Naran is situated in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). It is a highly popular tourist destination in Pakistan. Naran Valley boasts numerous top-rated tourist spots, making it a must-visit place for travellers.
The journey from Islamabad to Naran spans approximately 270 kilometres (168 miles). The travel time is around 7 to 9 hours, contingent upon traffic and road conditions. Along the route, you’ll be treated to breathtaking and enchanting landscapes that will captivate your admiration for nature.
In this blog, Graana.com has discussed a list of the top 10 Places to visit in Naran.
List of Top Places to Visit in Naran
Down below is the list of all the places that you should go to during your next visit to Naran Valley:
- Lake Saif Ul Malook
- Lalazar Naran
- Batakundi
- Babusar Top
- Ansoo Lake
- Dudipatsar Lake
- Noori Top & Noori Lake
- Kiwai
- Shogran
- Siri Paye
Lake Saif Ul Malook
When planning a trip to Naran, the first destination that immediately stands out is the captivating Saif al-Muluk Lake. It’s famous for its enchanting fairytale beauty. The lake is located at an elevation of 10,578 feet above sea level. It’s roughly 9 kilometres from Naran city. Access to the lake requires a sturdy 4×4 jeep due to the rugged terrain.
To reach the lake, a 4×4 jeep is the preferred mode of transportation, accommodating 5 to 7 people per ride. The jeep fare ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000 for a round trip, meaning the same jeep that takes you to the lake will also bring you back. This scenic journey through the rugged terrain adds to the thrill and adventure of the experience.
Once you arrive at Lake Saif al-Muluk, you’ll be captivated by its otherworldly beauty. The clear, pristine waters, surrounded by towering mountains, create a surreal atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Taking a boat ride on the tranquil waters of the lake is an option, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the magical ambience.
Lalazar
Lalazar, Naran is a picturesque plateau in the Naran Valley. It is one of the most captivating and serene tourist destinations in the region, attracting visitors from all over the country. Lalazar sits at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level. It offers stunning panoramic views of mountains, meadows, and forests. “Lalazar” means “Red Meadow” in the local language. This might be due to red flowers that bloom in certain seasons, adding to its charm.
To get to Lalazar, visitors usually take a jeep from Naran City. Regular vehicles struggle with challenging terrain. The journey itself is an adventure with narrow, winding roads passing waterfalls, streams, and forests.
Once you arrive at Lalazar, you’ll be mesmerised by the tranquillity and beauty of the place. The vast expanse of green meadows, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, creates a surreal setting that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The serene atmosphere and cool climate make it an ideal spot to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Apart from the breathtaking views, Lalazar also offers opportunities for short hikes and walks, allowing visitors to explore the natural wonders up close. During the summer months, the plateau is adorned with colourful wildflowers, enhancing its charm even further.
Batakundi
Batakundi is a charming village that serves as a pivotal point along the famous Naran-Kaghan Highway, making it easily accessible to tourists travelling to and from different parts of the valley.
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains, Batakundi is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The village is surrounded by lush green meadows, dense pine forests, and snow-capped peaks, offering visitors a serene and picturesque environment. The crystal-clear Kunhar River flows alongside the village, adding to its tranquil ambience.
Batakundi’s strategic location makes it an ideal stopover for travellers on their way to popular destinations like Naran, Saif-ul-Malook Lake, and Babusar Top. Many tourists choose to stay in Batakundi to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the valley and to acclimatise to the high-altitude environment before further exploration. Get to know Batakundi Hotels.
The village itself is relatively small and offers a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle of the people living in the mountains. The residents are known for their hospitality and warm welcome to tourists, making the stay in Batakundi even more enjoyable.
For adventure enthusiasts, Batakundi serves as a starting point for various trekking and hiking trails that lead to scenic spots and hidden gems in the surrounding areas. One such popular trek is the Batakundi to Besal trek, which takes trekkers through enchanting landscapes and offers stunning views of the valley.
Babusar Top
Babusar Top is a highly desired spot in Naran Kaghan Valley. It’s unique as the highest point in the region, at 13,691 feet elevation. The trip there is thrilling. It leads through stunning landscapes and captivating vistas, leaving visitors in awe.
Upon reaching Babusar Top, visitors are greeted with a sense of achievement and wonder.The panoramic views from this vantage point are nothing short of breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and lush valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. The cool mountain breeze adds a refreshing touch to the experience, making it a perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
One of the highlights of visiting Babusar Top is the opportunity to relish delicious meals at the charming Dhaba-like restaurants perched at this high altitude.
