Daily Times

Kaghan Valley is deemed to be a spectacular jewel amongst the beautiful valleys of Mansehra district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This 160 kilometers long valley is a renowned holiday resort for the local and foreign tourists. Naran,a popular city of Kaghan valley is heaven on earth. It is surrounded by lush green trees with fast flowing river Kunhar on sides. Naran is the most popular tourist destination in Kaghan valley with a concentration of several hotels and rest houses for the tourists. It is a place of great natural beauty with tall pine, fir and chir trees. A diverse colour scheme is noticed on the mountains ranging from grey, mud brown, and different shades of green, yellow and orange. Himalayan mountain peaks of the valley are hidden with clouds and snow. The road leading to Kaghan is quite dangerous because on the left side are the deep slopes to the river, and on the right side are the lofty mountains. The best time to visit Kaghan is in summer months.

Kaghan Valley is best for hiking, trekking and fishing enthusiasts. One of the best places to visit in Kaghan valley is Saif ul Muluk Lake. Its clear turquoise colour fascinates the tourists. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks known as Malka-e-Parbat, which is covered with snow all around the year. Boating in the lake adds to the charm of this place, and provides a sense of breathtaking relaxation for the tourists. The route to it is covered on a jeep. This lake is surrounded by lush green trees. A night view of the lake amidst the moonlight is similar to an image of fairies descending down the earth. Animal herding families are commonly seen grazing their animals’ summer pasture on way to this magnificent lake. Glaciers, springs and waterfalls are also prominent on way to this lake.

Some kilometres away from this lake is Ansoo Lake, which is shaped like a human eye. The distance to it is usually covered on foot or on horses. Furthermore, Lalazar is the top point of this valley, which comes after a lush green place called Batakundi. The route to Lalazar is extremely bumpy, rough and narrow and is again travelled upon a jeep. On reaching this Lalazar resort, one is able to see a few rest houses, camping spots, eating spots, and shooting spots. This place is surrounded by dense greenery of tall pine trees all around, and cloud touching mountain peaks are mesmerizing. Eating spicy food in chilly breeze makes up a peaceful aura of the place. Crops and fields of potatoes and peas are seen on way to this place. Terraced farms and fields are also evident at this place.

Fishing is the major sport of Kaghan Valley and trout fish of Kunhar River is a common fishing hunt. There are several eat out places on the sides of river Kunhar flowing in Kaghan Valley selling this fish to tourists. All these stand as salient attractions for tourists visiting Kaghan Valley.

Kaghan Valley) is an alpine-climate valley. Tourists from across the country come to visit this place. The valley extends 155 kilometres, rising from an elevation of 650 metres to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,170 metres.

Landslides caused by the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake closed the Kaghan Valley road and cut off the valley from the outside. The road has been rebuilt.

The writer can be reached at aiyza.javaid@gmail.com