the main area and pricing:

Hotels Near Shogran

Hotel Name	Distance	Price Range (PKR)
Pine Park Hotel	Located in the main area of Shogran	5,000
Arcadian Sprucewoods Resort	Adjacent to the main area of Shogran	8,000
Hotel Park View Shogran	Within walking distance from the main area	4,000
Ambassador Hotel Shogran	Near the main area, within 1 km	3,500
Green Park Hotel Shogran	Approximately 2 km from the main area	3,000

Please note that the pricing and distance mentioned are approximate and may vary based on factors like room type, season, and availability .These areas are often closed for more than half the year, and the food and accommodation options here can be quite expensive. 

Sharan forest

The path from Shogran valley to Siri Paye passes through Sharan Forest. This dense jungle is a little difficult to find, and the path there is fairly difficult.It will take Roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on road conditions.

Recommended vehicle: SUV or 4×4 vehicle, as the road may be rough and steep in some sections.

You need to first go to Shogran in order to get from Naran City to Sharan Forest. You can drive yourself or take a local transportation from Naran to Shogran, which is 34 kilometers away and takes one to two hours to get there.It’s better to go with a professional driver as the roads are difficult and steep, and it’s advisable to travel by jeep for a smoother journey.

The nights here get extremely cold. If you’re staying on the track, it’s better to head towards the higher side where you’ll find accommodations like hotels and houses. For those seeking a place with less crowd and more peace, this is a suitable option. Camping is also allowed here, providing a peaceful stay.

Sharan Forest is more of a natural reserve, so it doesn’t have a lot of traditional hotels. Alternatively, travelers frequently choose to camp or stay at nearby lodges and guesthouses. In the peaceful forest surroundings, these lodgings provide a natural experience.