Photography becomes an instinctive reflex for tourists as they encounter the enchanting sights of Babusar Top. The desire to capture the grandeur of the surroundings on camera becomes irresistible. From the snow-capped peaks to the lush greenery, every frame offers a picture-perfect moment to treasure forever.
While the beauty of Babusar Top is awe-inspiring during the warmer months, it transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder season.
Ansoo Lake
Ansoo Lake is one of the top lakes to visit in Pakistan. Its unique tear-like shape adds to its allure, making it a distinctive attraction in the Himalayan mountain range. The journey from Saif al-Muluk to Ansoo Lake covers a distance of 10 km, and visitors typically complete this part on foot, which can take around 4-5 hours.
For those interested in visiting Ansoo Lake, it is advisable to start the journey from Naran to Saif Al-Muluk Lake in the morning.
Dudipatsar Lake
Dudipatsar means ‘white snowy mountain’. The lake got its name from the snowy peaks surrounding it. The view is breathtaking from all sides. The lake sits at 12,500 feet elevation. It’s famous for its clear, sparkling water that looks like glistening glass. Dudipatsar Lake is mainly in Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, enhancing its natural beauty and protection.
Noori Top & Noori Lake
Noori Top is a majestic mountain peak towering at an altitude of 13,000 feet above sea level. Situated on the border of Kashmir, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The journey from Naran City to Noori Top covers a considerable distance.
The route becomes accessible during the months of July to September owing to favorable weather conditions. This period allows for secure travel. Noori Lake, a picturesque lake located at the summit, enhances the appeal of Noori Top. The lake contributes to the overall enchantment of this captivating destination.
Kiwai
Kiwai is a charming town in Kaghan Valley and one of the top 10 places to visit in Naran. It’s a gateway to Naran. On the way to Naran, visitors pass through Kiwai. The town is famous for its picturesque beauty and welcoming atmosphere. One of the notable attractions in Kiwai is the route to Sri Paye Lake, which passes through this serene town.
Sri Paye Lake remains a concealed treasure. This fact renders it an essential destination for enthusiasts of nature and trekking. The expedition from Kiwai to the lake transforms into an adventurous escapade. The pathway provides striking panoramas and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the serenity of the mountains.
Another enchanting highlight in Kiwai is the mesmerising Kiwai Waterfall. The cascading waters add a touch of elegance to the landscape and provide a refreshing respite from the summer heat. The sight and sound of the waterfall create a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to pause, unwind, and appreciate nature’s wonders.
Furthermore, Kiwai’s strategic location also makes it a convenient stopover for travellers, as it offers various facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, catering to the needs of tourists exploring the Kaghan Valley. In addition, the locals are famous for their hospitality and welcoming nature, which adds to the overall charm of the town.
Shogran
A visit to Shogran Meadows is an essential part of your Naran Valley journey, leaving an indelible mark. With its breathtaking panoramic vistas and idyllic climate, Shogran Valley has seamlessly carved a place in the hearts of travellers.
Sitting at an elevation of 7,749 feet, Shogran offers sweeping views that encapsulate the entire valley. It’s a sought-after haven where visitors yearn to unwind amidst serene surroundings, savouring a steaming cup of coffee in the embrace of the chilly weather.
Furthermore, Shogran boasts an array of resorts and motels, prepared to warmly accommodate a multitude of guests year after year. As a result, it remains a welcoming sanctuary for those in search of tranquillity and natural splendour.
Siri Paye
Siri Paye emerges as yet another sought-after destination, thus making it to the list of top 10 places to visit in Naran. It is present a mere 6 kilometres away from Shogran. Its reputation is built upon the embrace of lush, verdant meadows that paint the landscape. Additionally, gracing its scenery is a charming small lake known as Siri Paye. The tourist can also experience horseback riding in Siri Paye.
Having gained significant popularity among Naran’s visitors, Siri Paye stands as a perennial favourite on the tourist map. Explorers are invited to immerse themselves in the emerald beauty of Siri Paye’s verdant gardens, embarking on a memorable horseback ride along the lakeshore, all while indulging in the refreshingly pure air that envelops the area.
That is all about the top 10 places to visit in Naran. For more information, visit Graana.com.
